The Governing Body of Jehovah’s Witnesses

The Governing Body Featured Image

Did You Know ... ?

The Governing Body of Jehovah's Witnesses is a male only group of leaders. Their names are, from left to right, front to back:
Gerrit Lösch, Samuel Herd, David Splane, Mark Sanderson, Stephen Lett, Geoffrey Jackson, Anthony Morris, and Kenneth Cook.

Click on each of the images of the Governing Body to Jehovah’s Witnesses to find out more information about each member.

Kenneth Cook of the Governing Body of Jehovah's Witnesses
Kenneth Cook Jr.
Gage Fleegle, member of the Governing Body of Jehovah's Witnesses
Gage Fleegle
Samuel Frederick Herd Governing Body
Samuel Herd
Geoffrey Jackson of the Governing Body of Jehovah's Witnesses
Geoffrey Jackson
M Stephen Lett of the Governing Body of Jehovah's Witnesses
M. Stephen Lett
Gerrit Lösch Governing Body of Jehovah's Witnesses
Gerrit Lösch
D. Mark Sanderson
D. Mark Sanderson
David H. Splane Governing Body Member
David Splane
Jeffrey Winder member of the Governing Body of Jehovah's Witnesses
Jeffrey Winder

Former Members of The Governing Body

Names highlighted in bold were deleted from the Governing Body of Jehovah's Witnesses.

Anthony Morris III of the Governing Body of Jehovah's Witnesses
Anthony Morris III (2005-2023)
Guy Hollis Pierce, former member of the Governing Body of Jehovah's Witnesses
Guy Hollis Pierce (1999-2014)
Martin Pötzinger (1977-2007)
John E. Barr, former member of the Governing Body of Jehovah's Witnesses
John E. Barr (1977-2010)
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Carey W. Barber (1977-2007)
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Daniel Sydlik (1974-2006)
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Albert D. Schroeder (1974-2006)
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Karl F. Klein (1974-2001)
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Theodore Jaracz (1974-2010)
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Charles J. Fekel (1974-1977)
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Ewart C. Chitty (1974-1979)
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John C. Booth (1974-1996)
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William Lloyd Barry (1974-1999)
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William K. Jackson (1971-1981)
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Leo K. Greenlees (1971-1984)
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George D. Gangas (1971-1994)
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Raymond Victor Franz (1971-1980)
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John O. Groh (1965-1975)
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Milton George Henschel (1947-2003)
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Lyman Alexander Swingle (1945-2001)
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Frederick William Franz (1944-1992)
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Nathan Homer Knorr (1940-1977)
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Grant Suiter (1938-1983)
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Thomas J. Sullivan (1932-1974)

Who are the Governing Body of Jehovah's Witnesses?

The Governing Body of Jehovah’s Witnesses is currently made up of eight men who claim to be anointed servants of Jehovah God. They have given themselves the responsibility for giving direction and impetus to the Kingdom work. They also refer to themselves as the “Faithful and Discreet Slave” from one of Jesus Christ’s parables. (Matt. 24:14, 45-47; Rev. 12:17) The Governing Body asserts that they look to Jehovah, and to Jesus Christ for direction in all matters. (1 Cor. 11:3; Eph. 5:23) The Governing Body also claims that God directs it by holy spirit, while simultaneously claiming that they are neither inspired or infallible. The members of the Governing Body do not regard themselves as the leaders of Jehovah’s Witnesses but rather that they take the lead of Jehovah’s Witnesses. These seemingly contradictory statements are known as doublespeak. The writers of Jehovah’s Witnesses’ material use doublespeak quite extensively.

The Bible says: “Let all things take place decently and by arrangement.” (1 Cor. 14:40) The Governing Body obeys this direction by putting in place various helpful procedures and guidelines that ensure the smooth and orderly operation of the branch offices and the congregations. Certain men do their part by setting an example of obedience as they put such arrangements into effect. All Christians, especially overseers, should look to Jehovah for guidance and should pray regularly for his direction and blessing. Then they should simply consult their guidelines or textbooks and comply with the instructions given therein. All should show themselves “reasonable, ready to obey” those placed in oversight. Those in oversight are not leaders, they are just those who are in positions of oversight. (Jas. 3:17) Thus, each group, congregation, circuit, and branch is blessed with a united, orderly body of believers who leave their minds at the door and fail to notice the glaringly obvious contradictions.—1 Cor. 14:33; 1 Tim. 1:11.

While the Governing Body delegates certain details or responsibilities to committees made up of its own members, to committees made up of other dedicated servants of God, or to instruments such as corporations and legal agencies, the Governing Body always takes the lead in promoting the smooth functioning of the organization and the unity of all of God’s people.—Acts 6:1-6; 1 Tim. 1:3; Titus 1:5; Heb. 13:17; w01 1/15 pp. 28-31. How persons who are not leaders can delegate and always take the lead is not intended to be understood by a rational mind.

The Governing Body gives final approval for new publications as well as new audio and video programs.

The Governing Body cares for the appointment and deletion of Branch and Country committee members and designates the brother who will serve as the coordinator of the committee. It also appoints circuit overseers and country representatives. In most cases, such appointments are made based on recommendations received from the Branch Committee. The Governing Body also appoints helpers to Governing Body committees as well as headquarters representatives qualified to make branch visits. And at all times, the Governing Body are not leaders but men who take the lead and can make appointments as they see fit. This is not something a leader can do, but it is something one can do who is taking the lead.

The Governing Body may arrange for qualified men to care for theocratic assignments in any locality at any time. Of course, it is not bound by recommendations received from other elders. Because men, who are not leaders, are not directed by men who are not taking the lead. Such recommendations, then, serve merely as a guide and may even be rejected for reasons known only to the Governing Body. In other words, the Governing Body are not leaders who keep their reasons from those who are not taking the lead. The Governing Body, therefore, has the prerogative to use its discretion and look into any matters it deems necessary to examine with regard to the Kingdom work.

Below are the list of Governing Body Committees and their members. JW.org conspicuously omits the Governing Body members that are on each of these committees. AvoidJW has included them here because it is essential to know the role the Governing Body plays in leading the Jehovah’s Witnesses religious group.

Coordinators’ Committee

Personnel Committee

Publishing Committee

Service Committee

Teaching Committee

Writing Committee

Related Information

Helpers to the Governing Body of Jehovah's Witnesses
Helpers to the Governing Body of Jehovah's Witnesses