The personal decision to become a baptized Jehovah’s Witness comes after studying Bible teachings and principles. The time can vary according to individuals’ age, interest, and circumstances. Most respondents were under age 40 at baptism (86%), with an average age at baptism of 26 years old. (Table 3.3)
Most studied with Jehovah’s Witnesses for two or more years before baptism (43%). Only about 12% reported studying for less than a year. (Figure 3.3)
Table 3.3, Age at Baptism
Figure 3.3, Length of Time Studying With Jehovah’s Witnesses Before Baptism
Chart Summary
The vertical bar chart shows percentages of how long respondents studied before baptism. The largest group at 30.9% studied for 1 to 2 years. The second largest group at 23.0% studied for 2 years or more without interruption. A third at 19.9% studied on and off for 2 years or more. Smaller categories include 13.7% who grew up learning with a Witness parent or guardian and 11.7% who studied less than 1 year. These findings appear in Section 3 of the report.