? for fellow JW's on meeting attendance?

Question

There are a couple of Friends at my Hall who told a mutual friend that meetings are "optional".
The couple is married (to each other lol) and both were raised in the Truth. But they're only in their mid to late 20's.

Can any of you here think of a particular WT or publication that will help show the import of meeting attendance?
I have my PC and WT library tonight so I'll be doing some research myself on this matter... but the more heads the better.

Agape,
~eisha

They are baptized and active members in the congregation. The husband even works with the sound.
Thanks for all of the replies I've already received!

Hibiscus, many thanks for the kind reminder. Please know, however, I'm not trying to judge but to build up and encourage. I was wanting to find articles so I can give them to the couple to help them stay spiritually strong.
I miss meetings... everyone does occasionally- it's the THINKING that could be potentially harmful.

As for posting here- please do ask your Elders and send me an email. Most internet activity is usually discouraged because it can be potentially dangerous (spiritually) because we could be interacting with apostates and not even know it.
May you keep growing in Truth and love for Jehovah, his organization and his people. Agape, ~eisha

Thanks again to all who have replied.
When I said "active" I wasn't referring to their Field Service activity, so sorry for the confusion.
I was referring to the fact that the wife is a house holder on the school and the husband has occasional parts too.
For those who are unfamiliar with our beliefs, we take the Bible very seriously and Hebrews 10:24, 25 tells us: "And let us consider one another to incite to love and fine works, 25 not forsaking the gathering of ourselves together, as some have the custom, but encouraging one another, and all the more so as YOU behold the day drawing near." So yes, "church" attendance IS an obligation.

Again, I'm not trying to cause problems. It's the THINKING that has me worried. I tend to miss Sunday meetings almost all the time but I KNOW I'm *supposed* to go. My husband is inactive and hardly ever attends any more. My children don't even want anything to do with meetings. Believe me- I'm NOT intending to "cast stones".

I didn't feel uncomfortable by the questions and comments here. I just wanted to make sure I was understood so the best possible replies could be given.
Transportation has never been an issue. I myself gave a Sister rides to meetings every week for a few years before she passed away- and transportation is still provided to others by others. And it's common in our area for studies to be given rides as well.
Their work (though self-employed) is the issue- not transportation.

Answer 1

Christians follow the example of the Lord Jesus Christ. Did he think meeting attendance was optional?

Did Jesus' apostles think meeting attendance was optional?

"And he [Jesus] came to Nazareth where he had been reared; and according to his custom on the sabbath day, he entered into the synagogue and he stood up to read." (Luke 4:16) Note that this was Jesus' "custom," his regular habit.

Jesus spoke to thousands of people during his ministry. But only the 120 who attended the meeting on Pentecost, 33 CE received the precious outpouring of the holy spirit, and experienced that marvelous demonstration of God's power. (Acts 1:15; 2:1-4)

"They now journeyed through Amphipolis and Appolonia and came to Thessalonica where there was a synagogue of the Jews. So according to Paul's custom he went inside to them, and for three sabbaths he reasoned with them from the Scriptures." (Acts 17:1, 2) Note again the word "custom."

Note also that much of the "New Testament" was written to congregations of people, and this instruction was to be shared at Christian meetings. (Colossians 4:16; 1 Thessalonians 5:27)

It is at our meetings that we are "taught by Jehovah" and strengthened spiritually. The meetings are part of our worship and sacred service.

Nothing beneficial is gained by missing meetings. They are where we primarily learn how to apply God's word in our lives every day, and where we learn to share the Good News with others.

The contrary "custom" of missing the meetings is strongly discouraged at Hebrews 10:23-25, which verses also impress upon us why meeting attendance is essential.

It is not really a matter of personal opinion. If one wants to be pleasing to God, His Word is what matters.

Answer 2

CONGREGATION meetings are an important part of the activity of Jehovah’s Witnesses. Even when circumstances make it very difficult, they endeavor to attend their meetings regularly, in harmony with the Bible’s exhortation: “Let us consider one another to incite to love and fine works, not forsaking the gathering of ourselves together, as some have the custom, but encouraging one another, and all the more so as you behold the day drawing near.” (Heb. 10:24, 25) Where possible, each congregation holds meetings three times a week, for a total of 4 hours and 45 minutes. However, the nature of the meetings, as well as their frequency, has varied according to what has been needed at the time.

Since Christians pray for Jehovah’s holy spirit to be active at Christian meetings, each individual attender should do his best to work in harmony with the spirit and “not be grieving God’s holy spirit.” (Ephesians 4:30) When the apostle Paul wrote those inspired words, he was discussing the proper use of speech. What we say should always be used “for building up as the need may be, that it may impart what is favorable to the hearers.” (Ephesians 4:29) This is especially important at Christian gatherings. In his letter to the Corinthians, Paul stressed the need for meetings to be upbuilding, instructive, and encouraging. (1 Corinthians 14:5, 12, 19, 26, 31) All in attendance benefit from such meetings, including new attenders, who may well conclude: “God is really among you.” (1 Corinthians 14:25) For this reason, we should not delay in inviting newly interested ones to congregate with us, for doing so will speed up their spiritual progress.

Answer 3

The Watchtower study from 11/1/06 is a very good one for encouragment. "Showing Respect for Our Sacred Gatherings" and a good scripture to go with...

Heb. 10:23-25 Let us hold fast the public declaration of our hope without wavering, for he is faithful that promised. And let us consider one another to incite love and fine works, not forsaking the gathering of ourselves together, as some have the custom, but encouraging one another, and all the more so as you behold the day drawing near.
Hope this helps.
Agape Sister

Answer 4

Eisha,
Since this question was posted, I have had my Bible Study, and before we began, I talked to the sister whom studies with me about posting here...

This as with all decisions we make will vary by each individual... And the conscience we carry...

While discussing it with her, I knew before I even asked what she would say, and through the scriptures she guided me to confirm my own decision to not post in R&S here...

You stated some of the serious reasons yourself as to why it can be dangerous...

She is the wife of an Elder, whom I have studied with for a long time... I hesitated to post this to you, but in keeping my word, I chose to do so... Since my post on this question, I closed out the account above, because over the course of this last year, I became highly addicted to being on here, I met some great people, with genuine goodness... But none the less, for me, I was lacking on personal Bible study in a HUGE way...

I was wrong to do so, as I gave Jehovah little time when I could have been curling up with my children and studying with them fortifying a knoweledge GREATER than any other out there... And also abusing , my own relationship with Jehovah... As yes it can be damaging to read things, posted from non-believers... That is there choice to not believe... We are not forced to follow Jehovahs laws, as He is the God of LOVE ... Agape` love...

I love Jehovah, I love people.... My heart goes out to all people... I am imperfect as the next person, but I will take this as a way for me to grow in a positive way... We as those drawing close to Jehovah, know this road is not an easy one... My thoughts have always been, "Anything worth having, will never come easy..."

The tried and true way to Witness is door to door where we can see who is at the door, here we cannot see others... Potential harm is always there... Spiritually harmful...

We are each responsible for our selves, and clearly you have given very valid answers on LOTS as I have read them... And have had many battles of your own...

Jehovah loves all people, he HATES the badness... Learning to hate the badness, but pray for the persons is clear...

Please understand, this is all sincere, and know I am not judging anyone, I am merely following my own conscience to clean up my act, because nothing is Greater than Jehovah... He deserves my very best....

I would only ask for you to find an Elder whom you can talk to, and ask him the same thing I ask the sister who studied with me, pray to Jehovah and ask him to help you to know if it is right or wrong... As this was again my own personal decision based on my talk with the sister, and prayer on my own... And to make it clear , yes she said it would be not a wise thing to do... But I didn't need her to tell me...

Much Christian Love,

I am out now... I wont be back posting on R&S anymore....

But my nose will be in my Bible....
♥

Answer 5

Meeting Attendance—A Serious Responsibility
1 How seriously do you take meeting attendance? That is a searching question, is it not? No doubt most of us feel that we appreciate the meetings. However, reports indicate that meeting attendance in many congregations has recently declined. What could be the cause? Are some of us allowing unnecessary secular work, tiredness, homework, a slight physical indisposition, or a little bad weather to interfere with our obligation to attend meetings regularly? (Deut. 31:12) Since this is a Scriptural requirement, every one of us should give prayerful consideration to the question, How seriously do I take meeting attendance?
2 Some of our brothers walk for hours along dusty roads and cross crocodile-infested rivers in order to attend meetings. In your own congregation, there may be faithful ones who are “never missing” despite severe health problems, physical disabilities, crushing work loads at their place of employment, or demanding assignments at school. (Luke 2:37) Why do they make the effort to attend? Because they know that they cannot meet the challenges of this pressure-filled world in their own strength. They must rely on the strength that God provides.—2 Cor. 12:9, 10.
3 Today we follow the pattern set by the early Christians, who met regularly to pray, share experiences, and study God’s Word. (Acts 4:23-30; 11:4-18; Col. 4:16) We receive instruction on Bible prophecy and doctrine, as well as on godly conduct and Christian morals, along with timely admonition on improving our lives now by careful application of Scriptural principles. (1 Tim. 4:8) In addition, we are reminded of our hope that one day there will be an end to problems and suffering. It is vital that this hope be kept alive.—Heb. 6:19.
4 How seriously does your family take meeting attendance? Is it as much a part of your schedule as mealtime or secular work? On meeting nights, do you find yourself debating whether to attend or not, or is regular association with your brothers not optional in your household? Many publishers remember the example of their dedicated parents when they were growing up. “One thing about Dad,” an elder fondly recalls, “was that he always made sure the family got to the meetings. If someone was sick, one of us would stay home with him, but the rest went to the meeting!”
I just typed in meeting attendance second article, Kingdom ministry page 19

Answer 6

We are all responsible for our own actions... None of us are perfect... I am a student studying with JW's... It is ever clear that we are not to judge one another... But be up building... We each have to find our way... In the end we will each human on earth answer to GOD...

The best thing you can do, it set a fine example, and be non-judging any brother or sister...

We all learn at different variations, and we all have battles to face... I know I have had mine... I am ever grateful for Jehovah's loving patience...

For me, I am wondering if this is OK to post here... Have you ever asked an Elder? I am gonna...


EDIT: " I read what you added, and thank you... Agape` love is the best love..." Jehovah is Good... Thank you, and I will...

Answer 7

Hi Sis I see that you already have some good answers and I would encourage you to look up those WT articles quoted but meeting attendance is a serious responsibility.

Being active refers to our ministry and is a separate issue from meeting attendance. Of course you already knew that .

Some may not attend many meetings due to poor health etc but are active in the phone, letter writing or informal ministry and are therefore 'active' members of the congregation
all though their meeting attendance may be irregular or seldom.

Agape sis.

Answer 8

*** km 1/94 p. 1 Meeting Attendance—A Serious Responsibility ***

Meeting Attendance—A Serious Responsibility

1 How seriously do you take meeting attendance? That is a searching question, is it not? No doubt most of us feel that we appreciate the meetings. However, reports indicate that meeting attendance in many congregations has recently declined. What could be the cause? Are some of us allowing unnecessary secular work, tiredness, homework, a slight physical indisposition, or a little bad weather to interfere with our obligation to attend meetings regularly? (Deut. 31:12) Since this is a Scriptural requirement, every one of us should give prayerful consideration to the question, How seriously do I take meeting attendance?

2 Some of our brothers walk for hours along dusty roads and cross crocodile-infested rivers in order to attend meetings. In your own congregation, there may be faithful ones who are “never missing” despite severe health problems, physical disabilities, crushing work loads at their place of employment, or demanding assignments at school. (Luke 2:37) Why do they make the effort to attend? Because they know that they cannot meet the challenges of this pressure-filled world in their own strength. They must rely on the strength that God provides.—2 Cor. 12:9, 10.

3 Today we follow the pattern set by the early Christians, who met regularly to pray, share experiences, and study God’s Word. (Acts 4:23-30; 11:4-18; Col. 4:16) We receive instruction on Bible prophecy and doctrine, as well as on godly conduct and Christian morals, along with timely admonition on improving our lives now by careful application of Scriptural principles. (1 Tim. 4:8) In addition, we are reminded of our hope that one day there will be an end to problems and suffering. It is vital that this hope be kept alive.—Heb. 6:19.

4 How seriously does your family take meeting attendance? Is it as much a part of your schedule as mealtime or secular work? On meeting nights, do you find yourself debating whether to attend or not, or is regular association with your brothers not optional in your household? Many publishers remember the example of their dedicated parents when they were growing up. “One thing about Dad,” an elder fondly recalls, “was that he always made sure the family got to the meetings. If someone was sick, one of us would stay home with him, but the rest went to the meeting!”

5 In succeeding issues of Our Kingdom Ministry, we will discuss the value of each congregation meeting with a view to helping build appreciation for these spiritual provisions. If your meeting attendance could be more consistent, we are sure that the articles will help you to realize what you are missing. They will include helpful reminders for those who conduct the meetings, as well as suggestions all of us can apply when preparing for and participating in them. Why not sit down as a family and give prayerful consideration to your pattern of meeting attendance? Then make any necessary adjustments in your schedule. Regular meeting attendance is a vital part of our theocratic education and should be taken very seriously indeed.

Answer 9

Thank You ,even though I'm a student of JW's and having health issues to keep me from going to Kingdom Hall,I needed the same kick in the butt.

Answer 10

Interestingly, Jehovah's Witnesses use the term "active" to describe each Witness who reports a personal share in the ministry (after originally qualifying to do so). While it is certainly recommended, a Witness need not attend congregation meetings to remain "active" and included in the statistics of Jehovah's Witnesses.

Learn more:
http://jw-media.org/people/statistics.htm
http://jw-media.org/people/ministry.htm
http://watchtower.org/e/jt/index.htm?article=article_04.htm
http://watchtower.org/e/rq/index.htm?article=article_14.htm