Our kingdom ministry

OCTOBER 2012

WEEK STARTING OCTOBER 8

Song 75 and Prayer

Q Congregation Bible Study:

bt chap. 27 ^19-26, boxes on pp. 212, 214, 217 (30 min.)

Q Theocratic Ministry School:

Bible reading: Daniel 7-9 (10 min.) No. 1: Daniel 7:13-22 (4 min. or less) No. 2: Does the Bible Show That True Christians Would Be Organized?—rs p. 282 fl1-4 (5 min.)

No. 3: In What Ways Is Jehovah Loyal?—Rev.

15:4; 16:5 (5 min.)

Q Service Meeting:

Song 133

10 min: If Someone Says, ‘I’m Busy.’ Discussion based on the Reasoning book, page 19, paragraph 5, to page 20, paragraph 4. Consider some of the suggested responses as well as other responses that have been used successfully in the local territory. Have two brief demonstrations.

10 min: What Do We Learn? Discussion. Have Matthew 21:12-16 and Luke 21:1-4 read. Consider the lessons found in these accounts.

10 min: “Could You Share in Evening Witnessing?” Questions and answers. When considering paragraph 2, invite audience to relate experiences they have enjoyed while doing evening witnessing.

Song 92 and Prayer

Could You Share in Evening Witnessing?

¹ According to the book Daily Life in Bible Times, the apostle Paul typically shared in the house-to-house ministry “from 4 p.m. till far into the night.” We do not know whether this was Paul’s actual schedule, but we do know that Paul was willing to “do all things

• 1. According to one scholar, when did the apostle Paul preach from house to house? for the sake of the good news.” (1 Cor. 9:1923) This would have included arranging his affairs to go from house to house when it was most productive to do so.

• ² Publishers in many places have traditionally gone from house to house in the mornings during the week. However, in your area, is this still the best time? One pioneer relates regarding his territory: “Hardly anyone is at home during the day. But most people are home in the evening.” Evening witnessing may provide the best opportunity to reach men, in particular, with the good news. Householders are often more relaxed and willing to converse. If it is beneficial to do so, elders should arrange meetings for service in the evening.

• ³ Use Discernment: When sharing in evening witnessing, discernment is important. For example, if you happen to call on someone at an inopportune time, such as during his dinner, it is best to offer to come back later. If it is dark, stand where the householder can see you, and quickly identify yourself and the purpose of your visit. It is also wise to work in pairs or in groups and to stay on well-lit streets where you are not isolated. Do not call so late that you disturb householders preparing to retire for the night. (2 Cor. 6:3) If a neighborhood is unsafe after dark, preach there during the early evening.—Prov. 22:3.

• ⁴ Blessings: The ministry is far more enjoyable when we are able to give a witness. And the more we are able to witness, the more opportunities we will have to help others to “be saved and come to an accurate knowledge of truth.” (1 Tim. 2:3, 4) Could you adjust your schedule to share in evening witnessing?

• 2. Why are evenings a good time to share in the ministry?

• 3. How may we show discernment when engaging in evening witnessing?

• 4. What blessings come from evening witnessing?

  For Britain and Ireland

  
  

  km12 10-E Bi Vol. 55, No. 10

  
  

WEEK STARTING OCTOBER 15

Song 101 and Prayer

Q Congregation Bible Study:

bt chap. 28 fl1-7 (30 min.)

Q Theocratic Ministry School:

Bible reading: Daniel 10-12 (10 min.) No. 1: Daniel 11:15-27 (4 min. or less)

No. 2: Why Christians Do Not Seek Re-venge—Rom. 12:18-21 (5 min.)

No. 3: Are God’s Faithful Servants Simply Scattered Among Christendom’s Churches?—rs p. 283 V1-3 (5 min.)

Q Service Meeting:

Song 106

10 min: If Someone Says, ‘I’m Not Interested.’ Discussion based on the Reasoning book, page 16, paragraph 1, to page 18, paragraph 1. Consider some of the suggested responses as well as other responses that have been used successfully in the local territory. Have two suggestions demonstrated.

20 min: “Use Tracts to Spread the Good News.” Questions and answers. When considering paragraph 5, briefly review the tracts being offered in November and demonstrate a presentation. When considering paragraph 7, demonstrate howto use tracts in informal witnessing.

Song 97 and Prayer

Use Tracts to Spread the

Good News

¹ Bible tracts have long been used by Jehovah’s people to spread the good news. In 1880, C. T. Russell and his associates began to produce Bible Students’ Tracts, and these were provided to readers of the Watch Tower for distribution to the public. Tracts were considered so important that in 1884

• 1. How have tracts been used by God’s people?

when C. T. Russell registered a non-profit legal corporation for the purpose of furthering Kingdom interests, the word “tract” was included in the name, Zion’s Watch Tower Tract Society, now called the Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society of Pennsylvania. By 1918, more than 300 million tracts had been distributed by the Bible Students. Tracts continue to be an effective witnessing tool.

• ² Why Effective: Tracts are colorful and eye-catching. The concise message they contain is absorbing and informative. They are appealing to householders who may be intimidated by a magazine or a book. Tracts are easy to offer, even by new publishers and children. In addition, tracts are a handy size and easy for us to carry.

• ³ Many first come in contact with the truth by means of a tract. For example, a woman in Haiti noticed one of our tracts on the street. She picked it up, read it, and exclaimed, “I have found the truth!” Eventually, she went to the Kingdom Hall, began studying the Bible, and was baptized—all because of the power of God’s Word found in a tract.

• ⁴ From House to House: Since tracts are an effective tool for giving a witness, they will be the offer for the month from time to time, beginning in November. Our goal is not just to hand out tracts but to use the

• 2. Why are tracts effective?

• 3. Relate a personal or published experience that illustrates the value of tracts.

• 4. What is our goal when tracts are the offer for the month?

  © 2012 Christian Congregation of Jehovah’s Witnesses. All rights reserved. Our Kingdom Ministry is printed monthly by Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society of Britain,

  The Ridgeway, London NW7 1RN. (Registered in England as a Charity.)

  
  

tracts to start conversations. If there is interest on the initial call or on the return visit, we can demonstrate a Bible study by using the Bible Teach book or another study publication. How might we offer tracts from house to house? Each tract is different, so we need to be familiar with those we are offering.

• ⁵ Our presentation should be tailored to the territory and the tract we are using. We could start the conversation by handing the tract to the householder. The attractive cover may well arouse his interest. Or we could show several tracts and allow the householder to choose what interests him. When working territory where people hesitate to open their door, we could hold the tract where the householder can see the cover, or we might ask to slide something under the door that we would like to get his opinion on. If the title of the tract is a question, we could then ask him to express his opinion on it. Or we can formulate our own question that will arouse

interest and stimulate conversation. We could then read a portion of the tract’s contents with the householder, pausing at the questions in the text and inviting the householder to express himself. Key scriptures can be read from the Bible. After considering some of the material, we can conclude the discussion and make definite arrangements to return. If the congregation normally leaves literature at not-at-homes, we may leave a tract out of sight if the householder is not home.

• ⁶ Street Witnessing: Have you used tracts in street witnessing? Some passersby are in a hurry and not inclined to stop

• 5. How may we offer tracts from house to house?

• 6. How could tracts be used in street witnessing?

  Since tracts are an effective tool for giving a witness, they will be the offer for the month from time to time, beginning in November

  
  

to converse with us. It may be difficult to determine their level of interest. Instead of handing them the latest magazines without knowing whether they will read them, why not give them a tract instead? Because the cover is appealing and the message is brief, curiosity may move people to read the tract when they have a few minutes. Of course, if they are not in a hurry, we can discuss some of the contents of the tract with them.

⁷ Informal Witnessing: It is easy to witness informally with tracts. One brother puts a few in his pocket whenever he leaves home. When he meets someone, such as a store clerk, he simply offers to give him something to read and hands him a tract. When one couple went to New York City to do some sightseeing, they realized that they would come in contact with people from various countries. So they took along the Nations booklet and several tracts in different languages. Then, when they heard someone speaking in a foreign language who was selling items on the sidewalk or who was sitting near them in the park or in a restaurant, they would offer him a tract in his native tongue.

⁸ “Sow Your Seed”: Tracts can be likened to seed. A farmer scatters his seed liberally because he does not know which ones will germinate and sprout. Ecclesiastes 11:6 says: “In the morning sow your seed and until the evening do not let your hand rest; for you are not knowing where this will have success, either here or there, or whether both of them will alike be good.” Therefore, may we “keep scattering knowledge” by means of this very effective witnessing tool.—Prov. 15:7.

• 7. Relate experiences showing how to use tracts when witnessing informally.

• 8. In what way are tracts like seed?

WEEK STARTING OCTOBER 22

Song 71 and Prayer

Q Congregation Bible Study: bt chap. 28 ^8-15 (30 min.)

Q Theocratic Ministry School:

Bible reading: Hosea 1-7 (10 min.) No. 1: Hosea 6:1-7:7 (4 min. or less) No. 2: How Can the Visible Part of Jehovah’s Organization Be Identified?—rs p. 283 fl4-p. 284 fl2 (5 min.)

No. 3: Imitate Jesus by Despising Shame—Heb. 12:2 (5 min.)

Q Service Meeting:

Song 130

30 min: “Young People Ask—How Can I Make Real Friends?” Questions and answers. Use the information in the first and last paragraphs for a brief introduction and conclusion.

Song 89 and Prayer

Young People Ask

—How Can I Make Real

Friends?

Jehovah designed humans to interact and form friendships. (Prov. 17: 17; 18:1, 24) In order for these relationships to be mutually beneficial, we must select our friends carefully. (Prov. 13:20) After viewing the video Young People Ask—How Can I Make Real Friends?, can you answer the following questions?

Introduction:

• (1) What is a true friend?

Roadblocks to Friendship:

• (2) How can feelings of being left out be overcome? (Phil. 2:4) (3) Why should we be willing to improve our personality, and who can help us to do that? (2 Cor. 13:11) (4) How can we open up opportunities to make more friends?—2 Cor. 6:13.

Friendship With God:

(5) How can we develop a closer relationship with Jehovah, and why is doing so worth the effort? (Ps. 34:8) (6) When we make Jehovah our best friend, what beneficial human friendships can we have?

The Wrong Kind of Friends:

(7) Who are bad associates? (1 Cor. 15:33) (8) How can the wrong friends lead someone into spiritual ruin?

A Modern-Day Drama:

(9) What does the Bible account about Dinah teach us? (Gen. 34:1, 2, 7, 19) (10) How did Tara justify her association with unbelieving youths? (11) To what dangers did Tara’ s school friends expose her? (12) Why did Tara’s parents fail to see the danger she was in, but with what attitude did they help her to recover spiritually? (13) How did a pioneer sister prove to be a real friend to Tara? (14) What did Tara come to see differently?

Conclusion:

(15) What lessons have you learned from this video? (16) How can you use this video to help others?

May we choose friends that will help us to maintain the greatest friendship of all—friendship with God!—Ps. 15: 1, 4; Isa. 41:8.

WEEK STARTING OCTOBER 29

Song 13 and Prayer

Q Congregation Bible Study:

bt chap. 28 ^16-22 (30 min.)

Q Theocratic Ministry School:

Bible reading: Hosea 8-14 (10 min.) Theocratic Ministry School Review (20 min.)

Q Service Meeting:

Song 108

15 min: “How to Benefit From Your Field Service Group.” Questions and answers. When considering the box on page 6, briefly interview someone who has meetings for field service in his home. How does he prepare to have meetings for field service in his home each week? Why does he appreciate the privilege of having these meetings in his home?

15 min: “Five Ways to Find a Bible Study.” Questions and answers. After considering paragraph 6, invite those who have conducted a progressive Bible study to comment on the joy they have received.

Song 122 and Prayer

Theocratic Ministry School Review

The following questions will be considered at the Theocratic Ministry School during the week beginning October 29, 2012. The date when each point is scheduled for discussion is included so that research can be done when preparing for the school each week.

• 1. What is represented by the altar that Ezekiel saw in vision? (Ezek. 43:13-20) [Sept. 10, w07 8/1 p. 10 par. 4]

• 2. What is pictured by the water of Ezekiel’s visionary river? (Ezek. 47:1-5) [Sept. 17, w07 8/1 p. 11 par. 1]

• 3. What do the words “determined in his heart” reveal about the spiritual instruction Daniel received in his youth? (Dan. 1:8) [Sept. 24, dp p. 32 pars. 4-6; p. 37 par. 16]

• 4. What was represented, or symbolized, by the immense tree in Nebuchadnezzar’s dream? (Dan. 4:10, 11, 20-22) [Oct. 1, w07 9/1 p. 18 par. 5]

• 5. What does Daniel 9:17-19 teach us in connection with prayer? [Oct. 8, w07 9/1 p. 20 pars. 5-6]

• 6. What covenant was ‘kept in force for the many’ until the end of the 70th week of years, or 36 C.E.? (Dan. 9:27) [Oct. 8, w07 9/1 p. 20 par. 4]

• 7. What can we conclude from the angel’s telling Daniel that “the prince of the royal realm of Persia” had stood in opposition to him? (Dan. 10:13) [Oct. 15, w11 9/1 p. 8 pars. 2-3]

• 8. What Bible prophecy regarding the Messiah was fulfilled in connection with Daniel 11:20? [Oct. 15, dp pp. 232-233 pars. 5-6]

• 9. According to Hosea 4:11, what is one of the dangers of drinking too much alcohol? [Oct. 22, w10 1/1 pp. 4-5]

• 10. What vital lesson should we learn from Hosea 6:6? [Oct. 22, w07 9/15 p. 16 par. 8; w05 11/15 p. 24 pars. 11-12]

How to Benefit From Your Field Service Group

¹ Do you miss certain aspects of the Congregation Book Study? Groups were small and the setting more relaxed. This made it easy to develop friendships that were a source of spiritual support. (Prov. 18: 24) The book study overseer got to know our unique circumstances and could provide personal encouragement. (Prov. 27:23; 1 Pet. 5:2, 3) These benefits are still available through our field service group.

• 1. What benefits of the Congregation Book Study arrangement are still available through our field service group?

• ² Take the Initiative: Field service groups are generally the same size that book study groups were. By working in the ministry “side by side” with others, a close bond can result. (Phil. 1:27) How many in your group have you worked with? Could you “widen out” in this regard? (2 Cor. 6: 13) Additionally, we might occasionally invite someone from our group to join us for our Family Worship evening or for a meal. In some congregations, field service groups take turns providing hospitality to the visiting speaker. On their assigned week, the group gathers for a meal and mutual encouragement regardless of whether the speaker can attend.

• ³ Although the congregation now meets together on one less occasion a week, this does not mean that publishers should receive less shepherding. Group overseers are appointed in each group to give individuals personal encouragement and training for the ministry. If your group overseer has not yet made an appointment to work with you in the ministry, why not ask to work with him? In addition, the service overseer shares in the ministry with a different group one weekend each month. In smaller congregations where there are only a few field service groups, he may arrange to visit each group twice during the year. Do you arrange your schedule to go in the ministry when he serves your group?

• ⁴ It is often advantageous for each group to meet separately for field service on weekends. Having several locations to meet for service at approximately the same time may make it easier for publishers to travel to the meeting for service and perhaps to the territory. Publishers can be orga-

• 2. How can we take the initiative to develop friendships in our field service group that are a source of spiritual support?

• 3. What are some opportunities to receive shepherding in our field service group?

• 4. (a) How are meetings for service organized? (b) Why should we consider offering our home for meetings for field service? nized quickly and begin heading to the territory without delay. It is also easier for the group overseer to give close attention to those in his care. However, circumstances may make it advisable for two or more groups to combine. If the entire congregation meets together for service on the first Saturday of the month or after the Watchtower Study, it is often beneficial for each group to sit together and the group overseer to be given a few minutes to organize his group before the meeting for field service is concluded with prayer.—See the box “Can You Offer Your Home?”

• ⁵ Although the Congregation Book Study arrangement has ended, Jehovah continues to provide everything we need to do his will. (Heb. 13:20, 21) Under Jehovah’s care, we lack nothing. (Ps. 23:1) Many blessings are available through our field service group. If we take the initiative and ‘sow bountifully,’ we will “reap bountifully.” —2 Cor. 9:6.

• 5. Although the Congregation Book Study arrangement has ended, of what can we be confident?

Can You Offer Your Home?

Some congregations combine groups for service on the weekend because there is a shortage of homes in which to meet. Meetings for field service are an extension of the congregation arrangement, so hosting these is a real privilege. Could you make your home available? Do not hold back because your home is humble. The elders will take into account the location of your home and other factors similar to those considered when they selected locations for the book study. If you would like to offer your home, let your group overseer know.

Five Ways to Find a Bible Study

• ¹ Have you found it a challenge to find someone with whom to study the Bible? Keep trying. Jehovah blesses those who do not give up in doing his will. (Gal. 6:9) Below are five suggestions to help you.

• ² Direct Approach: Many people know that we offer The Watchtower and Awake!, but they may not know that we offer Bible studies. Why not try the direct approach when going from house to house? You could also ask interested people whom you call on whether they would like a Bible study. If they decline, you can continue leaving literature and cultivating the interest. One brother had been calling on a married couple for years as part of his magazine route. After leaving them the latest magazines, he turned around to leave but as an afterthought asked: “Would you like a Bible study?” To his surprise they answered yes. Now they are baptized.

• ³ Meeting Attenders: Do not assume that interested ones you see at congregation meetings already have a Bible study. One brother reports: “More than half of the studies I’ve had were started by speaking to those who attended meetings.” One sister decided to approach a shy woman whose baptized daughters were in the congregation. The woman had been attending meetings for about 15 years and always came into the Kingdom Hall just as the meeting began and left as soon as it was finished. The woman agreed to a study and eventually came into the truth. The sister writes: “I’m just sorry that I waited 15 years to ask her if she would like to study!”

• ⁴ Referrals: One sister endeavors to ac-

• 1. If it is a challenge to find a Bible study in our territory, what should we do, and why?

• 2. How can we use the direct approach to start a study?

• 3. Should we assume that meeting attenders are studying the Bible with someone? Explain.

• 4. How could we find a study by means of referrals?

company others on their Bible studies. With the teacher’s permission, at the conclusion she asks the student if she knows any others who might enjoy having their own study. When offering the Bible Teach book to someone you have been calling on, you might ask: “Do you know anyone else who would enjoy a copy?” At times, circumstances do not allow publishers and pioneers to conduct a study with someone they meet in the territory. So let others know that you are available to conduct a Bible study.

• ⁵ Unbelieving Mates: Are there publishers in your congregation who are married to unbelievers? Some unbelievers resist talking about the Bible with their Christian mate but would accept an invitation to study with someone outside the family. It is often best to consult with the believing husband or wife beforehand in order to determine the best approach.

• ⁶ Prayer: Do not underestimate the power of prayer. (Jas. 5:16) Jehovah promises to listen to our requests when they are in harmony with his will. (1 John 5:14) One brother who had a very busy schedule began praying for a Bible study. His wife wondered if he would have the time to care for a student, especially if the student had many problems. So she made these concerns known to Jehovah when praying for her husband to find a study. Their prayers were answered about two weeks later when a pioneer in the congregation found a man who wanted to study and turned the study over to the brother. The wife writes: “To any who may feel that conducting a Bible study would be more than they can handle, I say: Be specific in your prayers, and don’t stop praying about it. We have had more joy than I could have imagined.” With perseverance, you too may be able to find a Bible study and experience the joy of helping someone onto “the road leading off into life.”—Matt. 7:13, 14.

• 5. Why might we ask unbelieving mates of congregation members if they would like to study? 6. How valuable is prayer when trying to find a study?

WEEK STARTING NOVEMBER 5

Song 115 and Prayer

Q Congregation Bible Study:

jr chap. 1 fl1-7 (30 min.)

Q Theocratic Ministry School:

Bible reading: Joel 1-3 (10 min.) No. 1: Joel 2:17-27 (4 min. or less) No. 2: In What Practical Ways Might We Apply Proverbs 22:3? (5 min.)

No. 3: How Can We Show Respect for Jehovah’s Organization?—rs p. 284 V3-7 (5 min.)

Q Service Meeting:

Song 86

10 min: The Women Telling the Good News Are a Large Army. (Ps. 68:11) Discussion based on the 2012 Yearbook, page 117, paragraph 2, to page 118, paragraph 2; and page 130, paragraph 1, to page 131, paragraph 2. Invite audience to comment on the lessons learned.

10 min: Local needs.

10 min: Ideas for Offering the Magazines in November. Discussion. Take 30 to 60 seconds to relate why the magazines will have appeal in your territory. Then, using the cover series of The Watchtower, invite the audience to give suggestions on an interestarousing question to ask, and then invite suggestions on a scripture to read. Do the same for the cover series of Awake! and, if time allows, for one other article from either magazine. Demonstrate how each issue may be offered.

Song 105 and Prayer

Announcements

■ Literature offer for October: The Watchtower and Awake! magazines. When making return visits introduce the Bible Teach book or, if more appropriate to the person’s needs, one of the brochures Listen to God or Listen to God and Live Forever, and try to start a Bible study. November and December: Publishers may feature any of the pocket-size tracts that are available or the tract Would You Like to Know the Truth? If there is interest, demonstrate a Bible study using the Bible Teach book or, if appropriate to the person’s needs, one of the brochures Listen to God or Listen to God and Live Forever. January and February: Use one of the following 32-page brochures: Was Life Created? or A Book for All People. When making return visits, introduce the Bible Teach book or, if more appropriate to the person’s needs, one of the brochures Listen to God or Listen to God and Live Forever, and try to start a Bible study.

Sample Presentations

To Start Bible Studies on the First Saturday in November

“Most of us are interested in good government. In your opinion, what kind of government would be able to solve mankind’s problems? [Allow for response.] Notice what this says.” Hand the householder the November 1 Watchtower, and consider together material under the first subheading on page 16 and at least one of the scriptures. Offer the magazines, and arrange to return to discuss the next question.

WATCHTO6ER November 1

Announcing Jehovah's Kingdom

“We would like to get your opinion. If you could ask God one question, what would it be? [Allow for response.] According to Jesus, it’s proper to seek answers to our sincere questions. [Read Matthew 7:7.] This magazine gives the Bible’s answers to these three important questions.” Show the householder the questions at the bottom of page 3.

!"#$ November

“We are visiting today as a public service to families. Single-parent families have become very common. Do you think they have more challenges than families with both parents? [Allow for response.] Many parents have found p ractical advice in the Bible. [Read 2 Timothy 3:16.] This magazine outlines some suggestions to help single parents succeed in their demanding role.”

Field Service Highlights

May was another fine month for field service both in Britain and Ireland. Ireland had an all-time peak of 597 regular pioneers, representing over 10 per cent of the total publishers. In Britain, 131,121 shared in some form of field activity, conducting 58,324 Bible studies.

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