Christian Meetings
The early Christians met together, usually in private homes, to receive instruction and enjoy upbuilding fellowship. Today, congregations of Jehovah’s Witnesses meet two times a week.
Weekend Meeting - The first part of the weekend meeting consists of a Bible discourse that is especially designed for the general public, some of whom may be attending a meeting for the first time. The second part of the weekend meeting is the Watchtower Study, a question-and-answer discussion of articles published in the study edition of The Watchtower.
Midweek Meeting - The congregation meets each week for a program entitled Our Christian Life and Ministry. This meeting has three parts to it: Treasures From God’s Word, Apply Yourself to the Field Ministry, and Living as Christians. You are invited to attend any of these meetings. By inviting interested ones and the public in general, Jehovah's Witnesses help acquaint people with basic bible teachings.
The Memorial of Christ's Death or "Lord's Evening Meal" (1 Corinthians 11:20)
The Memorial is held on the most important day of the year for Jehovah's Witnesses. Being asked to deliver the Memorial talk is both a great privilege and a serious responsibility. George enlisted help from his mom to make the unleavened bread for the Memorial one year in order to ensure that the meal would be prepared in the same manner as in Jesus' Day.
However, the most important assignment during the Memorial season each year [usually March-April] is to invite others to observe and commemorate the only event in the bible that Jesus specifically commanded his followers to observe. (1 Corinthians 11:23-26)
Midweek Meeting and Tagalog Presentations
The Christian Life and Ministry Meeting is open for enrollment to those who are actively associating with the congregation, agree with the teachings of the Bible, and whose lives are in harmony with the Bible. To prepare for her first Christian Life and Ministry assignment in a foreign language, Stephanie used tools designed and provided by the organization.
A lesson plan for each week is produced and published monthly in English, Tagalog, and hundreds of other languages to allow all students to prepare before attending each meeting. The elder assigned as the Our Christian Life and Ministry Meeting Chairman gives commendation and encouragement after each assignment along with opportunities for improvement.
Pictured above is Stephanie preparing for a theocratic student talk assignment in the Tagalog language. The JW Language Application
was an invaluable theocratic tool provided by our organization to
help students in their ministry, as well as with Christian Life and Ministry Meeting assignments that have to be delivered in a foreign language.
Click above to listen to Stephanie's Tagalog Talk
Weekend Meeting (via Zoom Broadcast during COVID-19 Pandemic)
The subjects considered in public talks given at weekend meetings are varied. Talks cover Bible doctrine and prophecy, scriptural principles and counsel regarding family life and marital matters, situations confronting youths, and Christian morals.
Some talks center on Jehovah’s marvelous works of creation. Others highlight the exemplary faith, courage, and integrity of Bible characters, focusing on lessons for our day.
Here George was asked to give a public talk via Zoom to a congregation located in the Dominican Republic,
a country in the Caribbean
The Watchtower Study is designed for studying the Bible and follows the public talk talk during the weekend meeting.
The Watchtower study articles frequently deal with the application of Bible principles in daily living. Jehovah's Witnesses view Christian meetings as a central and vital aspect of their spiritual activities.
Stephanie gives a Watchtower Study comment via Zoom
Jehovah's Witnesses are known to continue to regularly hold their meetings despite natural disasters like hurricanes, earthquakes, and pandemics like COVID-19; while at the same time not risking their safety, health, or violation of public health guidelines and restrictions.
The only serious objection to complying with any government statute or restriction regarding their meetings would be if a government authority attempted to ban their meetings altogether. (Acts 5:29, Hebrews 10:24,25)
George gives a public talk to his assigned local congregation via Zoom. A background picture of the Kingdom Hall
was used because the meeting could not be held at the Kingdom Hall due to to the COVID-19 pandemic.