Haven’t you heard that in Amsterdam, the term “Koninkrijkszaal” replaced “kerkgebouw” among Jehovah’s Witnesses? The Koninkrijkszaal van Jehova’s Getuigen is more than just a building. It is a place of religious gathering. Here, one or more congregations meet.
In 1935, Joseph Franklin Rutherford first used the term Koninkrijkszaal. Since then, Jehovah’s Witnesses no longer refer to their meeting place as a “kerkgebouw” or “kerk”. Instead, they call it “Koninkrijkszaal” or simply “zaal”. Jehovah’s Witnesses call their church services “vergaderingen”.
Inside the Koninkrijkszaal van Jehova’s Getuigen, the decor is usually simple. You won’t find typical Christian symbols. There are no images, candles, or crosses. A key feature is the “jaartekst”. This is a Bible verse displayed on a wall behind the podium. It serves as the theme for the entire year.
Typically, a Koninkrijkszaal has a large and a small auditorium. Some have multiple halls. This allows several congregations to hold meetings at the same time. A library of publications from the Watch Tower Society is available. There is also a contribution box. A literature counter offers publications for pickup.
Jehovah’s Witnesses organize two weekly services. The elders decide the day and time. Each service includes two prayers and three songs. The entire program lasts one hour and 45 minutes. Some congregations record services. They may even offer them via livestream.
The weekend meeting usually takes place on Sunday. It includes a 30-minute public lecture. An elder or ministerial servant delivers it. This is followed by a one-hour question-and-answer session. The discussion focuses on an article from “De Wachttoren”. The Watch Tower Society formulates the questions. The answers are prescribed in the magazine. Members can express the publication’s ideas in their own words. However, they are discouraged from sharing personal ideas.
The weekday meeting is usually held in the evening. It consists of question-and-answer segments. These are based on Watch Tower Society publications. There is also Bible reading. Demonstrations show how to use the publications for Bible study.
According to Watch Tower Society rules, only certain activities can take place in a Koninkrijkszaal. These include field service meetings. This is when Jehovah’s Witnesses go from door to door. They gather beforehand. They decide where to work. They make arrangements to work together. Addresses of residents who do not want visits are exchanged.
Other activities include the Memorial. This commemorates Jesus’ death. Special lectures and marriage lectures are held. Funeral lectures can also be held.
One Koninkrijkszaal van Jehova’s Getuigen is located on Sophie Redmondplein. This happened after the Jehovah’s Witnesses won a contest. The building’s design complements the square’s triangular shape. The Jehovah’s Witnesses themselves designed and built the hall.
The Koninkrijkszaal van Jehova’s Getuigen stands as a testament to faith. It also shows community engagement. It is a unique place of worship in Amsterdam. It reflects the values and practices of Jehovah’s Witnesses.