How long do JW study the bible with someone? Until baptism?

Lynnie

I have a 35 year old cousin who got baptized last year after rejecting the JW since she was 13. Not sure what happened to change her mind, I suspect it's all about family since her dad is an elder and her two sisters are very much in. Her oldest sister is married to a middle management guy in Bethel. So she studied for about 2 years until she decided to get baptised. Now I see she posted that she's having her bible study with so and so the same person she studied with prior to baptism. I didn't think JW's continued to conduct bible studies with people after they get baptised. I'm sure it's being counted as a bible study and someone is getting hours for it. So is this the latest trend?

OneEyedJoe

That's been the trend for a while - though studying for 2 years prior to getting dunked is on the long side. Usually 6 months to a year is considered normal. Pre-baptism they study one book (draw close to god, I think it is now?) Then post baptism they go to the next book (keep yourself in god's love?) And sometimes a third book, I think.

As they say in the baptism talk, it's not the end, it's the beginning. The beginning of a life enslaved to the cult and pressured to constantly be up on your indoctrination.

Village Idiot

Lynnie, In my day 6 months was the minimum time needed. Also, I continued a Bible study past my baptism though it wasn't a common thing. There was something about the one on one rapport that appealed to me.

DesirousOfChange

A pioneer will study with someone who is willing to keep studying forever.

It's easy "time" and better than knocking on doors.

Plus often that kind of "bible student" will fix snacks or lunch since they're typically into it for the social event.

Doc

blondie

It has flipflopped....6 months in the pre-1975 years

Then just one book

Then two books

I think it is still two books, can be baptized before the end of the second.

Question Box

km 4/11 p. 2

Kingdom Ministry—2011

Question Box

▪ How long should we study with a progressive Bible student?

It is best to continue studying with a progressive Bible student until he has completed two publications—What Does the Bible Really Teach? and “Keep Yourselves in God’s Love.” This is true even if the student gets baptized before finishing both books. After his baptism we may continue to report the time, the return visits, and the study. If a publisher accompanies us and participates in the study, he may also count the time.—See the March 2009 Our Kingdom Ministry, page 2.

It is important for new ones to have a good foundation in the truth before they are left on their own. They need to be “rooted” in Christ and “stabilized in the faith” so as to withstand the trials they are sure to face. (Col. 2:6, 7; 2 Tim. 3:12; 1 Pet. 5:8, 9) Additionally, to teach others effectively, they must have “an accurate knowledge of truth.” (1 Tim. 2:4) By completing two books with our students, we are helping them attain a solid footing on “the road leading off into life.”—Matt. 7:14.

Before approving someone for baptism, elders should ensure that he clearly understands primary Bible teachings and is living in harmony with them. Elders should be especially careful when considering a student who has not yet completed the first study book. If someone is not ready for baptism, the elders will make sure that he receives the necessary personal assistance in order to qualify for baptism in the future.—See Organized