Donald W. Reynolds Center to host the first large convention of Jehovah’s Witnesses since 2019
TULSA – After a three-year pandemic pause, one of the largest convention organizations in the world has once again chosen Tulsa to host its global threeday event, the 2023 “Exercise Patience”! Convention.
Prior to 2019, summers in Tulsa were marked by Jehovah’s Witnesses filling hotels and restaurants as they attended their annual conventions at the Donald W. Reynolds Center. In 2020, the pandemic interrupted that tradition when the Witnesses canceled their in-person events throughout the world and held their convention programs as virtual events in more than 500 languages. Beginning June 30, 2023, the Witnesses will bring that tradition back to Tulsa.
“We are very excited to once again be holding our large in-person conventions here in Tulsa,” said Bryan Collins, spokesman for Jehovah’s Witnesses. “During the pandemic, we adapted our annual conventions to a virtual platform to ensure everyone’s safety. While we were still able to enjoy high quality programs during that time, we couldn’t wait to resume being together in person. There is nothing like being in the company of old friends, making new ones, and experiencing firsthand the encouragement you receive when you are immersed in such a positive environment.”
Some 6,000 conventions will be held worldwide as part of the 2023 “Exercise Patience”! Convention series. In the United States alone, more than 700 conventions will be held in 144 host cities. From Friday through Sunday, six convention sessions will explore the quality of patience, highlighting its modern-day relevance through Scriptural examples. A live baptism will be performed following the Saturday morning session and a prerecorded drama will be featured in two parts during the Saturday and Sunday afternoon sessions.
“Exercising patience is something that can improve nearly every aspect of our lives. Every day we encounter challenges that test our patience,” said Collins. “That is why this convention program is so timely. No matter what challenges we are facing, the convention will highlight Bible principles that will help us to maintain patience and experience peace and joy.”
Jehovah’s Witnesses have been holding public conventions in stadiums, arenas, convention centers, and theaters around the world for more than 100 years. After resuming smaller in-person meetings and their public ministry during 2022, the summer of 2023 marks the first time they will gather at much larger regional events around the world since the lifting of pandemic restrictions.
The convention is open to the public and no collection is taken. For more information on the program or to find other convention locations and dates, please go to jw.org and navigate to the “About Us” tab.
