Find a Kingdom Hall of Jehovah's Witnesses. [61], Rutherford centralized organizational control of the Watch Tower Society. Phone number (781) 233-1333. [234][235] Baptized members who fail to report a month of preaching are termed "irregular" and may be counseled by elders;[236][237] those who do not submit reports for six consecutive months are termed "inactive". [119] New elders are appointed by a traveling overseer after recommendation by the existing body of elders. [133] Translation of Witness publications is done by over 2,000 volunteers worldwide, producing literature in 1,000 languages. [26], The group's position regarding conscientious objection to military service and refusal to salute state symbols (like national anthems and flags) has brought it into conflict with some governments. explains; Average Publisher figures are the most accurate way of determining the number of Jehovahs's Witnesses. [22][23] Congregational disciplinary actions include disfellowshipping, their term for formal expulsion and shunning, a last resort for what they consider serious offenses. [321], Sociologist Bryan R. Wilson, in his consideration of five religious groups including Jehovah's Witnesses, noted that each of the denominations:[322], A sociological comparative study by the Pew Research Center found that Jehovah's Witnesses in the United States ranked highest in statistics for getting no further than high school graduation, belief in God, importance of religion in one's life, frequency of religious attendance, frequency of prayers, frequency of Bible reading outside of religious services, belief their prayers are answered, belief that their religion can only be interpreted one way, belief that theirs is the only one true faith leading to eternal life, opposition to abortion, and opposition to homosexuality. ", "Do You Contribute to an Accurate Report? "[125][126] Their literature emphasizes the need for members to be obedient and loyal to Jehovah and to "his organization,"[127][128][en 2] stating that individuals must remain part of it to receive God's favor and to survive Armageddon.[129][130]. [238], All sexual relations outside of marriage are grounds for expulsion if the individual is not deemed repentant;[239][240] homosexual activity is considered a serious sin, and same-sex marriages are forbidden. The Jehovah's Witnesses U.S. [124] Individuals undergoing baptism must affirm publicly that dedication and baptism identify them "as one of Jehovah's Witnesses in association with God's spirit-directed organization,"[124] though Witness publications say baptism symbolizes personal dedication to God and not "to a man, work or organization. [277][278][279] Receiving a post-secondary education is considered "spiritually dangerous". [190] They believe that baptism as a Jehovah's Witness is vital for salvation[191] and that only they meet scriptural requirements for surviving Armageddon, but that God is the final judge. Despite a population of over 4 billion people in Asia/Middle East, in excess of half the world population, the number of publishers increased by only 10,273 in 2016. Jehovah's Witnesses suffered religious persecution by the Nazis because they refused military service and allegiance to Hitler's National Socialist Party. Copyright 2023 Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society of Pennsylvania. 5 stars. Worldwide, a total of 20,994 ordained ministers staff the branch facilities. [179], Biblical references to the Archangel Michael, Abaddon (Apollyon), and the Word are interpreted as names for Jesus in various roles. [166] All Witnesses must abide by its doctrines and organizational requirements. [371][372] Critics also accuse the group's leaders of exercising "intellectual dominance" over Witnesses,[373] controlling information[254][374][375] and creating "mental isolation", which former Governing Body member Raymond Franz argued were all elements of mind control. Search reviews. Comparatively, there were 1.2 million deaths worldwide. 1 Read the Bible online. ), Australian Publisher Statistics With so few reviews, your opinion of Kingdom Hall of Jehovah's Witness could be huge. As Jehovah's Witnesses, we strive to adhere to the form of Christianity that Jesus taught and that his apostles practiced. The Christian vs Jehovah's Witness view of the Holy Spirit Christians We count as Jehovahs Witnesses only those who are actively preaching the good news of Gods Kingdom each month. [46] Russell engaged in significant global publishing efforts during his ministry,[47][48] and by 1912, he was the most distributed Christian author in the United States. We are happy to help those interested in the Bible or in our worldwide work. 3 stars. To view the Watchtower data and JWFacts tables used to generate the following information, see Watchtower Publisher and Memorial Reports and Data. The CIA World Fact Book has been used for calculations that include the global population death rate, with esa.un.org/unpp/index.asp?panel=2 providing the rate averaged over 5 year periods. [54][55] The divisions between his supporters and opponents triggered a major turnover of members over the next decade. "[137][en 3], Jehovah's Witnesses believe their denomination is a restoration of first-century Christianity. Or maybe some that were "physically in, mentally out" took the opportunity to fade. Criticism has also focused on their rejection of blood transfusions, particularly in life-threatening medical situations, and failing to report cases of sexual abuse to the authorities. This graph highlights the low growth rate proportional to Average Publishers. Most of our services include audience participation, much like a classroom discussion. Growth in memorial attendance aligns closely with the growth in publishers. . Doctrines of Jehovah's Witnesses are established by the Governing Body. (1919-1941)", "1975The Appropriate Time for God to Act", "The '1975'-Prophecy and Its Impact Among Dutch Jehovah's Witnesses", "Why the Jehovah's Witnesses Grow So Rapidly: A Theoretical Application", "Jehovah's Witnesses Abandon Key Tenet: Doctrine: Sect has quietly retreated from prediction that those alive in 1914 would see end of world", "Overseers and Ministerial Servants Theocratically Appointed", "What Is the Governing Body of Jehovah's Witnesses? However, they say it is possible for those who have been "anointed" to fall into unrepentant sin. They believe that Jesus rules invisibly, from heaven, perceived only as a series of "signs". [212][213], Jehovah's Witnesses believe that women were designed by God to perform a complementary role. [257] Formal business dealings may continue if contractually or financially obliged. They believe Jesus' presence includes an unknown period beginning with his inauguration as king in heaven in 1914, and ending when he comes to bring a final judgment against humans on earth. Watchtower admits that "thousands of his servants become inactive each year." Search reviews. No more than four-in-ten members of the group belong to any one racial and ethnic background: 36% are white, 32% are Hispanic, 27% are black and 6% are another race or mixed race. Many of these attendees may be considered fence sitters, hedging their bets that if Armageddon is real and does occur they will jump back on board just in time to be saved. Number reinstated - 0.33% Whilst roughly one Bible study is conducted every month for each publisher, only a minute amount of these ever progress to baptism. Those who fail will be destroyed, along with Satan and his demons. "[404] Chryssides has suggested that with the exception of statements about 1914, 1925 and 1975, the changing views and dates of the Jehovah's Witnesses are largely attributable to changed understandings of biblical chronology rather than to failed predictions. The following graph highlights the consequence of the slowing growth rate of Jehovah's Witnesses. Participation is voluntary. Their religious activities are currently banned or restricted in some countries,[326] including China, Russia, Vietnam, and many Muslim-majority countries. An extensive study into American religious groups identified Jehovah's Witnesses as having the highest turnover of any religion.1 This is supported by Watchtower's own figures, as presented here. Show all. (Matthew 24:14) This includes those who have been baptized as Witnesses as well as those who, though not yet baptized, qualify to share in the preaching work. An academic study on the sociological aspects of Jehovah's Witnesses phenomenon. [11] Rutherford made significant organizational and doctrinal changes,[12] including adoption of the name Jehovah's witnesses[en 1] in 1931 to distinguish them from other Bible Student groups and symbolize a break with the legacy of Russell's traditions. [113][382][383][384][385][386] Critics of the group such as Edmund C. Gruss,[387] and Christian writers such as Ray C. Stedman,[388] Walter Martin, Norman Klann,[389] and Anthony Hoekema[390] state that the New World Translation exhibits scholastic dishonesty. I have taken into account an average death rate of around 0.85% per year, based on 5 yearly average information from cia.gov.au this century. [94][95], The offices of elder and ministerial servant were restored to Witness congregations in 1972, with appointments made from headquarters[96] (and later, also by branch committees). Call Patrick for a FREE DEMO (877) 322-5478 Share with your friends. [414], A former member of the headquarters staff, Barbara Anderson, says the policy effectively requires that there be another witness to an act of molestation, "which is an impossibility". [14][15][16], Jehovah's Witnesses are known for their door-to-door preaching, distributing literature such as The Watchtower and Awake!, and for refusing military service and blood transfusions. 1 reviews. Frequently Asked Questions about Jehovah's Witnesses. [379] He also states that defectors "are seldom allowed a dignified exit",[260] and describes the administration as autocratic. Jehovah's Witnesses do not practice infant baptism,[123] and previous baptisms performed by other denominations are not considered valid. Number of Congregations provides better comparison to other Christian groups, as the figure for "average publishers" does not count youth and interested ones that do not report hours of preaching. Africa has about half the rate of Witnesses of Europe, which follows on from Africa being fairly evenly split between Muslims and Christians. How Many of Jehovahs Witnesses Are There Worldwide? In a major organizational overhaul in 1976, the power of the Watch Tower Society president was diminished, with authority for doctrinal and organizational decisions passed to the Governing Body. This contradicts many passages of Scripture that clearly declare Jesus to be God ( John 1:1, 14; 8:58; 10:30 ). Jehovah's Witnesses is a millenarian restorationist Christian denomination with nontrinitarian beliefs distinct from mainstream Christianity. To be considered one of Jehovah's Witnesses requires being a "publisher." . [60] As a result, Watch Tower Society directors were jailed for sedition under the Espionage Act in 1918 and members were subjected to mob violence; the directors were released in March 1919 and charges against them were dropped in 1920. [427][428] In 2021, Jehovah's Witnesses in Australia agreed to join the nation's redress scheme for sexual assault survivors to maintain its charity status there.[429]. Interestingly, the difference was 2.0 in the 1960's, but steadily increased until it stabilised around 2.6 since the 1980's. [199] They believe the kingdom was established in heaven in 1914,[200] and that Jehovah's Witnesses serve as representatives of the kingdom on earth. Accounting for less than 1 percent of American adults, one-third of their members leave the group, and two-fifths join from another religion." [411][420][421] William Bowen, a former Jehovah's Witness elder who established the Silentlambs organization to assist sex abuse victims within the denomination, has claimed Witness leaders discourage followers from reporting incidents of sexual misconduct to authorities, and other critics claim the organization is reluctant to alert authorities in order to protect its "crime-free" reputation. Publishers includes those not yet baptised,[1] and it cannot be determined how many that become publishers go on to be baptised. [41][42][43] In 1881, Zion's Watch Tower Tract Society was presided over by William Henry Conley, and in 1884, Russell incorporated the society as a non-profit business to distribute tracts and Bibles. 1 star. We do our best to imitate Jesus Christ and are proud to be called Christians. [121][122], Baptism is a requirement for being considered a member of Jehovah's Witnesses. Request a visit from one of Jehovahs Witnesses, Find a Kingdom Hall of Jehovahs Witnesses, Find a location of the next annual Memorial observance, Call or write to us using the information found below, Copyright 2023 Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society of Pennsylvania. Use one of the following options to contact Jehovahs Witnesses in your area. A Kingdom Hall is a place of worship used by Jehovah's Witnesses. There are occasional spikes in publisher growth, such as in 2002, following the 2001 World Trade Centre disaster, and in 2009 as response to the global financial crisis (GFC). Nearly 5.7 million home Bible studies with Jehovah's Witnesses were reported,[1] including Bible studies conducted by Witness parents with their children.[3][4]. Adding together the numbers above, for the 10 year period between 2010 and 2019, the increase in publishers was 1,321,609 less than the number baptised. A combination of the growing irrelevance of 1914 and access to information on the Internet reduced growth from 15 million to just 3 million. The following figures highlight trends, which are more reliable than the specific numbers for a number of reasons. [158], Regular personal Bible reading is frequently recommended. Peak publishers is an inaccurate figure due to how Watchtower collects this data. [401][402] Some failed predictions had been presented as "beyond doubt" or "approved by God". ", "7. 2 stars. There is no tithing or collection. Get a free interactive Bible study with one-on-one instruction. ", "Lack Of Education Leads To Lost Dreams And Low Income For Many Jehovah's Witnesses", "Why Do Jehovah's Witnesses Maintain Political Neutrality? If only active Jehovah's Witnesses will be saved, then 2 Peter 3:9 and Watchtower comments about God's patience do not make sense. First Baptist Church of . Rutherford explained that in addition to the 144,000 "anointed" who would be resurrectedor transferred at deathto live in heaven to rule over earth with Christ, a separate class of members, the "great multitude," would live in a paradise restored on earth; from 1935, new converts to the movement were considered part of that class. The 2020 Congregation Analysis Report uses the term "Active publishers," which includes unbaptised and irregular publishers - those that reported at least once over a 6 month period. Had growth remained at 5.63%, the 4,950,344 Witnesses in 1995 would have exceeded 20 million in 2021, instead of 8 million - a difference of 12 million less Jehovah's Witnesses. "[408] Sociologist Andrew Holden wrote that since the foundation of the movement around 140 years ago, "Witnesses have maintained that we are living on the precipice of the end of time. British Publisher Statistics [114] The leadership and supporting staff lives in properties owned by the organization worldwide referred to as "Bethel" where they operate as a religious community and administrative unit. [299][300][301] Jehovah's Witnesses accept non-blood alternatives and other medical procedures in lieu of blood transfusions, and their literature provides information about non-blood medical procedures. It will take major change in Watchtower teachings and practices to turn this trend of declining growth around. (Note on negative figures - The years 1983/4/5 and 2009 have negative figures for those becoming inactive, indicating more people reactivated than stopped publishing. [303] Members may accept some blood plasma fractions at their own discretion. PRIVACY SETTINGS, https://assetsnffrgf-a.akamaihd.net/assets/m/1011231/univ/art/1011231_univ_sqr_xl.jpg. This continued to be the case in 2014, as shown in the graph from Religious Switching and Intermarriage. Each Witness donates his time, energy, and resources to our worldwide work according to his own desire and circumstances.2Corinthians 9:7. There a plenty of reasons that make Jehovah's Witnesses unhappy, but here are 10 very good ones. [243] Drinking of alcoholic beverages is permitted in moderation. In 2011, 1.7 billion hours of preaching resulted in around only 130,000 conversions from preaching, or over 13,000 hours preaching per convert. Many Christian denominations consider their doctrines to be heretical, and some religious leaders have labeled Jehovah's Witnesses a cult. That means that two-thirds of the people who told Pew they were raised Jehovah's Witnesses no longer are - yet the group attracts roughly the same number of converts." [112] The Governing Body directs several committees that are responsible for administrative functions, including publishing, assembly programs and evangelizing activities. I have used an average figure of 1/3 of the number disfellowshipped subsequently being reinstated. This ban continued until 1943. On the one hand, they are increasing mostly in poor countries where birthrates are higher, but this is offset by Watchtower encouragement not to have children. Religious Organizations Near Me. For example, Jehovah's Witnesses report approximately 1.2 million active publishers in the United States, whereas the Pew Research Center reported that Jehovah's Witnesses make up 0.8% of the US population (approximately 2.5 million). 1 reviews. Jehovah's Witnesses' official statistics only count as members those who submit reports for preaching activity, usually resulting in lower membership numbers than those found by external surveys. Baptisms are less than half what they were in the 1990s, when compared as a percentage to average publishers. (religions.pewforum.org 8 Mar 2008) Share (D 804.3 .H646 2003) [ Find in a library near you] Presents a debate on the Witnesses' commitment to neutrality as a response to Nazi tyranny. Bible Student missionaries were sent to England in 1881 and the first overseas branch was opened in London in 1900. The number of baptisms reached a high of over 375,000 in 1997. PRIVACY SETTINGS. 0. Learn more about us and our beliefs. These graphs show this category has seen significant increase since 1995. 1) Denial of Self One thing you learn early on when you are born from Jehovah's. At the end of the thousand years, Christ will hand all authority back to God. [1] Those who partake profess to be of the 144,000 "anointed" and hope to go to heaven, based on their interpretation of Revelation 14:1. Jehovah's Witnesses believe salvation is obtained by a combination of faith, good works, and obedience. How do you count the number of Jehovah's Witnesses? Industries Insurance & Financial Services X-DatesTarget Homeowner Buyers & SellersHome Service BusinessesGovernment Cross-Index DirectoriesJehovah's Witnesses Canvassing Tool [264] Marking, a curtailing of social but not spiritual fellowship, is practiced if a baptized member persists in a course of action regarded as a violation of Bible principles but not a serious sin. Watchtower comments show that "disfellowshippings worldwide have been approximately 1 percent of publishers." 3 ", "Jehovah's Witnesses Reach New Preaching MilestoneJW.ORG Now Features Content in 1,000 Languages", "8. Like political candidates, Witnesses are perhaps best known for knocking doors and passing out brochures on street corners . Their stance regarding political neutrality and their refusal to serve in the military has led to imprisonment of members who refused conscription during World War II and at other times where national service has been compulsory. Find a location of the next annual Memorial observance. Filter by rating. [8][9] They believe that the destruction of the present world system at Armageddon is imminent, and that the establishment of God's kingdom over the earth is the only solution for all problems faced by humanity. Each day that Armageddon delays requires Jehovah to destroy an extra 215,000 people. "[162][163][164][165] The organization makes no provision for members to criticize or contribute to official teachings. In the year 2014, the 100th anniversary of when Watchtower claims Jesus took heavenly rulership, there were less leavers; maybe some doubters superstitiously remained in expectation the anniversary may herald in Armageddon. [217] Witnesses are assigned to a congregation in whose "territory" they usually reside and attend weekly services they refer to as "meetings" as scheduled by congregation elders. During the 2020 service year, e Jehovah's Witnesses spent $231 million in caring for special pioneers, missionaries, and circuit overseers in their field service assignments. Free shipping for many products! Churches. [1] Jehovah's Witnesses have an active presence in most countries, though they do not form a large part of the population of any country. Jehovah's Witnesses believe Jesus is Michael the archangel, the highest created being. [en 5] George D. 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