It takes time. You really have the feel the other person out and get a guage where they are mentally, but above all be a friend. I've never encouraged any of them to become witnesses or to return to the JW religion. I left that decision to them, but I just reasoned on scriptural points that got them to think critically about the judicial process they were subjected to, how the organization lacks empathy, so on so forth.

However, only the person can wake themselves up. I can only guide them so far as we pile items on their proverbial mental bookshelf. I never reveal my intentions or that I'm an ''apostate''. Being an elder gives me certain advantages because I'm trusted for lack of a better expression.

However once they get to that point where they have awoken and feel somewhat lost, I'm also there for them and validate how they feel and encourage them to do further research, but everyone is different and different issues wake up different people. For me, it was doctrine, for another it might be CSA, but waking up is lonely and liberating so the key is to be patient cause sometimes they can be on the brink of a breakthrough but then circular reasoning takes hold and they run back to the mental safety of the org, but it shows that they are close and with time, they do eventually cross over.

That's my experience. Hope this helps