How to become a Jehovah’s Witness (How to convert to a Jehovah’s Witness)

Out of respect, I always stop and listen to Jehovah’s Witnesses. As a theologian, I’m always ready to learn about the biblical perspectives of different Christian denominations.

Last month on a Saturday afternoon, three Jehovah’s Witnesses knocked on my door and I let them in. We had such a spirited discussion that I invited them to come back the following weekend.

I was curious about the conversion process and they gave a step-by-step analysis of the conversion process. After speaking to these Witnesses, I finally got a better understanding of how to become a Jehovah’s Witness.

In this article, we will discuss the Jehovah’s Witness conversion procedure in detail. Join me as we discover if and how other religions can become Witnesses.

What steps should you follow to become a Jehovah’s Witness?

Becoming a Jehovah’s Witness is a lengthy process that involves the study of scripture and a lot of introspection.

If you belonged to a different religion, you would have to abandon those beliefs and adopt the biblical perspectives of Jehovah’s Witnesses.

You can follow the steps below to become a full-fledged Jehovah’s Witness:

Listen to the door-to-door witnesses

You need to believe the message before changing your spiritual beliefs and interpretation of the Bible. When Jehovah’s Witnesses approach you, ensure you listen to the message.

It’s important to ask questions to fully understand the religious beliefs of Jehovah’s Witnesses.

Take some literature

The second step to becoming a Jehovah’s Witness is reading the literature to learn more about their views on Christianity and life in general.

The Watch Tower has released a wide variety of educational books for people of all age groups. The graphics on these books are usually colourful and aesthetically pleasing.

Encourage a follow-up visit

During the door-to-door evangelism, the Jehovah’s Witnesses may ask you if you’re interested in a follow-up visit. This often happens if a person asks for some literature.

The follow-up visit is your opportunity to get clarification of anything you didn’t understand from the literature.

Accept the home bible study sessions

If you seem enthusiastic about the message, Jehovah’s Witnesses might offer you a free bible study from the comfort of your home.

Aspiring Jehovah’s Witnesses should take this offer because it is a great opportunity to learn about the religion’s views about God and contentious issues like the end of the world.

Become a student

Assuming that the first Bible study session was successful, you can agree to participate in more sessions. Throughout this period, you should assume the role of a student and view the Jehovah’s Witnesses as teachers.

Jehovah’s Witnesses use the Watchtower study book to teach aspiring Jehovah’s Witnesses the principles of this church. Take the time to learn from the Witness teaching you and ask questions for clarity.

Accept the Kingdom Hall invite

After several study sessions, the Jehovah’s Witnesses will invite you to worship with them at Kingdom Hall. Take them up on the offer and visit a Kingdom Hall with an open mind.

Jehovah’s Witnesses treat new members as honoured guests. So, be mentally prepared for the overwhelming excitement and love from other Witnesses.

Join door-to-door ministry as an unbaptized Witness

When you start showing some enthusiasm in the Kingdom Hall meetings, the Witnesses will invite you for a door-to-door mission.

Join the Witnesses as a silent observer and listen to them give strangers messages of hope. This will give you a glimpse of your new role as Jehovah’s Witness.

Get baptized

The final step to becoming a Jehovah’s Witness is baptism. Ensure you understand the spiritual obligations you need to fulfil before getting baptized.

After baptism, you become a Jehovah’s Witness and live according to their rules and principles.

Can one convert to Jehovah’s Witness from a different religion?

Yes. Jehovah’s Witnesses welcome anyone willing to accept their teachings as truth. After all, that’s what the door-to-door ministry is all about.

For instance, the late musician Prince Rogers Nelson famously converted from a Seventh-day Adventist to a Jehovah’s Witness in 2001.

An article in the Journal of African American Studies talks about his conversion process and what prompted him to become a Jehovah’s Witness. It is reported that Prince got baptized in 2003, which was two years after his conversion.

Can you become a Jehovah’s Witness at any age?

No, you must be old enough to make wise decisions about your spiritual life. According to Jehovah’s Witnesses, at 16 years people can choose the religious path they want to follow.

Becoming a Jehovah’s Witness requires deep thought on various biblical principles. Before converting to a Jehovah’s Witness, you must understand that it demands a total change of lifestyle.

That includes crucial issues such as avoiding blood transfusions even in situations where your life is at risk. Small children do not have the mental capacity to ponder such deep matters.

Do you have to be baptized to become a Jehovah’s Witness?

Yes, you need to get baptized as a Jehovah’s Witness as a sign of your commitment to your newfound faith. The decision to get baptized is very important for Jehovah’s Witnesses.

This religion believes that a person should make a conscious decision to begin the baptism process. That’s because it can take up to two years of bible study and soul searching to be considered qualified for baptism.

During these two years, you will practice door-to-door ministry to get a feel of what it is to be a Jehovah’s Witness. When you experience every aspect of being a Jehovah’s Witness, the elders will speak to you to determine if you are ready for baptism.

Can a Catholic become a Jehovah’s Witness?

Yes, but one has to unlearn many Catholic principles that go against Jehovah’s Witness beliefs. For instance, Witnesses do not believe in the Holy Trinity or the baptism of infants.

If you grew up in a Catholic home, becoming a Jehovah’s Witness can be challenging.

However, after a prolonged period of bible study and guidance by seasoned Jehovah’s Witnesses, a catholic can join this religious group and eventually get baptized.