2025 Service Year Report of Jehovah’s Witnesses Worldwide Accessible

2025 Report

Number of Jehovah’s Witnesses worldwide 9,205,326

Congregations 119,652

Lands where Jehovah’s Witnesses preach 241

How do you count the number of Jehovah’s Witnesses?

We count as Jehovah’s Witnesses only those who are actively preaching the good news of God’s Kingdom each month. (Matthew 24:14)

(Matthew 24.14: And this good news of the Kingdom will be preached in all the inhabited earth for a witness to all the nations, and then the end will come.)

This includes those who have been baptized as Witnesses as well as those who, though not yet baptized, qualify to share in the preaching work.

Does a person have to donate money to be counted as a Witness?

No. Donations have no relevance as to whether a person is counted as a Witness or has any particular assignment or privilege in our organization. (Acts 8:18-20)

(Acts 8.18-20: Now when Simon saw that the spirit was given through the laying on of the hands of the apostles, he offered them money, saying: “Give me this authority also, so that anyone on whom I lay my hands may receive holy spirit.” But Peter said to him: “May your silver perish with you, because you thought you could acquire the free gift of God with money.)

In fact, most donations are made anonymously. Each Witness donates his time, energy, and resources to our worldwide work according to his own desire and circumstances.—2 Corinthians 9:7.

(2 Corinthians 9.7: Let each one do just as he has resolved in his heart, not grudgingly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.)

How do you know how many are actively witnessing?

Each month, Witnesses report their preaching activity to their local congregation. This report is made voluntarily.

Congregation reports are tabulated, and the totals are sent to the local branch office. The branch sends the totals for each country or territory to our world headquarters.

At the end of every service year, a the peak number of Witnesses for each land during that year is determined. These figures are added together to determine the number of Witnesses worldwide. Detailed reports for each country are published in the “Around the World” section on our website. These reports encourage us, just as similar reports encouraged the early Christians.—Acts 2:41; 4:4; 15:3.

[Footnote] A service year runs from September 1 to August 31 of the next calendar year. For example, the 2015 service year ran from September 1, 2014, through August 31, 2015. [End of Footnote]

(Acts 2.41: So those who gladly accepted his word were baptized, and on that day about 3,000 people were added.)

(Acts 4.4: However, many of those who had listened to the speech believed, and the number of the men became about 5,000.)

(Acts 15.3: So after being escorted partway by the congregation, these men continued on through both Phoenicia and Samaria, relating in detail the conversion of people of the nations and bringing great joy to all the brothers.)

Do you count those associated with your organization who do not preach?

Although we do not include such ones in the number of Witnesses, we welcome them in our congregations. Most of them attend the annual Memorial of Christ’s death, so the number of such ones can be roughly determined by the difference between the attendance at this meeting and the number of Witnesses. In 2025, the attendance at the Memorial was 20,635,015.

Many who do not attend our meetings benefit from our free home Bible study program. During 2025, we conducted an average of 7,603,182 Bible studies each month, some of which were held with several individuals at the same time.

Why are government census figures for the number of Witnesses higher than your figures?

Government census bureaus often determine their figures by asking people which religious group they identify themselves with. For example, the U.S. Census Bureau states that their surveys “sought to determine whether the respondents regarded themselves as adherents of a religious community,” adding that the resulting figures are “subjective rather than objective.” By contrast, we count as Jehovah’s Witnesses only those who preach to others and who report that activity, not those who merely identify themselves as Witnesses.

[End of Footnote A]

The steps needed to become one of Jehovah’s Witnesses are described by Jesus and can be found at Matthew 28:19, 20. That passage outlines what a person needs to do to become a disciple of Christ, which involves speaking, or bearing witness, about Jehovah.

Step 1: Learn what the Bible teaches. Jesus instructed his followers to “make disciples . . . , teaching them.” (Matthew 28:19, 20)

(Matthew 28.19, 20: Go, therefore, and make disciples of people of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the holy spirit, teaching them to observe all the things I have commanded you. And look! I am with you all the days until the conclusion of the system of things.”)

The word translated “disciple” literally means “a learner.” The Bible, especially the teachings of Jesus Christ found there, contains the information you need in order to have a happy and fulfilling life. (2 Timothy 3:16, 17)

(2 Timothy 3.16, 17: All Scripture is inspired of God and beneficial for teaching, for reproving, for setting things straight, for disciplining in righteousness, so that the man of God may be fully competent, completely equipped for every good work.)

We are glad to help you learn what the Bible teaches by means of our free Bible study program.—Matthew 10:7, 8; 1 Thessalonians 2:13.

(Matthew 10.7, 8: As you go, preach, saying: ‘The Kingdom of the heavens has drawn near.’ Cure the sick, raise up the dead, make lepers clean, expel demons. You received free, give free.)

(1 Thessalonians 2.13: Indeed, that is why we also thank God unceasingly, because when you received God’s word, which you heard from us, you accepted it not as the word of men but, just as it truthfully is, as the word of God, which is also at work in you believers.)

Step 2: Put what you learn into practice. Jesus said that those who learn must also “observe all the things [he] commanded.” (Matthew 28:20)

(Matthew 28.20: teaching them to observe all the things I have commanded you. And look! I am with you all the days until the conclusion of the system of things.”)

This means that your study of the Bible must be more than an intellectual exercise—it may call on you to make significant changes in your thinking and behavior. (Acts 10:42; Ephesians 4:22-29; Hebrews 10:24, 25)

(Acts 10.42: Also, he ordered us to preach to the people and to give a thorough witness that this is the one decreed by God to be judge of the living and the dead.)

(Ephesians 4.22-29: You were taught to put away the old personality that conforms to your former course of conduct and that is being corrupted according to its deceptive desires. And you should continue to be made new in your dominant mental attitude, and should put on the new personality that was created according to God’s will in true righteousness and loyalty. Therefore, now that you have put away deceit, each one of you speak truth with his neighbor, because we are members belonging to one another. Be wrathful, but do not sin; do not let the sun set while you are still angry; do not give the Devil an opportunity. Let the one who steals steal no more; rather, let him do hard work, doing good work with his hands, so that he may have something to share with someone in need. Let a rotten word not come out of your mouth, but only what is good for building up as the need may be, to impart what is beneficial to the hearers.)

(Hebrews 10.24, 25: And let us consider one another so as to incite to love and fine works, not forsaking our meeting together, as some have the custom, but encouraging one another, and all the more so as you see the day drawing near.)

Those who observe Jesus’ commands are then moved to make a personal decision to follow him by dedicating their lives to Jehovah God.—Matthew 16:24.

(Matthew 16.24: Then Jesus said to his disciples: “If anyone wants to come after me, let him disown himself and pick up his torture stake and keep following me.)

Step 3: Get baptized. (Matthew 28:19)

(Matthew 28.19: Go, therefore, and make disciples of people of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the holy spirit,)

In the Bible, baptism is compared to a burial. (Compare Romans 6:2-4.)

(Romans 6.2-4: Certainly not! Seeing that we died with reference to sin, how can we keep living any longer in it? Or do you not know that all of us who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? So we were buried with him through our baptism into his death, in order that just as Christ was raised up from the dead through the glory of the Father, so we also should walk in a newness of life.)

It serves as a symbol of dying to a past course of life and beginning a new one. Your baptism, then, is a public acknowledgment that you have completed the first two steps described by Jesus and are asking God for a clean conscience.—Hebrews 9:14; 1 Peter 3:21.

(Hebrews 9.14: how much more will the blood of the Christ, who through an everlasting spirit offered himself without blemish to God, cleanse our consciences from dead works so that we may render sacred service to the living God?)

(1 Peter 3.21: Baptism, which corresponds to this, is also now saving you (not by the removing of the filth of the flesh, but by the request to God for a good conscience), through the resurrection of Jesus Christ.)

How will I know if I’m ready for baptism?

Speak to the congregation elders. They will talk with you to ensure that you understand what is involved, are applying what you have learned, and have dedicated yourself to God of your own free will.—Acts 20:28; 1 Peter 5:1-3.

(Acts 20.28: Pay attention to yourselves and to all the flock, among which the holy spirit has appointed you overseers, to shepherd the congregation of God, which he purchased with the blood of his own Son.)

(1 Peter 5.1-3: Therefore, as a fellow elder, a witness of the sufferings of the Christ and a sharer of the glory that is to be revealed, I make this appeal to the elders among you: Shepherd the flock of God under your care, serving as overseers, not under compulsion, but willingly before God; not for love of dishonest gain, but eagerly; not lording it over those who are God’s inheritance, but becoming examples to the flock.)

Do these steps apply to children of Witness parents?

Yes. We raise our children “in the discipline and admonition of Jehovah,” just as the Bible commands. (Ephesians 6:4)

(Ephesians 6.4: And fathers, do not be irritating your children, but go on bringing them up in the discipline and admonition of Jehovah.)

However, as they grow, they must make a personal decision to learn, accept, and apply what the Bible teaches before they can qualify for baptism. (Romans 12:2)

(Romans 12.2: And stop being molded by this system of things, but be transformed by making your mind over, so that you may prove to yourselves the good and acceptable and perfect will of God.)

Ultimately, each person must make his own choice concerning worship.—Romans 14:12; Galatians 6:5.

(Romans 14.12: So, then, each of us will render an account for himself to God.)

(Galatians 6.5: For each one will carry his own load.)

[End of Footnote B]

Jehovah’s Witnesses offer a practical way for you to learn what the Bible teaches. Our Bible study program can help you to:

Have a happy life

Become God’s friend

Learn what the Bible promises for the future

What happens at a Bible study?

A personal instructor will help you get acquainted with the Bible, topic by topic. Using the interactive Bible course Enjoy Life Forever! you will progressively learn the Bible’s message as well as how it can help you. To learn more, watch this video.

Do I have to pay for the study?

No. Jehovah’s Witnesses follow the direction that Jesus gave his disciples: “You received free, give free.” (Matthew 10:8)

(Matthew 10.8: Cure the sick, raise up the dead, make lepers clean, expel demons. You received free, give free.)

Additionally, there is no charge for the course materials, which include a copy of the Bible and the publication entitled Enjoy Life Forever!

How long is the course?

The complete course consists of 60 lessons. The pace is up to you, but many students are comfortable covering one or more lessons per week.

How do I start?

1. Fill out the online form. We will use the personal information you submit only to fulfill your request for one of Jehovah’s Witnesses to contact you.

2. An instructor will contact you. Your instructor will explain what you can expect in your interactive Bible course and will answer any questions you may have.

3. You and your instructor make the arrangements. The study can be in person or by telephone, video call, mail, or email. Study sessions typically last about an hour, but they can be shorter or longer to suit your schedule.

Can I try out a study session first?

Yes. To do so, fill out the online form. When an instructor contacts you, let him or her know that you wish to try out the study to see if you like it. He or she will use the brochure Enjoy Life Forever! which contains three introductory lessons, to help you see if you enjoy the study.

If I accept a Bible study, will I be pressured to become one of Jehovah’s Witnesses?

No. Jehovah’s Witnesses love teaching people about the Bible, but we never pressure anyone to join our religion. Rather, we respectfully present what the Bible says, recognizing that each person has the right to choose what he or she will believe.—1 Peter 3:15.

(1 Peter 3.15: But sanctify the Christ as Lord in your hearts, always ready to make a defense before everyone who demands of you a reason for the hope you have, but doing so with a mild temper and deep respect.)

May I use my own Bible?

Yes, you may use any translation of the Bible that you wish. While we enjoy using the clear and accurate New World Translation of the Holy Scriptures, we recognize that many people prefer using a translation that they are familiar with.

May I invite others to join the study?

Yes. You may include your entire family or any friends you choose to invite.

What if I studied the Bible with Jehovah’s Witnesses in the past? May I study again?

Yes. In fact, you may enjoy our current study course even more than before because it has been updated to meet people’s current needs. It is more visual and interactive than previous Bible study programs.

Do you offer options for Bible study without a personal instructor?

Yes. Although most students learn best with the help of an instructor, some prefer to study on their own at first. Our Bible Study Tools page lists free tools and resources that can help you in your study of the Bible. Here are tools you may find helpful:

Bible Videos. These short video lessons explain essential Bible teachings.

Bible Questions Answered. These articles provide answers to a wide range of Bible questions.

Bible Verses Explained. Discover the meaning of popular Bible verses and phrases.