“As long as your adolescent lives under your roof, you have the right to require compliance with a spiritual routine.”
Meetings and Meetings Attendance
Meetings and Meeting Attendance
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Thorough preparation at home for each meeting is required, and the entire family should be dressed in their ‘Sunday-best’ clothes for each meeting. “Associating” with fellow congregants for a suggested minimum of 20 minutes before and after each meeting is necessary to be considered “exemplary.” [4] [5]
As a result, evening meetings result in children not being put to bed until about 11:00 P.M.
Parents are instructed to have taught their children to sit quietly throughout the entire 1.75 hours of the meeting, no matter the child’s age. [6] [7] [8] [9]
Children are forbidden to have toys, non-Watch Tower books, or any other distraction at the meetings. [10] [11] [12] [13] [14]
Although meetings are portrayed as being “discussions,” [15] independent questions are never allowed, nor are independent answers. Articles to be ‘studied’ at the meetings are written with questions for each paragraph. The answers are to be given by the audience from the respective paragraph. [16] The format to be followed is strictly regulated by the Governing Body. [17]
In addition to the semi-weekly meetings, Jehovah’s Witnesses must attend two semi-annual Special Assembly Days, and one three-day Annual Convention. Each day of these assemblies and conventions is a full day in length. The same requirements of children apply to these longer sessions as well. (At one point in time, there were conventions that were eight days in length, with the schedule running from 9:00 A.M. to 9:00 P.M. [18] Convention Program )
At assemblies, children are interviewed for upholding the religion’s practices, such as an 11-year-old for shunning her sister, and a 12-year-old for being a Regular Pioneer and who is looking forward to Watch Tower’s ‘final solution’ of genocide of his classmates that use bad words.
At a New York assembly in September 2019, two boys are interviewed. One is a 12-year-old boy who is a Regular Pioneer that spends 70 hours per month canvassing for the religion. The other boy is a 10-year-old who looks forward to the Watch Tower’s ‘final solution,’ when Jehovah will “wipe out” his classmates that use bad words.
Kingdom Ministry, January 2011, page 3
In order to attend the Congregation Book Study, we needed time to dress, travel, and so forth. For many of us, attending this one-hour meeting took the better part of the evening.
The Watchtower magazine, February 1, 1950, page 38
At this point someone might suggest that the pendulum has been allowed to swing too far, that now there are too many meetings which occupy far too much of the little available time.
…Some will neglect meetings, according to Paul, and they will advance one argument or another for so doing, but that is not the profitable course to follow. By setting and meeting the goal never to miss any of the meetings that the Lord provides for His people, the Christian is protected against becoming involved in the affairs of this world. He doesn’t have time for it!
It is well to keep constantly in mind that the pattern which our individual lives follow, the way we use our time, is largely determined by habits we have formed, whether good or bad. Usually the course that seems most difficult, when carefully examined, proves to be the best. It is a broad way that Satan constructs to lead his followers to death.
The Watchtower magazine, March 1, 1956, page 151
So whenever the local congregation officially meets for the service meeting, the Watchtower study or the weekly book study, there will be present God’s holy spirit as an organizational helper. That helper is also present at every circuit and district assembly. All national and international conventions of Jehovah’s witnesses likewise have this unique spiritual blessing. It is quite manifest that Jehovah’s holy spirit does not rest upon the denominationally divided gatherings of the spiritually sick people of the false religious organizations. But long experience shows that God’s holy spirit does reside wonderfully with his people! Knowing this to be a fact, then, it means that in order for us to keep up with the truth we must unfailingly be present at every official meeting of God’s people with whom we are actively associated. Can we conceive of a ministerial angel in heaven finding an excuse for not being present when God’s court officially meets in heaven? Certainly not. So likewise we as God’s ministers should not have excuses for being absent from meetings.
The Watchtower magazine, October 15, 1956, page 629
But today Jehovah through his visible organization gives additional assistance by arranging congregational meetings. At these meetings he spreads a spiritual table for us, and by staying away we say this table is contemptible, despise it as of no real worth… This is especially vital in this present time of the end.
The Watchtower magazine, February 15,1958, page 123
Appreciating Your Privileges at the World’s End – Among the New World society you will find many rich privileges, each of great value in the eyes of God. There will be public Bible lectures to attend, studies of The Watchtower, public speaking instruction in the theocratic ministry school, as well as a weekly service meeting to help you fulfill your ministerial privileges well…
If complacency or apathy has made you susceptible to the plague of ingratitude that paralyzes the mind and hands and weakens the feet that should be working and walking to meetings and out into house-to-house Kingdom service, hasten to take corrective measures… Where is that system of things now? Where will this one be after Armageddon?
The Watchtower magazine, June 15, 1958, page 372
His secular employment becomes of greater concern to him than spiritual employment.
Even though his secular work may interfere with his ministry and his attendance at congregational meetings, he is unwilling to make adjustments to put spiritual interests first.
The Watchtower magazine, July 15, 1960, page 442
The question may next be asked, ‘How can one stay awake with this fast-moving “faithful and discreet slave” class?’ The members of this anointed group are years ahead in maturity, Biblical knowledge, theocratic experience and vision of Jehovah’s purpose and divine will. There are several things one can do to stay awake and abreast. First, one should keep up with the “food at the proper time” supplied through God’s proved channel and published by the Watch Tower Society. One cannot afford to miss one spiritual meal. In addition to one’s private study it is vital to attend the congregation studies each week. By missing study meetings one is spiritually emaciating himself, remaining spiritually thin and weak. If such careless feeding continues, one will not be strong enough to keep up with the rapid march of the New World society. The anointed remnant as leaders have only one determination ahead of them, and that is the prize of life everlasting in the doing of Jehovah’s will in vindication of His sovereignty. Are you of the “other sheep” going to be strong enough to be the traveling companions of the remnant in this determined drive for victory? Feed with eagerness, as if it meant your life. It does.”
The Watchtower magazine, March 15, 1961, page 190
The immature Christian permits bad weather to interfere with his attending meetings of the Christian congregation, comes late and unprepared to take part, and leaves right afterward. The mature Christian prepares in advance, comes regularly regardless of the weather, takes an active part in the meeting and lingers afterward to associate and encourage others.
The Watchtower magazine, June 1, 1961, page 337
On the other hand, there may be some individual who has begun to lose his appreciation of spiritual things and slow down in the building program. He may become involved in other matters and let them interfere with his regular attendance at the meetings.
The Watchtower magazine, April 1, 1962, page 211
It includes regular participation in Christian conversation and involves taking the children to meetings where discussions are Biblical. Never underestimate meeting value! While the child may think this not as interesting as the movies or TV, nevertheless experience shows that child instruction pays off in later years. Two boys, both of whom found meeting attendance irksome, were brought to the Kingdom Hall by parents. One boy was then sent to a nearby movie while his parents attended the meetings. The other boy was made by his father to come in and sit through the meetings. The first boy married a worldly girl and left the truth, while the other boy grew up to like the truth, married a girl that was dedicated and later both became members of the Bethel family. So the parents’ oversight and authority require that worldly-inclined children be brought regularly to meetings. It is even more necessary that such children be kept in close contact with Christianity while the children are still legally and Scripturally under the Christian parents’ control. Cases differ. The older and more wayward, obstinate, set against the Bible, the more difficult the correction. More severe measures have to be taken to recover these.
The Watchtower magazine, July 15, 1962, page 434
Never let your secular employment keep you from attending congregational meetings for Bible study or from attending conventions devoted to pure worship.
The Watchtower magazine, August 15, 1962, page 498
Problems do come up from time to time that would encourage us to think of missing just a meeting or two; it will be only a temporary staying away and then we can get back into the regular habit again. Many times it centers around children, some parents feeling that their child should be trained at home first before going to the meetings. Others have the idea that the children need to get to bed early and so cannot go to the congregation meetings on those evenings. Reason, now. What problem can be solved with less spiritual food? Recognizing that some have a sleepy habit of staying away from meetings, Jehovah through his Word talks to mature people: “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) He wants us to consider our brothers and our families, making definite plans to incite them to work for him and associate with his people.
The Watchtower magazine, June 15, 1964, page 370
At these meetings Jehovah’s holy spirit operates as a remarkable organizational agency, helping the congregation as a whole and each of us as individuals…
At times parents hesitate to bring children to meetings during the week because of their homework. Many have solved this by scheduling homework right after school. Meeting and learning with Jehovah’s people is in the field of highest education, leading to life. An additional benefit is that the training and instruction in the ministry enable the child to be a better student and to make faster progress in schoolwork. It develops good thinking and study habits. As one author said: “The more a man thinks, the better adapted he becomes to thinking, and education is nothing if it is not the methodical creation of the habit of thinking.”
Does your secular work interfere with your ministerial schedule? If it does, then your spiritual health may be endangered. Perhaps you can speak to your employer about it. Many have arranged to get time off from secular work in order to attend meetings and participate in the ministry. Or have you considered changing your job? If your secular work were a hazard to your physical health and life and your doctor ordered you to make a change or else you might die, would you not respond? Jesus promised that Jehovah would take care of our needs if we do our part. Go to God in prayer and sincerely ask him to provide work that will enable you to pursue the ministry.
The Watchtower magazine, March 1, 1965, page 159
That means buying out the opportune time for private study, for attending the five weekly congregational meetings, for discussing truths with others and for prayer.
Among the obstacles we are faced with in making God’s progressive revelation our own are unexpected guests. If these come when it is time for meeting, why not invite them to come along? Then again, it may be bad weather. But since it seldom interferes with our secular work, should it interfere with our spiritual activity? As for children’s homework, it can be done after school so as not to have it interfere with meetings. Where secular work unduly interferes, why not discuss the matter with your employer and, if unable to improve matters in this way, perhaps you could find work that would not present such an obstacle.
The Watchtower magazine, November 1, 1965, page 666
In the same way that you strengthen faith and hope—by regular private study of God’s Word, by earnest prayer and by association with your Christian brothers at congregation meetings. Faced as we are with the destruction of this wicked system of things and with God’s righteous new order at hand, it is urgent for any who have slowed down to snap out of their state of spiritual apathy while there is yet time.
The Watchtower magazine, December 15, 1965, page 751
Not attending the meetings of the congregation is one of the most obvious ways of forsaking and neglecting the “house of our God.” If a member of God’s dedicated, baptized household willfully fails to attend, he is virtually disfellowshiping the congregation from himself. Disfellowshiping means the casting of a member out of God’s household; and if one should remain in this disfellowshiped condition till he died, it would mean his everlasting destruction as a person who is rejected by God. Staying away from meetings leads in that very direction.
The Watchtower magazine, April 1, 1967, page 204
There are many other ways in which Satan the Devil endeavors to stumble Christians and make them forget their decision to serve God. For example, someone in the congregation may say or do something that causes one to take personal offense. And instead of straightening out the trouble in the Scripturally prescribed way, the offended one allows the matter to become such a big issue in his mind that he leaves the Christian congregation.
But think: Is it pleasing to Jehovah God to permit anyone or anything to interfere with your service to him or your relationship with his organization? Most definitely not! So do not allow such attempts of Satan to cause you to forget God and his service. You have nothing to gain and everything to lose by staying away from congregation meetings and the association with your brothers.
The Watchtower magazine, November 15, 1971, page 678 (full article)
How precious Christian meetings are to you, you show by the price you are willing to pay to attend them.
The Watchtower magazine, May 15, 1975, page 319 (full article)
As a widow with teen-age children, I learned the truth of God’s Word about a year ago. Should I insist that my children go to the congregation meetings, even though they may be reluctant to do so?
It is proper that a Christian parent require children to attend Christian meetings…
The obligation rests upon parents to provide not only materially but also spiritually for their children. Children may not like to go to school, but, knowing what is best for a child and having respect for “Caesar’s” law that a child go to school up to a certain age or grade, most parents do not hesitate to require compliance with the law that children go to school. If this is important as far as a secular education is concerned, how much more important is it in connection with an education in Jehovah’s life-giving law.
The Watchtower magazine, August 15,1975, page 510
If the Devil can get you so upset over the imperfections of your brother that you skip meetings or hold back from preaching the good news of the Kingdom, he is very pleased. Do you want to please the Adversary because of some irritation or spirit of pride? Does your relationship with Jehovah mean so little that you would quit serving him or slow down because one of the brothers commits a wrong? Remember, if Jehovah required perfection of your brother at this time, he would require it of you too. If you want God to forgive you your shortcomings, you must be willing to forgive those of your brother. Jesus predicated forgiveness of our sins upon our being willing to forgive others.
Unseen Spirits – Do They Help Us? or Do They Harm Us? (1978), page 48
They also meet regularly for group study of the inspired writings of God’s Word, and these meetings likewise are free, with no collections taken. To attend these is a tremendous help in carrying on the warfare that the apostle Paul writes about when he says: “We have a wrestling . . . against the wicked spirit forces in the heavenly places.”
The Watchtower magazine, May 15, 1980, page 4
In particular must the dedicated Christian be on guard against being too kind to himself when he should be exercising discipline. How easy it is to let inclement weather serve as an excuse for staying away from meetings of the Christian congregation or from having an active share in the work of preaching and making disciples!
The Watchtower magazine, November 1, 1980, page 31
Failure to heed the command to attend Christian meetings is serious and could lead to disastrous consequences for a servant of Jehovah.
Our Kingdom Service, October 1981, page 1, par 3
Training Children in the Way of Life – DISCIPLINE MUST BE CONSISTENT
Obedience involves listening. Do you teach your children to listen? Are they required to attend meetings? Also, are they expected to pay attention? Some parents train their children to listen at home. They set aside a regular time to read to their children. During this time youngsters are required to sit still and pay attention. If this is done patiently,
page 4
in time the children will develop the capacity to listen and concentrate on the spoken word and will not be so easily distracted during meetings. Again, parents must set the example, not being easily distracted themselves or looking around each time there is a minor disturbance during meetings. Additionally, youths enjoy meetings when they are prepared to participate. If a young one participates, giving an answer or two in his own words, doubtless he will pay closer attention and feel more rewarded. Having children look up Bible texts cited by the speakers will keep them alert and will be good training as well.
4 Sometimes at meetings children become restless after an hour or so. They may turn around and try to get the attention of others. Or they may bring toys or other objects for their personal amusement and this results in distracting others. We must not forget that even the “little ones” in Israel were commanded to assemble to “listen” and “learn.” (Deut. 31:12) In order to find an excuse to move around, children occasionally get into the habit of running to the restroom a number of times during the meeting, causing considerable disturbance to others. Yet these same children can play for hours at a time without experiencing any such problem. If parents insist that each of their children use the restroom before the meeting begins, there is usually no real need for them to disturb the meeting a short while later.
The Watchtower magazine, April 15, 1982, page 26
God’s inspired Word counsels us not to forsake the gathering of ourselves together. (Hebrews 10:24, 25) The importance of this is not diminished in times of persecution. Meetings may have to be held in small groups in private homes; places and times may have to be varied and may not always be convenient, some meetings being held late at night. Yet, in spite of the dangers, our faithful brothers and sisters make every effort to be present at every meeting. And brothers are willing to let their homes be used for such meetings, even though discovery may lead to loss of freedom for them.
The Watchtower magazine, January 15, 1983, page 20
How can you know when you are being taken in by Satan’s subtle lure of materialism? You can if any form of relaxation or pursuit of material possessions has begun to interfere with your study of the Bible, regular attendance at Christian meetings or weekly field ministry activity. ..It is similar with a person who drifts away from God and His organization.
Wisely, therefore, we should often examine our own Christian activity, asking: “Do I study the Bible as regularly as I once did? Is my meeting attendance as regular as it was in the past? Do I put in as much time in the field ministry as formerly?”
The Watchtower magazine, March 1, 1983, page 19
Likewise, our meetings at the Kingdom Hall or elsewhere are vital so that we may be regularly strengthened by the Word of God and his holy spirit, as well as being kept alert to the movements of the enemy.
The Watchtower magazine, December 15, 1985, page 7
Christian meetings are a way by which we can maintain proper esteem. Since Jehovah and Jesus are present invisibly at these gatherings, grateful Christians will not snub them, as the apostates do, but rather do all they reasonably can to attend regularly.
The Watchtower magazine, March 15, 1986, page 16
If we are not continually on guard, the Devil can by his sly propaganda make our hearts receptive to apostate thinking. But how does the Devil, in effect, set a person up as a likely casualty, a victim of apostasy?
Common attitudes that Satan looks for are bitterness, resentment, and faultfinding. Such feelings can grow so strong that there is very little room left for love and appreciation. Perhaps some unresolved problem festers, causing a person to feel angry and justified in staying away from vital Christian meetings.
The Watchtower magazine, March 15, 1988, page 18
The imperfections of others may test our loyalty in this regard. For instance, when they have been offended, some have manifested a weakness in their loyalty to Jehovah’s organization by staying away from Christian meetings.
The Watchtower magazine, December 1, 1989, page 12
We can illustrate this by the real-life case of a young man who, when he was about 14 years of age and already a baptized Christian, had his love of the truth tested. Like many young people, he loved sports, especially soccer. But there was a problem. His school played soccer the same night that the congregation had its meetings. His spirituality was not strong enough for him properly to evaluate the superficial value of soccer as compared to the lasting value of attending Christian meetings with his widowed mother and his younger brother and sister.
The Watchtower magazine, September 1, 1991, page 23
If someone offends you, that is absolutely no reason for staying away from meetings.
The Watchtower magazine, August 15, 1993, page 9 (full article)
According to the Bible book of Revelation, when the Devil was cast out of heaven at the beginning of the time of the end, he had great anger and “went off to wage war with the remaining ones . . . who observe the commandments of God and have the work of bearing witness to Jesus.” (Revelation 12:7-17) Therefore, observing the commandments of God is especially difficult now; we need to meet with fellow believers all the more so. Meetings will help us to strengthen our faith and our love for God in order to resist the Devil’s attacks.
Love of God and faith are not like buildings that are permanent once they are built. Rather, they are like living things that grow slowly with constant feeding but that wither and die if starved. That is why Jehovah provides regular spiritual food to strengthen his people. All of us need such food, but where can we receive it apart from God’s organization and its meetings? Nowhere.
The Watchtower magazine, August 1, 1997, page 10
When some who are taking the lead among us seem to err in judgment, speak with harsh words, or seem to show favoritism, will we complain about them, perhaps contributing to a critical spirit in the congregation? Will we stay away from Christian meetings as a form of protest? Surely not! Like David, we will never allow the faults of another to move us to be disloyal to Jehovah and his organization.
The Watchtower magazine, September 1, 1998, page 21
Parents who are conscious of their own spiritual needs help their children to appreciate Christian meetings. As a general rule, they expect their children to do their homework as it is assigned rather than allow assignments to accumulate. On meeting nights the children do their homework as soon as they return home from school. Hobbies and other activities are not permitted to interfere with congregation meetings.
As a husband and father, do you give meeting attendance priority? As a wife and mother, do you try to plan your responsibilities to leave room for the meetings? As a teenager, do you schedule your homework around the meetings or the meetings around your homework?
Kingdom Ministry, August 2000, page 8
Meetings Benefit Young People – The companions found at the meetings are the best anywhere, and the spiritual atmosphere is pleasant and safe. (Ps. 133:1) No wonder that one youth said: “I go to school all day long, and it tears me down. But the meetings are like an oasis in the desert, where I am refreshed to make it through the next school day.” Another said: “I have found that close association with others who love Jehovah helps me to stay close to him.”
Kingdom Ministry, May 2002, page 1
Regular meeting attendance is another good work that springs from faith. How so? It shows our conviction that Jesus is present with us by means of God’s holy spirit when we gather at Christian meetings.
The Watchtower magazine, Oct 1, 2006, page 29
For example, if an employer insists that you regularly work at a time scheduled for Christian meetings, will you courageously stick to your spiritual priorities? If a person has doubts that Jehovah will fulfill His promise to care for His servants, then Satan simply needs to keep up the pressure and such a person might stop attending meetings altogether. Yes, a lack of faith on our part can give Satan a hold on us so that he, not Jehovah, sets our priorities. What a tragedy that would be!
The Watchtower magazine, May 1, 2007, page 16
For example, an unemployed Christian may be offered a sorely needed job. However, the schedule is demanding, and if he accepts the job, he will be absent for a number of Christian meetings and will miss out on other activities related to true worship.
The Watchtower magazine, January 15, 2008, page 27
If so, do not allow Satan to use those feelings to hinder you from serving Jehovah. In-depth Bible study, fervent prayer, and regular meeting attendance and association with those of like faith will strengthen you and keep you from ‘giving out in your soul.’
The Watchtower magazine, January 15, 2010, page 21
We give priority to our sacred service, which includes Bible study, prayer, Christian meetings, and the ministry. (Matt. 6:33; John 4:34; 1 Pet. 2:9) Yet, spiritual activities cannot occupy our whole day. Employment, school, and numerous household duties need to be fitted in. Even so, we do our utmost to arrange secular work and other activities in such a way that they do not interfere with our sacred service, such as attending Christian meetings.
Come Be My Follower (2007-2019), page 63
God assures us that he will never allow Satan to corrupt his restored people. (Isaiah 2:1, 2; 54:17) Granted, we encounter sins and imperfections within the Christian congregation. But should we use the failings of others as an excuse to disobey Jehovah, perhaps staying away from Christian meetings or becoming critical of the elders? Never!
The Watchtower magazine, February 1, 2012, page 21 (full article)
The book Questions Young People Ask—Answers That Work, Volume 1, states: “As long as your adolescent lives under your roof, you have the right to require compliance with a spiritual routine.
The Watchtower magazine, February 15, 2012, page 7
He might be tempted to take a job that repeatedly causes him to miss out on attending Christian meetings, taking the lead in family worship, or participating in the ministry. If he relies solely on human thinking, such a course could seem justifiable, even upright. However, it may well result in spiritual sickness or death.
The Watchtower magazine, August 15, 2012, page 26
Stand Firm and Avoid Satan’s Traps – Will your secular work interfere with your spiritual activities, including congregation meetings and your Family Worship evening?
The Watchtower magazine, December 15, 2014, page 25
In addition to cultivating love for one another and using Christian meetings to strengthen the bond of unity…Doing so can help you to make certain that you are not tied to this old world when it suffers its demise.
The Watchtower magazine, April 2016, pages 19 and 21
Meetings bring us under the influence of holy spirit. The glorified Jesus Christ said: “Let the one who has an ear hear what the spirit says to the congregations.” (Rev. 2:7) Yes, Jesus leads the Christian congregation by means of holy spirit. We need holy spirit to help us resist temptation, to embolden and equip us for the ministry, and to enable us to make sound decisions…
Jehovah blesses meetings with his holy spirit and actively directs the Scriptural teaching program. At our meetings, then, we are listening to Jehovah’s voice and sensing his loving care. Consequently, we draw close to him.
Jesus said: “Where there are two or three gathered together in my name, there I am in their midst.” (Matt. 18:20) In principle, Jesus’ statement applies to our meetings. As head of the congregation, Christ “walks among” the congregations of God’s people. (Rev. 1:20–2:1) Think of it! Jehovah and Jesus are actively involved in strengthening us at Christian meetings.
For example, we may be pressured by an employer who insists that we sacrifice regular meeting attendance for secular work. We may be opposed by a government that threatens us with fines, imprisonment, or worse if we meet together for worship. Or we may be tempted to engage in recreation rather than attend a meeting.
Kingdom Ministry, January 2011, page 3 – In order to attend the Congregation Book Study, we needed time to dress, travel, and so forth. For many of us, attending this one-hour meeting took the better part of the evening. ↑
Kingdom Ministry, May 1988, page 1 – Some may leave their children at home to do their school homework. The wise parent, however, brings his children to the meetings. ↑
The Watchtower magazine, July 1, 1970, page 406 – Say, for purposes of illustration, that an individual persistently neglects to attend meetings… He is in great peril, for in the coming “great tribulation” he will be destroyed just as surely as the individual who has taken an obviously wrong course. ↑
Kingdom Ministry, March 1988, page 3 – Why not try diligently to arrive 15 to 20 minutes before the meeting starts and stay awhile afterward so you can share more fully in encouraging others. ↑
Benefit From Theocratic Ministry School Education (2001), page 264 – EXERCISE: Plan to arrive at congregation meetings 15 to 20 minutes before they begin by allotting time needed for both you and your family to get ready. Allow time for travel. Consider how to deal with common problems that could cause you to be late. Try your plan several times, making needed adjustments. ↑
The Watchtower Magazine, January 15, 1977, page 56 – She would explain about the meetings, how children learn to be with a group and to sit quietly for two hours. ↑
The Watchtower Magazine, December 1, 1996, page 12 – To help little ones absorb the water of Bible truth, parents can include many practical things in the regular instruction periods. The parents of two preteens said: “Both children started to receive training to sit quietly in the Kingdom Hall from their first few weeks of life.” ↑
The Watchtower Magazine, February 15, 1963, page 111 – Time and again an infant’s or young child’s crying is not due to discomfort or pain but due to anger, hurt pride, frustration, rebellion or rage. Infants and children can be taught to sit quietly at the meetings if sufficient love and firmness are shown in their rearing the rest of the week at home; they can be taught to be submissive. ↑
The Watchtower Magazine, January 15, 1954, page 50 – The children certainly should attend these meetings and sit quietly. ↑
Benefit From Theocratic Ministry School Education (2001), page 16 – At the meetings, avoid using toys to keep young ones occupied. ↑
Kingdom Ministry, January 2001, page 1 – It is not wise to bring toys or coloring books to keep children amused. Unnecessary trips to the restroom also interfere with their listening. Since “foolishness is tied up with the heart of a boy,” parents should put forth earnest effort to see that their children sit still and listen at meetings. ↑
Kingdom Ministry, December 1994, page 1 – Children as well as adults need to absorb the instruction provided at meetings. What the children learn will be very limited if parents provide toys or coloring books to keep them occupied and quiet. There is a lack of proper discipline when children are allowed to play, talk, cry, or do other things that disturb those sitting nearby. Frequent and unnecessary trips to the rest room or water fountain during the meeting are usually reduced when the child knows that one of his parents will always accompany him. ↑
Kingdom Ministry, May 1988, page 1 – The first thing a child should learn from infancy is that he goes to the Kingdom Hall to listen. But if he is given things to keep him occupied, such as toys or food, or if he is allowed to play at his seat, will he learn to listen and appreciate why we attend meetings at the Kingdom Hall? [page 20 – same as footnote 2] ↑
The Watchtower Magazine, January 15, 1954, page 50 – Today little ones are not to be sidetracked into a soundproof room to romp, nor is it wise to supply them with trinkets to toy with and drop during meetings. [page 34 – same as footnote 8] ↑
Who Are Doing Jehovah’s Will Today (2014), page 10 – After the discourse, there is a one-hour “Watchtower” Study, in which members of the congregation are welcome to participate in a discussion of an article from the study edition of The Watchtower. ↑
Shepherd the Flock of God (2020), Ch. 6, par. 7 – He encourages as many as possible to participate and tactfully reminds the audience that the first answer should be a direct answer to the printed question. ↑
Shepherd the Flock of God (2020), Ch. 6 ↑
Kingdom Ministry, May 1993, page 4 – Some parents arrange for a quiet time at home each day when their young ones are expected to read or to look at the pictures in one of the Society’s publications. This good training makes it much easier for the children to sit quietly during meetings and conventions. Parents who have raised exemplary children say that they never permit their young ones to bring toys or coloring books to meetings. ↑
The Watchtower Magazine, July 1, 1953, page 399 – Children may not be able to grasp all the fine points made by every speaker, but that is no reason why they should not sit quietly with their parents and try to get as much benefit from the programs as possible so that it will have been worth while for their parents to bring them along. By paying attention they will become better acquainted with theocratic words and phrases… Yankee Stadium, for the duration of the assembly, will be “the house of Jehovah” for Jehovah’s witnesses, a mammoth Kingdom Hall. And in view of the quality and abundance of the spiritual food being provided there at that time we should show even more respect for its presentation than we do at our local Kingdom Halls. Let us not in effect sniff at these provisions or say “the table of Jehovah is contemptible” by milling around in the passageways or by visiting with others when we should be in our seats in the stadium listening to what is being said from the platform. ↑