A Few Suggestions on Finding the Best Way to Leave the Organization of Jehovah’s Witnesses

The title of this video is “A Few Suggestions on Finding the Best Way to Leave the Organization of Jehovah’s Witnesses.”

I imagine that someone without any connections to or experience with the Organization of Jehovah’s Witnesses might read this title and wonder, “What’s the big deal? If you want to leave, then just leave. What? Did you sign a contract or something?”

Actually, yes, you did sign a contract or something of the sort. You did this, without realizing it, I’m sure, when you got baptized as one of Jehovah’s Witnesses. Your baptism into the organization carried with it some serious consequences…consequences that were hidden from you, buried in the “theocratic fine print.”

Isn’t it so that you were told that you had to make a dedication vow to Jehovah, and that your baptism was a symbol of that dedication? Is that scriptural? PLEASE! There’s nothing scriptural about that. Seriously, show me a Scripture that says we have to make a vow of dedication to God before baptism? There isn’t one. In fact, Jesus tells us not to make such vows.

“You have also heard that our ancestors were told, ‘You must not break your vows; you must carry out the vows you make to the Lord.’ But I say, do not make any vows!…Just say a simple, ‘Yes, I will,’ or ‘No, I won’t.’ Anything beyond this is from the evil one.” (Matthew 5:33, 37 NIV)

But the JW requirement of making a dedication vow to Jehovah before baptism, so readily accepted by all Witnesses—myself included at one time—holds them hostage to the Organization because, for the Governing Body, “Jehovah” and “Organization” are synonymous. Leaving the Organization is always expressed as “leaving Jehovah.” So, dedication to God is also dedication to what Geoffrey Jackson called, speaking under oath, the Guardians of Doctrine or G.O.D. referring to the Governing Body of Jehovah’s Witnesses.

In the mid-1980s, apparently to cover their legal backside, they added a question that all baptismal candidates are required to answer in the affirmative: “Do you understand that your baptism identifies you as one of Jehovah’s Witnesses in association with Jehovah’s organization?”

By answering “Yes” to that question, you will have publicly declared that you belong to the Organization and the Organization belongs to Jehovah—so you see the catch! Since you vowed to dedicate your life to Jehovah, to do his will, you have also vowed to dedicate your life to the Organization which you acknowledged publicly as His. They’ve gotcha!

If challenged legally that they have no right to disfellowship you because your spiritual relationship isn’t with them but with God, Watch Tower liars…sorry, lawyers…will likely counter with this reasoning: “You acknowledged at baptism that you belong, not to God, but to the Organization. Therefore, you accepted the Organization’s rules, which include the right to enforce that all their members shun you, should you leave.” Does that authority come from Scripture? Don’t be silly. Of course, it doesn’t. If it did, there would have been no reason for them to add that second question.

Incidentally, that question used to read: “Do you understand that your baptism identifies you as one of Jehovah’s Witnesses in association with Jehovah’s spirit-directed organization?” But, in 2019, “spirit-directed” was removed from the question. You might wonder why? Legally, it would be hard to prove that it is directed by God’s holy spirit, I think.

Now, if you have a good, moral conscience, you might be worried about breaking a vow to God, even one made unknowingly and unscripturally.  Well, don’t be.  You see, you have a moral out based on a principle established in Scripture. Numbers 30:3-15 states that under the law, a woman’s husband or fiancé, or her Father could annul a vow made. Well, we’re not under the Mosaic law, but we are under the superior law of Christ, and as such, we are children of Jehovah God making up the bride of Christ. That means that both our heavenly Father, Jehovah, and our spiritual husband, Jesus, can and will annul the vow we were tricked into making.

Some have suggested that the Organization of Jehovah’s Witnesses is like the Eagles’ Hotel California in that “You can check out any time you like but you can never leave.”

Many try to check out without leaving. That is called fading. Such ones have come to be known as PIMOs, Physically In, Mentally Out.  However, the owners of this particular “Hotel California” are wise to that tactic. They have indoctrinated the rank-and-file Jehovah’s Witness to notice any who are not Gung Ho in their support for the Governing Body. As a result, simply trying to fade away quietly is noticed and what happens often is a process called “soft shunning.” Even if no official announcement has been made from the platform, there is an unspoken awareness to treat that person with suspicion.

What PIMOs want is to leave the Organization, but not their social structure, their family and friends.

Sorry, but it is almost impossible to leave without sacrificing your relationship with family and friends. Jesus foretold this:

“Jesus said: “Truly I say to you, no one has left house or brothers or sisters or mother or father or children or fields for my sake and for the sake of the good news who will not get 100 times more now in this period of time—houses, brothers, sisters, mothers, children, and fields, with persecutions—and in the coming system of things, everlasting life.” (Mark 10:29, 30)

The question then becomes, how best to leave? The best way is the loving way. Now that might sound odd at first but consider this: God is love. So writes John at 1 John 4:8. As my study of Scripture has continued, I have become increasingly aware of the pivotal role that loves plays in everything. Everything! If we examine any problem from the standpoint of agape love, the love that always seeks the best interests for everyone, we can quickly find the path forward, the best path forward. So, let’s examine the various ways people leave from the standpoint of providing a loving benefit to all.

One method is the slow fade which rarely works as we would wish it to.

Another option is to submit a letter of resignation or disassociation to the elders, sometimes with a copy being sent to the local branch office, or even world headquarters. Often, the local elders will ask someone having doubts about the Governing Body to submit such a letter, called “a letter of disassociation.” It makes their job easier, you see. No need to convene time-consuming judicial committees. Additionally, by avoiding judicial committees the elders shield themselves from being exposed to the reason for the PIMOs departure. In case after case, I’ve seen how the elders dread having to confront the reasons, because hard facts are such inconvenient things when one is holding fast to a comfortable delusion.

The appeal of writing and submitting a letter of disassociation is that it gives you the satisfaction of making a clean break from the Organization, and a chance for a fresh start. Nevertheless, I’ve heard some object to the whole idea of a letter of disassociation on the grounds that the elders have no legal nor scriptural right to such a letter. Giving them a letter, these ones argue, is a tacit admission that they have the authority they pretend to have when in fact they have no authority whatsoever. I would concur with that assessment given what Paul said to the children of God in Corinth: “. . .all things belong to you; in turn you belong to Christ; Christ, in turn, belongs to God.” (1 Corinthians 3:22, 23)

Based on this, the only one with authority to judge us is Jesus Christ because we belong to him, but he has granted us possession of all things. That ties in with the apostle’s earlier words to the Corinthians:

“But a physical man does not accept the things of the spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him; and he cannot get to know them, because they are examined spiritually. However, the spiritual man examines all things, but he himself is not examined by any man.” (1 Corinthians 2:14, 15)

Since JW elders are guided by the publications of the Watch Tower Society, that is, the men of the Governing Body, their reasoning is that of “the physical man.” They cannot receive nor understand the things of “the spiritual man,” for such things are examined by means of the holy spirit that dwells in us. So, when they hear the words of the spiritual man or woman, what they hear is foolishness to them, because their powers of examination are from the flesh, not from the spirit.

For the reasons just stated, I don’t recommend handing in a formal letter of disassociation. Of course, that is my opinion and I would not criticize the personal decision anyone makes because this is a matter of conscience and local circumstances must always be taken into consideration.

Still, if one choses to write a formal letter of disassociation, no one will know why you have chosen to leave. The elders will not share your letter with the members of the congregation. You see, the announcement that will be read out to the congregation is the same, word for word, as the announcement that is read out when anyone is disfellowshipped for a grievous sin, like rape or child sexual abuse.

So, all your friends and associates will not be told that you have left for reasons of conscience, or because you love truth and hate the lie. They’ll have to rely on gossip, and that gossip will not be flattering, I can assure you. The elders will likely to be the source of it. Gossipers will cast you as a disgruntled “apostate,” a proud opposer, and slander your name and reputation in every way possible.

You will not be able to defend yourself against this slander, because no one will so much as say a greeting to you.

Given all that, you might wonder if there a better way that still allows you to make a clean break? More important, is there a loving way to leave, bearing in mind that Christian love always looks for what is best for others?

Well, consider this as an option. Write a letter, yes, but don’t deliver it to the elders. Instead, deliver it by any means that’s convenient—regular mail, e-mail, or text—or hand deliver it—to those who most matter to you: Your family, your friends, and anyone else in the congregation you think would benefit.

What will happen if you do it that way?

Well, perhaps some of them are also thinking as you are. Maybe they will benefit from your words and also come to learn the truth. For others, these revelations might be the first stage of their own process of awakening to lies they’ve been fed. Admittedly, some will reject your words, perhaps the majority— but at least they will have heard truth from your own lips rather than lying gossip from the mouths of others.

Of course, the elders will surely hear about it, but the information will already be out there. All will know the scriptural reasons for your decision whether they agree with them or not. You will have done what you can do to share the true good news of salvation. That is a real act of courage and love. As Philippians 1:14 says, you “are showing all the more courage to speak the word of God fearlessly.” (Philippians 1:14)

Whether or not those getting your letter will agree to the points contained in it, will be up to each of them. At least, your hands will be clean. If, in your letter, you tell everyone you are resigning, the elders will likely take that as a formal statement of disassociation and make their standard announcement, but it will be too late for them to stop the spread of the message of truth your letter will contain.

If you don’t say you are resigning in your letter, then the protocol will be for the elders to form a judicial committee and “invite” you to attend. You can choose to go or not. If you don’t go, they will disfellowship you in absentia. On the other hand, if you do attend their star chamber—for such it will be—they will still disfellowship you, but you’ll be able to present the scriptural evidence backing up your decision and showing it as righteous. Nevertheless, such judicial committees can be drawn out and very stressful, so consider that fact before making your decision.

If you do decide to attend the judicial hearing, may I share two words of advice: 1) Record the discussion and 2) don’t make statements, ask questions. That last point is not as easy as it sounds.  The desire to defend oneself will be very difficult to overcome. The elders will undoubtedly ask you probing questions and will make offensive, and often false accusations. This is all based on many cases that I’ve heard and hard experience. But I assure you that the best tactic is to respond with questions and ask them for specifics.  Let me try to illustrate that for you. It might go like this:

Elder: Don’t you think the governing body is the faithful slave?

You: Is that for me to say? Who did Jesus say the faithful slave would be?

Elder: Who else is preaching the good news around the world?

You: I don’t see how that’s relevant.  I’m here because of what I wrote in my letter. Is there something in my letter which is false?

Elder: Where did you get that information from? Were you reading apostate websites?

You: Why won’t you answer my question? What’s important is whether what I wrote is true or false. If true, why am I here, and if false, show me how it is false from Scripture.

Elder: We’re not here to debate with you?

You: I’m not asking you to debate me. I’m asking you to prove to me that I have done something sinful. Have I lied? If so, state the lie. Be specific.

This is just an example. I am not trying to prepare you for what you must say. Jesus tells us not to worry about what we must say when speaking before opposers.  He only tells us to trust that the spirit will give us the words we need.

“Look! I am sending you out as sheep among wolves; so prove yourselves cautious as serpents and yet innocent as doves. Be on your guard against men, for they will hand you over to local courts and they will scourge you in their synagogues. And you will be brought before governors and kings for my sake, for a witness to them and the nations. However, when they hand you over, do not become anxious about how or what you are to speak, for what you are to speak will be given you in that hour; for the ones speaking are not just you, but it is the spirit of your Father that speaks by you. (Matthew 10:16-20)

When a single sheep is surrounded by three wolves, it will naturally get nervous.  Jesus was confronted by wolf-like religious leaders constantly. Did he go on the defensive? It would be natural for a human to do so when confronted by attackers. But Jesus never allowed those opposers to put him on the defensive. Instead, he went on the offensive. How, by not responding directly to their questions and accusations, but instead, by putting them on the defensive with insightful questions.

These suggestions are only my opinion based on my experience and the information I’ve gathered over the years from others who have gone through this process. The final choice on how to best proceed must be yours. I share this information only to inform you as best I can so that you can choose the wisest course of action given your own circumstances.

Some have asked me what a letter like this should contain. Well, it should be from your heart, and it should reflect your personality, personal convictions, and beliefs. Most of all, it should be well supported by Scripture, because “the word of God is alive and exerts power and is sharper than any two-edged sword and pierces even to the dividing of soul and spirit, and of joints from the marrow, and is able to discern thoughts and intentions of the heart. And there is not a creation that is hidden from his sight, but all things are naked and openly exposed to the eyes of the one to whom we must give an account. (Hebrews 4:12, 13)

I’ve put together a template that might serve you to draft up your own letter. I’ve posted in on my web site, Beroean Pickets (beroeans.net) and I’ve put a link to it in the description field of this video, or if you prefer, you can use this QR Code to download it to your phone or tablet.

Here is the text of the letter:

Dear {insert name of recipient},

I think that you know me to be a lover of truth and a loyal servant of our God Jehovah and his Son, Jesus Christ.  It is my love of truth that moves me to write to you.

I’ve always been proud to think that I am in the truth. I know you feel the same. This is why I want to share some serious concerns that are troubling me. True brothers and sisters console and help each other.

MY FIRST CONCERN: Why was Watch Tower affiliated with the United Nations Organization for ten years?

You can imagine my shock when I learned from the web site of the United Nations (www.un.org) that the Watchtower Bible and Tract Society of New York applied for and was granted association with the UN as an NGO, a non-governmental organization, for ten years.

This bothered me and so I did some research in the Watchtower Library to see what justification could be found to support this. I came across this article in The Watchtower of June, 1, 1991 called  “Their Refuge—A Lie!” Here are some quotes from it that I agree with.

“Like ancient Jerusalem, Christendom looks to worldly alliances for security, and her clergy refuse to take refuge in Jehovah.” (w91 6/1 p. 16 par. 8)

“Since 1945 she has put her hope in the United Nations. (Compare Revelation 17:3, 11.) How extensive is her involvement with this organization? A recent book gives an idea when it states: “No less than twenty-four Catholic organizations are represented at the UN.”” (w91 6/1 p. 17 pars. 10-11)

I wondered if maybe there was some difference between the Watchtower Society’s affiliation and that of the twenty-four Catholic organizations this article refers to. I checked on the UN web site and found this: https://www.un.org/en/civil-society/watchtowerletter/

There is no difference in the eyes of the UN. Both organizations are registered as NGOs. Why is the Watchtower involved with the image of the wild beast of Revelation? If I joined a political party or the UN, I’d be disfellowshipped, wouldn’t I? I don’t understand this.

MY SECOND CONCERN: The Organization’s failure to report known sexual predators to the Superior Authorities

Can you imagine how it would ruin your life to have been sexually abused as a child? I have had people in the preaching work confront me with the accusation that Jehovah’s Witnesses don’t protect our children from pedophiles.  I was sure this was false.  So, I did some research to be able to prove to them that we are different.

What I found out really shocked me. I found a news story that talked about child sexual abuse in religions in Australia that included Jehovah’s Witnesses. This was a government news story that included this link. https://www.childabuseroyalcommission.gov.au/case-studies/case-study-29-jehovahs-witnesses. This link does not include a video, but does include the official transcript of the proceedings including the sworn testimony of the elders and branch committee members, even Brother Geoffrey Jackson of the Governing Body.

Basically, these documents show that over 1,800 Witness children were abused for many years in that country.  The branch office kept files on over 1,000 brothers who were molesting children, but never reported a single one of them to the police, and some of these pedophiles never stopped serving in the congregation. Why did the branch office keep their names secret from the authorities?

Romans 13:1-7 tells us to obey the superior authorities, unless their orders conflict with God’s commandments.  How does hiding the names of pedophiles from the superior authorities conflict with Jehovah God’s commandments? I can’t see any reason why they would not protect our children. What do you think about this?

Maybe you think it’s not our responsibility to report rapists and sexual predators to the worldly authorities. I wondered about that as well, but then I remembered this scripture

“If a bull gores a man or a woman and that one dies, the bull must be stoned to death and its meat is not to be eaten; but the owner of the bull is free from punishment. But if a bull was in the habit of goring and its owner had been warned but he would not keep it under guard and it killed a man or a woman, the bull is to be stoned and its owner is also to be put to death.” (Exodus 21:28, 29)

Can we really believe that Jehovah would make a law like this that required a man to be stoned to death for failing to protect his neighbors from a bull he was responsible for, but would let a man slide unpunished for failing to protect the most vulnerable of his flock—little children—from a sexual predator? Though that was part of the Mosaic Law, doesn’t the principle behind it continue to apply?

MY THIRD CONCERN: Where is the scriptural support for shunning someone who isn’t sinning?

The report I mentioned above provides the official transcript of the sworn testimony of young women who had been abused as children by Witness men. My heart broke.  These poor girls, whose lives had been ruined, were now so angry for not being protected by the elders that they felt their only option was to leave their congregation. In some cases, the abusers were actually still serving as elders and ministerial servants in the congregation. Can you imagine being a young girl or woman and having to sit in the audience listening to your abuser giving a talk?

So the problem is that when these victims wanted to leave the congregation, they were shunned and treated like sinners. Why do we shun people who haven’t sinned? That seems so wrong. Is there something in the Bible that tells us to do this? I can’t find it, and I’m really upset about this.

MY FOURTH CONCERN: Are we becoming like the money-loving Churches of Christendom?

I always took great pride in the belief that we were different from the churches of Christendom because we only give voluntary donations. Why do we now have to make monthly donations based on the number of publishers in our congregation? Also, why has the Organization started to sell our Kingdom Halls that we built with our own hands, without even consulting us? And where does the money go?

I know people that have to drive long distances in all kinds of weather to attend a hall they never wanted to attend because their hall was sold out from under them. How is this a loving provision?

MY FIFTH CONCERN: I can’t find the scriptural support for Overlapping Generation Doctrine

The generation of 1914 has died off. There was no overlapping generation in the first century, but just a simple generation as we all define the term. But now, the publications talk of two generations of anointed ones—one that was alive in 1914 but is now gone, and a second that will be alive when Armageddon comes. These two distinct generations of people overlap, “based on their time of anointing” to quote Brother Splane, to form some sort of “super generation,” but please tell me where is the scriptural evidence for this? If there isn’t any, then how can we know it is true? It really bothers me that the Organization doesn’t use scriptures to prove this complicated doctrine. The only scripture the publications have used to try to support this new light is Exodus 1:6, but that clearly doesn’t refer to an overlapping generation, but just a simple generation like everyone understands a generation to be.

MY SIXTH CONCERN: Who are the Other Sheep?

I’ve always believed that I’m one of the other sheep of John 10:16.  I understand this to mean that:

• I am a friend of God
• I am not a child of God
• Jesus is not my mediator
• I’m not in the new covenant
• I’m not anointed
• I can’t partake of the emblems
• I’ll still be imperfect when I’m resurrected

I never thought to question any of this, because the publications convinced me it was all Bible based. When I actually started to look for the scriptural support for this, I couldn’t find any. What really bothers me is that this is my salvation hope. If I can’t find support for it in Scripture, how can I be sure it is true?

John tells us that anyone who puts faith in Jesus can be adopted as a child of God.

“However, to all who did receive him, he gave authority to become God’s children, because they were exercising faith in his name. And they were born, not from blood or from a fleshly will or from man’s will, but from God.” (John 1:12, 13)

In conclusion, I have carefully examined the Bible using the publications but I still can’t find the scriptural support for any of the things that concern me as I’ve explained in this letter.

If you can help me answer these concerns from the Bible, I’d really appreciate it.

With warm Christian love,

 

{your name}

 

Well thank you so much for listening. I hope this is helpful. Again, the letter is a template, modify it as you best see fit, and you can download it both in PDF and Word format from my website. Again, the link is in the description field of this video and once I close, I’ll leave two QR codes up so that you can use either one to download it to your phone or tablet.

Thank you again.