Why do Jehovah's Witnessee keep track of their time witnessing?

Question

on record cards. I don't see an example of that in the bible.

Answer 1

The Christian Congregation of Jehovah's Witnesses doesn't actually require individual Witnesses to report their ministry each month, although they do encourage such reports. The Scriptural pattern is actually quite easy to demonstrate:

(Mark 6:7,11,12,30) [Jesus] summoned the twelve, and he initiated sending them out two by two... [Jesus said] wherever a place will not receive you nor hear you, on going out from there shake off the dirt that is beneath your feet for a witness to them.” So they set out and preached in order that people might repent... And the apostles gathered together before Jesus and reported to him all the things they had done

(Luke 9:1,2,10) [Jesus] called the twelve together... And so he sent them forth to preach the kingdom of God... And when the apostles returned they recounted to him what things they had done.

Learn more:
http://watchtower.org/e/rq/index.htm?article=article_14.htm
http://watchtower.org/e/dg/index.htm?article=article_11.htm
http://watchtower.org/e/lmn/index.htm?article=article_01.htm
http://watchtower.org/e/ti/index.htm?article=article_09.htm

Answer 2

Yes we have examples, how do we know that there were 5000 thousand people when Jesus did the miracle or multiplying the fishes and breads, because someone count it, that is why we count the assistanship and everything, are violating some bible principle? are we offending Jesus or God almighty Jehovah? what do you think is worse to report time preaching or supporting the war as some religious organizations did in 2002 with the land letter?

Answer 3

Good question. I personally find it offensive. To me, it's no different than writing down every penny you donate to a good cause, or wanting to get credit for every minute you spend doing a 'good deed'. It seems like a 'report card' that you hope will buy you salvation.

The Scriptures in the Bible that were mentioned were about counting the number baptized or who became believers - if you can call such a broad estimate (five thousand or three thousand) "counting". No one would criticize Witnesses for doing that. But there's no scripture to support counting 'hours" - and no real reason to do it. I think it's just a false 'incentive' which stimulates people to "preach" instead of doing it out of a willing heart.

I was really put off when I realized the Witnesses would write down the time they spent talking to me. It's one of several reasons I decided not to pursue my studies with them further.

Answer 4

Several reasons..But, one does feel that twing of guilt..big time..when they can only put a few hours down....and no bible studies..only 3 sets of WT placed..Its guilt..Its also, so they can tell how many book and bibles and bible studies are being done around the world..how many hours of preaching is going on..But, this is not accurate information. I remember that many of the JW when out in service would put most of their WT in laundrymats..and everytime they would talk on the phone with a non believe..they would keep up with the length of their conversation..as long as they mentioned something here and there about the religion or God..they would count that as time...same with writing letters..many will write letters to their non believe family members and mention something about God or the religion..the end is near..things like that..They would time how long it took to write the letter and count that..I could give more examples..but the time is not accurate at all..

Answer 5

I'm not a Witness, but I would imagine that it could be goal-oriented, both personally and as a church. Keeping track of things helps encourage me to do better. And it lets the organization know what's going on in each area.

Answer 6

simple...works

It is the way the society can say that they preach more than other Christians...They track the hours....JW's do not breathe a word of Gospel without reporting the breath.

Other Christians do not report what they do gladly and daily out of love.


ABOVE me...says that they are not required to report...

"The Christian Congregation of Jehovah's Witnesses doesn't actually require individual Witnesses to report their ministry each month, although they do encourage such reports. The Scriptural pattern is actually quite easy to demonstrate:"

What does required mean actually? It is WBTS double speak...You are reminded every week to full out your timecards...and doubly reminded at the end of the month.

If I counted the hours that I spend talking to others about the Lord and my salvation and how Awesome god is and what he has done for me, i would collect pioneer hours, and get a gold star!

Answer 7

Glad your thinking Will J. I don't see that example either. Jesus never kept any records on His disciples. He just said "Go" and they went.

If it's not in the Bible then why do it or believe it?

I'm sure the watchtower wants to use those cards as evidence of their works when they face God on judgement day but that won't matter. The Bible teaches that our works won't take us to heaven.

But we are all like an unclean thing,
And all our righteousnesses are like filthy rags;
We all fade as a leaf,
And our iniquities, like the wind,
Have taken us away. Is. 64:6

Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us, through the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Spirit. Titus 3:5

For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast. Eph. 2:8-9

Answer 8

the jehovah's witnessee keeps track of the time witnessing because their belief the way for them to get to heaven is only by good works in the bible where it describes 250,000 of Gods chosen people will be saved this is the number the jehova's believe will be the only ones allowed for eternal life they do not believe in hell the 250,000 people whom do the most works will be the ones spared by god

Answer 9

Why not keep track? It serves as an encouraging bit of news to their brothers and sisters. It also keeps track, from a practical standpoint, of what has been done.

As for examples in the Bible, you might consider Acts 2:41 and Acts 4:4. The Bible reports on the efforts and the successes of those sharing the good news of God's kingdom.

Hannah J Paul

Answer 10

When I witness to people I don't keep an eye on my watch. I witness because I love Jehovah God and his Son Jesus Christ and I love my neighbor as myself.

Christmas and Easter and Halloween are not in the Bible, pagan holidays.
Do you celebrate these days?
I have spoke to many Christians that attend Calvary Chapel and they have told me that they know Halloween is wrong but they still let their kids dress up so they don't feel left out.
Take the rafter out of your own eye before you tell us to take the straw out of our eye.