Our Faith - Beliefs
What We Believe and Why — Rooted in Scripture
A Bible-Based Faith
Jehovah's Witnesses approach the Bible as the inspired, accurate Word of God — a living guide for all aspects of life. We believe all 66 books of Scripture form a harmonious whole, written by human authors under God's direction and applicable to people of every age and culture. Rather than adopting the traditions of any particular denomination, we commit ourselves to careful, thorough, and honest study of what the Bible actually says. Our beliefs are shaped entirely by Scripture, and we hold every teaching up to the standard of God's Word. This approach to faith gives us confidence, clarity, and a deep sense of purpose as we live and serve in the Windermere community.
What We Believe
Jehovah Is God
We worship Jehovah, the Almighty God whose personal name appears over 7,000 times in the original Bible text. He is the Creator of all things and the source of all good. Knowing and using his personal name reflects the honour and intimacy he invites us to have with him as our heavenly Father and the Sovereign of the universe.
Jesus Christ, God's Son
We believe Jesus is the Son of God and the promised Messiah. His perfect sacrifice provides the basis for forgiveness of sins and the hope of eternal life. Jesus is distinct from his Father, Jehovah God — he is God's firstborn Son, the one through whom Jehovah created all other things and the one appointed as King of God's Kingdom.
The Bible Is God's Word
All 66 books of the Bible are the inspired Word of God. We study it daily, using it as the foundation for all our beliefs, values, and decisions. The Bible is not merely a historical document but a living, practical guide that addresses the deepest questions of human existence with authority, accuracy, and compassion.
God's Kingdom Is Our Hope
God's Kingdom is a real heavenly government that will soon restore peace and justice to the earth, fulfilling the prayer Jesus taught: "Let your Kingdom come." Under this Kingdom, the earth will be transformed into a paradise where sickness, death, and suffering are eliminated and righteous people will live in lasting security and happiness.
Respect for Life and Family
We uphold the sanctity of human life and the importance of strong, loving families. Bible principles guide us in parenting, marriage, and relationships. We believe that the family arrangement was designed by God himself and that applying his wisdom in our homes brings genuine happiness and stability that no secular advice can replicate.
Worldwide Preaching Work
Following Jesus' command, we share the good news about God's Kingdom with our neighbours and communities. This work is carried out by volunteers at no cost to the public. The global preaching work of Jehovah's Witnesses — active in over 240 lands — is one of the most expansive volunteer-driven humanitarian and spiritual efforts in human history.
Why We Trust the Bible
The Bible's remarkable historical accuracy — confirmed again and again by archaeological discoveries — gives us strong reason to trust its reliability. Written over 1,600 years by more than 40 authors from vastly different backgrounds, the Bible maintains a consistent theme and message throughout: God's purpose for humanity and the earth will be fulfilled. No human committee orchestrated this consistency — it reflects the guiding hand of a divine Author.
Beyond its historical credentials, the Bible provides practical guidance that works. Its counsel on marriage, child-rearing, managing anxiety, resolving conflict, and finding purpose has transformed lives for millennia. Members of our congregation regularly share how applying specific Bible principles improved their relationships, mental health, and sense of direction. The Bible is not a relic — it is relevant to every challenge people face today.
We approach Bible study in several ways: weekly congregation meetings provide structured group study with audience participation; personal daily reading builds individual understanding; and Family Worship evenings encourage parents and children to explore Scripture together. Free home Bible studies are also available to anyone in the Edmonton area who would like a personal guide through the Bible's key teachings — at no cost and with no obligation.
Frequently Asked Questions
No. We are a mainstream Christian denomination with congregations in over 240 lands, open meeting schedules, and no requirement for members to cut ties with family or society. Our meetings are open to the public — anyone is welcome to attend at any time without prior arrangement. Our teachings, meeting content, and published materials are publicly available and openly scrutinised. Members are free to come and go as their conscience dictates, and family relationships are deeply valued.
We choose not to celebrate certain holidays that we believe have origins incompatible with Bible teachings, such as Christmas and Easter. However, we do celebrate life milestones like weddings and the birth of children. We also observe the annual Memorial of Christ's Death — the one observance Jesus specifically commanded his followers to keep. Our choices in this area are based on careful Bible study and personal conscience, and we respect that others may reach different conclusions.
Based on our study of Acts 15:28,29 and other scriptures, we believe God's law prohibits ingesting blood. We actively pursue bloodless medical alternatives, which are increasingly recognized as effective by the medical community. Many of our members carry a signed Advance Medical Directive that outlines their wishes and lists alternative treatments they will accept. We work cooperatively with medical professionals to ensure the best possible outcomes while respecting our conscientious convictions.
Absolutely. All of our meetings are free and open to the public. There is no dress code requirement and no collection is taken at the door. Visitors are always welcome — you do not need to call ahead or make any kind of arrangement. Simply arrive at our Kingdom Hall at 4804 Terwillegar Common NW before the meeting begins and one of our members will be happy to greet you, provide any printed materials, and help you follow along. Come as you are.
No. The Bible describes death as a state of unconsciousness — like a deep sleep — not a place of ongoing torment. Ecclesiastes 9:5 states plainly that "the dead know nothing at all." We believe in the hope of resurrection, where the dead will be brought back to life on a paradise earth by Jehovah God. This resurrection hope is one of the most comforting and scripturally-grounded doctrines we hold, and it gives us genuine confidence in the face of death and loss.
Simply contact us by phone at (780) 443-7204 or email KristenEvans2942@gmail.com. We offer free, no-obligation Bible discussions in your home or online at a time convenient for you. Studies are conducted by a qualified congregation member and typically last about 30–45 minutes per session. There is no commitment required, no pressure to join anything, and no cost — ever. Many people find even a few sessions genuinely eye-opening.
Explore the Bible With Us
We welcome your questions. Whether you have wondered about these topics for years or are just beginning to explore, we are here to have an honest conversation grounded in Scripture.