Many people have stopped attending religious services because they find no spiritual guidance or comfort. Why, then, should you attend the Christian meetings organized by Jehovah’s Witnesses? What will you find there?

The joy of being among loving and caring people. In the first century, Christians were organized into congregations, and they held meetings to worship God, to study the Scriptures, and to encourage one another. (Hebrews 10:24, 25) Gathered in a loving atmosphere, they felt that they were among true friends​—their spiritual brothers. (2 Thessalonians 1:3; 3 John 14) We follow the same pattern and experience similar joy.

The benefit of learning how to apply Bible principles. As was true in Bible times, men, women, and children all meet together. Qualified teachers use the Bible to help us discern how to apply its principles in our daily life. (Deuteronomy 31:12; Nehemiah 8:8) All may participate in audience discussions and in singing, allowing us to express our Christian hope.​—Hebrews 10:23.

The blessing of having your faith in God strengthened. The apostle Paul told one of the congregations in his day: “I am longing to see you, . . . that we may have an interchange of encouragement by one another’s faith, both yours and mine.” (Romans 1:11, 12) At meetings, our regular contact with fellow believers strengthens our faith and determination to live a Christian life.

Why not accept this invitation to attend our congregation’s next meeting and experience these things for yourself? You will be warmly welcomed. All meetings are free​—no collections are ever taken.

• On what pattern are our congregation meetings based?

• How can we benefit ourselves by attending Christian meetings?

Even if we have to trek through dense jungle or brave harsh weather, we regularly attend our Christian meetings. Despite challenges of life and tiredness after a day’s work, why do Jehovah’s Witnesses make such an effort to associate with fellow believers?

It is good for our well-being. “Consider one another,” wrote Paul, speaking of those with whom we associate in the congregation. (Hebrews 10:24) This expression means “to think about carefully,” that is, to get to know one another. So the apostle’s words encourage us to be concerned about others. By getting to know other Christian families, we discover that some of them have successfully overcome challenges similar to our own and that they can help us to succeed as well.

It builds lasting friendships. At our meetings, we gather together, not with mere acquaintances, but with a group of close friends. On other occasions, we spend time together in wholesome recreation. What beneficial effect does such association have? We learn to appreciate one another more, and that strengthens our bonds of love. Then, when our companions are facing problems, we readily help them because strong friendships have been established. (Proverbs 17:17) By associating with all members of our congregation, we show that we “have mutual concern for one another.”​—1 Corinthians 12:25, 26.

We encourage you to choose as your friends those who are doing God’s will. You will find such friends among Jehovah’s Witnesses. Please do not let anything hold you back from associating with us.

• Why is it in our best interests to associate together at the meetings?

• When would you like to get acquainted with our congregation?

Early Christian meetings consisted mainly of songs, prayers, and the reading and discussing of the Scriptures​—all free of any ritual. (1 Corinthians 14:26) You can expect something very similar at our meetings.

The instruction is Bible-based and practical. On the weekend, each congregation meets to hear a 30-minute Bible discourse on how the Scriptures relate to our lives and to the times we live in. All of us are encouraged to follow along in our own Bible. After the discourse, there is a one-hour “Watchtower” Study, in which members of the congregation are welcome to participate in a discussion of an article from the study edition of The Watchtower. This discussion helps us to apply the Bible’s guidance in our lives. The same material is studied in every one of our more than 110,000 congregations earth wide.

We are helped to improve our teaching skills. We also meet together on a midweek evening for a three-part program entitled Our Christian Life and Ministry, based on material provided in a monthly Life and Ministry Meeting Workbook. The first part of this meeting, Treasures From God’s Word, helps us to become familiar with a portion of the Bible that the congregation has read in advance. Next, Apply Yourself to the Field Ministry includes demonstrations of how to discuss the Bible with others. A counselor makes observations that help us improve our reading and speaking skills. (1 Timothy 4:13) The last part, Living as Christians, considers the practical application of Bible principles in day-to-day life. This includes a question-and-answer discussion that deepens our understanding of the Bible.

When you attend our meetings, you will no doubt be impressed by the quality of Bible education that you are receiving.​—Isaiah 54:13.

• What can you expect to hear at the meetings of Jehovah’s Witnesses?

• Which of our weekly meetings would you like to attend next?