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ABOUT US AND OTHER fREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
How are Bible Students governed?
The Bible Students are autonomous. Meaning they are self-governing. The
ecclesia [congregation] itself elects it's own officers [i.e. elders, deacons, etc.] and
committees [i.e. witness, comfort, convention] to help the class run as smoothly as
possible. There are no paid clergy and no collections are taken during the meetings.
How are the services organized?
The congregation itself determines what is to be studied, the elected elders [those
spiritually mature-minded] conduct the meetings in an orderly fashion.
How is the work financed?
The work is financed by voluntary contributions of its members. Bible Students for
over one hundred years have prided themselves on the motto: SEATS FREE - NO
COLLECTIONS.
Where do Bible Students meet and have their services?
Unlike the more established churches, Bible Students meet in individual homes and rented
halls, depending on the size of the congregation. We do not own our own church
buildings, as this affords us the opportunity to direct our monetary resources in
spreading God's Word.
Do Bible Students preach/witness? And if so, how?
BIble Students, individually and congregationally, have the liberty to witness in whatever
fashion is suitable to them. We realise that their are many different avenues to witness,
what may suit one class or individual, may not suit another. We leave it to each
consecrated member and class to determine what best suits their environment. That said,
let it be known that we take advantage of every avenue open to us, this would include
going door to door, tracting in the neighborhood, public showings, advertisments in
newspaper, magazines and billboards, county fairbooths, etc.
What are public showings?
Publics showings are shown in rented halls. They can be in the form of a public
discourse on a timely Bible topic, or they can be in the form of a movie or slide
presentation.
Do Bible Students publish any literature?
Yes. The Association as a whole and as individual congregations have published
throughout the years volumeously. The six volumes of Studies in the Scriptures by the late
Pastor Charles Taze Russell are still republished today. Along with many other older
and current writings, reflecting over 100 years of service.
Are there any Bible Student publishing houses?
Yes. There are quite a few throughout the United States and Europe. Some have
come and gone in recent years. There are also individual congregations and Bible Students
who published independent of each other. These publication however are used and
distributed by the association worldwide, regardless of who publishes them.
Are there any Bible Student Journals and Magazine in print?
Most congregations publish a monthly newsletter, distributed to those they come in contact
with through their independent witness work. However there are several journals and
newsletters published for the general public and the association.
How many Bible Students are there?
Since Bible Students do not take roll-call, that is a difficult question to answer.
Bible Students can be seen in all four corners of the earth, some are isolated, and others
have abundant association.
Since the congregations are autonomous, are all Bible Students in agreement,
doctrinally? Just how closely are the Bible Students in harmony? Do you still hold
to the doctrinal teachings as espoused by Charles Taze Russell?
To say that all Bible Students think alike would be to undermine the freedom in Christ we
share. Most Bible Students accept the teachings as set forth in Pastor Russell's Studies
in the Scriptures as being doctrinally sound and supported by God's Word.
However since Pastor Russell never claimed infallibility, it is safe to say that some of
his thoughts are opened to interpretation. However, these interpretations, do not
take away from The Divine Plan of the Ages, as espoused by Pastor Russell.
It is safe to say there are those, individually and as publishing houses who have taken
liberty with the Plan of Salvation as espoused by Pastor Russell.