About Our Meetings
What are your meetings for?
We gather with fellow Bible-believers to read Bible passages and share our comments. We also pray together, listen to upbuilding music, share experiences, and just chat.
When are your meetings?
What is the format of your meetings?
The meeting is conducted by a different person each week who directs the meeting and keeps order.
- The meeting opens by listening to an upbuilding music video, followed by an opening prayer (or two).
- Next, a portion of the Bible is read, then participants use Zoom’s “raise hand” feature to give their comments on the passage, or to ask others for their view on a particular question. Meetings are not to debate doctrine, but merely to share viewpoints and to learn from one another. This continues for about 60 minutes.
- Finally, we end with another music video and a final prayer (or two). Many people stay around afterwards to chat, while others just hang around to listen.
Note that in our meetings, just like in the 1st century, Christian women are welcome to offer public prayers, and some occasionally act as meeting host. So please do not be shocked.
Once a month, the English groups also celebrate the Lord’s Evening Meal (on the 1st Sunday of each month) by partaking of the emblems of bread and wine. Other language groups may have a different schedule.
How long do meetings last?
Usually between 60 and 90 minutes.
Which Bible translation do you use?
We use many different translations. You may use any one you wish!
Many of us use BibleHub.com, because we can easily switch to the same translation as the Bible reader.
ANONYMITY
Do I have to put my camera on?
No.
If I put my camera on, must I be dressed smartly?
No.
Do I have to participate, or may I just listen?
You are welcome to just listen.
Is it safe?
If you are concerned about anonymity, use a false name and keep your camera off. We do not record our meetings, but since anyone can turn up, there’s always a risk that a viewer may be recording it.
PARTICIPANTS
Whom may attend?
Anyone is welcome to attend as long as they behave well and respect others and their views.
What sort of people attend?
Generally the participants are current or former Jehovah’s Witnesses, but some have no connection to the Witnesses at all. The participants are generally non-trinitarian Bible-believing Christians who also do not believe in hellfire nor in the immortal soul. Learn more.
How many people attend?
Numbers vary depending on the meeting. The largest meeting is the Sunday 12 noon (New York time) meeting, which usually has between 50 and 100 attendees.
THE LORD’S EVENING MEAL
When do you celebrate the Lord’s Evening Meal?
On the first Sunday of each month. Some zoom groups may choose a different schedule.
Do you celebrate on Nisan 14?
This has varied over the years. Learn why.
When you celebrate the Lord’s Evening Meal, must I partake of the emblems?
It is entirely up to you. You’re welcome to just observe. Learn more.
What emblems do you use? Red wine? Unleavened bread?
Most participants use red wine and unleavened bread, although some use passover matzo crackers in place of bread. If the Bible writers did not think it important to specify what type of wine or bread should be used, then it is inappropriate for us to dictate strict rules.
OVERSIGHT
Is Eric Wilson your pastor or leader?
No. Although Eric owns the Zoom account and fronts our YouTube channel, he is not our ‘leader’ or ‘pastor.’ Our meetings are hosted by various regular participants on a rota (including women), and everyone holds their own views, beliefs and opinions. Some regulars also attend other Bible study groups.
Jesus said:
“And you should not be called ‘Master [Leader; Teacher; Instructor]’ because you have only one Master [Leader; Teacher; Instructor], the Christ.” –Matthew 23:10
How are decisions made?
When needed, attendees discuss how to arrange things and make decisions collectively.
Are you a denomination?
No.
Do I have to join or become a member?
No. We do not have a list of ‘members.’