Our kingdom ministry

JANUARY 2010

WEEK STARTING JANUARY 11

Song 126

Q Congregation Bible Study:

Ivchap.15^10-17, boxon p.177

Q Theocratic Ministry School:

Bible reading: Joshua 21-24

No. 1: Joshua 24:1-13

No. 2: Is God Uncaring and Hard-Hearted? No. 3: Does the Bible Say That the Soul Survives the Death of the Body? (rs p.169 ^1-5)

Q Service Meeting:

Song 1

5 min: Announcements.

15 min: Teach Your Bible Students How to Study. Audience discussion based on the material under the subheading “How to Study” on pages 28-31 of the Ministry School book. Begin with a demonstration of an experienced publisher showing a new Bible student how to prepare for his study using the material on page 7 of the Bible Teach book.

15 min: “Am I Qualified to Preach?” Question-and-answer discussion. After considering paragraph 4, interview a publisher, asking questions such as the following: What obstacles did you have to overcome to preach effectively? In what ways were you helped to become an active and productive minister?

Song 97

Am I Qualified to Preach?

¹ If you ever find yourself asking such a question, take heart! It is neither formal education nor outstanding natural ability that qualifies us as ministers. Some of the early disciples were described as being “unlettered and ordinary.” Nonetheless,

• 1. Why should we not feel inadequate about our qualifications to preach? they were effective preachers of the good news because they set their hearts to follow the example set by Jesus.—Acts 4:13; 1 Pet. 2:21.

• ² How Jesus Taught: His teaching was simple, down-to-earth, and easy to understand. His questions, illustrations, and uncomplicated introductions captured the listeners’ attention. (Matt. 6:26) He showed sincere interest in people. (Matt. 14:14) Furthermore, Jesus spoke with confidence and authority, knowing that Jehovah had commissioned him and empowered him to carry out his assignment. —Luke 4:18.

• ³ Jehovah Helps Us: Through his Word and organization, our Grand Instructor provides the training we need to preach the good news successfully. (Isa. 54:13) Because Jehovah preserved a record of the way Jesus taught, we are able to analyze and imitate his methods. Jehovah gives us his holy spirit and trains us through congregation meetings. (John 14:26) In addition, he provides experienced publishers who can help us to become more effective.

• ⁴ We have every reason to feel qualified to preach, since “our being adequately qualified issues from God.” (2 Cor. 3:5) As we rely on Jehovah and faithfully make good use of his loving provisions, we will “be fully competent, completely equipped for every good work.”—2 Tim. 3:17.

• 2. What were some characteristics of Jesus’ teaching?

• 3. How does Jehovah help us to accomplish our ministry?

• 4. Why do we have reason to feel qualified to share the good news with others?

  WEEK STARTING JANUARY 18

  Song 70

  Q Congregation Bible Study:

  Iv chap.15 fl18-23, box on p. 180

  Q Theocratic Ministry School:

  Bible reading: Judges 1-4

  No. 1: Judges 2:11-23

  No. 2: What Sort of People Go to the Bible

  Hell? (rs p.170 fl1-3)

  No. 3: God Did Not Create the Devil

  
  

  Q Service Meeting:

  Song 115

  5 min: Announcements.

  15 min: Prepare to Offer The Watchtower and Awake! Briefly review the contents of the magazines being offered, and suggest which articles may be of particular interest to people in the local territory. Include a demonstration showing how a young publisher might prepare to offer the magazines.

  15 min: Question Box. Audience discussion. Read and discuss the cited scriptures.

  Song 125

  
  

QUESTION BOX

■ Howcan everyone help to maintain an atmosphere conducive to learning at congregation meetings? (Deut. 31:12)

Out of deep respect for Jehovah and his provision of congregation meetings, all are encouraged to arrive early and to be ready to be taught by him. It is helpful to occupy seats toward the front of the hall, leaving seats at the back for those with small children and for those who occasionally arrive late. Before the meeting begins, electronic devices should be adjusted to a setting that will not disturb the audience. Disturbances will be few in number and minor in nature when all present maintain a reverential attitude throughout the meeting.—Eccl. 5:1; Phil. 2:4.

When new ones start attending meetings, someone in the congregation who is acquainted with them may offer to sit with them. This would be especially helpful if there are small children to be trained. Attending meetings may be a new experience for the family. If so, they will most likely appreciate being able to sit toward the back where it would be less distracting for others should the parents find it necessary to leave the main hall temporarily to care for the needs of the little ones. (Prov. 22:6, 15) Families with small children should not be seated in a separate room where the children may feel free to make noise. It is generally best for the parent to administer discipline or care for other personal needs outside of the main auditorium and then return with the children to the main auditorium.

Attendants serve to maintain an atmosphere appropriate for a house of worship. They help families and those who occasionally arrive late to find appropriate seating. The attendants are mindful of being tactful and discreet in helping others to be comfortably seated without unnecessary distraction. They use good judgment when handling any unexpected disturbances. When a child’s conduct becomes distracting to others, attendants may kindly offer assistance.

All present at meetings for worship can contribute to an atmosphere conducive to learning about Jehovah and his purpose for a peaceful and righteous new world.—Heb. 10:24, 25.

© 2010 Christian Congregation of Jehovah’s Witnesses. All rights reserved. Our Kingdom Ministry (ISSN 1067-7259) is published monthly by Christian Congregation of Jehovah’s Witnesses; C. I. Woody, President; W. H. Nonkes, Secretary-Treasurer; 2821 Route 22, Patterson, NY 12563-2237. Periodicals Postage Paid at Brooklyn, NY, and at additional mailing offices. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Our Kingdom Ministry, 1000 Red Mills Road, Wallkill, NY 12589-3299. Printed in U.S.A.

2010 District Convention of Jehovah’s Witnesses

• ¹ We eagerly anticipate the spiritual banquet in store for us at the 2010 district convention. All are urged to be present for all three days. There we will encourage one another to walk in integrity with Jehovah as our shield. (Ps. 26:1, 11; Prov. 2:7) Inform teachers and employers well ahead of time that the convention is a necessary part of your worship. By making your plans now and helping others as needed, you can be sure of Jehovah’s blessing on your efforts.—Ps. 37:5; Prov. 10:22.

• ² Obtaining Information: A list of all conventions will be in the March 1, 2010, issue of The Watchtower, or at www.jw.org. If it is necessary for you to attend a convention other than the one to which your congregation is assigned, you may obtain a Recommended Lodging List by writing the rooming headquarters for that convention. Please include a stamped, self-addressed envelope with your letter. Your congregation secretary can provide the address.

• ³ Special Needs: Do you know of someone in your congregation who could use help in getting to and from the convention? Why not offer to assist? (Prov. 19:17) When a publisher requests assistance in obtaining accom-

• 1. Why should we plan to be present for all three days of the 2010 district convention?

• 2. Where can we obtain information regarding convention locations and lodging?

• 3. How can we assist those with special needs? modations, the Congregation Service Committee will determine if the publisher qualifies to submit a Special Needs Room Request form. Before the congregation secretary sends the form to the Rooming Department, the Congregation Service Committee should review the guidelines on the form and in the December 14, 2008, convention arrangements letter in the congregation’s permanent file.

  Program Times:

  —•♦•—

  Friday and Saturday 9:20 a.m. - 4:55 p.m.

  Sunday 9:20 a.m. - 3:40 p.m.

  
  

• ⁴ Making Your Hotel Reservation: The Recommended Lodging List of hotels will be posted on the congregation information board after your Service Meeting for the week of January 4. Before making your hotel reservation, carefully review the box “Rooming Instructions.” When we deal with hotel staff, our speech and demeanor should always reflect the fruitage of the spirit. This will “adorn the teaching” of our God, Jehovah.—Titus 2:7-10.

• ⁵ Our annual district convention will afford us a grand opportunity both to take in divine instruction and to enjoy the warm association of our brothers and sisters. (Deut. 16:15) May Jehovah bless our efforts as we prepare to attend the 2010 district conventions!

• 4. (a) How should we make a hotel reservation? (See box on page 4 “Rooming Instructions.”) (b) What reminders will assist us to maintain a good reputation with hotel management?

• 5. What blessings do we anticipate at the 2010 district convention?

Rooming Instructions:

■ Do not make hotel reservations before your Service Meeting the week of January 4, 2010.

■ Stay only in the hotels on the Recommended Lodging List. If rooms are already booked, call another hotel on the list.

■ Accept only the rate shown on the list. Obtain a confirmation number, and make your deposit within 10 days by credit card, check, or money order.

■ Each room should be reserved in the name of the person who will actually occupy it. Do not reserve extra rooms. Keep your first reservation.

■ If you must cancel a reservation, do so as early as possible. Be sure to receive a cancellation number.

■ Fire regulations require that you not exceed the number of adults that the list allows for each hotel room.

■ Do not call hotels that are not on the list to ask if they have a rate for our conventions.

■ If there are no rooms available after calling ALL the hotels listed, or if you have a problem with a hotel, inform your congregation secretary. He should communicate with the convention Rooming Department, using the contact information on the Recommended Lodging List.

A Help for Telephone Witnessing

While we properly give priority to the house-to-house method of preaching, telephone witnessing is an effective way to spread the good news in a congregation’s assigned territory, especially where there are many homes to which we cannot gain access.—Luke 10:5-7; Acts 5: 42; 20:20.

This feature of the ministry can be encouraging to brothers and sisters who are limited in mobility and spend much of their time at home. Publishers will enjoy an interchange of encouragement when they arrange to share in this form of witnessing with these faithful ones. (Rom. 1: 11, 12) Also, during inclement weather, publishers may choose to participate in telephone witnessing. Generally speaking, groups should be kept small so that all make the best use of time.

A helpful work sheet is provided on pages 5-6 for use when witnessing by telephone. Space is provided to add presentations that are effective in your territory or that you feel more comfortable using. Feel free to photocopy the work sheet and write on the copy rather than on the original. You may find it helpful to sit at a table and have the work sheet in front of you.

What else will you need when witnessing by telephone? Review this check list as you prepare.

■ Personal Bible

• ■ Reasoning From the Scriptures

• ■ Good News for People of All Nations

• ■ What Does the Bible Really Teach?

• ■ Current magazines and Our Kingdom Ministry

• ■ Variety of tracts and brochures

• ■ Handbills

• ■ House-to-house records and pencil or pen

TELEPHONE WITNESSING WORK SHEET

KEEP THESE POINTS IN MIND:

■ Relax. Be yourself. Demonstrate courteousness, patience, and friendliness.

• ■ Speak slowly, deliberately, and with sufficient volume.

• ■ Smile and gesture as if the person can see you.

• ■ Avoid unnecessary pauses.

• ■ Allow the householder to share in the conversation, and thank

  
  
  

him for his expressions.

• ■ If you are asked a question, repeat it out loud so that your partner can help you find the answer in the Bible, Reasoning book, or another publication. (It is usually better not to put the caller on a speakerphone.)

• ■ Do not mention the donation arrangement, as this could be misinterpreted as a form of telephone solicitation. At an appropriate time after you have met the householder face-to-face, you may inform him that our work is supported entirely by voluntary donations.

INTRODUCTIONS

■ “Hello. Myname is ... I am calling because I am not able to come and see you personally. I live here in the community. [You might give the name of your street or neighborhood.] I’m interested in your opinion regarding ...”

■ “Hello. Myname is ... I’m helping people in the community with their Bible questions as a public service. Have you ever wondered . . . ?”

■ “Hello. My name is ... I’m not a tele-marketer;I am one of your neighbors from . . . Street. Many in the community are concerned about ...” [Mention a current news item of local concern.]

• ■ [Insert your own.]

[Then continue with your presentation. You may read a suggestion from the Reasoning book, Our Kingdom Ministry, or prepare your own.]

• ■ [Insert your own.]

To offer a Bible study on the initial call:

■ “Hello. Myname is ... I am one of your neighbors from . . . Street. I’m calling because I give Bible lessons free of charge and I have openings in my schedule. Here are some of the subjects that will be discussed from your Bible. [Read two or three of the chapter titles from the Bible Teach book.] Which of those interests you the most? [Allow for response.] What I read to you are chapter titles from a book entitled What Does the Bible Really Teach? I would be happy to come by and drop off a copy. There is no charge for the book.”

If the householder hesitates, you might say:

■ “Then perhaps I could call you again to discuss briefly what the Bible really teaches on the subject you are interested in. Are you usually home at this time?”

• ■ [Insert your own.]

If the householder says...

“WHOM DO YOU REPRESENT?”

■ “I am one of Jehovah's Witnesses,” and continue with your presentation.

“HOW DID YOU GET MY NUMBER?”

■ “From the directory,” and continue with your presentation.

“I’M ON A DO-NOT-CALL LIST.”

■ “Since I'm not selling anything, I don't have that list,” and continue with your presentation.

If the householder requests that Jehovah’s Witnesses not call him again...

■ “I'll make a note of that, and we will endeavor to honor your wishes,” and discontinue your presentation. [A dated note with the name of the person should then be placed in the territory envelope.]

CONCLUSIONS:

■ “I have a publication that I'd like to share with you that gives more information on the subject. I would be glad to come by and drop it off. There is no charge.”

■ “I enjoyed talking with you. Would it be possible for me (and my husband/wife) to visit your home to discuss the subject further? We could discuss the answer to this question:......................................

..................................................................................”

■ “I enjoyed our conversation. The next time I call, I'd like to discuss the Bible's answer to this question:................................

____________________________________________________________________________________ Is this a good time to call?”

■ [Insert your own.]

If you get an answering machine ...

■ “I'm sorry that I didn't find you at home. My name is ... I was calling to invite you to a Bible-based discourse on the subject..................................

________________________________________________________________________________

[Day and time:]..............................................

[Address:]...........................................................

No collections are ever taken.”

• ■ “Myname is ... , and I am calling as a public service to help people get answers to their Bible questions. I will call you again.”

• ■ [Insert your own.]

If the person is reluctant for you to visit, you might say:

■ “If you prefer, I would be happy to send the publication to you.”

■ “Then perhaps I could call you again to continue our discussion. Are you usually home at this time?”

■ “I enjoyed our conversation. I'd like to invite you to a Bible-based discourse on the subject.............................................................

___________________________________________________________________________________ .

[Day and time:]..................................................

[Address:]...............................................................

No collections are ever taken.”

■ [Insert your own.]

WEEK STARTING JANUARY 25

Song 27

Q Congregation Bible Study:

Iv chap.16 ^1-8

Q Theocratic Ministry School:

Bible reading: Judges 5-7

No.1: Judges7:1-11

No. 2: How Can We Identify “the Great Harlot” Described in Revelation 17:1?

No. 3: Does Anyone Ever Get out of the Bible Hell? (rs p.170 fl4-p.171 W

Q Service Meeting:

Song 111

5 min: Announcements.

10 min: The Offer for February. Briefly review useful features of the literature offer for the month. Include a demonstration showing how a publisher in an informal setting may use the offerof the month to starta Bible study.

20 min: “Are You Putting It Off?” Question-and-answer discussion. To be handled by an elder. Include a demonstration of a publisher explaining the purpose of the DPA card and asking thatitbe placed in his personal file.The doctor promises to do so. In conclusion, read the last paragraph.

Song 29

Are You Putting It Off?

Putting what off? Filling out the DPA (durable power of attorney) card that is provided for baptized Witnesses. Since “you do not know what your life will be tomorrow,” it is crucial that you decide in advance and indicate in writing what treatments and procedures you would accept in a medical emergency. (Jas. 4:14; Acts 15:28, 29) To help you, the video Transfusion-Alternative Health Care—Meeting Patient Needs and Rights has been produced. View it, and then prayerfully review what you learned with the help of the questions set out below.—Note: Because the video includes brief surgical scenes, parents should use discretion in viewing the video with young children.

(1) Why are some in the medical community reevaluating the use of blood transfusions? (2) Give three examples of complex surgeries that have been performed without blood transfusions. (3) How many physicians and surgeons worldwide have indicated their willingness to treat patients without blood transfusions? Why are they willing to do so? (4) What have recent hospital studies revealed about blood use? (5) What are the medical risks associated with blood transfusions? (6) What conclusion have many experts reached regarding the benefits of transfusion alternatives? (7) What causes anemia? How tolerable is it in humans? What can be done to compensate for it? (8) How can red-cell production be stimulated in a patient’s body? (9) What techniques are being used to minimize blood loss during surgery? (10) Can transfusion alternatives work for young children or for people involved in lifethreatening emergencies? (11) What is one of the primary ethical principles of good medical care? (12) Why is it important for Christians to make nonblood treatment choices in advance? How can we do this?

Acceptance of some of the treatments featured in the video is a matter for private decision in accord with each one’s Bible-trained conscience. Have you taken a clear position on which medical treatments and procedures you are willing to accept for yourself and your children and then filled out a DPA card? For a complete discussion of these matters, carefully review chapter 7 of the “God’s Love” book and the references mentioned therein. See also the insert “How Do I View Blood Fractions and Medical Procedures Involving My Own Blood?” in the November 2006 issue of Our Kingdom Ministry. Finally, be sure you have accurately transferred your choices to your DPA card. Your selected health-care agents and any non-Witness family members should be fully informed of your decisions.

WEEK STARTING FEBRUARY 1

Song 26

Q Congregation Bible Study:

Iv chap. 16 fl9-14, box 192-193

Q Theocratic Ministry School:

Bible reading: Judges 8-10

No. 1: Judges 8:1-12

No. 2: Is There Eternal Punishment for the Wicked? (rs p.171 fl2-p.172 fl1)

No. 3: What Are the Benefits of Knowing the Truth About Death?

Q Service Meeting:

Song 129

5 min: Announcements.

10 min: “A Help forTelephone Witnessing.” Audience discussion of the article and telephone witnessing work sheet. Include a brief demonstration of a publisher using the work sheet to witness by telephone.

10 min: Starting Bible Studies. Announce the next day for offering Bible studies. Relate encouraging experiences, or interview the service overseer or other experienced publisher, asking him what presentations have proved to be effective in the local territory. He may then be asked to demonstrate his presentation.

10 min: Use Visual Aids in Your Ministry. Talk based on the Ministry School book, page 247 and paragraph 1 on page 248.

Song 98

Announcements

■ Literature offer for January: What Does the Bible Really Teach? If householders already have the book, publishers may offer any 192-page book published prior to 1992. February: Is There a Creator Who Cares About You? Publishers may also offer The Bible—God’s Word or Man’s? or The Secret of Family Happiness. March: What Does the Bible Really Teach? Publishers should have in mind starting a Bible study when this publication is placed or if a copy is already in the home. April: The Watchtower and Awake! magazines. When making return visits on interested people, including those who attended the Memorial or other theocratic events but who are not actively associated with the congregation, concentrate on placing What Does the Bible Really Teach? The objective is to start a Bible study.

■ Starting in February, the new public talk for the circuit overseers will be “What God’s Kingdom Is Doing for Us Now.”

■ The branch facilities in Brooklyn, Patterson, and Wallkill, New York, will be closed for spring cleaning on Friday, May 7, 2010. There will be no arrangements for tours or for congregations to pick up literature on this day. As a reminder, tours of Bethel are no longer available on Saturdays.

Field Service Highlights

We are happy to report a new peak in regular pioneers in the United States. The total of 126,998 reporting in September 2009 is an increase of 7,890 over the previous peak in December 2008. Also, we are happy to report two new peaks in the Turks and Caicos Islands for September 2009. On average, they are conducting 2.4 Bible studies per publisher for a new peak of 591. In addition, the 31 regular pioneers reporting represent 13 percent of the publishers. It is also encouraging to report that in Bermuda 15.9 percent of the publishers are serving as regular pioneers.

What to Say About the Magazines

>41567 January 1

Announcing Jehovah’s Kingdom "            *

WATCHTO6ER February 1

Announcing Jehovah’s Kingdom

“Do you think the world would be a better place if everyone lived by this Bible principle? [Read Romans 12:18. Then allow for response.] Have you ever wondered, then, why God sometimes directed his people in ancient times to wage war? This article reveals the Bible’s clear answer.” Feature the article that begins on page 13.

!"#e$ January

Read Acts 17:31a. Then say: “For many, the very idea of Judgment Day sounds ominous. How do you feel about it? [Allow for response.] The Bible teaches that Judgment Day will bring many blessings to the earth. This article explains.” Feature the article that begins on page 10.

“Many people hope to go to heaven when they die. Does that prospect appeal to you? [Allow for response.] Notice what the Bible says will be the reward for the majority of good people. [Read Psalm 37:29.] This magazine examines what the Bible says about who will go to heaven and what they will do there.”

!"#e$ February

“Divorce is very common today. Do you think most couples consider all the issues involved before deciding to divorce? [Allow for response. Then read Proverbs 14:15.] This magazine outlines four things married couples should consider when contemplating a divorce.”

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