Our kingdom ministry

JULY 2013

WEEK STARTING JULY 8

Song 43 and Prayer

Q Congregation Bible Study:

jr chap. 11 ^15-21 (30 min.)

Q Theocratic Ministry School:

Bible reading: Acts 15-17 (10 min.)

No. 1: Acts 16:16-34 (4 min. or less)

No. 2: Why Can a Christian Be Happy When Persecuted?—Matt. 5:11, 12 (5 min.)

No. 3: When the Apostle Paul Said That Christians Would Be “Caught Up” to Be With the Lord, What Subject Was Being Discussed? —rs p. 312 fl1-2 (5 min.)

Q Service Meeting:

Song 75

10 min: Methods of Preaching the Good News—Directing Interested Ones to Jehovah’s Organization. Talk based on the Organized book, page 99, paragraph 2, to page 100, paragraph 1. Invite audience to comment on how they have used the Jehovah’s Will brochure to direct their students to the organization.

10 min: Test Jehovah Out, and Receive a Blessing Until There Is No More Want (Mal. 3:10) Interview two or three regular pioneers. What do they enjoy most about pioneering? How has pioneering helped them spiritually? Invite them to relate any outstanding experiences they have enjoyed. Conclude by inviting publishers to consider joining the regular pioneer ranks in September.

10 min: “Take as a Pattern the Prophets —Joel.” Questions and answers.

Song 54 and Prayer

Take as a Pattern the Prophets

—Joel

¹ Who was the prophet Joel? He reveals only that he was “the son of Pethuel.” ( Joel 1:1) This humble prophet emphasized Je-

• 1 . How can we imitate Joel’s humility as we preach?

hovah’s message, not his own role as the messenger. Likewise, in our ministry, rather than seeking personal praise or recognition, we direct attention to Jehovah and the Bible. (1 Cor. 9:16; 2 Cor. 3:5) In addition, we find strength in the message we declare. What aspects of Joel’s prophecy can infuse us with zeal and hope today?

• ² “The Day of Jehovah Is Near.” (Joel 1: 15): Although these words were written millenniums ago, we are living in the time of their final fulfillment. Deteriorating world conditions and the indifference and ridicule that we encounter in our territory are positive proofs that the last days of this wicked system of things have arrived. (2 Tim. 3:1-5; 2 Pet. 3: 3, 4) When we contemplate the nearness of the end, we have every reason to give the ministry priority in our lives.—2 Pet. 3:11, 12.

• ³ “Jehovah Will Be a Refuge for His People.” (Joel 3:16): The rocking described in this verse could apply only to Jehovah’s execution of judgment during the great tribulation. We take comfort in knowing that Jehovah will deliver his faithful servants during that time. (Rev. 7:9, 14) As we engage in the preaching work and experience how Jehovah sustains and strengthens us, we build faith and endurance that will help us during the coming great tribulation.

• ⁴ Although Joel’s message has been described by some as one of gloom, it offers God’s people the glorious hope of deliverance. (Joel 2:32) Let us, then, face the future with confidence and zealously proclaim the good news of God’s Kingdom as we heed the words of Joel 2:23: “Be joyful and rejoice in Jehovah your God.”

• 2. What should the nearness of Jehovah’s day motivate us to do?

• 3. Why is the ministry especially important as we approach the great tribulation?

• 4. Why can we be joyful and face the future with confidence?

WEEK STARTING JULY 15

Song 48 and Prayer

Q Congregation Bible Study:

jr chap. 12 fl1-7 (30 min.)

Q Theocratic Ministry School:

Bible reading: Acts 18-21 (10 min.) No. 1: Acts 20:17-38 (4 min. or less) No. 2: Will Christ Appear Visibly on a Cloud and Then Take Away Faithful Christians Into the Heavens While the World Looks On?—rs p. 313 fl1-3 (5 min.) No. 3: How Can We Show That We Are Minding the Spirit?—Rom. 8:6 (5 min.)

Q Service Meeting:

Song 92

10 min: Reach Your Student’s Heart. (Luke 24:32) Discussion based on these questions: (1) When conducting a Bible study, why is it important to emphasize (a) Jehovah’s love and wisdom? (b) the value of applying Bible principles? (c) the need always to seek Jehovah’s direction before making a decision? (2) How would asking your student the following questions help you discern if you are reaching his heart? (a) Does this sound reasonable to you? (b) Do you feel that this is consistent with God’s love? (c) What benefit do you see in applying such counsel?

20 min: “Young Brothers, Are You Reaching Out?” Questions and answers. Briefly interview an elder or a ministerial servant who reached out as a young person. What assignments and training did he receive before he was appointed as a ministerial servant? How did others in the congregation help him make spiritual progress? What blessings has he enjoyed as a result of reaching out?

Song 85 and Prayer

Young Brothers, Are You Reaching Out?

• ¹ “If any man is reaching out . . . , he is desirous of a fine work.” (1 Tim. 3:1) Those inspired words encourage brothers to reach out to qualify for service privileges in the congregation. Must you be an adult to do so? Actually, it is best to begin reaching out when you are still a youth. In this way you can receive training and demonstrate your fitness to be appointed as a ministerial servant when you are older. (1 Tim. 3:10) If you are a young baptized brother, how can you reach out?

• ² Self-Sacrifice: Remember that you are reaching out for a fine work, not a title. Therefore, cultivate a desire to help your brothers and sisters. One way to do this is by meditating on Jesus’ fine example. (Matt. 20:28; John 4:6, 7; 13:4, 5) Ask Jehovah to help you to be interested in others. (1 Cor. 10:24) Could you give practical assistance to those in the congregation who are elderly or infirm? Do you make yourself available to cut the grass, shovel the snow, or care for other aspects of maintaining the Kingdom Hall? Could you volunteer to give a substitute talk on the Theocratic Ministry

• 1. When should a young brother begin to apply the direction found at 1 Timothy 3:1?

• 2. How can the spirit of self-sacrifice be cultivated and demonstrated?

With so many new ones coming into the truth, qualified spiritual men are needed to care for congregation responsibilities

School? You will find that giving of yourself in behalf of others will bring you joy. —Acts 20:35.

• ³ Spirituality: It is far more important for a servant in the congregation to have spirituality than to have special talents or natural abilities. A spiritual man tries to view things as Jehovah and Jesus do. (1 Cor. 2:15, 16) He displays “the fruitage of the spirit.” (Gal. 5:22, 23) He is a zealous evangelizer who puts Kingdom interests first. (Matt. 6:33) You can develop spiritual qualities by having a good routine of personal study. This would include reading the Bible every day, reading each issue of The Watchtower and Awake!, and preparing for and attending congregation meetings. (Ps. 1:1, 2; Heb. 10:24, 25) When encouraging young Timothy to make spiritual advancement, Paul wrote: “Pay constant attention to . . . your teaching.” (1 Tim. 4:15, 16) So work hard on your talk assignments in the Theocratic Ministry School. Prepare for the ministry, and share in it regularly. Set and work toward spiritual goals, such as pioneering, Bethel service, or attending the Bible School for Single Brothers. Spirituality will help you to “flee from the desires incidental to youth.”—2 Tim. 2:22.

• ⁴ Reliability and Faithfulness: Because the brothers who were assigned to distribute food to needy Christians in the first century were “certified,” evidently known for being reliable and faithful, the apostles did not have to worry about whether the work would be done. This allowed them to focus on other important matters. (Acts 6:1-4) Therefore, when you are given an assignment in the congregation, carry it out to the best of

• 3. How important is spirituality, and how can it be developed?

• 4. What is the value of reliability and faithfulness?

your ability. Imitate Noah, who carefully followed the instructions he was given to build the ark. (Gen. 6:22) Faithfulness is valued by Jehovah and demonstrates spiritual maturity.— 1 Cor. 4:2; see the box “The Benefits of Training.”

• ⁵ As prophesied, Jehovah is speeding up the ingathering. (Isa. 60:22) On average, a quarter of a million people are getting baptized each year. With so many new ones coming into the truth, qualified spiritual men are needed to care for congregation responsibilities. Now more than ever, there is plenty of work to do in Jehovah’s service. (1 Cor. 15:58) Young brothers, are you reaching out? If so, you are desirous of a very fine work indeed!

• 5. Why should young brothers reach out?

The Benefits of Training

Qualified young brothers benefit when elders give them assignments and train them. A circuit overseer was sitting on the platform giving encouragement to a publisher after the meeting. He noticed a young boy standing nearby, so he asked if he was waiting to speak to him. The young brother replied that he was assigned to vacuum the platform after every meeting. His parents were ready to leave, but he did not want to go before he fulfilled his assignment. The circuit overseer gladly moved. He commented: “The elders in that congregation were alert to train qualified young brothers by giving them congregation assignments. As a result, it was not unusual for them to recommend a young brother as a ministerial servant when I served the congregation.”

WEEK STARTING JULY 22

Song 22 and Prayer

Q Congregation Bible Study:

jr chap. 12 ^8-13 (30 min.)

Q Theocratic Ministry School:

Bible reading: Acts 22-25 (10 min.) No. 1: Acts 22:17-30 (4 min. or less) No. 2: In What Ways Are We in the World but No Part of the World?—John 17:15, 16 (5 min.)

No. 3: Is It Possible for Christians to Be Taken to Heaven With Their Physical Bodies?—rs p. 314 fl1-2 (5 min.)

Q Service Meeting:

Song 41

10 min: Are You Prepared for the New School Year? Discussion. Invite audience to outline some of the challenges Christian youths will face at school. Explain how parents can use the Index, the Young People Ask books, our Web site, and other theocratic tools during family worship to prepare their children for the challenges they will face during the school year. (1 Pet. 3:15) Choose one or two topics, and relate some of the helpful information found in our publications. Invite audience to comment on how they were able to give a witness while at school.

20 min: “New Initiatives for Public Witnessing.” Questions and answers. Outline any local arrangements that the congregation has for participating in public witnessing using tables or mobile literature displays, and relate outstanding experiences. Song 95 and Prayer

New Initiatives for Public Witnessing

¹ First-century Christians did more than preach from house to house. They also preached publicly. (Acts 20:20) For example, they went to the temple, where they knew many people could be found. (Acts 5:42) When in Athens, the apostle Paul

• 1. What example did first-century Christians set? preached every day to those on hand in the marketplace. (Acts 17:17) Today, our primary way of spreading the good news continues to be the house-to-house ministry. However, we also go to parking lots, businesses, parks, busy thoroughfares, and other places in order to preach to people wherever they can be found. While every publisher is encouraged to engage in public witnessing where possible, many will have the opportunity to participate in two exciting new initiatives for public witnessing.

² Special Metropolitan Public Witnessing: As reported in the 2013 Yearbook on pages 16 and 17, a trial initiative for public witnessing began in New York City in November 2011. Tables and carts with attractive displays and literature in several languages were strategically placed in areas of the city with high pedestrian traffic. Each day thousands of people walked by, including many who live in secured apartment buildings and persons who are often away from home. The response was overwhelming. In just one recent month, 3,797 magazines and 7,986 books were placed. Many passersby requested a Bible study. Since the emphasis was on starting Bible studies, any addresses left by interested ones were immediately forwarded to the appropriate congregation to follow up on the interest.

³ In view of the initiative’s success, it is now being expanded worldwide to other densely populated metropolitan areas. The local branch office will identify which cities would benefit. Usually, these are cities with transportation hubs or a large concentration of office or apartment buildings that results in high pedestrian traffic. Thereafter, the branch office will initiate correspondence to the congregations that will participate and provide additional instructions. Regular and special pioneers are generally used, although in some places auxiliary pioneers also have a share in the work.

• 2. What trial initiative began in November 2011?

• 3. How is this initiative being expanded?

• ⁴ How the Witnessing Is Done: Those involved in special metropolitan public witnessing usually wait for someone to come to the table or mobile display. When someone approaches, he is invited to take any literature that interests him. The pioneers gladly answer from the Scriptures any questions he may have. If he takes literature, the pioneers do not mention the donation arrangement. But if he inquires about how our work is funded, they may explain that donations can be sent to the address listed in the literature. When possible, they ask: “Would you like someone to visit your home?” or “Are you aware that a free Bible study comes with that publication?”

• ⁵ Sharing in this initiative has been very rewarding. One couple wrote: “Standing at the table and seeing thousands of people go by each day has impressed upon our hearts the vast work that is being done to reach people all around the world. Seeing these masses of people and thinking about how Jehovah truly cares for each person has strengthened our resolve to continue putting the preaching work at the center of our lives. We imagine Jehovah scanning the hearts of all those who pass by the table, searching for those who are worthy. We have rarely felt so close to our angelic coworkers.”

• ⁶ Public Witnessing That Is Organized Locally: In addition to special metropolitan public witnessing, another new initiative is being organized by many bodies of elders in their local territory. With this initiative, publishers use a table or a mobile display at a busy location within the congre-

• 4. How is special metropolitan public witnessing done?

• 5. How has sharing in this new initiative been rewarding for one couple?

• 6. (a) What additional initiative for public witnessing is being organized in many congregations, and how is it different from special metropolitan public witnessing? (b) How may congregations cooperate when engaging in public witnessing? gation’s territory boundary. This is different from special metropolitan public witnessing, which uses participants from many congregations to preach in the same high-traffic areas in cities chosen by the branch office.—See the box “Good Cooperation Needed.”

⁷ The elders will consider whether the congregation’s territory has areas of high pedestrian traffic and determine if it would

• 7. Where it is practical, how will the elders organize public witnessing locally?

Good Cooperation Needed

It has been reported that publishers from neighboring congregations sometimes engage in public witnessing on the same street, in the same parking lot, and in front of the same businesses or transportation hubs. Publishers from different congregations have left magazines in the same lobby, waiting room, or laundromat and have preached to the same businesses. This has caused businesspeople and neighborhood residents to feel overwhelmed on occasion, even when publishers are not preaching at the same time. Therefore, it is generally best to stay within the congregation’s assigned territory when witnessing publicly.

If publishers wish to witness publicly in a neighboring congregation’s territory, they should talk to their service overseer. He can then contact the service overseer of the other congregation to obtain permission before those in his congregation proceed. Where different-language congregations are assigned to preach in the same area, the service overseers should communicate with each other so as to avoid irritating people in the neighborhood unnecessarily. By means of good cooperation, all things can take place “decently and by arrangement.”—1 Cor. 14:40.

be practical to organize public witnessing. Possible locations for a table or mobile display include transportation hubs, public squares, parks, busy streets, shopping malls, college campuses, airports, and locations of annual events. There is an advantage in having a table set up in the same location, on the same days, and at the same times. It has been found that tables set up at shopping malls are more effective than those outside a single large store where individuals are usually focused on their reason for visiting that specific store. Some locations, such as busy sidewalks, may be more conducive to a smaller mobile literature display. Elders can download from our Web site special files for making displays of the Watchtower and Awake! magazines and the Bible Teach book. These files have been prepared specifically for use in this form of public witnessing. Those who participate will carry out the work in much the same way as those engaged in special metropolitan public witnessing and should follow the direction of the service overseer closely. If they obtain an address from an interested person who does not live in their territory, they should promptly fill out a Please Follow Up (S-43) form and give it to the secretary.

• ⁸ Public Witnessing in Your Personal Ministry: Some congregations may not have a location in their territory that has sufficient pedestrian traffic to justify setting up a table or making use of a mobile literature display. However, even in those congregations, publishers are encouraged to consider including public witnessing in their personal ministry. Is there a shopping area, a strip mall, or a busy store in your territory? Is there a park or a place where people gather? Are there public events that are periodically held in the territory? If so, you may still be able to enjoy public witnessing.

• ⁹ It is Jehovah’s will that “all sorts of men should be saved and come to an accurate knowledge of truth.” (1 Tim. 2:4) Therefore, we are trying to reach as many people as possible with the Kingdom message before the end comes. (Matt. 24:14) In many places it is a challenge to find people at home. Yet, we may be able to speak to them when they are away from home in a public setting. Public witnessing may be the only way that some people will get an opportunity to hear the good news. Therefore, may we fully accomplish our ministry by preaching to people wherever they may be found. —2 Tim. 4:5.

• 8. If there are no organized efforts in the congregation for public witnessing, what opportunities to preach publicly may still be available?

• 9. Why should we be conscientious about preaching to people wherever they may be found?

  WEEK STARTING JULY 29

  Song 51 and Prayer

  Q Congregation Bible Study:

  jr chap. 12 V14-19, box on p. 148 (30 min.)

  Q Theocratic Ministry School:

  Bible reading: Acts 26-28 (10 min.)

  No. 1: Acts 26:19-32 (4 min. or less)

  No. 2: Will Faithful Christians Be Taken to

  Heaven Secretly Without Dying?—rs p. 314 fl3-p. 315 V2 (5 min.)

  No. 3: Ways That God’s Spirit Is Manifest in His Servants—Gal. 5:22, 23; Rev. 22:17 (5 min.)

  Q Service Meeting:

  Song 96

  
  

  10 min: Preach in a Natural Manner. Talk based on the Ministry School book, page 128, paragraph 1, to page 129, paragraph 1. Briefly interview an experienced publisher who has overcome shyness. What has helped him to feel less nervous in the ministry?

  10 min: Question Box. Discussion by an elder.

  10 min: Prove Yourselves Sons of Your Father. (Matt. 5:43-45) Discussion based on the 2013 Yearbook, page 89, paragraph 3, to page 90, paragraph 1, and page 164, paragraph 2. Invite audience to comment on the lessons learned.

  Song 80 and Prayer

  
  

QUESTION BOX

■ Before an unbaptized publisher is approved for baptism, to what extent should he be attending congregation meetings and sharing in the ministry?

Getting baptized is the most important decision a person will make. Therefore, before an individual is approved for baptism, he must have a reasonable understanding of what God requires of him. In addition, he should already be demonstrating his determination to live by God’s requirements.

Christians are commanded not to forsake the gathering of themselves together, so an unbaptized publisher should already be showing diligence in attending congregation meetings. (Heb. 10:24, 25) He would generally also be participating by commenting. Likely, he would be enrolled in the Theocratic Ministry School, although this is not a requirement.

In addition, since Christians have been given the commission to preach the good news and make disciples, an unbaptized publisher should be regularly sharing in the ministry before baptism. (Matt. 24:14; 28:19, 20) How many months should he be publishing before he can be baptized? Logically, he should be allowed sufficient time to demonstrate that he is steadfastly determined to have a regular and zealous share in the ministry month after month. (Ps. 78:37) However, it need not be very long from the time that he starts publishing until he qualifies for baptism, perhaps just a few months. How much field service time should he be reporting? There are no hard-and-fast rules. The elders should consider each publisher’s unique circumstances and be reasonable and balanced.—Luke 21:1-4.

The elders (or ministerial servants in congregations with very few elders) who meet with a baptismal candidate should remember that every person is different, and they should use good judgment in determining whether he qualifies for baptism. They would expect him to have a real desire to be one of Jehovah’s Witnesses and to demonstrate an appreciation for his privilege of associating with Jehovah’s organization and sharing in the ministry. The elders understand that he has not yet grown to spiritual maturity or gained the skill of experienced baptized evangelizers. If the elders feel that the candidate is not qualified for baptism, they should kindly inform him of the Scriptural reasons for their decision and help him to receive spiritual assistance.

WEEK STARTING AUGUST 5

Song 77 and Prayer

Q Congregation Bible Study:

jr chap. 12 ^20-25, box on p. 151 (30 min.)

Q Theocratic Ministry School:

Bible reading: Romans 1-4 (10 min.) No. 1: Romans 3:21-4:8 (4 min. or less) No. 2: Why True Christians Consider Themselves to Be “Aliens and Temporary Residents” in the World.—1 Pet. 2:11; 1 John 2:1517 (5 min.)

No. 3: What Protection Will There Be forTrue Christians During the Great Tribulation?—rs p. 315 fl3-p. 316 fl3 (5 min.)

Q Service Meeting:

Song 79

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

10 min: Local needs.

10 min: What Do We Learn? Discussion. Have Luke 5:27-32 read. Consider how this account can help us in our ministry.

Song 119 and Prayer

Announcements

■ Literature offer for July and August: Feature one of the following 32-page brochures: Good News From God!, Listen to God, or Listen to God and Live Forever. September and October: The Watchtower and Awake! magazines.

■ Groups of 20 or more planning to visit the United States branch office facilities at Brooklyn, Patterson, and Wallkill should first correspond with the Central Tour Desk at 100 Watchtower Drive, Patterson, NY 12563-9204, or by fax at (845) 306-0200. At least three weeks prior to visiting, please send information on the number coming and the dates and times for visiting each location. Lodging information may be obtained from the congregation secretary. Before your visit, please review the March 2008 Our Kingdom Ministry Question Box and the brochure Dress and Grooming for Visitors Touring Bethel.

Sample Presentations

To Start Bible Studies on the First Saturday in August

“Almost everyone prays at one time or another. Even atheists have prayed when in trouble. Do you think that God listens to all prayers?” Allow for response. Show the back of the August 1 Watchtower, and consider together the material under the first question and at least one of the cited scriptures. Offer the magazines, and arrange to return to discuss the next question.

Note: This presentation should be demonstrated during the meeting for field service on August 3.

WAT4HTO6ER August 1

Announcing Jehovah's Kingdom

“We’re visiting briefly because many are alarmed over how widespread pornography has become. Many others, however, feel that pornography is a harmless diversion. What’s your opinion? [Allow for response.] Jesus said that we can determine whether something is good by the fruitage it produces. [Read Matthew 7:17.] This magazine considers the fruitage produced by pornography. It also gives practical tips on how to break free from pornography.”

!"#$ August

“Most of us want to live as long as we can. Do you think advances in science will one day make it possible to live forever? [Allow for response.] Notice this intriguing promise. [Read 1 Corinthians 15:26.] But how will God accomplish this—through science or by some other means? And why do we now grow old and die? This magazine shows how the Bible answers these questions.”

Field Service Highlights

We are happy to report two new peaks during the month of January 2013. The Turks and Caicos Islands reported 55 regular pioneers and 3,692 return visits. In addition, when compared with the same month last year, the number of regular pioneers increased by 5.5 percent in the Bahamas, 8.8 percent in Bermuda, and 7.4 percent in the United States. What a pleasure it is to see so many willingly expanding their ministry! —Ps. 110:3.

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