OUR KINGDOM MINISTRY

JULY 1991

Vol. 34, No. 7

FOR UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

Meetings for Field Service

JULY 1-7

New Topic for Conversation

• 1. How will you introduce the "Look!" brochure?

• 2. What transition will you make to the brochure you are using?

JULY 8-14

How can tracts be used

• 1. To introduce yourself?

• 2. When householder is busy?

• 3. To start study on the initial call?

JULY 15-21

Using discernment

• 1. What might dictate how long to stay at a door?

• 2. If householder is busy, what could you say to open the way for future visit?

JULY 22-28

Offering literature

• 1. When should literature be left with householder?

• 2. What would you say if asked how much literature costs?

JULY 29-AUGUST4

To follow up interest

• 1. Why is it important to keep a record of interest?

• 2. What factors determine whether we call back?

TOPIC FOR CONVERSATION

A New World—By Whom?

Jer. 10:23—Man cannot direct his steps.

2 Pet. 3:13—Jehovah’s sure promise of a new world.

• ¹ The apostle Paul maintained a keen sense of responsibility before Jehovah to be patient anq thorough as he preachecTthe good news to all who would hear. He confidently told the assembled overseers from Ephesus: (“I do not make my soul of any account as dear to me, if only I may finish my course and the ministry that I received of the Lord Jesus, to bear thorough witness to the good news of the undeserved kindness of God.y( Acts 20:24) Do we sense the necessity laid upon us to do likewise?—1 Cor. 9:16.

IN OFTEN-WORKED TERRITORY

• ² Patience is especially necessary when our territory is worked quite often. Despite limited territory, we should be moved to_call again and again. Put forth* effofFto contaeLaU the occupants in each home, and progressively help sincere persons.to appreciate the Bible-based hope of God’s Kingdom.

• ³ When our territory is worked frequently, another benefit of being patient is that we can get personally acquainted with the householders. This may make them feel more comfortable in opening their door. There are excellent suggestions in the Reasoning book that we can use to vary our introductions in often-worked territory.—See Reasoning, pages 9-15.

• ⁴ There may be occasions when we call on people who, while manifesting some interest, will not accept our literature. How should we react? Our endeavor to be thorough will move us to persevere in developing that inter-e§.t. Cultivating what has been planted in their hearts_may move them eventually to accent a Bible study. One brother made calls on an interested householder for five consecutive weeks without placing literature. On the sixth visit, the householder accepted literature, and eventually a Bible study was started.

  Be Whole-Souled in the Field Ministry Part 1: The Value of Appreciation for Jehovah

  
  

¹ Being whole-souled in the ministry stems from a deep appreciation of Jehovah and all that he has done for us. (2 Sam. 22:2, 3) An empathetic view of the plight of all mankind alienated from God should move us to exert ourselves in service. (Matt. 9:36; 2 Cor. 5:14,15) The more devoted we are to Jehovah and the more concerned we are for people, the more we will be motivated to share enthusiastically in the field service. (Matt. 22:37-39) Our ministry then becomes a treasure to be highly prized. (2 Cor. 4:7) But how can such

OFFERING THE BROCHURES

• ⁵ During July and August, our Top-ic.for Conversation will be “A New World—By Whom?" This topic is sufficiently flexible to use when presenting any one of the following brochures : Enjoy Life on Earth Forever!, “Look! I Am Making AU Things New,” Should You Believe in the Trinity?, The Divine Name That Will Endure Forever, and The Government That WiU Bring Paradise. If we take time to become Jaipiliar with these hra.-chures, we will find a number of appropriate talking points to use with the Topic for Conversation.

• ⁶ For example, we could introduce ourselves and then say: i^What are your thoughts on man’s promise to bring about world peace? [Allow response.] Consider how the Bible comments on man’s abilities in this regard. [Read Jeremiah 10:23J Throughout the centuries, man has proved that he is really not capable of ruling himself. However, note God’s reliable promise. [Read 2 Peter 3:13.] So God’s sure promise of a new earth will come true.’’/Then we could encourage the householder to read one of the brochures. If we are using the "Look!” brochure, we could direct the householder’s attention to what is stated on page 30, paragraph 58^ When offering the~Governrfi.ent brochure, we could highlight what is stated in the first paragraph on page 3.. The picture on the front of the LifeEarth brochure is quite appealing and fits in with the Topic for Conversation. Also, the third paragraph on page 31 of the Divine Name brochure can be used.

• ⁷ Patientjy and thoroughly covering our territory with the good news will result in salvation to those who listen to us. (1 Tim. 4:16) Time is running out! Therefore, may we exercise patience and bear thorough witness as we have a full share in preaching this message of salvation.

appreciation for the ministry be cultivated?

KEYS TO BUILDING APPRECIATION

² Personal and congregational Bible study along with prayerful meditation help us to develop a personal relationship with Jehovah. We come to discern the beauty of his qualities and personality. Do you follow a schedule for weekly Bible reading? Do you regularly set aside time to study the Society’s publications? Do you prepare for, attend, and (Continued on page 2, col. 1)

Meetings to Help Us Make Disciples

WEEK STARTING JULY 1

Song 173

10 min: Local announcements and selected Announcements from Our Kingdom Ministry. Highlight articles in current magazines that might be used in magazine work this Saturday.

15 min: “Visiting a Patient—How to Help.” Talk on material in March 8, 1991, Awake! Outline congregation’s arrangements for assisting elderly, infirm, or shut-ins. Stress point on page 11, paragraph 4, on the benefit of being properly dressed.

20 min: “Be Patient and Thorough in the Ministry.” Question-and-answer coverage of article. Emphasize the need to be patient, especially in territory covered quite often. After discussing paragraph 6, have publisher demonstrate how to use the Topic for Conversation when offering the “Look!” brochure.

Song 156 and concluding prayer.

WEEK STARTING JULY 8

Song 162

10 min: Local announcements. Accounts report. Theocratic News. Remind congregation of weekend arrangements for field service.

15 min: “Be Whole-Souled in the Field Ministry—Part 1.” Question-and-answer discussion by service overseer. Assign in advance selected key scriptures to be read, and make practical local application. Create interest in five-part series.

20 min: Full-Time Service—A Splendid Opportunity to Walk With God. (Mic. 6:8) Qualified elder or ministerial servant, preferably one in full-tTmg~SgfVTce, gives warm, encouraging talk. (See May 15, 1989, Watchtower, pages 21-3.) Outline practical suggestions to help congregation publishers, according to their circumstances, to think seriously

Field Ministry              (Cont’d)

participate in all congregation meetings? (Heb. 10:24, 25) During and after each personal study period, purposeful meditation will build heart appreciation for the pleasantness of our warmhearted God and his arrangements for true worship.—Ps. 27:4.

³ Another way we can heighten our level of appreciation is to consider closely the example of other whole-souled ministers of God. The prophet Jeremiah was consumed with ardor for the work entrusted to him. (Jer. 20:9) Jesus left a pattern, displaying about taking up the full-time work. Interview two or three pioneers, and outline the many benefits of full-time service. New service year a fine time to begin. Those who start by September 1, 1991, may qualify to go to the Pioneer Service School in the summer of 1992.

Song 204 and concluding prayer.

WEEK STARTING JULY 15

Song 32

10 min: Local announcements. If congregation is to rotate meeting times on September 1, announce schedule that is to be followed. Review highlights from congregation’s June field service report. Commend publishers for accomplishments in the field.

20 min: “Presenting the Good News —With Discernment.” Question-and-answer coverage. Demonstrate points in paragraph 5. Have skillful publisher show how to deal with householder who is initially argumentative by tactfully asking questions and showing what Bible says on subject. Demonstration should be well rehearsed.

15 min: How I Got the Truth. Experiences. Ehjer interviews two or three individuals. Focus on how God’s Word and organization moved them to point of dedication and baptism. Stress benefits they experience from being in the truth.

Song 67 and concluding prayer.

WEEK STARTING JULY 22

Song 210

15 min: Elder<or qualified ministerial servant handies local announcements. Ask audience for talking points from available brochures. Pick points that fit in with the Topic for Conversation and that will build an appreciative spirit and zeal. (John 4:34) By his labors in the ministry, the apostle Paul demonstrated his gratitude for divine mercy shown him. (1 Tim. 1:12, 13, 17) As we reflect on such examples, as well as examples from modern times, we can build an appreciation that will make us whole-souled in the ministry.

¹ When we learn about the glorious splendor of Jehovah’s dignity and concern ourselves with his wonderful works, we are moved to declare his greatness and cry out joyfully to his praise. (Ps. 145:5-7) We show that we treasure our opportunities to bear householder’s anticipation for reading the brochure. Have brief demonstration of transition into brochure and an appropriate talking point.

18 min: “Congregation Book Study Arrangement—Part 1.” Discussion by experienced elder with one or two other elders or ministerial servants who are Congregation Book Study conductors. Put special emphasis on two or three matters that are especially needed in the local congregation, such as commenting in own words and making practical application of material considered.

12 min: Local needs. Consider points on which elders feel congregation needs assistance. May Scriptural-ly consider some items that were brought to the congregation’s attention during the last visit of the circuit overseer.

Song 42 and concluding prayer.

WEEK STARTING JULY 29

Song 56

15 min: Local announcements and consideration of Question Box. Ask for experiences on placing brochures and starting Bible studies.

15 min: “Carrying Our Own Load of Responsibility.” Elder discusses article with family group. Recalls how congregation enjoyed and benefited from current circuit assembly program and builds anticipation for new circuit assembly program. Asks family heads in audience how the 1991 program helped their family. Encourages all to make definite arrangements to be present and benefit from the program outlined for the 1992 service year. If date of next assembly is known, this can be announced.

15 min: “Preventing the Return of Bad Habits.” Discussion of article appearing in the April 8,1991, Awake! Song 132 and concluding prayer.

witness to the divine name by actively seeking ways to spread the Kingdom message.—Luke 6:45.

⁵ But are there other things that will motivate our whole-souled participation in the ministry? If so, what are they? How can elders, ministerial servants, pioneers, and other experienced Kingdom proclaimers help? What part do goals play in cultivating enthusiasm? What benefits can be expected? These questions and others will be answered in this five-part series, which will be continued in succeeding issues of Our Kingdom Ministry.

Announcements

• Literature offer for July and August: Any 32-page brochure except the School brochure. September: Life—How Did It Get Here? By Evolution or by Creation? October: Subscriptions for either Awake! or The Watchtower or for both magazines.

• Congregations wishing to rotate their meeting schedules should do so on September 1. New schedule should be worked out and announced to the congregations. All congregations should notify the Society of their new meeting schedule no later than August 6.

• Starting in September, the new public talk for circuit overseers will be “Happy Conventioners in Eastern Europe Praise Jehovah.” This talk will feature a slide presentation recounting some of the highlights of the 1990 “Pure Language” District Conventions held in various countries of Eastern Europe during the summer of 1990.

• New Publications Available:

"AU Scripture Is Inspired of God and Beneficial"             —Greek

Making Your Family Life Happy

—Czech My Book of Bible Stories —Czech Questions Young People Ask—Answers That Work       —Arabic

True Peace and Security—How Can You Find It?        —Hungarian

You Can Live Forever in Paradise on Earth (Small size) —Bulgarian Tract No. 15              —Urdu

Awake! binder          —Spanish

Watchtower binder —Spanish

• New Audiocassettes Available:

Jehovah’s Judgment Against LawDefying People—Drama (single audiocassette)           —German

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

July 1: Page 61, par. 15, to page 65, par. 25

July 8: Page 66, par. 1,

to page 69, par. 12

July 15: Page 69, par. 13,

to page 73, par. 26

July 22: Page 74, par. 1,

to page 77, par. 11

July 29: Page 77, par. 12, to page 80, par. 22

APRIL SERVICE REPORT

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

Sp’IPios. 221 126.5  79.8 53.6

Pios. 62.879  82.8  37.2 26.9

Aux. Pios. 69,887  57.8  27.7 14.5

Pubs. 718,446   9.9   6.0  3.6

TOTAL 851,433

Newly Dedicated Ones Baptized: 3,136

• ¹ The Congregation Book Study plays a vital role in the spiritual development of Jehovah’s people. In the months ahead, we will examine various aspects of the Congregation Book Study arrangement and consider how we can benefit. In this issue we want to focus on how the book study conductor can make the study encouraging and faith strengthening.

• ² In order to be effective in his teaching, the conductor should prepare well. As a serious student of God’s Word, not only must he know the answer to each question but he should also understand why that answer is correct. His endeavor should be to"asSistaIl m the study to know the reasons for the answers. (1 Pet, 3:15) This wilTcleepen their appreciation for the material. J        re C

’GOALS IN CONDUCTING THE STUDY

• ³ One goal of the conductor is to use the material in the study to strengthen the faith of all in attendancs'lmd' motivate them to want to do God’s will more fully. (Ps. 110:3; 2 Thess. 1: 3-5) To accomplish this, the conductor must pause at appropriate places to ‘sound down’ points that build heartfelt confidence in Jehovah, his Word, and his organization. (Gal. 6:6, Ref. Bi. ftn.) Skillfully framed questions can be used to draw out these ^aith-building details as time allows. , |(⁴ Another goal is to help all see how thejrcan use the material in a practical way. Hb'W can TTi?y Use it in the fielcT ministry? In encouraging the brothers as well as new ones? In strengthening their family and themselves? As Congregation Book Study conductors prepare each lesson, they

  Carrying Our Own Load of Responsibility

  
  

• ¹ The idea of responsibility seems to burden people today. Many try to shirk it. As a result, husbands abandon wives, mothers forsake children, youths drop out of school, and citizens evade taxes. The list of irresponsible actions goes on and on. A responsible person is one who is trustworthy, willing and able to answer for his conduct. Therefore, God’s Word clearly states of Christians that “each one will carry his own load.” (Gal. 6:5) How appropriate that the circuit assembly theme for the 1992 service year is “Carrying Our Own Load of Responsibility”! This series will begin in September. All of us should make definite plans to attend.

• ² By means of talks, skits, demonstrations, experiences, and interviews, this fine circuit assembly program will clearly outline the various should try to djscern the practical use of specific..points in the study.

• ⁵ Certain information may be used to help unbelieving relatives, school-mates₄ or workmates. Other material may assist~those in divided households or perhaps in one-parent families. The conductor may draw out those in attendance by helping them to reason and see how theyjnay make practTcaTapplication of the material being considered. The conductdr^-should strive to keep the study interesting, making it more than simply a question-and-answer coverage of the material.—Compare 1 Corinthians 14:9,19.

SHOW PERSONAL INTEREST

• ⁶ By taking a personal interest in each one in the group, the conductor can encourage full participation. Timid ones may be assigned in ,ad-vanceto fead scriptures, or they may be given a juestion in advance to prepare for answering. All should strive to comment in their own words. By listening carefully to the comments, the conductor can determine if some are in need of personal assistance. He can use other experienced ones in the group to assist in giving such individual attention.

• ⁷ The Congregation Book Study is a blessing to us. It gives Us the opportunity to meet in small groups and receive more personal attention. Never should we view it as lesslmportant than other meetings. Your Congregation Book Study conductor takes seriously his responsibility to use each study to strengthen your faith in Jehovah and build your appreciation for God’s spiritual provisions.

responsibilities all of us have as Christians. On Saturday afternoon, a four-part symposium will be featured that explains how we can all joyfully care for our responsibilities. Our young people have a responsibility to bear, and the Saturday afternoon talk by the circuit overseer will be especially directed to them. On Saturday there will also be an opportunity for newly dedicated ones to be baptized. All of those planning to be baptized at the circuit assembly should let the presiding overseer know well in advance so that preparation can be made for this.

³ On Sunday morning another four-part symposium will focus in on our Christian responsibility to preach. Then, on Sunday afternoon, the public talk entitled “God’s New World

(Continued on page 4, col. 3)

With Discernment

• ¹ An inspired proverb says: “He that is guarding discernment is going to find good.” (Prov. 19:8) The wisdom of these words has often proved true in our preaching activity. For example, by using discernment and tact, many publishers have turned possible conversation stoppers into opportunities to give a further witness. Or they" have at least laid a foundation for a witness fo be given at a later time. How can this be done?

HANDLING CONVERSATION STOPPERS

• ² Often we meet people who say, “I’m busy.” Is the householder truly busy,(oils he merely saying this so as not to~get involved in a lengthy discussion? Discernment is needed. IFhe does not seem really busy, we may try overcoming this conversation stopper. We could say,i“Then I will be brief ."/Thereafter, wb can summarize what we intended to discuss, keeping in mind the agreement to limit our conversation. As a result of our consideration and interest-arousing comments, the person may even indl-' cate a desire to continue the discussion right then.

• ³ Suppose the one you approach really is busy. Although we do not wanF’to be turned aside easily, If we are insistent or pushy, we may leave an unfavorable impression. If a householder comes to the door with a cooking utensil in her hand" and we smell food beingprepared, very likely she is truly busy. So discernment and good judgmenf are needed. It would not be considerate to persist in the conversation at that time. How much better it would be to give the householder a tract .and suggest calling back later. This will leave a more favorable impression, and a fine witness may be given the next time a Witness calls.

REACTING TO THE PERSON’S DISPOSITION

• ⁴ On occasion we meet individuals who are abrupt when we call on them in the house-to-house ministry. What should we do in this event? Prpygrbs 17,:27 counsels: (“A man of discernment is cool of spirit." What fine advice! A mild voice expfessing concern often serves to relax, such a person. Moreover, if we can tactfully get him to express himself on an issue that concerns him, he may become less defensive. Even if he cuts short the conversation, possibly our mild response will leave .him in a better frame of mind toward the work of Jehovah’s Witnesses. That would be a fine accomplishment. Of course, if a householder becomes upset and angry, it would be best toleave quietly and perhaps try witnessing to him at another time.

• ⁵ Then there are persons who, although argumentative, may be sincere. In these circumstances, it might be a real test of our patience to continue the conversation with them. But if we are discerning, we will not necessarily conclude that a householder is not interested just because he strongly expresses a differingview. We may wish to ask tactful questions in an effort to find out why he believes the way he does and then show him what the Bible says on the subject. (Prov. 20:5) Based on his reaction, we can decide if it would be advantageous to continue the conversation.

• ⁶ A discerning publisher realizes that time and circumstances often change a householder’s attitude toward the Kingdom message. His reaction may be quite different the next time we call. We must be careful not to assume we will get a negative response because of the way the householder reacted the last time we called at his door.

• ⁷ Deciding whether we.should pursue a conversation is not easy. Yet, by developing the art of teaching, we will Become more effective in presenting the good news with discernment, while we look to Jehovah to bless our efforts.—1 Cor. 3:6; Titus 1:9.

  Question Box

  
  

• • Since we want to use our literature wisely, what adjustments might we make in offering literature in street witnessing?

In doing street witnessing, it is appropriate to approach people with the magazines or publications in our hand. Our goal should be to try to have a conversation with people. In that way we can determine whether the person contacted is interested and will agree to read our magazines. If it is possible to discuss briefly one of the articles in a magazine, that would be ideal. It may also be possible to explain that our work is done by volunteers and is not a commercial business, but that it is a worldwide activity supported through voluntary contributions. In some instances, a publisher may have to walk along with the person while conversing about the contents and benefits of the magazine.

THEOCRATIC NEWS

* On February 11,1991, the Association of Jehovah's Witnesses of Mozambique was granted official recognition in that country.

♦ Togo reported a new peak of 5,582 publishers in February, a 15-percent increase. Despite restrictions, publishers averaged 15.7 hours and auxiliary pioneers averaged 64.7 hours in field service.

♦ The Bahamas had a new peak of 1,219 publishers in February. Good progress is being made on the new branch project construction.

• ♦ Cyprus had a new peak of 1,314 publishers in February, as well as a new peak in Bible studies.

♦ St. Lucia reported a new peak of 465 publishers in February.

♦ Solomon Islands had a peak of 809 publishers in February.

♦ Tahiti had their 40th consecutive publisher peak in February, with 1,246 reporting.The number of Bible studies reached 1,578, another peak.

♦ Trinidad had their third publisher peak for the service year, with 5,950 reporting in February.

♦ Western Samoa had a new peak of 234 publishers in February for a 14-percent increase.

Circuit Assembly          (Cont’d)

—Who Will Qualify to Enter?” will be given by the district overseer. Be alert to invite all newly interested ones to hear this talk.

⁴ All of us will want to arrange our affairs to be in attendance and benefit fully from this splendid two-day program. Your circuit overseer will inform you of the location and the dates that are scheduled for your congregation.

However, we should be discerning and considerate. Many of those we meet on the streets may be in such a rush that it would be hard for us to detect their interest. In such cases, it may be better simply to offer a tract to whet their appetite for more of our literature when they meet us again and can pause for a discussion.

By being consistent in doing street work at certain locations and times, people will get acquainted with us and may be happy to discuss matters when they have opportunity, thereby giving us enough time to determine their interest.

We want to use our literature wisely. Therefore, we should endeavor to choose an appropriate time to offer literature. Our doing so will enable us to arrange to follow through on the interest and have time to explain the nature of our work.

4