As indicated in the Bible at 1 Corinthians 7:31, "the scene of this world is changing." Each passing day confirms that these words are inspired and true. As the "great tribulation" approaches, Satan demonstrates increasing rage against us. -- Matthew 24:21; 1 Peter 5:8, 9; Revelation 12:17
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I was in Massachussetts, where my father was getting married (a JW wedding, a whole story unto itself). One of my relatives mentioned that there was going to be a special announcement at the Sunday meetings. I then blurted out that it may have something to do with the elimination of the book study arrangement. Everyone was shocked. They also wondered how the heck I knew this.image

I find the WT comment above interesting. What about each passing day confirms that "the scene of the world is changing?" Also, Paul wasn't prophsying, he was making a comment about his time. As for Satan's "increasing rage" against JW's, I really don't see it. There has always been some persecution going on in the world, but nothing it unique about our time. As for the great tribulation, it is always right around the corner.

This decision appears to have been made rather quickly. This is usually something that they wait until a convention to announce.

As for their reasons, I'm not quite sure. I think it fits into the changing of the public talk to 30 minutes. They just need to get more people to the meetings.

There was also a change a few years ago about what qualifies as a publisher. If you are elderly or infirmed, you need only 15 minutes a month to qualify. It used to be an hour.