Jehovah's Witnesses Bid Farewell to Timekeeping in Proselytizing Efforts

Jehovah's Witnesses have ended the century-old practice of requiring adherents to report the number of hours they spend on proselytizing activities. The hours-reporting requirement was seen as a measure of a congregation's spiritual vitality and a factor in leadership decisions. The change was announced by the denomination's Governing Body, stating that their ministry involves more than counting time. Former adherents speculate that declining ministry hours, particularly during the pandemic, may have prompted the change. The removal of the requirement applies to rank-and-file adherents, while those in more extensive service will continue to record their hours. The organization also revised its interpretation of biblical prophecies about the end times, stating that nonbelievers might still accept the truth and be saved even during the Great Tribulation.