I find JW an interesting group, as it more or less stands alone as to the commitment to proselytizing is high, and a certain amount of time is compulsory, at least by what my minimal research indicated.
Just to clarify some points here Vinayaka, our proselytising work is known in all nations because it is not optional for JW’s....it is a command from our leader to take his message out to the people so that choices are offered to those to whom we preach. (Matthew 28:19-20) We believe from our Christian scriptures that this choice to listen and act, or not to do either, has to be offered to all, and that a person’s response will dictate their eternal future.
We will travel for miles to save even one person. We take our responsibility very seriously. People’s lives are at stake.
The success rate was high, but it also had the highest rate for leaving. Overall, more join that leave.
Becoming a JW takes time, effort and commitment because unlike other churches, you cannot “join” Jehovah’s Witnesses....you have to choose to become one, which takes a fair bit of Bible study and a will to dedicate oneself to God (Jehovah) through becoming a disciple of his son. Being a follower of Jesus Christ requires that we try as best we can in our circumstances to imitate him in our conduct (getting baptized) and to obey his teachings 24/7....all of them, not just the convenient stuff.
It’s not easy, so as the Bible says, it’s a ‘cramped and narrow road’ we are required to walk.....some cannot maintain the standard and either find reasons to leave, or are disfellowshipped and have an ax to grind. We do not expect the majority to accept our message because Jesus said that “few” would be found on the road to life. (Matthew 7:13-14)
The group also seemed accurate on self-reporting, as Pew Research had the numbers higher than the JW organisation itself. Failure to submit proselytising records got you off the active list. I wouldn't normally trust self reporting, as there's obvious reason for exaggeration.
We do not count our small children, ‘bums on seats’, or ‘label wearers’....our numbers include only those who are baptized, active in the preaching work, and who are regular in meeting attendance....that rules out those who
claim to be JW’s from those who
demonstrate that they are. But even then, it’s all about our motive in “doing the will of the Father”....which only our judge (Jesus Christ) knows. (Matthew 7:21-23) For us, people outside of our family are offered a place in it, if that is what they want to do. All are welcomed regardless of race, language, social standing or education.
We will not tolerate those who break God’s laws unrepentantly or those who want to dictate their own ideas to others. Causing division is counter to what Jesus and his apostles taught. They would be known by their unity, not their divisions. (1 Corinthians 1:10)
But I think the success is largely due to the commitment to it. Perhaps a more fair assessment would be converts per hour of proselytising, and look at how that's changed over the years, or by group.
It’s really got nothing to do with numbers because, to us, it’s about saving lives....there is no quota......but we can’t save those who don’t want to be saved. All we can do is offer them the way, and help people to learn how to qualify for everlasting life. They then have to put in the effort themselves because they want to, and for those who do, for the right reason, it’s an amazing experience to be part of a united, peace-loving, global, spiritual family.
For JW’s, all members of this family are precious and loved....even if we have never met them. Our unity is unique as has been witnessed whenever we have held our large conventions. (now on hold due to Covid)
People in accommodation and transportation services are often amazed when they see complete strangers embrace, and treat each other as close family. They are impressed by our honesty and our compliance with direction, and patience when it is needed. This is the norm for us, so along with the Bible’s teachings, and a close connection to Jehovah, that strong sense of family is what many find appealing. It is sadly lacking in what has become a cold hearted and disunited world.
I have been a part of this family now for over 50 years....and I wouldn’t be anywhere else.
