Wedding witnesses are typically the best man and maid of honor, but they can also be chosen by bridesmaids or ushers. The core role of a wedding witness is to witness the bride, groom, and officiant signing the wedding certificate. They must sign the certificate to indicate they’ve witnessed the wedding taking place. Wedding witnesses can be any age in England and Wales, but if you have someone under 18, check with your ceremony venue.
The legal requirement for at least one witness is that they must be over 18 years old and understand the ceremony. Couples can choose whoever they wish, provided they are over 18 years old and can understand the ceremony. The role of a wedding witness can be as big or as small as you like, and they can be organized by your friendly celebrant.
As a witness, your role is to provide legal confirmation that the wedding ceremony took place. Your presence and observation serve as a testimony to the fact that the couple indeed entered into the marriage contract. Each party to the marriage, the two witnesses, and the authorised wedding celebrant must sign all three marriage certificates immediately after the marriage has been solemnized.
At a wedding, everyone plays a role in the service, whether it’s a Bible reading or a part of the couple’s married life. The only required people at a valid Catholic wedding are the bride and groom, two witnesses, and an ordained minister. Official witnesses are needed for the ceremony to sign the legal marriage documents, and at least five people must be present: the couple, two witnesses, and the officiant. Traditionally, the best man and maid of honor are the wedding witnesses, but couples can choose someone else to do the honors, such as siblings, parents, grandparents, or close friends. Witnesses can be any responsible adult, including members of the wedding group, mothers, or fathers. At a christening or wedding, a witness is usually a close person, such as a family member or friend. It’s important to find someone who means something to both the couple and is capable of writing a signature and understanding what they have signed.
📹 The Time a Christian Visited a Jehovah’s Witness Kingdom Hall
In my early days of ministry, waaaaay before the Tubes of You, I used to frequent many events that surrounded the Jehovah’s …
Who can be a witness at a wedding in NZ?
Here’s your guide to choosing the perfect witnesses for your wedding. Anyone can be a witness to your marriage. You need two witnesses to understand what’s happening during the ceremony. They must identify you both and make sure you agree to marry. You don’t have to know the witness for a long time. Witnesses can be strangers, family members, or friends. If you need witnesses, I have friends and family. An easy option for your elopement or intimate wedding. They love it! Your witnesses don’t need to show ID on the day. I’ll ask you their names so I know who to call at the signing. The New Zealand Marriage Act 1955 says your witness must be there. Along with you and your chosen witness at your chosen venue. You can choose your children to witness your marriage, but they must understand what is happening. They must show that you both want to get married and can prove it if needed.
Can a non-US citizen be a witness for a wedding?
Your witness must be over 18 and have a photo ID. I got married in October. My witnesses are Canadian.
Can my dog be a witness at my wedding in California?
If you want to get married with your pet as a witness, here’s a list of states that allow it. Alabama, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Maryland, Massachusetts, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nevada, New Hampshire, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia, Washington.
This law lets pet owners make memories with their pets on their wedding day. If you’re planning a wedding in any of these states, let your pet be part of the celebration!
Who is the witness of marriage?
Who can be a witness? You can choose anyone to be your witnesses, including siblings, parents, grandparents, or close friends. If you elope and only have two witnesses, the officiant’s spouse or another stranger may be your only option. That’s okay. Most states just need witnesses who can understand the ceremony and sign their names. What do witnesses do? They watch the wedding and sign the marriage license. Then they sign. This job is pretty simple.
Is their job just on the wedding day? Yes. Witnesses don’t need to be present when the bride and groom apply for the marriage license.
Who is the witness at a Catholic wedding?
The priest or deacon who celebrates a Catholic wedding is the Church’s official witness. You need two more witnesses.
How many witnesses do you need to get married in Florida?
A: The marriage certificate has spaces for two witnesses to sign, but witnesses aren’t required by law. Two witnesses, other than the notary, should sign the marriage certificate if proof of the ceremony is needed later.
Who should be the brides witness?
You can have your maid of honor and best man as witnesses, but it’s special for someone in the family who isn’t in the bridal party to be a witness. Your witnesses must be over 18. They can be related to you or not.
Do you choose from your family or friends? Your witnesses will sign your wedding certificate. A grandparent from either side of your family. A special aunt or godparent. For my second wedding, I chose my parents. My mother died suddenly, and I look at our wedding certificate and see her signature.
Can a marriage take place without witnesses?
Some US states let you marry without an officiant or witnesses. Colorado and Washington, D.C. are popular places for elopements because couples can get married without an officiant. Some other states allow self-solemnization in certain cases, but it’s more complicated than in Colorado or DC. You can still have a “just us” elopement experience and get legally married in any of these places! You’ll need an officiant and two witnesses for your marriage license, but there’s a way to do both. As an elopement photographer, I know how important privacy is on your wedding day. You want to focus on each other. I don’t perform ceremonies, but I can sign your marriage license and marry you.
Does your maid of honour have to be your witness?
Who can be a witness? In a traditional wedding, the two witnesses are usually the best man and maid/matron of honor. But it doesn’t have to be that way. Your witnesses don’t have to be part of your wedding party, the same gender as you, or stand with you at the altar. Anyone at your wedding can be your witnesses.
At least 18 years old; Understand what is going on; Understand the language in which the ceremony is conducted; Not drunk; Present during the whole ceremony; Australian citizens or permanent residents. They don’t even have to live in Australia. They can be guests or members of your wedding party. They can sit with your guests as long as they can see and hear you make your vows. Inviting your mother, grandparents, the person who introduced you, or people you want to honor adds to the ceremony.
Can bridesmaids be witnesses?
Witnesses can be best men, bridesmaids, or just people who watch the ceremony. As a witness, you must be present when the bride and groom make their vows.
📹 How to get married in Holland: who will be your wonderful witness?
For your civil wedding to be legally binding, you need witnesses: a minimum of 2 and a maximum of 4 witnesses, who are 18 …
I was a JW years ago as a young wife and mother. I had always been searching for Jesus and the truth, and they used logic to explain away the many questions I had. While I gave it my all, in my heart I knew something wasn’t right. When I wanted to go visit my mother, who was dying of cancer, the elders tried to dissuade me from going because my family was “worldly”! Thus began my journey to freedom. The day my mother died, I went to church for the first time in a long time and gave my heart to Jesus. And I’ve never looked back.
I was a JW for forty years in feb 2014 as I was preparing to pioneer, I had an amazing encounter with the Holy Spirit . He set me free broke the watchtower chains I felt the greatest freedom and joy. The Holy Spirit showed me I had been under a spirit of oppression and fear. Never went to the witnesses.
I had a step cousin that was a JW. He worked pretty hard trying to convince me that their beliefs were the truth. I was young but had become a Christian a couple years before this.Visited a few times to the JW Hall. Found it to be different and controlled. He was very passionate about the beliefs, not forceful but trying to “help” me understand the “truth”. Interesting but I was already aware of what Christ had done for me and was not convinced (protected by God through my faith in Christ)
I was raised Jehovah Witness. Imagine being in it as a kid forced to listen. Yes the brainwashing was bad for a while there my mom wanted to return but she finally had figured it out. The Jehovah witness was one of the causes of my adopted aunt son committed suicide. Not only here they hard about meetings and service, your house and lawn has too look perfect. I like certain music when I was a child in their eyes I couldn’t like this music or TV show. How about being a child and left out of things in school for holidays. I can tell you so much because I’ve experienced it all as young child. I’m willing to share more with you plus mom has been getting letters just like what you got. Mom has a close friend who is still in it and her and I had a discussion about who Jesus was their scripture twist John 1:1. I’m interested to share more with you because I’m seen so much. Thank you Melissa for this research hope you have a day
Ive been to a Kingdom Hall and everyone was very kind. I have yet to meet a mean one. When I was at the church I felt scared of doing something against their rules. I admire the fact these ppl truly want to spread the gospel and lead good Christian lives(not many ppl can say that theyve given up everything to serve God as most JWs do). I dont align with their beliefs other than believing in Jesus and it is a cult but most of their hearts are in the right place. I used to make fun of them until thinking “whats funny about someone doing their best to serve God according to their understanding?”
My sister and nieces are JW for years they tried to convert me when they realize that I wasn’t going to convert from Christianity they stop talking to me it’s like I didn’t belong in the family I feel very sad because I love them but I love my Christ much more . Thank you for this article and may you have many blessings.
Wow-have to say this: GOOD FOR YOU!!! You did something because You saw a Need to witness to others and wanted to be more than informed. That’s WISDOM for sure. I’ve been worldwide and have dealt with Muslims, Hindus, Shinto, Catholics, Orthodox Jews, Mormons, Jehovah Witnesses, Buddists, my gosh soooo many different people and the BEST thing You can do to be a BETTER witness is to know who and what You’re dealing with. There’s so much information via the net and Goggle now and I don’t know if I would be brave enough to go to a Kingdom Hall but I say GOOD FOR YOU – WELL DONE. May You see the Fruits of Your Labor and Your Love for Your God-given Ministry to be a Witness for His Glory. wow – this was good!!!! Subscribed and rang that bell!
Melissa, What an Awesome enlightening article. I know quite a bit about J.W yet the way you explain compassion, understanding, and being non judgmental is so logical and Heartfelt! You are certainly practicing being more Christlike, and I have learned so much from You! Beautiful in Heart, intelligent, Christian! You are a light amongst the darkness! Thank You so much !
When I was about 11 ( I’m now 63) my dad let me visit a kingdom hall with a friend from school. He was very confident that I would see through them and I did. As you said, I was converged upon by adults wanting to know what I believed. They were quite shocked when I said I was going to heaven. They told me about the 144,000 and I had to be special to be one of those. I was saved from death as an infant because of a blood transfusion. I told them that a blood transfusion could not be wrong. They wanted to know how i came to that conclusion. I explained that I would not be standing in front of them if not for the transfusion. That threw them for a loop. My dad questioned me about what I heard and what I learned. I told him they were mixed up and confused. I never went back. I have invited them into my house, but not being fully prepared, as you are, I’m afraid I didn’t convert any to Jesus. I’m glad you have a passion for the unsaved.
I am late to the show but this popped up while I was browsing. Back when I was about 2 1/2 to 3 years old, my parents went to a JW Kingdom Hall. Listening to you describe the inside of the place brought back memories in my mind. I remember not seeing any cross. I remember the room with the glass. Sometimes I was in there with my brother or mother. There were speakers in there so we could hear what was being said but we could not communicate back. I do remember the offering box. They would pass around the wine and meat but of course, no one would drink or eat it. Later years after I had grown up, I asked my dad why we quit going. He said the people there acted a certain way inside those doors then acted another outside of them. He said they were hypocrites. Each one of them thought they were better than the other. They would talk about others behind their backs. I am 53 years old now and have never stepped back into one nor will I ever. It was an eye opener to watch this and gave me some insight about this religion if you will. Thank you for sharing this.
Melissa, you have been and are doing evangelism and Christian apologetics the right way. You built a strong foundation in sound doctrine and theology first, and you are constantly in Scripture. Thank you for your continuing hard work and shining example. May the Lord bless you and keep you; may He shine His face upon you.
I was stuck in a different, but similar group for 10 years and my husband was in it for 17 years. This group is on all college campuses around the world. We went through so much. We lost a child in the process. These groups are so closed it’s hard to hear anything from the outside. It was known as spiritual pornography to listen to outside teaching or criticism. It’s been a hard road and the scars are still there. Many we know who left are atheists now. I don’t think people realize just how many groups like this are out there. Thanks Melissa.
Crazy! I worked for an elderly, bed bound lady who had just suffered a stroke and is a Jehovah witness. I would stay the weekends to help her daughter rest. Every Sunday for 2 hours we sat down and saw the meeting through zoom. I would question everything they said or did because they would speak about Jesus like a second person. It was getting to me and I was starting to get confused. ( like, is God not Jesus or are there two God’s) I would pray about my confusion and ask God to lead me to the truth. Today God turned something tragic that happened to me last night into a blessing. He took me out of there by making me call off today( because of a tragic incident I had with my husband, which turned the lady into firing me.) Then bommmm! I come across this article today and understood the assignment! Everything happens for a reason! Jesus is Lord ! And the only way. Thank you lord!
This article is so on point! I was a JW for about 20 years, although I was disfellowshipped for about 8 of those years. The only thing we didn’t have was the room especially for the disfellowshipped. I was allowed to sit in with the regular congregation. But I tell you, I wouldn’t wish being disfellowshipped on my worst enemy. Imagine if you woke up one day and everyone you know and love won’t talk to or look at you. They just act like you don’t exist. It’s cruel! 😢
A friend an I attended the Memorial this year. We noticed that the congregation was 75% of what it was 3 years ago. And I was looking out for people we had met back then at my first memorial. Anyway, a few days later I met this one JW from those years ago and said to him, “Hey, I missed you the other night!” It took him a moment to realise who I was but then he explained that he has left them. He was an elder and had been raised JW. So of course I was delighted to find that that was the reason he wasn’t at this years Memorial. But you see, if it wasn’t for those interactions with Jehovahs Witnesses over the years and going to memorials, I would never have met this man. Hopefully now we can build a friendship and hear his story. But thank you Melisa for sharing your experiences and providing tools and tips on reaching people like this. Unfortunately most churches show no interest in evangelism, and certainly no interest in reaching people stuck in other faith groups.
I had two JW who came to my house one day and asked if they could come in and talk to me. I forget their exactly words because that has been DECADES ago, but the general idea was, of course, that they wanted to give me a Watchtower and talk to me about it, with the end result of “converting” me to their way of thinking. Normally, I would shut the door as soon as they identified themselves as being JW, but for some reason that day I was in a strange mood, and I thought “why not?” so I asked them to come in. I said, “My father was a minister, and I attended a Christian college so just let me run and get my Bible and we will discuss whatever you want to discuss.” They couldn’t leave fast enough. I guess they didn’t want to talk to someone who probably knew scripture and was raised going to church three times a week and then went to a Christian college where we were expected to go to church the requisite three times a week AND attend CHAPEL three days a week as well. I don’t know if they have a “lost cause” list or not, but they never knocked on my door again. I found your experience at a Kingdom Hall fascinating. I subscribed because I want to go back and find your article on your experience with LDS. So, I’m a new subscriber from Nashville.
Wow, thank you for all that you do in this ministry. This explanation makes so much sense as to why, when I have JWs in my home and question their teachings, they respond by showing me articles on their app. Sometimes I feel like I’m conversing with a digital person instead of the person sitting across the table from me!
Thank u for your articles. I once desired to do what you’re doing; to visit every church or religious/spiritual gathering there is to better understand their perspective on the purpose of life, God, death, and eternal life. I enjoyed my time with my jw co-workers they were the sweetest people but I felt bad when they said they couldn’t celebrate their birthday.
Wow, good for you. I am a Christ follower (evangelical) and have been meeting off and on with Mormon missionaries to learn where they are coming from and to share the gospel. I have learned quite a lot. Meeting with them also has made me study more what I believe and what they believe (Book of Mormon). I am strong in my faith and my goal is to lead them to the truth. I have shied away from going to the their service though until now that I have seen this article. You persuaded me to rethink that position. thanks!
Melissa many thanks for doing this. The series was definitely worth perusal. My own understanding of scripture was challenged after discussions with a friend who is a SDA. I had to admit to myself that I had not really examined why I believed what I did. I also discovered that my initial approach to these discussions was all wrong. I had only been interested in proving that they were wrong. I never saw them as a person who God loved and who needed help. That shocking revelation has influenced how I respond to things.
A lot of ppl get caught up in trying to preach to them by disproving their beliefs, that does absolutely nothing and they will eventually just not talk to you if you do that. But reminding them of very simple things like god (or jehovah) is loving and forgiving and cares about them etc. will be way more touching and effective. You are right about how it feels.
Good content. I was in the hospital 3 years ago with a massive GI bleed and a hemoglobin count of around 6. They asked if I had any religious objections to a transfusion and I told them since I failed as a Congregationalist, I sure as blazes wouldn’t cut it as a JW. They gave me the transfusion and I lived. Good points on where that hierarchical sort of legalistic structure will lead you.
Wow, I love this. As Christians we need to reach the unreached, and I’ve learned most “Christians” unfortunately don’t truly know Jesus. It makes me sad, and I pray that you keep reaching the lost. I thank God for your life and your obedience to our Lord and Savior. May God continue to guide you to some of the hardest to reach people because of religion. 🙏🏼
This was so interesting, would love to see more..my grandmother was a Christian Scientist and Ive always wondered what their services were/are like…thank you for the insight on the JWs…:) Years ago I attended a class on cults at our church, was very informative, but Im sure things change and its good to keep updated.
Received a call from a mormon church representative yesterday. How they got my number is beyond my understanding. Strange call, but I did explain why I wasn’t interested in a short but biblical manner. Very interesting article. I admire your commitment to be in the midst of these cults. I’m not sure if I could do that.
This is an interesting article. I got a visit from a group of Jehovah witnesses some years ago, and decided to visit their hall, and I was welcomed. I went for maybe a year, but couldn’t get past the idea that, only a few selected people would be selected, for their version of heaven? Praise God, that Jesus welcomes everyone, and there is no limit, to who can accept him, as their savior!
This is my experience of a Kingdom Hall visit just to observe not to join as i am a Christian in Jesus Christ. I went along with a friend who is a JW. On arriving everyone was so friendly especially the Elders Wife. I eventually sat down next to my friend and the service talk began. The Elder kept announcing about the Devil amongst us in his talk and I wondered whether he was talking about me being a worldly person. Before I entered the K H I had unfortunately forgot to turn the sound off on my phone. Next minute the phone began to ring, all the talk stopped every one turned round and starred at me. I opologised and turned it off. The talk began again and low behold it started to ring again. Talk stopped and every turned round giving me really disapproving looks. While trying to sort the phone out two men approached me from behind. One of them dug a finger in to my back to get me to turn around, the other one waved his hand at me ushering me out and taking me to another room where they said nothing and walked out leaving me there. A few minutes later my friend entered so I asked him for my car keys as I was going to go and sit back in my car. I told my friend to go back into his service and I would wait there for him. 10 minutes later he came back bringing these 2 Ministerial Servants with him. I opened my window and the one who had poked me in the back said We did not know it was your first time. I replied to them that it was my last time coming here. In my Church if somebody’s phone goes off they just turn it off or they move to outside to take the call.
Flash back!! I became a witness for a short period of time. They knocked on my door at a traumatic time in my life. I did all the things you mentioned. I remember them bringing me clothes and shoes because I didn’t have the proper clothes. I continued to be friends with them for 18 years until I found the Lord and he strengthened me. Amazing when I told them I was a Christian they never bothered me again!! They have been following me for 18 years! I moved 8 times!! For one year I stopped celebrating birthdays, holidays, I couldn’t even put an ornament on the tree!! I remember when they talked about wearing a crucifix, they said to me would you wear a gun on your neck if someone you loved got killed by a gun. So many things I could say! So glad that God pulled me away!! Thanks Melissa for helping me remember how blessed I truly am!🙏🏼❤️✝️
Just to be fair, some of your complaints are about style, more than content. I am not a JW but I did attend some halls for a few years. I happen to LOVE the style of the meetings. I appreciated nicely dressed people (not the come as you are and almost disrespectful to the occasion I saw in some churches), I enjoyed the songs very much, and I liked the talk (that came from a study of materials by a number of people) than a sermon (giving by one guy who thinks he has some conduit to God that the rest of the worshippers do not). I liked the study (although, yes, they are very structured) rather than a bible study by a bunch of guessers as to the meaning of this line or that. I liked that people didn’t jump up and wave their arms around and shout stuff out (that always made me really uncomfortable). The Witnesses do constantly read the Bible so that is simply not true. Yes, I do have a problem with the excessive strictness and the requirements of certain beliefs to be a JW and to remain a JW. I wish they would tone that down. But, then, I have been to Christian churches adamant I say specific words to be accepted and I have been told to leave a church because I didn’t agree with the moneymaking evangelism I saw going on. I like the fact that they are very racially mixed and there is less racism in JWs than anywhere else I have ever worshipped. Once a JW, one often ends up at different language meetings where one then marries a person from a different culture or country. JWs appreciate many cultures but just stay with one belief system.
I’m really looking forward to hearing about your experience going to a Mormon ward. I was raised in a “Christian” home that I later pieced together was actually tainted with progressivism. In college, I met a friend who started to disciple me, and one day she asked if we could pray for a meeting she was going to have with some Mormon missionaries. I asked if I could come along, and my world was ROCKED. Here were these two girls and my friend going back & forth with verses from the Bible and their texts, and I was just sitting there completely stunned at how little I knew about the Bible and my own faith. After five years of Bible study, intentional discipleship, prayer, and sharing my faith with others, I now have a HUGE heart for Mormons and Progressives. I have been to a ward and a Temple, and those experiences were pretty wild but I was much more grounded by then. I love perusal all your articles. Thank you for your combo of boldness and sensitivity ♥️
I love this I am new here I just came across your article by chance I myself had gone to a kingdoms hall and sat in the window room you spoke about with the lady I went with and I actually fell asleep That was the first and last time I went I felt so uncomfortable as well . I am looking forward to your articles they are very informative thank you for sharing ❤️🙏🏼❤️
I really felt physically sick at a Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s witnesses I felt the same way at the Church of Jesus Christ latter-day saints.. I could not understand why there was so much denial of the Holy Spirit. I truly pray for people to have a different outlook about these places they are dangerous
My heart goes out to JW as well. I am married to an ex JW who was disfellowshiped. When I was born again I began praying for him. He is not where I am at yet in faith but I know that he has come so far. My heart breaks for my in laws and I too believe that God has placed me in their life to witness to them. Please share any articles that you can on how to minister to them. I have tried but they are so blind. I continue to pray as I know it is the holy spirit that has to reveal things to them.
As a theologian, I must say that you have given a gracious, compassionate, and accurate portrayal of a KH visit. Interesting isn’t it that, unlike evangelicals, mainline Protestants, and even Catholics, the “truth” of the JW’s is not made available in any media resource – television, radio, online/internet, etc. Almost nowhere. That approach would curtail the human works (proof of faith) that are required for the door to door “ministry.” Thank you for your article.
I was a devout Jehovah’s Witness as a 20 year old convert from 1992 until essentially 2017 when I discovered the child abuse cover ups within the watchtower organization. Then I looked down the proverbial rabbit hole and discovered a lot more I didn’t know being too “comfortably numb” busy and distracted previously. A lot of what you describe is spot on. I now feel as though I’m deconstructing my whole life now because of the damage and fallout from being that involved in JW.
When I started to go to church again. I experienced the same shiny toy scenario. Once they found out I knew Jesus they stopped engaging me. I found that evangelism was more exciting than discipleship. It’s easier to throw out the salvation pitch than walk along someone and get to know them. That’s where the struggle is. Getting to know someone is hard and difficult. All of us sinners bring in our baggage and we try to go for the quick fix or become codependent on the new believers problems and trying to fix them. That’s for the Holy Spirit to do. I found myself being in the middle of a spiritual battle that wasn’t mine to fight. Instead of equipping a new Christian soldier in basic training for the spiritual war for rest of their lives.
I have been doing the same, reaching out to JW’s. It began with a long-time JW friend of mine, and grew from there. I too have attended numerous meetings, have done “Bible study” with them, have attended memorials, assemblies, and conventions. I have changed from avoiding them to loving them, going out of my way to talk with them. They need Jesus, just like anybody. I’m so glad you care about those who are in high-control religious groups.
Hi Melissa, your journey is an impressive one! As a Christian, I have also visited a Jehovah’s Witness Kingdom Hall. I was curious. I also felt the mind control and doctrine they preached. I totally stand by your right to go into any worship space you choose. Jesus walked among us to teach us how to spread the good news of God. It totally makes sense to me that you gather to yourself any knowledge that would help you to gain wisdom to show people a better way.
Good stuff! I recently shared the Gospel with a JW who I’ve know since I was young. I was very respectful of their beliefs but I raised questions they’ve never been asked before which pointed them to the truth of Jesus Christ. They didn’t know. After they consulted an elder I received the same religious answer. They’re in bondage and it breaks my heart! It reminded me of an Orthodox Jew. I still love them and Jesus loves them. John 8:36 KJV If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed.
I love this article. Just watched for the first time and I am subscribed now. I was raised culturally Christian, but growing stronger everyday in my faith and my walk with Jesus. I love that you want to reach lost people that may be much more difficult to reach than people who have never believed anything. After all, they do say it’s easier to tell someone a lie and call it truth than to show them how they’ve been lied to. You’re very brave. May Jesus Christ’s protection be over you. God bless you.
Several had come to “witness” to me and after they finished I witnessed to them. They found it very hard to refute what I was saying as I quoted scripture. They were completley thrown off their game. A friend who was a former JW said that they don’t have any success with Evangelicals but love to go after Catholics because they don’t know the Bible . So I guess the lesson here is to stay in the word and you won’t be deceived
My ex boyfriend was raised JW. His mom was a big drug addict pos and then got her crap together and became a JW. I find it VERY common for people who feel like they have a penance to pay and who have really screwed up pasts to get into cultish religions because they feel like they can atone for their sins through religious practices and rigid belief systems. Unfortunately, they fail to realize that Christianity IS NOT A RELIGION, it’s a relationship with Jesus! Your sins are forgiven, you’re white as snow. You don’t need to go door to door and harass people to enter heaven.
After entering a JW Kingdom Hall and my beautiful baptist Church there was NO contest. The Kingdom Hall was dark, souless and “empty”. My spirit came alive and cried and danced and shouted for joy in the Baptist Church as I was enveloped in the Love of God and I knew that I had come HOME. GLORY DAYS 🐎🔥🌹🔥🐎
Thank you Melissa I appreciate you doing things like this. I learn so much when you share things like this. Also I am not sure if you knew about that actress Leah Remini I think her name is(the played in the show kings & queens that is off the air now), who was in sciencetology. She had a show documenting her life & others who were in it. She got the truth out there about it. My husband & I loved that show. She even talked about JW & how similar they are. We have to know these things are out there & like you said teach with love & truth. God bless.
Lol I love this article! Its soo funny hearing the perspective of an outside person looking in. I was born and raised a jw, but left the religion at an early age. To answer your question, we had a back room with a window too, but we did not use it for disfellowshipped people, they usually just sat in the back somewhere or off to the side, and they would jet out real quick after the final prayer 😂.. That back room was used for separate talks or for overflow seating on the rare occasion of an overcrowded hall … Awsome article!
I enjoyed your articles as a Christian and you are so helpful in educating others on what the Jehovah’s Wittnesses are about. I was born and raised a Jehovah’s Wittness and was married and had children in the religion. I’m now a born again Christian. One bit of info for everyone. The glass room wasn’t designed for the disfellowshiped. The disfellowshiped aren’t important enough or of value to make a glass wall….lol I was a wittness in the 70s when this glass wall was spoken about and designed. It was for women to take crying children instead of walking the parking lot. They have a speaker system in that room. The elderly who get up and down to the bathroom or anyone ill or someone coughing was expected to sit behind the song proof glass. Anyone that may DISTRACT attention away from the main hall talk or lessons was to take it behind the glass. The children also learned a spanking was first before going behind the glass. It really showed how the MEETING was so important even during distress, health issues or over filled capacity the spiritual food was pumped in through speakers 🔊 It was really NOT liked wherever the disfellowshiped sat! Lol …You moved seats if a disfellowshiped person sat next to you in fear because remember they are considered demonized. The disfellowshiped are required to sit in the very BACK seats if going for reinstatement it shows humble repentance and it’s also not acceptable for a disfellowshiped person to come in during JW socialing before and after but come in during song and leave straight after prayer.
As a born again Christian, I made numerous visits to Kingdom Halls in the L.A. area back in the 1990s. I ministered to many of them and had many interesting conversations. I found them to be very inquisitive and very good listeners. If you’re going to engage them in conversation, I advise that you’re well grounded in your faith and have a good knowledge of the Bible because they certainly know their own Bible and will use it to protect Watchtower theology
That was very interesting and helpful. I will definitely watch more. My mother and sisters are JWs as was my stepdad and the religion was a tear in our family fabric. I went so far as to embrace the entire other end of the spectrum (new age) for a very long time. Praise the Lord I have come home to Him and would love to be able to talk to my mom and sisters about it. Thank you for your research and love of people! God bless.
I would be very interested in hearing HOW you ministered to the JW’s. I have family members who are lifelong JWs, 3rd and 4th generation. And I love them dearly. They are the kindest, best people and all of them are very successful as far as financially and taking care of their families and helping others. But I do not discuss religion with them. And of course we do not get to celebrate holidays together which is sad. But I’ve prayed for them for years.
Good article, I was interested In why you went an d what your take away was. As a born again believer Melissa, you could see right thru the weirdness, control and nonsense! BTW, I left the jw faith in 2019 after almost 4 and a half decades, being born into it. I didn’t fully realize what I was missing in true Christianity until I was out! Now I’m a rebabtized BA believer and I’ve never looked back and now I see and understand what true freedom in Christ feels like! AMEN AND HALLELUJAH!
Glad you got to do this! I’m in Kansas City near Unity Village, and also the hub for the RLDS (Restoration branch) of LDS church. I really want to do the same. Also, close to IHOP with Mike Bickle, which I actually love and have a ton of respect for, but yes, there are minor things that I disagree with as well. And The Send will be here this year—very interested to hear apologists to talk about this gathering.
This was a very interesting article. Thanks for sharing it! I’m reminded of the story of the Apostle Paul, who also valued knowledge and strategy. He demonstrated this when he was in Athens and noticed the monument to the ‘The Unknown God’. He used his knowledge of the Greek’s curiosity to his advantage and formulated an approach based on it. He realized an opportunity to instruct them on a god they worshipped, but did not know. If he was not armed with what he knew of them he could not have approached them the way he did, or at the very least, God would’ve had him take another equally as effective, but different approach. Paul’s understanding of what his audience believed and valued served him in the moment. He is a good example to follow. But as you warn, he only attempted this as a seasoned and mature leader in the faith, not as a new convert who wasn’t thoroughly trained in scripture and had solid footing in order to refute the opposition without doubt and to do so effectively.
I have a funny JW story that I remember from my childhood. My mon and dad had recently traded cars and we went to visit my dads cousin. They lived way off the main road and didnt see any passing traffic regularly. When we came driving up the the trailer on this dead end gravel road we saw them jump up from the porch and run inside and slam the door. We sort of laughed and when we got out of the car we walked up to the trailer and knocked on the door for what I remember as a considerable time. They finally looked out through a window before opening the door. They laughed and said they didn’t recognize the car and thought we were Jehovah Witnesses! I shared that story with a couple JWs that came to my house once and they laughed as well.
Thank you for sharing your experience. This is a very profitable ministry. I know the truth and am very interested in learning about different cults. But I do not feel called to visit unless invited to an event by a friend. I would have that feeling that the devil was all around in the darkness. But God tells us to go tell and be witnesses. I pray that you were able to talk to some people and open the scriptures to them to open their eyes but it very difficult because of the mind control. We don’t realize at times just how blessed we are in Christ and the liberty we have in him. Those poor people in that room trying to work their way back in when they are already loved by Jesus anyway. This is the first article of yours I have watched and I will look for more.
Good article. My first step out of paganism, medieval mysticism, and witchcraft was the Jehovah’s Witnesses. I studied with them for over a year. I ended up giving up their religion because I wanted to live life with my friends and family instead of them. It was years later when I began going to an evangelical Christian church, and I still had much of that whack JW theology ingrained in my head. The biggest reason God was able to break through is because I was witnessing the Holy Spirit move in peoples lives. People were being healed, transformed, and delivered in so many ways. I never saw anything close to this in the Kingdom Hall, or in any JW’s life I knew. Indeed, all I saw with them were people trying really really hard to be really really “good.” So, in my dark pit of depression and despair, when the pastor said, “Jesus is God, and Jesus loves you, and because he loves you he doesn’t want to leave you stuck where you are, and because he is God he has the power to set you free,” even though that went against everything I knew about Jesus from the JWs, I was inclined to give this Jesus with actual power a chance to be who he says he is instead of who they said he was. The JWs are all persuasion and no power, which makes sense since they don’t really believe in the Holy Spirit. But as my story goes, as soon I saw the Holy Spirit showing the power of God in peoples lives, I knew in a moment I had to set down everything they taught me so I could grab ahold of the real Jesus. Eight years later and I’m still holding tightly.
Thank you for sharing this! It is very insightful. In the 90’s I used to let JW’s in my house to talk when I was a babe in Christ and I wondered what their service was like. I was invited to go several times, I always turn them down. After a while The Lord God told me to stop ” Studying” with them and read His Word only. So glad obeyed the Lord!
You used the word “torture”. My God did my mind and heart whirl. I have lived through that torture my whole life. My JW grandparents died without speaking to me since my childhood. I have JW aunts, uncles, and cousins who treat me the same way. I’m 47 years old. I became Catholic in 2005 (the ULTIMATE JW sin). Entire lives are lost and destroyed: weddings, funerals, holidays, birthdays, vacations, day to day life… I have no clue what a full family life is like. It is now taking professional medical help to help me recover from the damage. So, yes, it’s been torture. But God’s truth and Church loves and saves. God bless you for your efforts. I pray the Holy Spirit is upon you. Maybe God, perhaps, wanted our paths to cross.
Melissa it sounds like you have the gift of Mercy. I am guilty of being critical. Thank you for being a reminder that we should be more merciful and gracious as Christ was when He died on the cross for the sins of the world. We should all remember our own depravity and what God has rescued us from. No one is good but God
Melissa, I’m fairly new to you and your website, but I’m thrilled at what you’re doing to not only evangelize, but to equip the saints to be sharper ambassadors of the Lord and the Gospel. I believe the Lord has just pressed it upon my heart to keep you in prayer. Our enemy wants to silence you. Keep up the good work, my sister. In Jesus’ love, Cindy (Long Island, NY)
I had one come to my home years ago and instead of my usual “not interested… bye” and slamming the door I was actually respectful and curious. My mom had always told me they were a cult and not good but I never knew why. So I asked the lady nicely.. I said ” I’m personally a Christian but I’ve always been curious and asked her to explain the difference.. she told me they use the same Bible we do but don’t believe Jesus was the son of God. There’s obviously alot more to it than that but I realized she’s not a bad person. She’s just believing what she was raised to believe. I think she left thinking that it was refreshing to have someone not slam the door and actually have a respectful conversation. I didn’t try to Convert her or anything I just simply said that the reason I believe in Jesus is because there have been situations and things I’ve gone through where he proved to me he was who he says he is. Simple as that. I was raised that way but I have seen him work in my life and I can’t be convinced otherwise. She shook my hand and politely left. I hope it did make her think about her beliefs a bit and I also prayed for her. So much better than being rude like some of our neighbors were.
Please don’t apologize about this. You are being the hands and feet of Christ. My wife and I do the same thing with Mormon missionaries, feeding them, playing board games with them, and having honest conversations with them about Jesus, who He is and what Salvation really means, because they may use the same words as us, but have vastly different definitions for them. We have this heart for Mormons because my wife was one of them for many years during her youth and she knows the lies that they are indoctrinated with and we just want to love and reach them, even if it’s just planting a seed for someone in the future to water, at least it’s there so Jesus can cause it to grow. Good work my sister.
This is so sad because my aunt is JW. She and my mom and the rest of their siblings were raised Roman Catholic but later in life my aunt turned to the JW religion (cult). She is deeply ingrained into it and I don’t think she’ll ever change her mind. Nevertheless I do pray for her to come to faith in Jesus. Her name is Alice (if you feel lead to pray for her as well. And thank you if you do.)
My dad was raised JW and my grandmother was very devote… she was disfellowshipped when she was caught smoking. Even still, she was very devote. My dad found Christ and often speak of being controlled and not allowed to share his thoughts if they differed from the JW values. My grandmother on her deathbed truly found Jesus. Thank you for sharing and I am praying for opened mindedness and clarity for those who are confused.
Great job Melissa, I studied the kingdom for the same reason you did, to try to reach the lost souls. One thing I would share after many months of studying, I can not call them Jehovah witnesses,I now refer to them as Kingdom Hall. Thanks so much for sharing and spreading the love of Jesus Christ to the world my sister.
My paternal grandmother was a devout JW. When I gave my life to Jesus in 1987 she was not happy at all, this is when I knew something was wrong with that organization. My maternal grandmother, however, was ecstatic (Southern Baptist). I certainly never had the passion you have to delve into the inner workings of a Kingdom Hall, but this was very interesting. Thx for the information.
Learning about world religions is a good thing. I am a Southern Baptist, and I visited a local mosque, and talked religious beliefs with the Imam, i think that’s title. But we had a very educational, pleasant talk for quite a while. No debating, or proselytizing, purely educational and it was very fulfilling. We both agreed on one key point; That peace is a great thing. Nice post.
I remember I had a friend we were so close. I was lost at the time not attending church but still a Christian at heart. She tried everything. Introduced me to the most handsome single men I ever met, took me to gatherings but never a service as I was Catholic in my upbringing and I think she thought I would run. I would avoid talking of Christmas Easter and birthdays to appease her. I will give her one thing she was strong in faith and it helped her raising her son who had mental illness. The hall was supportive of their struggles. I could not deny Jesus and join a church like that. I belong to a Bible Fellowship very friendly with good Bible discussions and teachings. Great sermons directly from the Bible. It is so nice not to be Catholic or a Witness. I don’t like regiments.
Hey I am a non practicing Jew and for a long time I had a completely open mind about so called religion. I recently had the opportunity of meeting a JW couple. The thing that truely opened my eyes to their lunacy was the perpetual push push for me to come to their meetings events etc. untill the wife in exasperated anger told me one day all about Armageddon and how total destruction was on the way and that only they were going to be saved. This was the day I switched off completely. It really struck me that Religion and God actually have nothing to do with each other. Religion is about a club. “Only we are right and everyone else is wrong!” It truly struck me that this is totally lunatic.
There’s an excellent book called “Jehovah’s Witnesses Answered Verse By Verse”. It’s written by David Reed, who was a Witness for thirteen years and an elder for eight. He’s now the pastor of Immanuel Baptist Church in New Bedford, Mass., and is the president of Gospel Truth Ministries. It tells of how he and his wife broke awake from the Jehovah’s Witnesse’s and gives a concise analogy of the scripture’s they use and how they distort them.
This was very informative and interesting, since I did just receive a letter from the “Kingdom Hall” person. A lady. Possibly one who came to my house trying to “convert” me to her way of thinking. It was highly interesting that I used the same Bible verse to disprove her, as she tried to use the same verse to disprove ME. I was very sad that she was so closed minded, and had to PROVE me wrong, and I tried very very hard to be kind and gentle, and give her different ideas and what God actually says in his word about his son. I remember it was a very hard thing to talk to her, and she tried super hard to convince me that I was wrong. I have studied the Bible for many years, and what she said about Jesus was wrong. We cannot be saved without the work of Christ on the cross, and we can’t earn it. We cannot create our own version of God’s kingdom without God judging us for our actions against his kingdom. What they are doing is highly legalistic, and controlling of other people. I was also blacklisted for a while, when one day two of them came to my door, and I read from their OWN Bible the truth of Jesus Christ, that he declared solidly that he was the “I AM” who is Jehovah. He did that in many passages. That day one of them was a new “convert” and the guy who was the older one, was all the sudden wanting to get out of my house as fast as he could, because the guy with him was looking at him asking what he was trying to pull. He realized that the guy was pushing his own teachings and not God’s.
I’m really glad I found your website. I somewhat consider myself a “new” Christian, even though I got saved at 15; I never truly was taught truth so I’m seeking that. However, my dad claimed us as Jehovah’s Witness when I was a child. Until I watched your article I had forgotten about this- but I remember being seated in that “shunned” area, although as a child, I had no idea that’s what it was. I thought were just sitting somewhere special 😅 Anyway, really thankful for your website 🙂
hi melissa…. the room in the back is the library…..it used to be convenient for late comers or people who wanted to be close to the rest room….unless things have changed it wasnt there to intentionally seperate and punish anyone….it spares a person from having to climb over or be climbed over by people who might be late or need to get up often….glad you went….most JWs are sincere, kind and pleasant people….
I enjoyed this article. I applaud you taking the time to visit. A person needs to be strong in faith to not be dissuaded. JW is in conflict as most of us know Jesus died for our sins and all we need to do is pray to him. We do not need to sell any merchandise, salvation for us is free. The majority of cults just dont understand this and create difficult situations and dogmas that are totally unnecessary.
There’s a Kingdom Hall in Wilkes-Barre Pennsylvania and they have a lot of religious pictures up I was shocked when I went to go see it I thought it was unusual I used to be a witness I disassociated myself in 2018 involved with them since 1973 my whole family are witnesses and now I’m a follower of Jesus Christ keep up the good work on your articles 👍❤️
We have a small Mennonite Mission (that’s basically what it is) in my ungodly hometown in Pennsylvania. I bible-studied with them for almost two years. I think they’re Christians but they’re a little legalistic and King-James Only. I had the exact same feeling where I was a new shiny toy but after a while it was like an ultimatum was being placed to join them or leave, especially after they found out I was a combat veteran. The young ones all remember me when they see me on the street and always seemed to like me so it was like my unrepentant military service was seen a threat to their ideology by the elders. One time I couldn’t come for a few months due to work and when I came back some low-key shunned me.
You’ve brought back memories of my times as a teenager when I had to go to a Kingdom Hall because my girlfriend’s parents would not allow us to date otherwise. Your description of their Hall is correct. Fortunately by the grace of God I was saved at 5 years old and knew by then their doctrines were not of the Bible. I’ve studied them off and on over the years since, much from Walter Martin’s “Kingdom of The Cults” which I recommend to anyone desiring to know about their teachings and history. I agree unless one is strong in the faith in the foundation of our Christian doctrines to not get tangled up with them as they will twist you into a pretzel with truth mixed into false teachings. They are one of the most dangerous of cults and yes they are brainwashed and brainwashers.. Virtually they do not believe Jesus is the Messiah (Christ) but an angel. This is a deceiver and an anti-christ spirit as declared in our Bible. Yes, absolutely they need help, they need to know who Jesus is and be saved. Truly My heart and prayers go out to them. My first time viewing your website and subscribed. You are doing a good work. God bless.