# Durbin 9-Step Protocol

> A consistent conversational architecture drawn from nine field-tested encounters by Jeff Durbin of Apologia Studios.

## 1. Open

Commend their zeal and sincerity. Use their names. Express genuine respect.

## 2. Common Ground

'We both believe there's only one God. We both believe the Bible.' Name the mutual lostness.

## 3. Core Issue

Identify the core disagreement: 'We disagree on who Jesus is.' Don't let the conversation scatter.

## 4. Key Texts

Present 2–3 arguments (El Gibbor, Col 1:16, John 1:1). Use their NWT alongside a standard translation.

## 5. NWT Challenge

Show where the NWT adds or alters words. Direct them to the Kingdom Interlinear Translation.

## 6. Reframe Salvation

Grace through faith alone. Use Galatians 1:6–9 and 5:4 — the Judaiser parallel.

## 7. Prophet Test

Close with Deuteronomy 18 + 13. Frame as a seed they can investigate later.

## 8. Homework

'Don't take my word for it. Go read Romans 3–5, Hebrews 1, Galatians, Colossians 1 in a regular English translation.'

## 9. Bless & Go

Use their name. Express gratitude. Say 'God bless you.' If they want to leave, let them go graciously.

## 10. The Consistency Pivot

When the JW claims 'We follow the Bible,' affirm their instinct — 'That's exactly right, Scripture is the test!' Then pivot: 'So can we test one teaching right now? Show me a verse that says Jesus is Michael the Archangel.' This forces the move from assertion to evidence. Watchtower teachings often lack direct scriptural support — they depend on multi-step inference chains. By asking for a single, clear verse, you expose the gap between 'Bible-based' and 'Bible-said.' Works best when the JW has just used Scripture to correct you — praise them for it, then ask them to apply the same standard to their own organisation.