Why wont Jehovah's witnesses have a bible study with my Pastor present?

Question

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I have been having weekly bible discussions with a very nice Jehovah's Witness lady, and I invited my Pastor to sit in, and the lady I am having the discussions with has decided not to come today. Is this normal?

pestie58 ? i just want the truth of the bible they are both christians. what set up ? that does not make any sence.

What? Shame on ME? now I am more convused

Answer 1

Do you want too study or have a religious augment . This would appear to be a set up to her.

When I was a JW I was in this same situation all we did was throw scriptures at each other , it was a total waste of time . A study is a study. If you can't work out for yourself what she is teaching is true or false then don't waste your time or hers.

Shame really you had a chance to have your eyes opened and set free from the lies of the churches.

I did not mean shame on you , sorry if it came across that way , I meant it is a shame if you let this stop you from continuing your studies with them.
I know the JW's well and really it is of no value trying to convince someone if they are not there to learn , no one wins in a situation where both sides are trying to prove they are right and you are wrong.

Answer 2

Many or most Jehovah's Witnesses would happily conduct a bible study in the respectful presence of a non-Witness minister.

Please be assured that an experienced lay-minister of Jehovah's Witnesses is not intimidated by a professional clergyman of any denomination. No Witness will refuse to preach to anyone, unless he believes the situation to be literally dangerous.

Consider, though, that there are seven million Jehovah's Witnesses who all share in the public ministry. Witnesses encourage new students and young people to share bible truth immediately, rather than waiting to attain some certificate or level of experience. It seems obvious that a new, inexperienced minister of Jehovah's Witnesses might hesitate where a more experienced one would not. Similarly, personalities vary. Some Witnesses are naturally more outgoing and articulate, and a few women ministers are uncomfortable witnessing to men.

Of course, Jehovah's Witnesses are not interested in arguing or debating. Jehovah's Witnesses will use the bible as their only authority, and request that others do the same. The questioner should perhaps consider her own motives. Is she concerned about any and all minutia that an anti-Witness critic might pretend is a major issue? Or is she more concerned with learning major bible truths (and perhaps the reasons her former church ignored them)?

It seems best for the questioner to keep the discussion to major points of interest, and for the questioner to remind the pastor that she is primarily interested in a respectful discussion of the bible's thoughts, rather than those of philosophers and catechism.

Learn more:
http://watchtower.org/e/jt/index.htm?article=article_03.htm
http://jw-media.org/beliefs/beliefsfaq.htm
http://watchtower.org/e/20020422/article_02.htm

Answer 3

You should ask her why she didn't come or how she feels about it. No one can explain why she did/didn't do something as well as she can:D

I personally wouldn't mind studying with someone and having their pastor present.

As others have mentioned, if the pastor is male, she might've wanted to reschedule for a male Witness to come along, just for propriety.

I can tell you, based on my life, sometimes really weird things come up, and mess up scheduling.

Answer 4

I agree with those who said, Call your JW friend.

I can't help but wonder how you phrased your invitation to your Pastor?

Who was invited to conduct the study?
Was it an invitation for a debate?

(2 Timothy 2:14) 14 Keep reminding them of these things, charging them before God as witness, not to fight about words, a thing of no usefulness at all because it overturns those listening.

(2 Timothy 2:23) 23 Further, turn down foolish and ignorant questionings, knowing they produce fights.

The sister is not coming to your house to force you to do anything.

She is there to help you come to an accurate knowledge of the truth.

.

Answer 5

There are all sorts of reasons for her missing you. We are just like anyone else, stuff happens. It is pointless to speculate. Just ask her.

If the Pastor wants to learn, we have no objections. If he merely wants to argue, we do. Our purpose is not to argue or fight but to teach, ideally, and preach otherwise.

Some of the non-JWs have some bizarre ideas for answers they no nothing about. Most baptized JWs know more about the Bible than most clergy as that has been their main efforts of study. Clergy studies include business and management courses more than most Biblical studies.

Especially when it comes to mixing pagan teachings with Biblical teachings. They do not see a problem. Whether that is due to lack of knowledge or refusing to look depends on the individual. Regardless, the Bible is clear. Jesus said at Matthew 15:9 that "it is in vain they keep worshiping me for they teach commands on men as doctrine." Truly, most do not want the light of truth but prefer the darkness. (John 3:19-21)

I am reminded of the experience of one of JWs, a 6 yr. old girl. She was out one day with her parents distributing copies of the magazines when a Catholic priest walked by. He angrily told this little girl if he took those magazines, he would use them as toilet paper. "Oh NO!", she said. "The Bible says the word of God is sharper than a two-edged sword!" (Heb. 4:12) Who was the grown up here?
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I was just thinking and I can't think of anyone who hasn't had to cancel a study visit at some time or other. Hopefully but not always, we call to let someone know. Sometimes it can't be done.

Answer 6

It depends on what the Pastor is doing there. If he is there to engage in a argument, then she will obviously not want him to be there. He could sit in the Bible study if he wanted learn something.

Are you trying to draw her away from the Witnesses? Because it seems like you want to invite her to your church and have a pastor involved in the Bible study.

Answer 7

Phone up the sister and ask why she hasn't come. For all you know, something might be wrong with her.

We have nothing against studying the Bible with anyone or in the presence of anyone, so long as they do not prove disruptive to the study itself.

I personally would love for an opportunity to meet up with a 'pastor'- they always seem to avoid that when I ask them to sit in on my studies.

Answer 8

First, do you think that's the reason why the lady decided not to come? If not, then your question can mislead those who answer your question.

If yes, I can offer you a reason:

The most probable reason is that the lady is afraid of confronting a man of another faith who has a lot of knowledge about his faith and its basis. Remember that JWs are ordinary people (not trained missionaries or ministers who earned degress in theology, etc.). Some of them are new in the faith. I admit that most of JWs are not that good in argumentation. Argumentation involves constructive ordering of ideas, logical explanations, etc. I'm sure you're aware that most people have difficulty with proper argumentation. However, if that lady was able to invite a fellow JW who is very good in reasoning the JW faith, then she will definitely show up.

Answer 9

Did she now your pastor was going to be there? She may have been ill, busy, etc. If there is going to be a male present she should have a brother there. it's just kida an unspoken rule.

Answer 10

Well, she may not be feeling well.

What is the reason you want to have your Pastor there? Why does your pastor want to to there? Does he want to listen to what she as to say, or is he there to argue with her?
We don't like to waste time arguing. If he's willing to have a friendly discussion, I'm sure she'd be willing to talk with him. No one likes to feel like they're being ganged up on.

Why not ask her, I'm sure she has a good reason.