OUR KINGDOM MINISTRY

¹ The apostle Paul, admonished first-century Christians; “Dp not forget the doing of goodfand the sharing of things with others.? (Heb. 13:16) Their efforts to help their brothers even under adverse circumstances would reinforce their love for God and for one another. (John 13:35) We too are encouraged to do goodjjind share with others.

^Tb this end. Jehovah has made provision for us to be spiritually well fed and well equipped. What a wealth of information we have in each Watchtower and Awake! What joy we find in reading each issue as soon as possible after receiving it! Meditating on the Scriptural information, we may make, note of points to usejn the field ministry as well as in our conversations with others. Similarly, we may buy out time to

and accept our responsibility to enthat experienced publishers can give. One sister who usually spent only one or two hours a month in field service learned to speak effectively at the doors when given help by an experienced publisher. Her former reluctance to share in the ministry vanished, and she became a zealous publisher of the good news. Now as a proficient pioneer, she looks back and says: “All I needed was to be taught what to say, and then I began to enjoy the ministry."

³ If you are an elder, a ministerial servant, a pioneer, or an experienced publisher, how can you contribute to the progress of others? The first step would also serves as a heal thy stimulus to the congregation. If possible, why not ap- ■' ply as a regular pioneer or arrange to be ■ an auxiliary pioneer on a regular basis or as often as possible this year?

’ Responsibilities are readily extended to qualified dedicated and baptized male members of the congregation. :* (1 Tim. 3:1-10,12,13) All can demonstrate their^willingness to serve by their well-_r thought-out comments at the meetings, participation in the Theocratic Ministry? School, and acceptance of assignments^ to present a demonstration or to care for-other parts on the Service Meeting. Even chljdren can be exemplary in these ways f and in their conduct at the Kingdom X Hall They can be helpful in working with their book study group when assigned to clean the Kingdom Hall or-care for other such needs.—km pp.1,8.

¹ Jesus expressed his willingness to • accept the responsibility to do good to others with the words: “I want to." (Luke 5:12,13) Following his example, we too can encourage and help our brothers, interested ones, and sincere people we meet in field service to associate regularly with Jehovah’s organization. Accepting our responsibility to “work what is good toward all" requires a detennined effort and perhaps personal-sacrifice on our part. (Gal. 6:10) But when we see the good that is accomplished, we can agree with Paul, helps to have a definite appointment to work together. Your companion may be nervous or unsure of himself at the beginning, but he will appreciate that someone is working with him to help out if the need arises. (Eccl. 4:9) If possible, select a territory where you are more likely to find people who are willing to converse on Bible themes. This will help the new one to become involved and thus gain confidence.

* To continue the progressive training, it would be beneficial to discuss how to make a return visit on the interest found. That involves laying the groundwork on the initial call by leaving the Continued on page 3

Week Starting September 2

Song 17

io mln: Local announcements and selected Announcements from Our Kingdom Ministry. Highlight talking points from current issues of magazines.

20 mln: “Presenting the Good News —Starting Studies With the Direct Approach.” Questlon-and-answer coverage. After considering paragraphs 3 and 4, demonstrate the direct approach using the Creation book and the tract Life in a Peace/ul New World. The direct approach will help you to determine the extent of the householder’s Interest.” Emphasize the need to call back on all interest whether literature is placed initially Or not. Encourage all to try starting Bible studies by using the direct approach in field service this weekend.

15 min: Question Box, ‘Our Kingdom Ministry Gets a New Format," and Theocratic News. Encourage participation in field service this weekend.

Song 157 and concluding prayer.

Week Starting September 9

Song 214

10 mln: Local announcements. Review points in magazines to be used in field service this weekend. Demonstrate one or two presentations as time allows.

20 mln: Set Personal Goals for New Service Year. Service overseer reviews congregation’s activity for past service year. Warmly commend where improvement is noted. Outline areas needing further attention locally during new service year, and provide practical suggestions. Review last report of circuit overseer. Use Index to find material on need and how to apply counsel given. Those enduring in faithful service encourage others. (Heb. 6:10) Interview two publishers or pioneers who made good progress during past service year. What goals have they set for 1992? Also, interview a publisher or a pioneer who has served faithfully for many years, having him or her outline difficulties faced and how these were overcome with help from Jehovah and his organization. Encourage all to set worthwhile goals for improving their ministry during 1992 service year.

15 mln: “AssumingOur Responsibility to Do Good to Others.” Question-and-answer presentation. When considering paragraph 4, demonstrate how an elder at the Kingdom Hall may give commendation to a publisher for his faithful example over the years. An Inquiry can be made as to what can be done to assist. However, emphasis should be placed on the commendation.

Song 94 and concluding prayer.

Week Starting September 16

Song 44

1 o min: Local announcements and accounts report. Read Society’s donation acknowledgments and express appreciation for publishers’ financial support of Society’s activities as well as those of the congregation.

20 min: “Congregation Book Study Arrangement-Part 3." Two Congregation Book Study conductors discuss the material, making local application.

Emphasize mutual benefits when publishers cooperate with service arrangements. Mention the need to show respect for homes used when meeting for field service, and commend those hospitably opening up their homes, (km 3/86 p. 3) Since other locations are needed from time to time, anyone wishing to make his home available can advise the presiding overseer or service overseer. Tie in points from last week’s discussion about setting service goals. Service overseer can help and encourage publishers to reach goals in ministry.

15 min: “Youths—Will You Pass the Test of Christian Loyalty?" Talk based on article in the June 15, 1991, Watchtower. Emphasize folly of leading a double life.

Song 171 and concluding prayer.

Week Starting September 23

Song 187

10 min: Local announcements. Highlight one or two points from current magazines. Encourage publishers to share in the field service this weekend.

20 mln: “Be Whole-Souled in the Field Ministry—Part 3." Question-and-answer discussion. On paragraph 4, have experienced publisher demonstrate how to assist newer one when out In service. Show practice session with newer one using suggestions of experienced publisher to overcome realistic objections.

15min: Local needs or discussion of introductions appropriate for use in local territory. Base discussion on Reasoning book, pages 9-15. May briefly relate experiences of publishers who have started Bible studies this month by using the direct approach.

Song 70 and concluding prayer.

With its September issue, Our Kingdom Ministry appears with a new format. The Improved design will simplify work procedures in producing this monthly publication in many languages and make it easier for readers to locate certain information.

With this new format, all titles and texts can be produced by computer. Greater consistency of design is achieved, thus enhancing the overall appearance of Our Kingdom Ministry.

For the reader, there are several improvements. There is a uniformity of type sizes, and the typeface chosen for the text is very readable, even in a small size. The field service report will be easier to read. Also, main articles will usually appear on the outer pages, and most articles will be completed on the same page. The Service Meeting program, schedule for the Congregation Book Study, service report, Announcements, Theocratic News, Meetings for Field Service, Topic for Conversation, and Question Box will all appear on the inner pages.

We hope that you will find this valuable instrument a more attractive and effective aid in the work of preaching the good news of the Kingdom and making disciples.

CONGREGATION BOOK STUDY

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

To: p. 99,1132 p. 103,1,12 p. 107,19 p. 110, U20

From:

September 2: p. 95, 1 20

September 9. p. 100,11

September 16: p. 103,113

September 23: p. 107,110

Announcements

■ Literature offer for September: Life—How Did It Get Here? By Evolution or by Creation? October: Subscriptions for either Awake! or The Watchtower or for both magazines. November: New World Translation of the Holy Scriptures with the book The Bible—God’s Word or Man’s? December: The Greatest Man Who Ever Lived.

• ■ The presiding overseer or someone designated by him should audit the congregation’s accounts on September 1 or as soon as possible thereafter.

• ■ A new Watchtower Publications List has been prepared, and four copies are being sent to each congregation. They should be distributed to the secretary and the brothers caring for literature, magazines, and accounts.

• ■ New Publications Available:

Chinese: The Greatest Man Who Ever Lived. Croatian: Reasoning From the Scriptures; Theocratic Ministry School Guidebook. Efik: “Look! I Am Making AU Things New” (Brochure). English: Spirits of the Dead—Can They Help You or Harm You? Do They Really Exist?; The Greatest Man Who Ever Lived. French: Spirits of the Dead —Can They Help You or Harm You? Do They Really Exist?; The Greatest Man Who Ever Lived. Greek: The Greatest Man Who Ever Lived. Italian: The Greatest Man Who Ever Lived. Korean: The Greatest Man Who Ever Lived; Watch Tower Publications Index 1986-1988. Portuguese: The Greatest Man Who Ever Lived. Romanian: Worldwide Security Under the “Prince of Peace." Slovak: My Book of Bible Stories. Spanish: Spirits of the Dead—Can They Help You or Harm You? Do They Really Exist?; The Greatest Man Who Ever Lived. Turkish: How Can Blood Save Your Life?

• ■ New Audiocassettes Available:

Italian: The Second of Chronicles (set of two audiocassettes); Ezra, Nehemiah, Esther (set of two audiocassettes).

• ■ New Braille Publications Available:

Grade-two English: Examining the Scriptures Daily —1992 (four volumes); Spirits of the Dead—Can They Help You or Harm You? Do They Really Exist? (one volume); The Greatest Man Who Ever Lived (four volumes); Theocratic Ministry School Schedule for 1992 (one volume). Grade-one Spanish: The Greatest Man Who Ever Lived (five volumes).

Mark orders for Braille publications, ATTENTION: BRAILLE DESK. Include name and address of the person who will use the Braille material.

Field Ministry                         (from page 1}

householder with a question to be answered when you return. Be sure to help the less experienced publisher prepare, and then accompany him on the call. If a study is started and the new publisher is still somewhat unsure of his own ability, the more experienced publisher may wish to conduct the study a few times until the new one qualifies to take over.

⁶ With the rapid influx of new ones into the organization, the wisdom of providing Intensive education In the field ministry becomes self-evident. Help is needed from those who have developed their skills in the preaching activity. If you can help someone, in time he too will be “adequately qualified to teach others.”—2 Tim. 2:2.

■ If a householder gives a comparatively generous donation, should we be moved to give him additional literature?

Not necessarily. You can use your good judgment in this regard, taking Into consideration the Interest manifested in reading the literature. On subsequent visits, literature that meets a particular need of the householder might be left. If the householder takes the initiative to offer a further donation, such can be graciously accepted. Keep in mind that donations support various facets of our worldwide work, which Includes our building program, missionaries, and the special pioneer work, in addition to our publishing of literature.

Theocratic News

Colombia: Memorial attendance reached a new peak of 205,355, which was 23,000 more than last year. Comparing this with the new peak of 48,774 publishers for April, 76 percent of those in attendance were interested persons.

Greece: The April report of 24,504 publishers was a new peak, and there was a new peak of 1,516 regular pioneers.

Hungary: There were 11,296 publishers reporting a total of 8,084 home Bible studies in April.

Philippines: Dedication of new branch facilities was held on April 13 with 1,718 in attendance. The following day a special talk was heard in six locations, with 78,501 attending. The Philippines reported a new peak of 110,225 publishers during April.

Meetings for Field Service

September 2-8: How do you determine genuine interest (a) When working from house to house? (km 5/90 p. 8) (b) When engaging In magazine street work?

September 9-15: When offering a home Bible study (rs p. 12), how would you use

(a) A tract? (b) The Creation book?

September 16-22: What would you offer

(a) When sincere Interest is not evident? (km 3/91 p. 3) (b) To one who is apparently busy?

September 23-29: Practice sessions

(a) How have these helped you personally? (b) What makes them most practical? (c) When are good times to have these?

Topic for Conversation

Why Worship Jehovah God.

Heb. 3:4: He is our Maker.

Rev. 4:11: He is worthy of our worship.

¹ Jesps commanded us to “make dis-ciples.’’’(Matt. 28:19) To accomplish this usually requires starting Bible studies with interested ones. Using the direct

' approach to start Bible studies in the house-to-house ministry can help us to accomplish this quickly. It also serves to identify clearly a major purpose in calling.

■What might we say when using the direct approach In starting Bible studies? A very simple annroach is best. We might say: “I am interested in helping people to understand the Bible and would be pleased to study, it with you and your family in your home at no cost or obligation. We can use your Bible. If you do not have one, I can make one . available to you.” ]

³ Another approach might be:(“My purpose in calling today is to encourage home Bible study, which will help you to understand where this world is heading and what God has in store for us.J would be glad to show^qjihow you can get the most from your Bible. There is ho obligation or cost on your part.? If the householder is agreeable, you may use the tract Life in a Peaceful New World jor) the Creation book, perhaps starting' on page 234. paragraph 6. The opening pages of this chapter highlight Jehovah’s promise to restore Paradise.

* Use Bible Tracts: Many have found tracts to be helpful when using the direct approach. When the householder answers the door, give him the tract Life in a Peaceful New World unfolded, so that he can see the complete Illustration. Have another tract in your hand, and read or paraphrase the questions in the first two paragraphs. Discuss the answers, and read a supporting scripture or two. Then mention that you have enjoyed the discussion, and arrange to return. Explain briefly our free home Bible studxprbgram, ^appropriate,^ simply arrange to call back and consider a further point in the tract. V<-/

• ⁵ When arranging to return, it is good to mention something you feel will in- ■■ terest the householder This can be ini question form It will leave the house-' holder looking forward to your next visit when the question will be answered.

• ⁶ The Creation book is outstanding in many ways. It furnishes concrete evidence that proves the existence of Qod. " It shows why evolution cannot be true. It shows why we can trust the Bible as ■■ God’s Word. The illustrations in chapters 18 and 19 will get the attention of honesthearted people, generating interest in the Bible and Jehovah’s purposes. So let all of us tafce advantage of , every opportunity to start studies and ‘ share in the commission to “make dis- c ciples." —Matt, 24:14; 28:19,120; Maik 13:10. (Z)

  Congregation Book Study Arrangement

  Part 3: A Center for Field Ministry

  
  

• ¹ In addition to providing a place for group study, the location of the Congregation Book Study may serve as a meeting place for field service. Times for such meetings should be convenient for the majority of the publishers, and the meetings should offer practical assistance in organizing the publishers for field service.

• ² Groups properly organized for study and service build spirituality. Who has not benefited by encouragement or suggestions on how to handle objections, how to start a conversation, how to offer a Bible study, or what to say on a return visit? Fellow publishers and pioneers meeting at the book study location provide just such assistance.—Gal. 6:9,10.

• ³ Conductor’s Role: The Congregation Book Study conductor takes the lead and is responsible for organizing the activity of the group. He regularly works with the publishers in the field. (1 Pet. 5:2, 3) Well-prepared meetings for service impart Scriptural and practical instruction to equip the group for the field. It is normally preferable for each book study group to have its own meeting for field service rather than have all groups meet together at one location. However, two small groups may be combined if necessary. When field service follows the Watchtower Study, the meeting for field service should be brief. Thereafter, each book study conductor will care for his own group.

‘Consistent field service arrangements encourage regular participation in the ministry. If the meetings for service are held at the time and location scheduled, the publishers plan accordingly, encouraged by the knowledge that there will be territory available and others to work with. (Compare Luke 10:1.) Even when the study conductor cannot be present, he provides territory and makes arrangements for the group, (om pp. 44-5) If no qualified brother is available to conduct a meeting for service, the conductor may assign a sister to do this, (om pp. 77-8; km 3/88 p. 3) Confusion is avoided when the group meets regularly at its usual time and place for service. Any temporary adjustments in this should be announced a week in advance if possible.

• ⁵ Cooperation Needed: All should strive to have a meaningful share in the various features of the field ministry. Publishers can take the initiative to prepare together with practice sessions, using realistic objections and->-circumstances that are likely to arise. -t in the local territory.—Prov. 27:17.

• ⁶ Would you like to have an experienced publisher help you become more skilled in the disciple-making work? If so, speak with your Congregation Book Study conductor. He may be able to arrange for a qualified publisher to assist you. To benefit, diligently apply the suggestions received and keep appointments made.

’ Those assigned by the book study conductor to assist should be helpful and reasonable in their expectations. Experience has shown that those with a positive and balanced view of field service and who have a practical approach are best able to train others. (km 1/19 pp. 3-4; km 8/79 pp. 3-4) Commendation should always be given as progress is made. Then other goals can be set.—Compare Luke 19:17-19.

⁸ We want to help one another to be effective in preaching the good news and making disciples. Worsening world conditions testify to the urgency of this work. Lives are involved, and Jehovah is speeding up the ingathering. (Isa. 60:22) As we keep in mind the ministry given to us, we will work closely with our Congregation Book Study group to accomplish our assignment fully while exhorting and encouraging one another—Rom. 12:6-8;

2 Tim. 4:1,2,5.

© 1991 Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society of Pennsylvania All rights reserved Our Kingdom Ministry (USPS 295-360) is published monthly by Watchtower Bible and Tract Society of New York. Inc., and International Bible Students Association. 25 Columbia Heights. Brooklyn. N.Y. 11201. Second-class postage paid at Brooklyn. N.Y.. and at additional mailing offices POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Watchtower. 25 Columbia Heights, Brooklyn. N.Y. 11201                 Printed in U.S.A.

4

¹

The relationship between the older brother Paul and the devoted young man Timothy has often been cited as a fine example of training for the ministry. (1 Cor. 4:17) Timothy was directed by Paul to impart to others the same knowledge and training that he had received. (2 Tim. 2:1, 2) We do well to follow the same procedure in the congregation today.

²

Train Others: The need for training

³

becomes obvious when we realize that

⁴

in the United States today there are some 70,000 more publishers than there were three years ago. Very likely most of these would benefit from the training