OUR KINGDOM MINISTRY

• ¹ There is a saying: “The more you put into something, the more you get out of it.” This is especially true in our worship. The more time and effort we spend in preparing for meetings, preaching the Kingdom message, and showing love for our brothers, the more we will gain in spiritual growth. The opposite is also true. If we are self-sparing or halfhearted in what we do, can we truly expect satisfying results?

• ² The apostle Paul stated the principle well at 2 Corinthians 9:6: “He that sows sparingly will also reap sparingly; and he that sows bountifully will also reap bountifully.” Are you sowing bountifully?

• ³ Personal Bible Study: To be fruitful ministers, we must first sow bountifully in our personal study. We should have a keen spiritual appetite. (Ps. 119: 97, 105; Matt 5:3) With all the cares of daily life pressing in on us, it takes conscious effort to develop a genuine awareness of our spiritual need. For most of us, it requires “buying out the opportune time.” (Eph. 5:16) Some arrange to get up earlier on certain days to do personal study. Others have set aside some evenings for that purpose. In what way do we reap bountifully? We acquire a stronger faith, a brighter hope, and a happier and more positive frame of mind.—Rom. 10:17; 15:4; 1 Pet. 1:13.

'Congregation Meetings: At Psalm 122:1, David said: “I rejoiced when they were saying to me: ‘To the house of Jehovah let us go.’” Do you feel the same? Sowing bountifully means regular attendance at our five weekly meetings. Make up your mind that you are not going to allow unpleasant weather to interfere. Usually, the more obstacles we overcome, the greater our blessings.

• ⁵ Arrive early and linger afterward to share in upbuilding conversation with your brothers. Widen out your associations to include as many different ones as you can. Prepare well for the Watchtower Study and other meetings so that you can sow bountifully by commenting as you have opportunity. By “freely watering” others at meetings, you will also be “freely watered.”—Prov. 11:25.

• ⁶ Field Ministry: Perhaps nowhere is this principle of bountiful sowing more true than in the field ministry. The more time we devote to it, the more likely we are to reap interesting experiences, fruitful return visits, and productive Bible studies.

• ⁷ Sowing bountifully in the field ministry Involves quality as well as quantity. An excellent aid to help us improve the quality of our ministry is the Reasoning book. Pages 9-15 list over 40 introductions covering 18 subjects to help arouse interest at the doors. If you find interest, be sure to take note of it so that you can return and reap the fruitage of your sowing. Hopefully your efforts will lead to a Bible study, and you can teach someone else how to sow bountifully.

• ⁸ If we sow bountifully, we can expect greater blessings from Jehovah.—Mal. 3:10.

  Congregation Book Study Promotes Educational Activities _ ilv

  
  

• ¹ The Congregation Book Study plays a vital role in the educational program of Jehovah's organization. The book study groups are scattered throughout the territory, making it convenient for all to attend. With a study located in their own neighborhood, interested ones may more readily accept an invitation to attend.

• ² An effort is made to keep each group small in size. This allows the conductor to give personal assistance to each one. Not all learn at the same rate. If anyone has difficulty in understanding a point even after studying the lesson in advance, the conductor may discuss it further after the study. Moreover, with a small group, there are more opportunities to make comments and share in reading scriptures. Do you contribute to the discussion by regularly commenting? Do you try to answer in your own words? Your readiness to participate can be beneficial for you and others. As you prepare, use your perceptive powers to discern how you can personally apply certain points in the lesson.—Heb. 5:14.

• ³ By observing the teaching methods used by the book study conductor, you can learn how to conduct home Bible studies in a more interesting and instructive manner. After the paragraphs are read by a qualified brother, the questions are discussed. The study conductor encourages all to speak up. As time allows, he endeavors to draw out comments on the cited scriptures to help us understand how they apply. (Compare Nehemiah 8:8.) At times he may add a brief clarifying comment of his own or use auxiliary questions to bring out a key point. An example or an illustration may help us see how the information relates to our lives.

* Meeting attendance at some Congregation Book Studies is rather low. Do you attend regularly? If not, you have been missing an Important provision. The book study arrangement is one of the ways in which Jehovah demonstrates his care for us. (1 Pet. 5:7) He wants us to progress in knowledge and wisdom so that we will be strong spiritually. On the other hand, Satan would like to slow down our spiritual growth and weaken us so that we will be less useful to Jehovah and His organization. Do not let this happen! Let the warm, loving atmosphere in this intimate grpupToucfi-your heart and motivate you to continue praising Jehovah. —Compare Psalm 111:1.

• ⁵ Meetings for service convenient to the publishers are arranged at most book study locations. These may be for midweek, weekend, or evening witnessing. The book study conductor makes sure that sufficient territory is on hand and that someone will be present to take the lead in the field. Meetings for field service should last no more than 10-15 minutes. The conductor may briefly consider the daily text if it relates to our preaching activity and offer one or two specific field service suggestions or present a brief demonstration of the current offer.

• ⁶ The conductor endeavors over the course of time to work personally with each one in his group, giving appropriate encouragement and training. —Compare Mark 3:14; Luke 8:1.

  Service Meetings for June

  
  

NOTE: Our Kingdom Ministry will schedule a Service Meeting for each week during the summer. Congregations may make adjustments as needed to allow for attending the “Godly Fear" District Convention and for a 30-minute review of the program highlights the following week. The day-by-day review of the district convention program should be assigned in advance to two or three qualified brothers who will be able to focus on outstanding points. This well-prepared review will help the congregation remember key points for personal application and for use in the field. Comments from the audience and experiences related should be brief and to the point.

Week Starting June 6

Song 9

10 min: Local announcements and Announcements from Our Kingdom Ministry that apply locally. Briefly demonstrate how the latest magazines may be offered from house to house this weekend. Remind audience to pick up copies of the Creation book for use in service this weekend.

20 min: “Are You Sowing Bountifully?” Questions and answers. As time allows, invite audience to relate personal experiences showing how they have put forth an extra effort in some aspect of their service and have been blessed for it.

15 min: “Helping Others to Honor Our Maker." Discuss with audience. Have two demonstrations showing how the suggested presentations can be used. Song 30 and concluding prayer.

Week Starting June 13

Song 28

10 min: Local announcements. Read accounts report and Society donation acknowledgments. Include brief comments showing how one with a generous spirit is blessed.—Prov. 11:24a.

15 min: “Building Faith in Mankind’s Creator.” Discuss with audience. As time permits, demonstrate one of the suggested return visits.

20 min: “Congregation Book Study Promotes Educational Activities.” A study conductor discusses with audience. Emphasize how the article encourages (1) increased book study attendance, (2) more commenting during the study, and (3) better support for meetings for service.

Song 65 and concluding prayer.

Week Starting June 20

Song 31

10 min: Local announcements. Young people now on vacation from school should review opportunities they have to Increase their share in the ministry; some may be able to auxiliary pioneer. Those who have finished school should seriously consider their plans for the future with the goal of keeping Kingdom interests first.

10 min: Local needs. Or give a talk on article “What Career Should I Choose?" from May 8,1989, Awake!, pages 12-14.

10 mln: Question Box. Question-and-answer discussion.

15 min: “Are You Doing God’s Will?" Talk by elder based on March 1, 1994, Watchtower, pages 28-30.

Song 223 and concluding prayer.

Week Starting June 27

Song 174

10 min: Local announcements. Review field service schedule for worldly holiday weekend.

15 min: “Meaningful Meetings for Field Service.” Questions and answers by service overseer. When discussing paragraph 3, point out one or two introductions from Reasoning book that might be used this weekend. On paragraph 5 mention any problems pertaining to conduct in field service that have been observed locally; give kindly suggestions for Improvement.

20 mln: Review Offer for July. Display copies of booklets congregation has in stock, such as A Secure Future—How You Can Find It, God’s Way Is Love, Is There a God Who Cares?, There Is Much More to Life!, or “This Good News of the Kingdom." These booklets are practical for starting Bible studies. Review some interesting features and illustrations that can be used to initiate conversations. Have two demonstrations showing how to start a discussion on a Bible subject. (Use suggestions in Reasoning book on “Future/Security,” pages 11-12, and “Kingdom,” pages 12-13.) Demonstrations should conclude with arrangements for starting a Bible study.

Song 118 and concluding prayer.

Question Box

■ How should matters be handled when a householder insists that Jehovah’s Witnesses make no further calls at that home?

When we encounter a sign at the door that strictly prohibits calls of a religious nature and specifically mentions Jehovah's Witnesses, it may be best to respect the householder’s wishes and avoid knocking.

Sometimes we come upon a sign prohibiting salesmen or solicitors. Since we are doing charitable religious work, that does not really apply to us. It would be appropriate to go ahead and knock at such doors. If the householder objects, we can tactfully explain why we feel that such signs do not apply in our case. If the householder then makes it clear that the prohibition includes Jehovah’s Witnesses, we will respect his wishes.

When we are working the territory, a householder may become visibly upset and emphatically insist that we do not call again. If he refuses to reason on the matter, we should comply with this request. A dated note should be placed in the territory envelope so that publishers working the territory in the future will avoid calling at that address.

Such homes are not to be avoided indefinitely. The present occupants may move away. We may contact another family member who will respond favorably. There is also the possibility that the householder to whom we spoke will have a change of heart and become more agreeable to having us call. So after some time, a tactful inquiry should be made of the occupants to determine their current feelings.

The territory file should be reviewed once a year, making a list of the homes where we have been advised not to call. Under the direction of the service overseer, some tactful, experienced publishers can be assigned to visit these homes. It could be explained that we are calling to Inquire if the same householder still lives there. The publisher should be familiar with the material In the Reasoning book, pages 15-24, entitled “How You Might Respond to Potential Conversation Stoppers.” If there is a reasonable response, future calls can be made in the usual way. If the householder continues to be antagonistic, no further calls should be made until the following year. The local body of elders can decide if the circumstances in a particular case make it advisable to handle things differently.

Announcements

■ Literature offer for June: Life—How Did It Get Here? By Evolution or by Creation? July: A combination of three 32-page booklets that the congregation may already have In stock. If the congregation does not have a supply of booklets, an appropriate brochure may be used as an alternate offer. The 32-page booklets should not be requested from the Society, but congregations should use such booklets as they may now have on hand. August: Any of the following 32-page brochures may be used: Does God Really Care About Us?, Enjoy Life on Earth Forever.', “Look! I Am Making AH Things New," Should You Believe in the Trinity?, The Divine Name That Will Endure Forever, The Government That

• ¹ At Luke 10:1-11, we have a record of a meeting Jesus held with the 70 newly assigned disciples to help them prepare for field service. He provided specific directions to help them get organized, prepare what they would say, and deal with difficult situations. We can learn by examining this account.

• ² Evidently all 70 disciples were present for the meeting with Jesus. Much time is wasted at meetings for service if some individuals habitually come late. Their tardy arrival usually makes it necessary to reorganize car groups as well as territory assignments. This often causes the entire group to be delayed. All of us can do our part by arriving on time and being ready to proceed promptly to the territory.

’Jesus gave the group a specific topic for conversation to use, namely, “the kingdom of God." (Luke 10:9) We are assigned to preach the same message, and we usually appreciate some helpful suggestions on what we should say. The conductor may refer to the Reasoning book, which offers more than 40 different introductions and appropriate Scripture texts that can be used in a wide variety of situations. A brief review of one or two presentations can help us get something in mind to say, enabling us to speak with more confidence at the doors.

Will Bring Paradise, and What Is the Purpose of Life—How Can You Find It? September: You Can Live Forever in Paradise on Earth. NOTE: Congregations that will need the abovementioned campaign items should request them on their next monthly Literature Request Form (S(d)-14). Please do not request 32-page booklets, since these are not available from the Society.

• ■ Beginning on October 3, 1994, the book Revelation—Its Grand Climax At Hand! will be considered at the Congregation Book Study.

• ■ The presiding overseer or someone designated by him should audit the congregation’s accounts on June 1 or as soon as possible thereafter. Make announcement to the congregation when this has been done.

• ⁴ Not only did Jesus tell his disciples what to say but he told them how to say it. (Luke 10:5, 6) Demonstrations featured on the Service Meeting program show us how we can express ourselves effectively. The conductor might review what was presented at the last meeting and give suggestions on how it can be used in service that day. A brief prepared demonstration of a simple Scriptural presentation can help us collect our thoughts and put them into words.

• ⁵ Jesus also Instructed his disciples about their personal conduct. (Luke 10:7, 8) The conductor may likewise give us pointed direction to help us avoid anything that might detract from our work. He may caution us about congregating on street comers or wasting time disputing with opposers. He may remind us of the need to keep an accurate house-to-house record or to make the householder aware that contributions are accepted for the worldwide work. Parents may need a reminder about carefully supervising their children.

• ⁶ The 70 disciples cooperated with Jesus’ instructions and afterward “returned with joy." (Luke 10:17) If we respond to direction we receive at meetings for service, we too can anticipate increased joy In preaching the Kingdom message.—Acts 13:48, 49, 52.

■ New Publications Available:

Albanian: How to Find the Road to Paradise (for Muslims); Jehovah’s Witnesses—Unitedly Doing God’s Will Worldwide; My Book of Bible Stories. Amharic: Revelation—Its Grand Climax At Hand! Bengali: DoesGod Really Care About Us?; The Greatest Man Who Ever Lived. Bulgarian: Does God Really Care About Us? Cambodian: In Search of a Father (for Buddhists). Chinese (Simplified): What Is the Purpose of Life—How Can You Find It? Croatian: Will There Ever Be a World Without War? (for Jews). Ewe: You Can Live Forever in Paradise on Earth (Small size). French: Why Should We Worship God in Love and Truth? (for Hindus). Giibertese: You Can Live Forever in Paradise on Earth (Large size). Indonesian: Jehovah’s Witnesses—Pro-claimersof God’s Kingdom; What Isthe Purpose of Life—How Can You Find It? Macedonian: Will There Ever Be a World Without War? (for Jews). Polish: Sing Praises to Jehovah—Large Print (Lyrics only). Portuguese: The Time for True Submission to God (for Muslims). Romanian: Comfort for the Depressed (Tract No. 20); Will There Ever Be a World Without War? (for Jews). Samoan: Your Youth—Getting the Best Out Of It. Serbian: “All Scripture Is Inspired of God and Beneficial"; Revelation—Its Grand Climax Al Hand!; What Is the Purpose of Life—How Can You Find It? Turkish: Why You Can Trust the Bible (Tract No. 13).

Congregation Book Study

Schedule for congregation studies in the book Happiness—How to Find It.

• To or from subheading.

March Service Report

TOTAL 888,280 Baptized: 2,259

• ¹ Do we feel as did the psalmist when he said: “O Jehovah,... with you is the source of life”? (Ps. 36:5,9) How can we in turn help others appreciate and give honor to Jehovah as our Creator? By offering Life—How Did It Get Here? By Evolution or by Creation? during June. This book is truly outstanding in that it provides solid evidence of God’s existence and clearly shows why evolution cannot be true. It also builds up trust in the Bible as God's Word. Surely we want everyone to know how creation, not evolution, brings honor to Jehovah God.

• ² Here is a simple, direct presentation. After greeting the householder, display the picture on page 6, and ask:

■ "Howdidlifegetstartedonthisearth? Some say it was all by accident. The Bible gives all the credit to God. What do you think? [Allow for response.] This book provides answers that are in full harmony with the Bible and scientific facts. I’d like you to have it so that you can review all the evidence and decide for yourself.”

³After introducing yourself, you might say:

■ “In this modem scientific world, is it practical to believe in creation, or do you think we got here by chance? [Allow for response.] Notice the Bible’s reasoning on this matter. (Read Hebrews 3:4.] Would you not agree that every building has a builder? So, could the universe have come into existence by itself?” Show the Illustration on page 114 of the Creation book, and then call attention to the thought expressed in paragraph 2 on page 115. If the householder shows interest and takes the book, tell him that the next time you call you will discuss the question, What is the future of man and the earth?

* Or after greeting the householder, you could say:

■ “What do you think our first ancestors looked like? [Allow for response.] Did they look like this ‘ape-man’? [Open to page 83 of the Creation book.] Notice what the Bible states at Acts 17:26. [Read.] So, on what are drawings of ‘ape-men’ based?" Draw attention to the caption under the drawing on page 89. Tell the householder that he can benefit from reading the book and learning the answer to this question.

^& Another approach might be to point to the cover of the “Creation” book and say:

■ “Today we’re asking our neighbors, Did man get here by evolution or by creation? What do you think? [Allow for response.] Although many highly educated people accept evolution as a fact, other highly educated ones do not believe it. Notice the conclusion drawn by a former astronaut. [Highlight points on pages 122-3.] We must personally examine the evidence to see which we should believe—evolution or creation.” If the householder accepts the book, raise a question that can be answered on your next call.

⁶ Do you yearn to help others learn the marvelous truths about our Creator and his loving purpose toward his creation? The Creation book can help you do that. It honors our Grand Creator, the Sovereign Lord Jehovah, by extolling his works and making known his marvelous purpose to sanctify his name and to bless mankind through Christ’s Kingdom.

• ¹ Most people have come to some kind of conclusion about the origin of life. Sad to say, many have been wrongly influenced to accept evolution as the answer. The Creation book takes an in-depth look at both sides of the issue and offers overwhelming proof in support of the Bible. How can we help sincere people who have displayed a willingness to listen? By making return visits. When we return, it is always good to have something definite in mind to say that will build faith in Jehovah as our Creator.

• ² If the person manifested belief in the Bible, this approach might be effective for starting your conversation:

■ “Isaiah 45:18 makes a powerful statement about the origin of the universe; I’d like to know what you think about it. [Read and allow for comment.] Jehovah identifies himself as the Creator of the heavens and the earth. What about life on this earth? Isaiah 42:5 gives him all the credit for that too. [Read.] If what the Bible says is true, evolution must be false. Do you feel you can trust the Bible?” Refer to chapter 17 of the Creation book, and point out further reasons for believing in Jehovah as the Creator.

• ³ You could begin your conversation with something like this: ■ “On my last visit, the question was raised. What is the future of man and the earth? Notice how the book I left with you answers that question.” Turn to pages 234-5 of the Creation book and encourage him to read paragraphs 6 and 7. If further interest is shown, you might ask: “What dramatic changes, do you think, will take place on the earth?" If appropriate, this point can be discussed at that time or on your next visit by continuing into other paragraphs in this same chapter of the Creation book.

• ⁴ If the householder appeared somewhat religiously inclined, you might ask:

■ “Have you noticed that many people today give credit to an impersonal nature or a personification called Mother Nature? [Allow for comment.] The Bible does not leave us in the dark as to the real Creator.” Read Revelation 4:11. After the scripture is read, the householder may express himself. You can then call attention to a specific point or two from chapter 11 of the Creation book and perhaps highlight the Creator’s purpose to make all the earth into a paradise under Christ’s Kingdom.

• ⁵ Another way you could begin the return visit is by saying:

■ “Mankind has suffered much pain and sorrow because of evil and wickedness. Jehovah, the Creator of this earth, has promised that these conditions will come to an end. [Turn to page 196, and read Proverbs 2:21, 22.] Those who recognize him as their Maker and do his will can look forward to marvelous blessings.” If appropriate at the time, continue with a discussion of Revelation 21:4,5 on pages 197-8.

• ⁶ Experienced publishers have come to know that it is best to schedule set times for return visits. Having definite arrangements for this work will help us to follow up interest promptly. Determine the time that is best for you and for the people living in the territory. By your sharing regularly in this work, you will find joy in fulfilling the commission to “make disciples.”—Matt. 28:19,20.

© 1994 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. NY 11201-2483. Second-class postage paid at Brooklyn. N.Y.. and at additional mailing offices. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Watchtower. 25 Columbia Heights. Brooklyn. NY 11201-2483.            Printed in U.S.A.

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