OUR KINGDOM MINISTRY

MARCH 1991

Vol. 34, No. 3

FOR UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

Meetings for Field Service

MARCH 4-10

Topic for Conversation

• 1. Review scriptures used.

• 2. How will you introduce Revelation Climax book?

MARCH 11-17

Inviting others to Memorial

• 1. Whom should we invite?

• 2. How can printed invitations be used effectively?

MARCH 18-24

When offering literature

• 1. Why do we not offer it as “free”?

• 2. How do you let householder know he may donate to worldwide preaching work?

MARCH 25-31

In conducting Bible studies

• 1. Why encourage Bible students to attend meetings?

• 2. Why invite other publishers to accompany you at times?

Schedule for congregation studies in the brochure How Can Blood Save Your Life? (Use questions in February Our Kingdom Ministry insert.): March 4: Fourth Week

March 11: Fifth Week

Schedule for congregation studies in the book Revelation—Its Grand Climax At Hand!:

March 18: Page 6, par. 1, to page 8, par. 9

March 25: Page 9, par. 1,

to page 11, par. 14

TOPIC FOR CONVERSATION

Better Conditions Await Us.

2 Pet. 3:13—New world promised.

Rev. 21:4—Conditions that will exist.

• ¹ The most important date on our calendar this year is Saturday, March 30. After sundown on that day, we will celebrate the Memorial of Jesus’ death. (1 Cor. 11:20, 24) Why was the date of Jesus’ death made a day for special remembrance?

THE MEMORIAL—ITS SIGNIFICANCE

• ² Jesus’ death was an event of universal importance. When writing to members of the spirit-begotten Christian congregation, the apostle Paul said: “As often as you eat this loaf and drink this cup, you keep proclaiming the death of the Lord, until he arrives.” (1 Cor. 11:26) So the Memorial calls special attention to the significance of the death of Jesus Christ in the outworking of Jehovah’s purpose. It highlights the meaning of Jesus’ sacrificial death, particularly in relation to the new covenant and to the way his death affects those who will be his joint heirs in the heavenly Kingdom. —John 14:2, 3; Heb. 9:15.

• ³ By maintaining integrity down till his death, Jesus sanctified his Father’s name and demonstrated that a perfect man could prove faithful to God under every kind of trial that Satan might bring against him. His death also provided the perfect human sacrifice needed to ransom Adam’s offspring and made it possible for as many as would exercise faith to live forever in a paradise

  Making Progress in the Ministry

  
  

• ¹ There is an old adage about progress that says: “Begin where you are. But don’t stay where you are.” How applicable that saying is to making progress in the ministry! When you started in the ministry, you may only have been able to make a brief presentation of the Kingdom message. But if a few years have passed and you have not moved beyond that stage, having stayed where you were, what can you do?

• ² ThetBrst step>is to ask Jehovah for the wisdom needed fotea’ch with skill, (Prov.15:14; Jas. 1:5) The'sec-'Ofid [steals to work in_harmony with ySurprayer. Set aside some time to go over presentations in the Reasoning book. Find one that you feel you can effectively use, and go over and over the presentation uritjLyou. have it clearly in mind. Thet^hird step is to accompany ynur hrotm*rs~nrtfie field so that you can make the presentation you have prepared.

FRIENDS TO HELP YOU

• ³ You may be saying, ‘That is easier said than done.’ True, but that is why earth. Because of all that would be accomplished by means of Jesus’ death, it was most fitting for him to instruct his disciples to memorialize his death.—rs pp. 266-7.

HOW WE CAN SHOW APPRECIATION

• ⁴ The world has many celebrations during the year, and much is done to promote them. On the other hand, the Lord’s Evening Meal is the only celebration that Jesus’ devoted footstep followers were commanded to observe. Without question, it is the year’s greatest celebration for all true Christians. Should not the profound significance of the commemorative Lord’s Evening Meal move us to focus attention on it during March?

• ⁵ Perhaps we could take a few minutes each week during March to discuss with our Bible students the scriptures that highlight the significance of Christ’s death and show them the basis for the Memorial. We could also encourage them to follow closely the Memorial Bible reading for March 25-30, as noted on the 1991 Calendar of Jehovah’s Witnesses. This can help deepen their appreciation for the Lord’s Evening Meal.

^G Since the Memorial celebration falls on a Saturday, it will be easier for many to schedule their affairs to attend. Many publishers are taking advantage of the fact that there are (Continued on page 4, col. S) you have friends to help you. If yqu are young, talk with your parents or with experiencedjjublisljers who are productive ministers. Ask them for suggestion? on hqw to converse_with people at the doors. They may suggest practice sessions where you can fry your presentation. They can play the part of a householder, raising common objections encountered at the doors. WitK practice you can learn to converse skillfully with people.

• ⁴ You have other friends who can help you. There are pioneers who have learned preaching techniques through experience and by attending the Pioneer Service School. Your book study conductor or the service overseer may also be in a position to work with you from door to door and further demonstrate how to talk and reason with people.

FOLLOWING UP THE INTEREST SHOWN

• ⁵ We are interested in giving further spiritual assistance to people who accept our literature. That

(Continued on page 4, col. 2)

Meetings to Help Us Make Disciples

WEEK STARTING MARCH 4

Song 4

5 min: Local announcements and selected Announcements from Our Kingdom Ministry. Outline field service arrangements for this weekend. 25 min: “Our Simplified Literature Distribution Arrangement.” Qualified elder considers material in article' with audience. Elder may also incorporate points from Society’s letterof April 21, 1990. Then have a well-prepared, experienced publisher demonstrate how information from talk can be applied in the field service. Using one of the current magazines that will be offered in field service this weekend, publisher engages householder in conversation on subject of one of the articles. As publisher calls attention to specific point in the magazine, householder says: “That looks interesting.” Publisher says: “I would be happy to leave the magazine with you so that you could enjoy reading this article as well as all the others in the magazine.” Householder asks: “How much is it?” Publisher replies: “If you will read it, there is no charge. You can see here on the publishers’ page that this magazine is part of a worldwide Bible educational work and is supported by voluntary donations. (Refer to statement on page 4 of Awake! and in lower right-hand column of page 2 of The Watchtower.] I am just one of more than four million Jehovah’s Witnesses who have volunteered their time and resources to accomplish this vital work in over two hundred lands. If others wish to make a small donation toward the work, they are welcome to do so.” Householder donates and publisher puts money in envelope he carries for that purpose. He expresses appreciation for donation offered and says he will stop by with next issues of the magazines. In a second brief demonstration, illustrate how publisher does not leave a publication because householder, although willing to talk, is not really interested in the Kingdom message. In third brief demonstration, show how a tract may be left with someone who displays genuine interest but is quite busy at the moment and it does not appear to be appropriate at that particular time to explain how our worldwide work is supported. Publisher promises to return at a more convenient time. When he calls again, he will endeavor to determine if the householder is really interested in our work and, if so, explain the nature of our ministry and how the work is supported.

15 min: “Presenting the Good News —With the Revelation Climax Book.” Question-and-answer discussion. After discussing paragraph 4, present well-prepared demonstration showing how publisher offers book to householder who has manifested genuine interest in the Bible discussion. Publisher might say f “Jehovah’s Witnesses are volunteer workers who feel that it is vital for God-fearing people to have access to this good news that is expressed so interestingly in the Bible book of Revelation. The voluntary donations of Jehovah’s Witnesses and other people who see the value of Bible education today help to support this work and make it possible for us to offer this book without charge to individuals who genuinely are interested in learning what God has in store for mankind today.” Householder asks: “Do you mean I can have this book?" Publisher replies: “Yes, you can if you really are interested in the Bible's message it contains. And I will be pleased to call again and discuss some of this information further with you. If you wish to make a small donation toward the advancement of this Bible educational work, you may do so. Your donation will be appreciated and used entirely for the advancement of the Kingdom good news.” Householder offers a donation and says he would welcome a return visit. In a second demonstration, start with final part of publisher’s explanation of literature distribution arrangement, and then have householder say: “I would very much like to read the book.” Publisher says: “I know you will find it exciting and perhaps even be surprised at some of the things that were written long ago about our times. I would like to discuss some of this information further with you at another time. Would it be convenient for you if I stop by at about this same time next week when we will be making other calls in this neighborhood?” Householder agrees and publisher leaves. Point out that some of the younger publishers may need to work more closely with their parents in the house-to-house ministry until they become adept at conversing with householders. New and less experienced publishers will want to work with publishers who can teach them how to use the Topic for Conversation and then explain effectively the simplified literature distribution arrangement. By carrying on the ministry in this way, more emphasis is being put on the actual preaching work and we are able to discern more clearly where genuine interest is being manifested. Our principal concern is to locate and feed the Lord’s sheep and help equip them for survival into Jehovah’s new world.

Song 6 and concluding prayer.

WEEK STARTING MARCH 11

Song 87

10 min: Local announcements and accounts report. Include donation acknowledgments. Remind all that Memorial will be Saturday evening, March 30. Give exact time and place. Ask the congregation how they plan to invite new ones to the Memorial, and demonstrate how this can be done. Remind congregation that printed invitations are available.

15 min: Local needs or talk based on article “Continue to Be Readjusted" in The Watchtower of November 1, 1990.

20 min: “The Most Important Day in 1991.” Questions and answers. Warm and enthusiastic presentation encouraging the congregation to get the spirit of the most important day of the year. Highlight the importance of making good arrangements to follow up the interest shown by persons who attend the Memorial for the first time. Song 129 and concluding prayer.

WEEK STARTING MARCH 18

Song 135

10 min: Local announcements. Theocratic News. Mention service arrangements, and discuss highlights of current magazines that might be used in magazine service. Experiences in presenting current offer could be related. Encourage auxiliary pioneer activity for April.

20 min: Prepare Effective Introductions. Elder who is effective in field ministry helps publishers prepare introductions that would be appropriate for local territory. Base suggestions on pages 9-15 of the Reasoning book. Discuss two or three introductions that may be used with current Topic for Conversation or other timely subject. Have experienced publishers demonstrate two house-to-house presentations, using suggestions given on Service Meeting for week starting March 4. As time allows, briefly relate local experiences that illustrate value of introductions that capture interest of householder.

{Continued on page 3, col. 1)

Announcements

• Literature offer for March: Revelation —Its Grand Climax At Hand! April and May: Watchtower subscription. June: Mankind’s Search for God.

• The presiding overseer or someone assigned by him should audilthe congregation accounts on March 1 or as soon as possible thereafter. Make announcement to the congregation when this has been done.

Meetings         ..■y.pffXCont’d}

15 min: Talk-'on' value of reading scriptures regarding the Memorial that are listed on the 1991 Calendar for March 25-30. Families may wish to read them together and discuss the significance of the occasion. May be helpful to read material under “Lord’s Evening Meal” in Insight, Volume 2, pages 268-71. Such preparation can heighten appreciation for the Memorial and draw families closer in the bond of true worship.

Song 126 and concluding prayer.

WEEK STARTING MARCH 25

Song 168

10 min: Local announcements. Outline arrangements for Memorial. Remind audience to bring their families and interested persons to Kingdom Hall as early as possible so they may be seated. Where two or more congregations are having the Memorial in the same hall, the elders will provide direction as to the time each congregation should arrive. Introduce new ones to brothers and acquaint them with the Kingdom Hall if it is their first time there. Announce arrangements for field activity on Saturday and Sunday, encouraging all to have a full spiritual weekend.

15 min: “Do You Hate to Receive Criticism?” Talk based on Awake! of February 8,1991. Speaker should outline clearly the six ways in which criticism can be made more palatable.

20 min: “Making Progress in the Ministry." Discussion between experienced elder and a brother taking the role of one who has been in the truth for some time but has not made progress. Have them briefly demonstrate practice session referred to in paragraph 3. In discussing paragraph 4, have a pioneer or other effective publisher show a less experienced publisher how to meet and deal with a situation that is encountered from time to time in local territory. Include in the discussion suggestions found in the August 1, 1985, Watchtower, pages 15-20, on reaching hearts. Conclude part by encouraging all to make definite plans to improve in conversing with people and following up interest.

Song 123 and concluding prayer.

• ¹ The simplified arrangement of distributing literature without charge has now been in effect for one year. Has this arrangement proved successful? Field service reports reveal increased placements in all categories. Literally millions of persons are being given the opportunity to “conie ■ • • take life’s water free.’’—Rev. 22:17.

• ² However, we are not obligated, nor is it our desire, to hand out literature indiscriminately to just any person who will accept it. Just as we wisely use b'uf jwp material goods, e'ach publisher has the responsibility to make wise use of the literature he or she receives without charge from the Society through the local congregation. That the Society makes its literature available to publishers without charge certainly does not mean that no cost is incurred In its production and distribution. All should especially appreciate the value of our literature in helping honesthearted persons in their quest for accurate knowledge concerning Jehovah God and his Son Jesus Christ. —John 17:3.

• ³ How is the Society able to provide its literature to all without charge? The unavoidable costs incurred in its production and distribution are cared for by donations. Jehovah’s dedicated Servants are the primary source of this Support. Jehovah’s Witnesses have not looked to the public to support this most urgent Kingdom proclamation work. We have never before nor are we now engaged in public fund-raising. However, small donations from sincerely interested and appreciative persons that we meet in the field are appreciated.

WHAT OUR DONATIONS ACCOMPLISH

’ Thus, it is appropriate that we be prepared to explain briefly and clearly how our worldwide Bible educational work is supported by voluntary donations. All funds received are used to defray the enormous expenses incurred in accomplishing the 'Kingdom-preaching work in this modern era. In addition to producing literaturejor worldwide distribution, the Society maintains branch offices, Bethel homes, ministerial and ffiTs-sionary schools, missionaries, traveling overseers, literature distribution centers, and numerous other support services necessary for accomplishing the overall assignment Jesus gave his disciples.—Matt. 24:14; 28:19, 20.

• ⁵ The momentous growth taking place among Jehovah’s people has moved many to ask what they can do to Kelp. Most are not able to assist personally with the construction" of new branches and Kingdom Halls or go to distant countries to assist with the evangelizing efforts there. But in order to have some part in these exciting developments to the degree they are able, many publishers and their families make it their practice to set something aside regularly for contributing toward the worldwide work. (Compare 1 Corinthians 16: 1, 2.) In this way, all the Society’s activities are supported, including the distribution of literature. No one should view voluntary donations to the worldwide work as if they were a mere payment to covet' the cost of the literature.

• ⁶ When approaching householders or others for the purpose of giving a witness, we should be prepared to discuss a Bible subject with them. A wide variety of interesting introductions, along with many appropriate Bible subjects, are suggested in Reasoning From the Scriptures. Or we may use the Topic for Conversation suggested in Our Kingdom Ministry. Depending on the person’s response to the Kingdom message, the publisher must decide how to proceed with regard to offering literature. If there does not appear to be sufficient inter-e'st to warrant offering a book or some other publication, you may decide to terminate the con versationtactfully and procfeed to the nexTcall. Or you may wish to leave a handbill or a tract if the person promises toread its message. Be sure to makeaTRite of the interest so that a return visit can be made. The same may be done on occasions when there may not be sufficient time to develop a meaningful conversation with someone because he is busy or we have not come at an opportune time.

• ⁷ The simplified literature distribution arrangement helps everyone see that our Bible educational work is not commercial in any way. It also helps us to keep to the fore our objective of preaching the Kingdom good news and making disciples of Jesus Christ. In sharp contrast to organizations that engage in “charitable solicitation,” Jehovah’s Witnesses are pleased to see to it that literature can be made available to all without charge. Donations toward the worldwide work are never solicited from those not genuinely interested in our message. (See The Watchtower, December 1,1990, pages 22 and 23.) One hundred percent of all donations is used to support this worldwide Bible educational work, since all the workers are volunteers and no salaries or commissions are paid to anyone in the organization. The matter of donations to assist with the worldwide (Continued on page 4, col. 1)

  PRESENTING THE GOOD NEWS

  
  

With the Revelation Climax Book

• ¹ The sons of Korah wrote of Jehovah: “For this God is our God to time indefinite, even forever. He, himself will guidejus. until we die.” (Ps. 48: 14T Those faithful men confidently put their trust in Jehovah, living their entire life in accord with divine instructions. What fine examples they set for us! Those guided by Jehovah today experience refreshment and enlightenment. (Isa. 58:11) They avoid the fate of those following the “blind guides” of this wicked system, who lead their followers into a “pit” of misery and confusion.—Matt. 15:14.

• ² Divine direction is especially important today as the world around us becomes increasingly confused and dangerous. Many people are perplexed and long for satisfying answers. How appropriate it is, then, that we encourage them to read the Revelation Climax book! This publication offers divine guidance by explaining the earthshaking events of our day in the light of the Revelation prophecies. Such information brings relief and gives sound direction on how people today can live a life pleasing to God.

FEATURING THE REVELATION CLIMAX BOOK

• ³ A striking feature of the Revelation Climax book is its illustrations, which are great teaching aids. Use these illustrations effectively when presenting the book in the field service. For example, on page 302 there is a vivid illustration of Kingdom blessings. This is an artist’s concept of what is spoken of at 2 Peter 3:13 and Revelation 21:4, the two scriptures in our Topic for Conversation.

¹ After introducing ourselves, we could begin a conversation this way: “We are calling to discuss the meaning of what is happening around us in the world today. Some world leaders feel we are on the verge of a new age of peace. Do you feel that is so? [Al-

Literature Distribution (Cont’d) work is only considered with those who inquire or who otherwise indicate an interest in our work.

⁸ As we zealously expand our ministry, making wise use of the Society’s valuable publications, Jehovah will continue to give the increase. Good-hearted people everywhere appreciate our thoughtful explanations of the nature of our ministry and are pleased to express their support through their voluntary donations. low householder to answer.] While governments may seem to resolve some political differences, the attitudes of people toward one another and the incidence of violence so often seem to work against man’s efforts to bring peace. However, at 2 Peter 3:13 the Bible assures us of a new earthly society that will operate under a heavenly government. [Read scripture and open book to page 302..] This is an artist’s portrayal of what this scripture is speaking about. What appeals to you in this picture? [Allow tor response.] Concerning the conditions that will exist on earth, the Bible also says at Revelation 21:4 (read scripture from page 303,. paragraph 6]. Not even death will mar the peace God will establish.” You may find a variety of introductions appropriate for your territory on pages 9-15 of the Reasoning book.

⁵ Although we want to feature the Kingdom blessings in presenting the good news, we also need to help interested people appreciate the urgent message Jesus Christ pronounced in the book of Revelation. Therefore, we would want to conclude our discussion with an urgent appeaT and an offer to help sincere ones' appreciate that~Jffagment against this system and those who support it will come soon.

⁸ The prophecies of Revelation are a great source of refreshment and joy. Jehovah is extending an invitation to all honesthearted ones to follow his lead and benefit themselves. Let us zealously offer the Revelation Climax book so that all may be guided by Jehovah’s wise direction.

Making Progress         (Cont’d)

means we must return to stimulate further interest. Before making the return visit, review'what you said on the initial calT so that you can more effectively develop the subject that captured their interest. Keep in mmd, too, that while we plant and water, it is Jehovah who makes it grow. Ask for his guidance before making the call. (1 Cor. 3:6; 2 Cor. 9:10) As we help others to learn, we make personal progress ourselves.

• ⁶ The next important step is starting and conducting a Bible'study. If you have not yet reached that stage in your ministerial development, continue to approach Jehovah in prayer afidask him to help'you find and teed a sheeplike one. You may find it helpful to observe how an effective teach;

  THEOCRATIC NEWS

  
  

♦ The dedication of the Bethel Home, office, and factory complex in Argentina took place on Saturday, October 27. An all-time peak of 83,936 publishers was reached during the month.

♦ Romania had a new peak of publishers in September. There were 19,734 reporting—an increase of 16 percent over September 1989.

DECEMBER SERVICE REPORT

Av Av Av Av Pubs. Hrs. Mags. R.V. Bi.St.

Sp’IPios. 216 124.7  76.4 53.4

Pios. 65,670  75.9  33.8 24.9

Aux. Pios. 30,245  55.3  25.2 14.9

Pubs. 741,019   9.4   6.0  3.7

TOTAL 837,150

Newly Dedicated Ones Baptized: 3,232

Most Important Day (Cont’d) five weekends in March to serve as auxiliary pioneers. This allows them to have a greater share in laying stress on the celebration of the Lord’s Evening Meal. It gives additional opportunities to help new ones to prepare mentally for this special occasion.

• ⁷ In view of the significance of the Memorial celebration, let us do everything we can to help others to attend. Helpful reminders on details to be cared for by the elders can be found in Our Kingdom Ministry for March 1989 and April 1990.

• ⁸ May we approach this most important day in 1991 with clear discernment and deep appreciation for all that Jesus’ death means for mankind. Yes, may all of us be present on the evening of March 30 as once again Jehovah’s true worshipers faithfully obey Jesus’ command to “keep proclaiming the death of the Lord, until he arrives.” er. conducts a Bible study and then copy his teaching methods. Also, re; view information on teaching such as thaffoundin The Watchtower of August 1,1984, pages 8-17. By thus preparing yourself, you will be ready to conduct a study when your prayers are answered.

SET AND REACH GOALS

⁷ Reaching the goals of more effective teaching, making return visits, and conducting studies takes time. Could you set for yourself another goal, that oTheing an auxiliary (or regular pioneer? As you continue to make advancement in the ministry, you can be. a source of encouragement to others.. Many blessings from Jehovah can be yours if you do not stay where you are but steadily make progress.

4