JEHOVAH’S
WITNESSES
More than 10 years revealing secrets because there is no excuse for secrecy in religion – w1997 June 1; Dan 2:47; Matt 10:26; Mark 4:22; Luke 12:2; Acts 4:19, 20.
JEHOVAH’S
WITNESSES
More than 10 years revealing secrets because there is no excuse for secrecy in religion – w1997 June 1; Dan 2:47; Matt 10:26; Mark 4:22; Luke 12:2; Acts 4:19, 20.
Highlights on the October 4th, 2025, Annual Meeting of Jehovah’s Witnesses, hosted by the Governing Body
Written and Published by: Miss Usato, last updated October 5th, 2025
The 2025 Annual Meeting this year had 198,250 attendees from 168 different countries, with the streaming link carrying the majority of the views, 178,529
Beginning of Annual Meeting
The Annual Meeting is used to announce doctrinal changes, policy updates, and new publications.
It often features prerecorded talks, videos, and new music releases shown later worldwide via JW Broadcasting. In this meeting, 10 Governing Body members gave talks.
Governing body member Jackson opened and hosted the meeting, while Robert Ciranko from the Writing department said the opening prayer.
While Jackson hosted, he asked 15 Trivia Questions, which ended up being almost all about the Governing Body. After the 2nd question, the answer to the rest, other than Question 15, was the next Governing Body member to give a talk. The camera would zoom in on Jackson until he said the answer. The camera pans out to the GB member standing there on stage. I’ll add them as he did throughout the time of the 4 1/2 hour day. The quotes below are by the Governing Body, which is giving the talk. Through the past week, links to videos of this meeting will be added to this article.
Trivia Question #1: Who is presently serving as the president of Watchtower Bible Tract Society? Answer: The one who gave the opening prayer, Robert Ceranko has been the president since 2014.
Trivia Question #2: Who was the first president of the Watchtower Bible Tract Society? Answer: William Henry Conley was the first president when it was first called “Zions Watchtower Society.” That was in 1884. In 1884, Russel became the president.
Trivia Question #3: Which among the Governing Body members is the longest serving member of the Governing Body? Answer: Gerrit Losch
Definitions of Temples, Lack of Something, and Reaction to Corrections
Garrit Losch gave the first talk, and to put it bluntly, it was quite boring and confusing. He gave 16 points on the word “Temple” in the bible and what each one meant symbolically.
He expressed that there is a difference between the Spiritual Temple in heaven, where the anointed would go, and one on earth. He bundles all of Jehovah’s followers, not just the anointed, being in the heavenly temple, not outside the temple area.
“The application depends on the context; sometimes temple means arrangement of worship, which includes the great crowd. Or to someone else, it is an illustrative and prophetic way to only the 144,000. All of us are in the spiritual temple, not just the anointed.”
Like I said, a little confusing. One of the points of the word ‘Temple’ that he added is that Jesus’ body is a temple, and that applies to our bodies being temples as well. Losch basically decided how the word Temple was applied in the bible. I’m sure this will be more clearly explained in the future. So, as activist Jerome pointed out, Temple = tabernacle, heaven, anointed, worship arrangement, Ezekiel’s vision, Jesus’ body, New Jerusalem… even Jehovah. I can’t seem to pinpoint the reason for this talk, other than it was too early with not enough caffeine to comprehend. I think Losch felt the same.
Trivia Question #4: Who is the oldest serving member of the Governing Body? Answer: Samuel Herd, being 90 years of age.
The Second Talk was held by Samuel Herd, but as a recording that played on the screen. The talk had a lot to do with how we will always be lacking something in life. He brings up the account of Jesus telling the man that he must give up something, and that was his wealth. This story appears in Matthew 19:16-22, Mark 10:17–22, and Luke 18:18–23.
It’s the story about the young man who approached Jesus and asked: “Teacher, what good must I do to gain everlasting life?” Jesus told him to keep God’s commandments. The man replied that he had done so from his youth. Then Jesus added, “If you want to be perfect, go sell your belongings and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come be my follower.”
When the young man heard this, he was angry and went away grieving, because he had many possessions. He didn’t want to give up his wealth to follow Jesus.
“Sometimes the correction that hurts is the correction we need the most. At some point in life, each one of us will be told there is still one thing lacking about ourselves. We ourselves might hear it from anyone, and we may be confronted with something that needs to change. Do elders need correction? At times, yes. Do pioneers, Ministerial Servants, Circuit Overseers need correcting? At times, yes. Does the Governing Body need correcting?” -Herd has a sheepish look on his face and reluctantly said in a joking manner, “-Ehh, yes.” He went on about how we can either make a big deal about a correction, or we can not make it a big thing and move on.
This, to me, felt like a hint to prepare ourselves for a new change that may deeply affect Active and Former Witnesses, and how we react to it is what counts.
The Beauty of Bible Principles, Jehovah is a Real Person, Keep it Simple
Trivia Question #5: Who worked together with Jody Jedele on night security in the 90s when they were both single? Answer: Jeffery Winder
The Third Talk was by Jeffery Winder: The Beauty of Bible Principles
I felt this talk was a compilation of several previous ones, merged into a single presentation. It described the concept of “critical thinking” without fully engaging with it.
Winder illustrated this by saying, “While laws might be like a flashlight or torch, principles are more like light from overhead.” He appeared to downplay the strictness of the Society’s rules, referencing recent adjustments, such as the change with attire, beards, and clinking glasses, and emphasizing that Jehovah is not imposing “a million rules” on His followers. Instead, Winder suggested that when decisions arise, members should be capable of making them independently.
He then posed the question: “How can you make sure that you are worthy of this trust and can please Jehovah?” To answer, he outlined two key points:
Deepen your desire to please Jehovah.
Devote yourself to the study of God’s Word.
Toward the conclusion, Winder hinted at further changes to come, stating that there “will be more adjustments in time.” This comment suggested that the Governing Body may already be preparing members for additional modifications in the future. Some former Jehovah’s Witnesses have speculated that these could include a more relaxed stance on holidays, birthdays, or even policies concerning disfellowshipped individuals.
Trivia Question #6: Which member of the GB served as a missionary in Africa? Answer: David Splane
Fourth Talk: My father, My god, My friend, David Splane
Splane, who is typically known for more intense talks centered on history or biblical principles, took on a gentler, more affectionate approach for this meeting. He spoke about how Jehovah God is not only our friend but closer than a brother. Splane compared Jehovah to a loving father, saying, “Like those we see in the hall doing kind acts for their children. But we must also remember that Jehovah is also our God.”
He began one statement with, “We don’t make rules about what people can and cannot—” which briefly raised concern for me about where he was going, before he finished, “—say in prayer.” He continued, “How can you repay Jehovah for the love he has shown? You don’t take liberties. Just as when a friend shows hospitality, you wouldn’t tell him how to spend his money. You wouldn’t want to damage that friendship, nor repeat such behavior.”
Following this, a new music video was shown featuring Caleb and Sophia, titled “Jehovah Is a Real Person.” The focus of this video was portraying Jehovah as a deeply personal being, an actual, relatable “person.” In the video, Caleb sings, “Jehovah is REALLLL… His love is REVEALLLLED! He’s my best friend!” The visuals depict Caleb and Sophia being bullied at school, only for a massive, glowing hand, clearly meant to represent Jehovah, to intervene and protect them. It also shows scenes illustrating that Jehovah made good food and fun itself.
At the video’s conclusion, Splane remarked, “Jehovah could have made us like robots, but He lets us think and feel, because He loves us.”
Trivia Question #7: Which member of the GB served as a missionary in Africa? Answer: Jacob Rumph
The Fifth talk: Keep it simple
The talk primarily focused on maintaining simplicity in the ministry work when speaking at the door. The discussion centered on applying principles from the Love People brochure. Three key principles were highlighted:
Introduce yourself.
Understand the person.
Fill their needs.
“So what approach works best for you and your personality?” He emphasized that the Love People brochure was not created to impose new rules, but to help focus on what matters most to Jehovah—the principles behind our motives, all rooted in “love.”
Rumph then stated, “It hurts Jehovah to see people in pain,” which felt somewhat jarring considering the organization’s stricter doctrines. He continued by encouraging listeners to “leave a fingerprint of love” on those they preach to and those around them. This message stood in contrast to the harsher practices of shunning and family separation that have often been associated with the faith.
Trivia Question #8: Which member of the GB speaks English, Portuguese, Spanish, and Russian? Answer: Gage Fleegle
Talk number 6: God is really among you
I didn’t take many notes on this one, because it was another trivia game where Fleegle asked the crowd, “which bible character said it?” But thanks to activist PimotoPomo snapping this snazzing shot of Fleegle during his talk, I couldn’t help but add it.
New book: “Walk Courageously With God”
Trivia Question #9: Which GB member has served twice in Walkhill, twice in Brooklyn, twice in Patterson, and twice in Warwick, a nomadic Bethelite? Answer: Jody Jedelle
The sixth talk was given by Jody Jedele on Trials and Persecution, emphasizing a strong persecution narrative, portraying Jehovah’s Witnesses as victims of the world and urging endurance like those imprisoned for their faith (255 Witnesses worldwide).
He then announced a new book titled Walk Courageously with God, featuring 54 chapters and 61 Bible characters. The book is divided into three sections covering different eras in Bible history: the time of the judges, the rebuilding of Jerusalem, and the days of the Messiah and his followers. Notably, this publication was leaked by Larchwood in October 2025.
Trivia Question #10: Which GB member’s non-JW father helped to design the saw mill equipment for Walkhill? Answer: Kenneth Cook
In The Seventh Talk by Kenneth Cook, he announces that the Governing Body has decided that there is an adjustment to how Bethel service is viewed: It is no longer a life-long assignment. They will focus on using their training in the field or wherever Jehovah’s organization needs them the most. More regular movement of personnel. There will also be greater emphasis on accelerated training. Younger brothers will have more responsibility sooner. Older brothers mentor younger ones. This was also leaked by Larchwood in July 2025.
New Field Service Tracts, Ramapo, Acts of the Apostles
Trivia Question #11: How many GB members once served at Bethel and were reassigned to the field and then came back to Bethel? Answer: Five
The eighth Talk by Sanderson introduced a new release—the return of tracts for field service. He joked, “We are the Watchtower and Bible TRACT Society, after all!” and enthusiastically asked, “Well, how do you start conversations?”
Nine new pocket-sized tracts were unveiled, each fitting into themed categories such as The Future, Family, and God; Prayer, Jesus, and God’s Kingdom; and Suffering, Death, and Religion. Each set also includes three companion video clips, like “Is Living Without Pain or Sadness Possible?” 3 of the tracts will also have a link or QR code that sends the reader to a video on the subject.
I guess this is the new way they want us to be ‘simple’… Yet be ourselves, and also “use these new tracts to guide you.”
The Governing Body explained that these tracts were designed to be smaller and more durable, but that they required new printing equipment.
On the very day the need was identified, members of the printing department happened to be in Germany attending the world’s leading printing technology exhibition, held only once every four years. There, they found the exact machines needed for the job. Sanderson exclaimed, “There’s no question Jehovah was looking after this project!”
Trivia Question #12: Which Governing Body member at 18 years of age received a letter from Brother Knorr encouraging him to fill out a Bethel application form? He had 30 days to do it. He waited until day 30… Answer: Steven Lett
The ninth talk by Steven Lett was “Jehovah’s matchless record as a deliverer.”
It was quite…. graphic. Earlier in the day, Splane had emphasized Jehovah’s loving and compassionate nature, a friend, a God who hates to see people suffer. In stark contrast, Lett’s entire talk focused on the violence Jehovah inflicted upon His “enemies.” On stage, he even calculated the kill rate of angels, referencing the 185,000 Assyrians slain by a single angel in one night.
He outlined three methods Jehovah used to destroy His foes. First, He would turn enemies against one another through confusion, causing them to fight and kill each other. Second, Jehovah used nature itself, such as the ten plagues, to make His power known. Third, his angels as instruments of judgment.
Lett declared, “He defied the laws of time to ensure complete victory—Jehovah even postponed sunset.” He concluded by saying, “Jehovah has many means at His disposal to deliver. Is He only a God of deliverance? No, the future deliverance of Jehovah’s people will be even more astounding.”
Trivia Question #13: Which GB member is the only GB to graduate from the MTS? – His instructor was Stephen Lett. Answer: Mark Sanderson
Sanderson delivered the final, tenth talk, coming across as extremely energetic and hyper-focused on the idea of being “fresh.” He opened by saying, “We live in a dangerous world where shocking things happen every day, but we are blossoming, thriving even! We are so… FRESH!”
From there, he shifted to the topic of Armageddon, asking, “What does Psalm 91:7 mean? What kind of protection will God’s people experience at Armageddon?” He explained that in the past, verses 11 and 12 were considered differently; Satan had misused Psalm 91 to tempt Jesus into reckless behavior. Based on Jesus’ response, Sanderson concluded that Psalm 91 represents “a promise of physical protection” for Jehovah’s people during Armageddon, an announcement met with an awkward applause.
Though presented as a new understanding, many Witnesses have long believed that they would be saved physically at Armageddon. My father, for example, always described Armageddon as a terrifying event where destruction would rage around us, yet we would remain safe within an invisible bubble of Jehovah’s protection.
Sanderson declared that Jehovah will protect His people “perfectly—spiritually, physically, and even emotionally.” He described Armageddon as a unique event: “We don’t know all the details,” he said, “but we know two things for certain. First, Jehovah is the greatest scientist, architect, and engineer—He has access to AI: Almighty Intelligence! Jehovah does things with style and always saves the best for last. His power will be revealed in a spectacular way as He brings destruction upon this world. Are you ready to be amazed?”
He continued, “Second, Jehovah is the perfect judge of the universe. As Ezekiel 33:11 says, ‘As surely as I am alive,’ declares Jehovah, ‘I take no pleasure in the death of the wicked.’”
He concluded with a warning: “Keep on the watch. Never allow yourselves to forget the signs. As Matthew 24:33 reminds us—Prove yourselves ready.”
And with that, the talk ended with him booming in the microphone, “Amen! Come, Lord Jesus!”
Trivia Question #14: What is Ramapo? Answer: The World Headquarters Media Center
As the program ended and attendees waited for what would have been the 15th question, Jackson did not ask it. It’s unclear whether this omission was intentional—perhaps because the closing video featured the phrase “What’s next?”—or if the question was asked off camera.
The final announcement introduced a new production titled Acts of the Apostles. Research from Larchwood revealed that a separate project with the same title is also in development by Angel Studios, called for The Chosen. While The Chosen team includes members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS), the series itself is not produced or overseen by the LDS Church.
Jackson concluded by noting that all ten members of the Governing Body participated in giving talks at this Annual Meeting, the first time since 1984. That earlier event lasted five hours, whereas this year’s program ran for four.
Lester Somrah writes about the beliefs and practices of Jehovah’s Witnesses on his social media platforms and was baptized as a member in 1998.
Aiding Transparency to Watchtowers teachings. If you have additional information about this topic or would like to reach the author- Please email [email protected]