Jehovah's Witnesses call their meeting places " Kingdom Halls" instead of churches, to indicate that the gathering of the congregation for the purpose of learning about God's Kingdom is what is important, not the physical location itself. Kingdom Halls and Assembly Halls Kingdom Hall of Jehovah's Witnesses Publishers carry forms knowns as "not-at-home slips" to keep record of those homes that need revisiting at another time when its occupants are at home. The production of literature is supported by donations. Specialized territories of residential and commercial areas are made up within a congregation's boundaries and distributed to publishers.Ĭurrently, door-to-door evangelizing for the Witnesses involves endeavouring to engage individuals in discussion of religious matters and offering literature about their faith, with the goal of starting a Bible study with anyone who shows an interest. In recent decades, additional methods have included preaching by telephone, writing letters, at bus stops, places of business and in the street. They discarded this medium largely due to the prevalence of evangelistic radio programs to minimize identification with other religious groups. Between 19, the organization operated a radio station, WBBR, from New York. Witnesses have, in the past, used a wide variety of methods to spread their faith, including information marches, where members wore sign boards and handed out leaflets, to sound cars, and syndicated newspaper columns and radio spots devoted to sermons. As of 1998, there were 2,390 Witnesses having missionary status serving in 148 lands. On average, these individuals dedicate over 120 hours per month to their work. Those invited to share in such work are usually given specialized training at the Watchtower Bible School of Gilead. Missionary service is another opportunity that members have to reach persons in other lands. Witnesses who wish to spend 50 hours per month are known as "auxiliary pioneers" and can serve in this capacity either a month at a time or consecutively. Witnesses who spend at least 840 hours of witnessing during a year (an average of 70 hours per month) are known as "regular pioneers". For example, use of illegal substances (drugs) or employing dishonest business practices (fraud, tax evasion) would disqualify such a person from hypocritically participaing in this public work. However, all publishers must possess a basic understanding of Bible based teachings and profess to be living in harmony with such teachings. Even children are encouraged to participate, accompanied by their parents. All 'publishers' who are healthy enough are strongly encouraged to go from door to door, participating in this activity to the extent that their circumstances allow, every week if at all possible. Witnesses generally refer to their evangelizing activities by terms such as: "preaching," "disciple-making", "service," "the ministry," and, more formally, but less frequently, "evangelizing". (This meeting is open to the public.) Donations are also accepted via mail, and the Watchtower Bible and Tract Society can be named as a beneficiary to an estate, and also accepts donations in the form of life insurance policies, pension plans, bank accounts, certificates of deposit, retirement accounts, stocks and bonds, real estate, annuities and trusts.Īs their name implies, Jehovah's Witnesses are well known for their intensive witnessing, or, proselytizing, efforts. The accounts (including donations) and the financial operation of the local congregation are reviewed monthly with the entire congregation at the Service Meeting. Generally there is a Kingdom Hall fund for operating expenses locally, and a general fund for the "Worldwide Work", which includes the printing of literature, organization of conventions, supporting missionaries and disaster relief. Donation boxes labeled for several specific purposes, are located in Kingdom Halls and other meeting facilities. There is no tithing or collection, but all are encouraged to donate to the organization Witnesses typically provide an opportunity for members of the public to make such donations as they encounter them in their preaching work. Jehovah's Witnesses fund their activities, such as publishing, constructing and operating facilities, evangelism, and disaster relief via donations.
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