Our Kingdom Ministry

August 1998                       For United States of America km-E Us 8/98 Vol. 41, No. 8

• ¹ The year 1963 was a banner year for Jehovah’s people. Do you know why? It was then that the number of publishers worldwide reached the one million mark. If you were in the truth at that time, you may remember how excited we were to have so many preaching the Kingdom message! Now, there are that many publishers in this country alone. However, each month, on the average, 90,000 of us do not report having some share in the ministry.

• ² Accept the Challenge: During August we are endeavoring to reach an all-time peak of one million publishers in the United States. If our efforts are successful, August will be a banner month indeed! We can do this if all of us do our part.

’Those planning vacations can spend some time in the ministry before going. Take tracts, brochures, or magazines with you so that you can give a witness to people you meet along the way. Also, at your destination you can enjoy sharing in the ministry with the local publishers.

⁴ If you are incapacitated, you can still have a share in the ministry. You may be able to witness to doctors, nurses, or visitors. Perhaps you can witness by letter or by telephone.

’Some undoubtedly will appreciate assistance so as to share in the field service in August. Elders, ministerial servants, and study conductors should arrange for this help to be provided. By all means, do not forget to turn in your field service report promptly at the end of the month so that you will be counted as a publisher in August.

⁶ Cherish the Privilege: The ministry is a “fine trust.” (2 Tim. 1:14) We appreciate the privilege we have been given to preach the good news. (1 Thess. 2:4) When we consider everything that Jehovah has done for us, we should be moved to have a continuous share in this all-important work the whole year long. Nothing should be allowed to hinder us from preaching regularly. Let us make this August a banner month in Jehovah’s service and resolve to witness about him every month thereafter!—Ps. 34:1.

‘How do you feel about returning to school after the summer break? Are you eager to benefit from another year of schooling? Will you take advantage of the opportunities that school affords you to share the truth with your classmates and teachers? We are confident that you want to do your best in school.

² Be a Good Student: If you are well prepared when you attend your classes and pay close attention, you will derive lasting benefits. Be diligent about caring for your homework assignments, but do not allow ytTur schoolwork to interfere with theocratic activities.—Phil. 1:10.

’Start out the new school year by reading the brochure Jehovah’s Witnesses and Education. Then, you or your parents should give a copy to each one of your teachers. Let them know that any questions they may have will be answered. This will help them understand your principles and beliefs better and work with you as you apply what you have been taught. It will also assure your teachers that you and your parents wish to cooperate with them as they help you acquire a valuable education.

⁴ Be a Good Witness: Why not view school as your personal territory for informal witnessing? During the coming school year, you will have unique opportunities to witness. You possess wonderful spiritual knowledge that when shared, can “save both yourself and those who listen to you.” (1 Tim. 4: 16) By maintaining exemplary Christian conduct and by witnessing whenever it is appropriate to do so, you will benefit both yourself and others.

⁸ One young brother witnessed informally to fellow students in his school. Among those who responded favorably were a Catholic, an atheist who used to mock those who believe in God, and a youth who was a chain-smoker and a heavy drinker. In all, this young brother helped 15 of his peers to dedication and baptism!

⁶ So youths, apply yourselves to learning and to working your unique witnessing territory. Then you will enjoy the greatest benefit from going to school.

Week Starting August 3

Song 216

10 mln: Local announcements. Selected Announcements from Our Kingdom Ministry. Comment on May field service report for the country and the local congregation.

15 min: “Will August Be a Banner Month?” Questions and answers. Encourage everyone to share in the ministry during August and each month of the new service year.

20 min: “Use Brochures to Appeal to Both Mind and Heart.” Audience discussion. Briefly review brochures that have been published over the years to inform people about important Scriptural matters. (See Watch Tower Publications Index 19861995, pages 652-3.) Highlight current brochures, and discuss who might be interested in receiving each one. Demonstrate a presentation or two, making mention of the donation arrangement.

Song 191 and concluding prayer.

Week Starting August IO

Song 127

to min: Local announcements. Accounts report. Mention goal of all publishers sharing in the field ministry during August.

15 min: Local needs.

20 min: “Youths—Take Advantage of Your Schooling.” Questions and answers. Include appropriate comments from April 8, 1992, Awake!, pages 17-19, and July 15,1991, Watchtower, pages 23-6.

Song 37 and concluding prayer.

Week Starting August 17

Song 163

1O min: Local announcements. Invite brief comments on how to get the name and address of a person who has been witnessed to on the street, in the park, or elsewhere so as to follow up his interest.

35 min: “A Progressive Look at the Urgent Work of Making Disciples.” Questions and answers. Read paragraphs 5,10, and 11. Review how the Bible study work is progressing locally. Encourage all who are conducting studies to read the June 1996 Our Kingdom Ministry insert again so as to improve their teaching skills. Consider paragraphs 5 and 25 of that insert.

Song 108 and concluding prayer.

Week Starting August 24

Song 213

12 min: Local announcements. Consider the box entitled “One Million!” in the July 1998 Our Kingdom Ministry. With only one weekend left in August, encourage everyone to participate in the ministry before the month ends. Review “New Special Assembly Day Program.”

18 min: How to Persevere in the Pioneer Service. Talk based on September 15,1993, Watchtower, pages 28-31. Interview a pioneer who has learned to cope with serious problems and continues to pioneer.

15 mln: Make Good Use of Our Kingdom Ministry. Audience discussion. Using recent examples, illustrate timely information found in the pages of Our Kingdom Ministry and benefits we derive from it: (1) articles that motivate us to share regularly in the ministry; (2) experiences that encourage us in our sacred service; (3) suggestions that help us present the good news effectively; (4) announcements of new publications available that are beneficial in local territory; (5) service reports, which show the pace of Kingdom activity; (6) Theocratic News, which reports on the progress of the worldwide work; (7) announcements and schedules that keep us well-informed about upcoming events; (8) Question Boxes that answer matters of serious concern; and (9) inserts that tell us about conventions, special campaigns, and other matters keeping us attentive to otir spiritual needs. Encourage all to read each issue, apply its suggestions, bring it to the Service Meetings and meetings for field service, and save it in a personal file for future reference.

Song 210 and concluding prayer.

Week Starting August 31

Song 65

12 mln: Local announcements. Remind all to turn in field service reports for August. Congregation Book Study conductors should check with everyone in their group so that all reports can be tallied by September 6. Consider literature offer for September. Briefly demonstrate a presentation that raises the question, "Why should we use God’s name?” Answer it using the Knowledge book, chapter 3, paragraph 6. Announce service arrangements for September 7.

15 mln: “Overseers Taking the Lead —The Presiding Overseer.” A talk by the presiding overseer. After reviewing his duties, he expresses appreciation to the congregation for then-cooperation with the elders as they shepherd the flock.

18 min: Help Your Child Cope With Problems at School. An elder has a discussion with two or three parents who have children in school. Briefly comment on some of the more common problems the children encounter, as outlined in the August 8,1994, Awake!, pages 5-7. Then, referring to pages 8-10, discuss how parents can protect their children and maintain good parent-teacher relations.

Song 24 and concluding prayer.

CONGREGATION BOOK STUDY

Schedule for congregation studies in the book The Bible—God's Word or Man’s?

To or from subheading.

* To or from second subheading.

C 1998 Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society of Pennsylvania. All rights reserved. Our Kingdom Ministry (ISSN 1067-7259) is published monthly by Watchtower Bible and Tract Society of New Mirk. Inc. and International Bible Students Association. 25 Columbia Heights. Brooklyn. NY (1201-2483 Periodicals Postage Paid at Brooklyn. NY and at additional mailing offices POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Our Kingdom Ministry, c/o Watchtower. 25 Columbia Heights. Brooklyn. NY 11201-2483.                     Printed in USA

A Progressive Look at the Urgent Work of Making Disciples

‘Before leaving the earth, Jesus commanded his followers to “make disciples of people of all the nations.” This required that they undertake an intensive preaching and teaching campaign and extend their activity into all the inhabited earth. (Matt. 28:19, 20; Acts 1:8) Did they view this commission as a burden too difficult to bear? Not according to the apostle John. After spending 65 years as a disciple maker, he wrote: “This is what the love of God means, that we observe his commandments; and yet his commandments are not burdensome.”—1 John 5:3.

• ² The Scriptural record of the activity of the early Christians proves that they urgently worked at their commission to make disciple:TofJesus Christ. (2 Tim. 4:1, 2) They did this, not simply out of duty, but because of their loving desire to praise God and to bring the hope of salvation to others. (Acts 13:47-49) Because all who became disciples were thereafter disciple makers themselves, the Christian congregation grew rapidly in the first century.—Acts 5:14; 6:7; 16:5.

• ³ The Disciple-Making Work Speeds Up: The greatest disciple-making work of all time is being accomplished in this 20th century! Thus far, millions of people have accepted the good news and acted on it. (Luke 8:15) Since time is fast running out for the present system of things, “the faithful and discreet slave” has provided us with the tools that make it possible for people of honest heart to learn the truth quickly. —Matt. 24:45.

• ⁴ In 1995 we received the book Knowledge That Leads to Everlasting Life, and in 1996 it was followed by the brochure What Does God Require of Us? Regarding the Knowledge book, the January 15,1996, issue of The Watchtower, page 14, stated: “This 192-page book can be studied in a comparatively short time, and those ‘rightly disposed for everlasting life’ should be able to learn enough through a study of it to make a dedication to Jehovah and get baptized.”—Acts 13:48.

• ⁵ The June 1996 Our Kingdom Ministry insert, “How to Make Disciples With the Knowledge Book,” gave us this goal: “Depending on the circumstances and aptitude of the student, it may be possible for you to cover most chapters in one session of an hour or so, without rushing through the study. Students will make better progress when both teacher and student keep their appointment for the study each week.” The article went on to say: “It should be expected that by the time a person completes a study of the Knowledge book, his sincerity and depth of interest in serving God will have become apparent.” The Question Box in the October 1996 Our Kingdom Ministry explained: “It is expected that within a relatively short period of time, an effective teacher will be able to assist a sincere average student to acquire sufficient knowledge to make an intelligent decision to serve Jehovah.”

• ⁶ The Knowledge Book Gets Results: On the occasion of a young woman’s baptism, she related how she felt about studying the Knowledge book. For a while she had been studying the Live Forever book. When the Knowledge book was released, the sister conducting her study switched to the new book. Soon, the student could see that this was going to require a decision on her part, and she was motivated to make rapid progress from that point on. The young woman, now our sister, says: “The Live Forever book helped me to love Jehovah, but the Knowledge book helped me to make the decision to serve him.”

• ⁷ Consider how quickly another woman learned the truth. After her second study, she attended a meeting at the Kingdom Hall during the visit of the circuit overseer. That week, at her third study, she told him that she had made her dedication to Jehovah and wanted to become an unbaptized publisher. She met with the elders, who approved her as a publisher, and the next week she started in field service. She became so involved in her Bible study that she took a leave of absence from her job in order to study two or three times a week and spend more time in the ministry. On occasion, they would cover two or three chapters per session. She began applying what she was learning in all areas of her life, finished the Knowledge book in four weeks, and progressed to baptism!

• ⁸ The husband of a sister describes himself as having been “a typical unbelieving mate.” One day, a brother offered him a Bible study in the Knowledge book on the condition that the man could quit after the first study or at any time thereafter. The husband agreed to give it a try, despite being a poor student in his younger days and not having studied religious literature of any kind for over 20 years. What was his reaction to studying the Knowledge book? He said: “It was a real pleasure to find that this Bible aid was written with such simplicity. The information was presented so clearly and logically that before long, I was looking forward to our next study with great expectation. My teacher skillfully followed the disciple-making methods outlined by the Society, and with the help of Jehovah’s spirit, I was baptized four months later. I can truly say that if we develop a love for making disciples, continue searching for those righthearted ones in the field ministry, make use of the Knowledge book and other Bible aids as supplied by the Society and, most important, pray for Jehovah’s direction, we can have the very special privilege of helping to make disciples.” The above are truly exceptional experiences. Most of our students do not come into the truth this quickly.

• ⁹ Students Progress at Different Speeds: It must be acknowledged that the abilities of both teachers and students of God’s Word can vary considerably. Spiritual growth can be slow or fast. Some students make in a few months the progress that may take others much longer to realize. A person’s rate of spiritual growth is affected by his educational background, by the degree of his appreciation for spiritual things, and by the depth of his devotion to Jehovah. Not everyone we study with has “the greatest eagerness of mind” to study the Scriptures daily, as did the ancient Beroeans who became believers.—Acts 17:11, 12.

• ¹⁰ That is why the April 1998 Our Kingdom Ministry insert, “Wanted—More Bible Studies,” gives this realistic direction: “Of course, not all Bible students progress at the same rate. Some are not as spiritually inclined as others nor as quick to absorb the things being taught. Others lead very busy lives and may not be able to devote the time needed to cover a full chapter each week. Thus, in some cases it may be necessary to take more than one study session to cover certain chapters and some additional months to complete the book.”

• ¹¹ Disciple Makers Keep a Balanced View: It is necessary to gauge the pace of the study according to the circumstances and aptitude of the student. Since we are being encouraged to start studies in the Require brochure, it may take from two to three months to cover it before getting into the Knowledge book. If we utilize all the suggestions that were outlined in the June 1996 Our Kingdom Ministry insert, it could very well take another six to nine months to finish the Knowledge book. Some who just started a study in the Knowledge book switched over to the Require brochure to help the student to learn basic Bible truths more quickly. Then the study in the Knowledge book was resumed. If a study is started in the Knowledge book and progresses well, it may be advantageous to study the Require brochure after completing the book, thus quickly reviewing the basic truths of God’s Word. In either case, we do not want to sacrifice the student’s having a clear understanding for the sake of speed. Every student needs a solid basis for his newfound faith in God’s Word.

• ¹² In view of where we are in the stream of time, it is more urgent than ever before to help others learn the truth. Besides continually praying to start new Bible studies, let us pray for those who are already studying with us. Then it will be our joy to keep baptizing more disciples “all the days until the conclusion of the system of things.”—Matt. 28:20.

THEOCRATIC MINISTRY SCHOOL REVIEW

Closed-book review on material covered in Theocratic Ministry School assignments for the weeks of May 4 to August 24, 1998. Use a separate sheet of paper to write down answers to as many of the questions as you can in the time allotted.

[Note: During the written review, only the Bible may be used to answer any question. References that follow the questions are for your personal research. Page and paragraph numbers may not appear on all references to The Watchtower.}

Answer each of the following statements True or False:

> K According to the Bible record, Paul visited Corinth three times, [si p. 214 par. 3]

2. The steps toward Christian baptism begin by taking accurate knowledge of Jehovah God and Jesus Christ into our heart, [kl p. 173 par. 7]

' 3. The thought behind Ephesians 5:13 is that worldly practices are exposed as sinful and seen for what they truly are when they are viewed in the light of God’s Word. [Weekly Bible reading; see it-2 p. 254 par. 3.]

• • 4. We can earn life by serving Jehovah God. [kl p. 182 par. 4]

• ■ 5. The text at Galatians 5:26 rules out all competitive sports and games for true Christians. [Weekly Bible reading; see p9512/8 p. 15 par. 8.]

f 6. Although he courageously asked for Jesus’ body in order to place it in a tomb, Joseph of Arimathea had to overcome his fear of unbelieving Jews, [it-2 p. 112 par. 8]

• * - 7. The letter to the Philippians was written by Paul just a few months after he had formed the congregation in Philippi, and it was prompted by serious problems that had come up among them, [si p. 224 par. 3]

• 8. Jesus “was declared righteous in spirit,” as mentioned at 1 Timothy 3:16, by being rewarded with spirit life at his resurrection; this amounted to God’s declaration that Jesus was altogether righteous and worthy of further exalted assignments. [Weekly Bible reading; see w901/15 p. 13 par. 12.]

• 9. “The releasing” referred to at Philippi- . ans 1:23 is evidently Paul’s prospect of being with Christ immediately after death. [Weekly Bible reading; see w95 3/1 p. 30 par. 4.]

• 10. Paul wrote 1 Timothy during the period between his release from his first imprisonment in Rome and his final imprisonment there, [si p. 234 par. 2]

Answer the following questions:

• 11. In what way were some in Corinth par-^ taking of the emblems “unworthily”# when they came together to celebrated the Memorial of Christ’s death? (1 Cor. 11:27) [Weekly Bible reading-see-2/15 p. 19 par. 17.] y

• 12. The presence of whom threatened

  w90/ fa*

  
  

welfare of the Corinthian congregation, V moving Paul to write his second, letjer 4 to Corinth? [si p. 214

• 13. How will Jehovah compensate for any- v thing we may sacrifice for the sake of z> his worship? [kl p. 169 par. 20]

• 14. What has been accomplished by appeals/ to higher courts in matters affecting^ true worship? [jv p. 683 par. 4]

• 15. In his use of God’s Word, how does Paul y provide a splendid example for Chris- * tian ministers today? [si p. 217 par. 19]

• 16. What did the apostle Paul mean when . he said that the Law “was added to^ make transgressions manifest”? (Gal. 3j.

• 19) [Weekly Bible reading; see uwo. lAfi' pars. 3-4.]

• 17. At Philippians 1:3-7, for what reasons does Paul commend the brothers, and how q^n we benefit from their example?

  

• 18. Why should all Christian ministers follow the advice set out at Colossians 4:6? [si p. 228 par. 13]

• 19. What did the apostle Paul mean when he said that he desired the women to “adorn themselves . . . with modesty”? (1 Tim. 2:9) [Weekly Bible reading; see gr90 6/22 p. 19 par. 2.] _z

• 20. Why should Christians heed Paul’s warning at 1 Timothy 6:4 in connection with “debates about words”? [sijp. 236-par. 15] X/X/

Provide the word(s) or phrase needed to complete each of the following statements:

• 21. During the year^^_, a concordat

between the ['ffifafx and Nazi Germany was signed and Hitler launched a campaign to annihi late     5 in

Germany. [jv P- 659 par. 2]

• 22. Paul’s first letter to the Corinthians is most beneficial           oioiw-

standing of the/S^^J^^fromwnich it makes many quotations, [si p. 213 par. 23]

• 23. In his letter to the Galatians, Paul proyes that justification is by __Christ Jesus, not by works ,, . A>f the fa-tv''' , and that therefore i_s unnecessary for Christians. [si p. 218 par. 6]

• 24. In his first letter to the Thessalonians, Patil four times makes mention of the Jesus Christ, apparently because of the congregation’s interest in this teaching, [si p. 231 par. 15]

• 25. The second letter to the Thessalonians was written by __ while

inX^ZZ^^^aizthe year          [^i

• p. 23M^^f^r          J/

Select the correct answer in each of the following statements:

• 26. In discussing his right to live by the ministry, Paul refers to the (Talmud; Mishnah; Law of Moses), which says that working animals must not be muzzled and that the (Levites; Nethinim; priestly famtKuaf Aa~ron) in temple service received their portion from the altar, [si p. 213 par. 24]

• 27. Paul’s letter to the Galatians gives the interpretation of Isaiah 54:1-6, identifying Jehovah’s woman as (earthly Jerusalem; the Jerusalem above; New Jerusalem). (Gal. 4:21-26) [si p. 219 par. 16]

• 28. At Ephesians 1:10, the “administration” refers to (the Messianic Kingdom; the Governing Body; God’s way of managing his household^Taffairs). |si p.~~221 parTS]—————-

• 29. (Judaizers; Christendom’s clergy class; Babylon the Great) can be identified with “the man of lawlessness” mentioned at 2 Thessalonians 2:3. [Weekly Bible reading; see io90 1/15 p. 18 par. 11.]

• 30. If you have serious reservations about someone during courtship, the wise thing to do is to (allow your romantic feelings to overcome your doubts; discontinue the relationship; close your eyes to sertous faultsiroping that things will get better after the marriage). \fy p. 23 par. 19]

Match the following scriptures to the statements listed below:

Num. 16:3; 1 Cor. 10:11, 12; 2 Cor. 4:7;

2 Cor. 8:14; Jude 1

• 31. When a person puts the Christian ministry first in his life, he experiences God-given power. [Weekly Bible reading; see w90 3/1 p. 29 par. 5.]           7

• 32. We should heed the warning example of the Israelites under Moses and avoid self-reliance, [si p. 213 par. 23]/ -n f ^c Hi

• 33. Generous gifts from Christians of means can help offset the needs of those in less favored places, while the zeal and endurance of afflicted ones can be a source of joy and encouragement to the donors. [Weekly Bible reading; see w9312/15 p. 21 par. 20.]        7: t

• 34. Servants of Jehovah should desire to maintain a loving, cooperative attitude toward one another; murmuring can be detrimental to good relations with othy . ers. [it-2 p. 184 par. 6]                 I _

• 35. We must be careful not to seek prominence by capitalizing on fleshly relationships, [ii-2 p. 132 par. 1] y y. i^**^

ANNOUNCEMENTS

■ Literature offer for August: Any of the following 32-page brochures may be used: Does God Really Care About Us?, Enjoy Life on Earth Forever!, Should You Believe in the Trinity?, The Government That Will Bring Paradise, What Is the Purpose of Life—How Can You Find It?, and When Someone You Love Dies. The brochures A Book for All People, Our Problems—Who Will Help Us Solve Them?, Spirits of the Dead—Can They Help You or Harm You? Do They Really Exist?, and Will There Ever Be a World Without War? may be offered where appropriate. September: Knowledge That Leads to Everlasting Life. October: Individual copies of The Watchtower and Awake! Where interest is found on return visits, subscriptions may be offered. November: Knowledge That Leads to Everlasting Life.

■ An adequate supply of forms for use during the 1999 service year is being sent to each congregation. Please use these forms with discretion. They should be used only for their intended purpose.

■ Each congregation will receive three Literature Inventory forms (S(d)-18). The congregation secretary should meet with the literature servant early in August and set a date for taking inventory of the congregation's stock of literature at the end of the month. An actual count must be made of all literature in stock, and the totals are to be entered on the Literature Inventory form. The total number of magazines on hand can be obtained from the magazine servant. Please mail the original to the Society no later than September 6. Keep a carbon copy for your flies. The third copy may be used as a work sheet. The inventory should be supervised by the secretary, and the completed form should be checked by the presiding overseer. The secretary and the presiding overseer will sign the form.

■ Congregations should begin requesting the 1999 Calendar of Jehovah’s Witnesses with their September literature request. The calendars will be available in Albanian, Arabic, Armenian, Chinese, Croatian, Czech, Danish, Dutch, English, French, German, Greek, Hungarian, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Norwegian, Polish, Portuguese, Romanian, Russian, Serbian, Spanish, Swedish, Turkish, and Ukrainian.

■ From August 28,1998, to August 31, 1998, the Society will be taking an inventory of all literature on hand in Brooklyn. Because of this inventory, no congregation literature requests will be processed for shipment or for pickup during those days.

■ The Congregation Service Committee should give prompt attention to all applications for regular pioneer service. The service committee should not hold an application to see if the one applying is able to meet the hour requirement. The appointment date may be automatically changed on applications received after the requested date. Retroactive appointments are not made unless there are significant extenuating circumstances. If such circumstances exist, a letter should accompany the application.—See the August 1986 Our Kingdom Ministry insert, paragraphs 24-6.

■ A series of brochures will be considered in the Congregation Book Study upon completion of The Bible—God’s Word or Man's? An announcement in the May 1998 issue of Our Kingdom Ministry stated that starting the week of September 21, the Require brochure will be used. This will be followed by a consideration of What Is the Purpose of Life—How Can You Find It? and Does God Really Care About Us?

■ New Publications Available:

Life—How Did It Get Here? By Evolution or by Creation?          —Hebrew

New World Translation of the Holy Scriptures (large size)           —Greek

The Government That Will Bring Paradise                      Georgian

Watch Tower Publications Index 1986

1995                      —Italian

Watch Tower Publications Index 1996

—Japanese, Spanish What Does God Require of Us? —Wolof ■ New Audiocassettes Available: Album of Hebrew Scriptures—Volume 2; Judges to 2 Chronicles (19 cassettes)                —Japanese

Album of Hebrew Scriptures—Volume 3; Ezra to Isaiah (18 cassettes)

—Japanese

Album of Hebrew Scriptures—Volume 4; Jeremiah to Malachi (16 cassettes)                —Japanese

The Secret of Family Happiness (five cassettes in an album) —Swedish

The provision of special assembly days began in 1987. These one-day gatherings have proved to be upbuilding for Jehovah’s servants and for interested ones who attend. Beginning in September 1998, a new special assembly day program will be presented. You will find the nine talks and numerous interviews and experiences to be spiritually beneficial.

“Show Appreciation for Jehovah’s Table” is the theme of the new program. (Isa. 65: 14; 1 Cor. 10:21) It will strengthen our resolve that our worship of Jehovah must take foremost place in 'our lives. (Ps. 27:4) The circuit overseer’s part will deal with “Examining the Inclinations of Our Hearts” toward meeting attendance. A guest speaker will show us how to “Maintain Spirituality by Feeding at Jehovah’s Table.” Practical encouragement will also be given to young people in Jehovah’s organization to maintain steadfastness in serving God.

The visiting speaker’s main discourse, entitled “Spiritually Fortified to Give a Bold Witness,” will show how the provisions made through the congregation equip us to witness boldly about the Kingdom. Who would not want to benefit from this program?

Newly dedicated ones who wish to be baptized should inform the presiding overseer as soon as possible. We are confident that as we begin the 12th year of the special assembly day arrangement, everyone attending will be spiritually uplifted for the work ahead.

Use Brochures to Appeal to Both Mind and Heart

• ¹ Bible truth should be presented so as to appeal to both rpind and heart. When Jesus ex; pounded the truth to his listeners, he chose topics that in-terestgd and motivated them.

  (Luke 24:17, 27, 32, 45) The SIC- —Enjoy Life on Earth Forev-cess of our ministry depends _er, _{The many} pictures and cit-r greatly on the effort we put

  
  

forth to identify the spiritual needs of our listeners.

• ² Brochures, can be effective tools fotfreaching the mind and f Heart of those we meet in the ^ministry. Give advance thought to who might respond to the message in each brochure being featured in August:

—Does God Really Care About Us? People who are economically depressed or who have experienced tragedy will appreciate this comforting message about a future free

from suffering.

—What Is the Purpose of Life—How Can You Find It? Youths who are thinking seriously about their future will benefit from the Bible-based answers found in this brochure.

ed texts will help young children and those with limited reading ability to understand God’s purposes.

—The Government That Will Bring Paradise. Anyone connected with government might respond to this message about how God’s Kingdom will solve mankind’s difficult problems.

—When Someone You Love Dies. Many funeral directors appreciate having copies of this brochure on hand for bereaved families. Publishers who witness in cemeteries use t brochure to comfort mourners. Two sisters approached a family of seven who were praying at a grave. As a result of sharing the comforting message from the brochure, a Bible study was started with the mother the next day!

Should You Believe in the Trinity? A strongly religious person might respond to the truth found in this well-documented expose of Christendom’s fundamental doctrine.

’Familiarize yourself with each brochure, and determine how best to use it in your ter-_ ritory. For suggested presenta- ^f tiops. see the back page-otthe July 1998 issue of OunKingdonj) dlintSZiy May Jehovah bless your efforts to reach both the minds and hearts of people. —Mark 6:34.

Overseers Taking the Lead—The Presiding Overseer

• ¹ To serve as an overseer in the congregation is a serious responsibility. (Acts 20:28; 1 Tim. 3:1) This is the first of a series of articles that will outline the various duties of Christian elders so that all of us can appreciate the important work they do in our behalf.

• ² The Society appoints the presiding overseer to serve for an indefinite period of time. As the presiding overseer coordinates matters, this helps elders to give proper attention to their assigned duties. (Our Ministry, p. 42) What does this entail?

’The presiding overseer receives congregation mail and promptly passes it along to the secretary for handling. In preparing for elders’ meetings, the presiding overseer obtains suggestions from the elders on matters needing discussion and compiles the agenda. He also serves as chairman at elders’ meetings. When decisions are made, he sees to it that there is appropriate follow-through. He oversees the preparation of the Service Meeting and the scheduling of public talks. He approves all announcements that are made to the congregation, authorizes payment of all normal operating expenses, and ensures that the quarterly audit of the congregation accounts is performed.

• ⁴ As chairman, the presiding overseer coordinates the work of the Congregation Service Committee. When a Bible student asks to be recognized as an unbaptized publisher or when an unbaptized publisher wants to get baptized, the presiding overseer arranges for elders to meet with him. The presiding overseer also takes the lead in preparing for the circuit overseer’s visit so that the congregation can benefit to the full from the special week of activity.

• ⁵ The duties of the presiding overseer are many and varied. As he humbly cares for his responsibilities “in real earnest,” all of us can do our part by cooperating with the elders. (Rom. 12:8) If we are “obedient” and “submissive” to those taking the lead among us, they can perform their work with a greater degree of real joy.—Heb. 13:17.

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