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Witnesses who serve at these complexes as members of the Witnesses' religious order are known as “Bethelites.” Collectively, they are referred to as the “Bethel family” because, like a family, they live, worship, and work together at such facilities. The term “Bethelite” is not used as an honorific title.

Jehovah's Witnesses hold meetings for worship twice each week. At these meetings, which are open to the public, they examine what the Bible says and how they can apply its teachings in their lives. Most services include audience participation, much like a classroom discussion.

“Bethel” means “House of God” and is what Jehovah's Witnesses call their local Branch Offices in their country/region. It is significant because each branch office is the coordination centre for all JWs in that country/region.

Those who leave the faith are called "apostates" and are "disfellowshipped", a term for formal expulsion and shunning, where members are "prohibited from talking, and even from saying 'hello' to them", ing to Ohmyjw.

The service is held in the Kingdom Hall and is led by the Congregation Elder. The service is brief (generally between 15 and 30 minutes) and the body of the deceased is usually present. Following the service, the body is transported to either the crematorium or to the cemetery for a graveside service and burial.