Our kingdom ministry

MAY 2014

WEEK STARTING MAY 12

Song 49 and Prayer

Q Congregation Bible Study:

cl chap. 7 fl1-8 (30 min.)

Q Theocratic Ministry School:

Bible reading: Exodus 27-29 (10 min.)

No. 1: Exodus 29:19-30 (4 min. or less)

No. 2: Jesus Did Not Divide the Mosaic Law Into “Ceremonial” and “Moral” Parts—rs p. 347 fl3-p. 348 fl1 (5 min.)

No. 3: Abraham—Obedience, Unselfishness, and Courage Are Qualities That Please Jehovah —it-1 p. 29 fl4-7 (5 min.)

Q Service Meeting:

Song 75

15 min: To It All the Nations Will Stream. (Isa. 2:2) Interview two publishers, one who has been in the truth for many years and one who is relatively new. What was it that interested them in the truth? What challenges did they have to overcome? What impressed them the first time they attended a congregation meeting? What do they remember about the first time they shared in the ministry? How did others in the congregation help them to make spiritual progress?

15 min: “Improving Our Skills in the Ministry —Preparing Our Opening Words.” Discussion. Have a brief two-part demonstration. First show an introduction that is not well-thought-out and then one that is well-prepared. Include pertinent points from pages 215-219 of the Ministry School book as time permits.

Song 117 and Prayer

Improving Our Skills in the Ministry—Preparing Our Opening Words

Why Important: If our introduction does not arouse interest, the householder may terminate the conversation before we can give a witness. Therefore, many publishers consider their opening words to be the most important part of their presentation. Although sample presentations are provided in Our Kingdom Ministry and the Reasoning book, they do not always include a complete introduction, in order to allow for flexibility. Even if a sample presentation is complete, publishers may choose to alter it or prepare their own. Thus, we will be more effective if we carefully prepare our opening words rather than say whatever comes to mind when the householder opens the door. —Prov. 15:28.

How to Do It:

• • Choose your topic. It should be based on the literature you are offering and should be of interest to people in your territory.

• • Carefully prepare the first sentence or two that you will say after giving a customary greeting. You might start by saying: “I am here because . . . ,” “Many people are concerned about . . . ,” “I would like to get your opinion on . . . ,” or something else. Short, simple sentences usually work best. Some publishers choose to memorize their introduction.

• • Formulate a viewpoint question that will draw the householder into the conversation. (Matt. 17:25) Remember that he was likely thinking about other matters before you arrived, so the question should not be too difficult or put him on the spot.

Try This During the Month:

• • Set aside time during family worship to prepare and practice your opening words.

• • When in the ministry, share what you plan to say with other publishers. (Prov. 27:17) Change your introduction if it is not effective.

WEEK STARTING MAY 19

Song 131 and Prayer

Q Congregation Bible Study:

cl chap. 7 fl9-17 (30 min.)

Q Theocratic Ministry School:

Bible reading: Exodus 30-33 (10 min.)

No. 1: Exodus 32:1-14 (4 min. or less)

No. 2: The Ten Commandments Came to an End With the Mosaic Law—rs p. 348 ^2-3 (5 min.)

No. 3: Abraham—Have Faith in Jehovah’s Promises—it-1 p. 30 ^1-p. 31 ^5 (5 min.)

Q Service Meeting:

Song 45

10 min: Why We Are Ministers of the Good News. Enthusiastic talk based on the Organized book, page 77 to page 78, paragraph 2. Invite comments from the audience on why they enjoy the ministry.

10 min: Can You Auxiliary Pioneer During Your Vacation? Discussion. Briefly review paragraph 1 on page 113 of the Organized book, outlining the requirements for auxiliary pioneers. Invite those who have auxiliary pioneered during their vacation from work or school to comment on the blessings they enjoyed. Encourage all to consider auxiliary pioneering during their next vacation.

10 min: “Cultivate the Habit of Being Punctual.” Questions and answers. When considering paragraph 4, invite audience to comment on what helps them to be on time.

Song 44 and Prayer

Cultivate the Habit of

Being Punctual

¹ Jehovah is always on time. For instance, he gives his servants ‘help at the right time.’ (Heb. 4:16) He also dispenses spiritual “food at the proper time.” (Matt. 24: 45) We can therefore be confident that the coming day of his anger “will not be late.” (Hab. 2:3) How we benefit from Jehovah’s

• 1. What example does Jehovah set regarding punctuality?

punctuality! (Ps. 70:5) As busy, imperfect humans, however, being on time can be a real challenge for us. Why should we cultivate the habit of being punctual?

• ² Punctuality has become the exception during these last days when many people are lovers of themselves and without self-control. (2 Tim. 3:1-3) So when Christians are punctual for work, appointments, and meetings, others take notice, and this brings honor to Jehovah. (1 Pet. 2:12) Do we usually begin secular work on time but find that we are often late for theocratic events? Being on time for Christian meetings, including the opening song and prayer, demonstrates a desire to imitate our orderly heavenly Father.—1 Cor. 14:33, 40.

• ³ Being punctual also shows consideration for others. (Phil. 2:3, 4) For example, when we are on time for Christian meetings, including meetings for field service, fellow worshippers are not unduly disturbed. On the other hand, if we are habitually late, it gives others the impression that we consider our time to be more valuable than theirs. Punctuality demonstrates reliability, diligence, and trustworthiness —qualities appreciated by those around us.

• ⁴ If you are often late, meditate on the reasons why. Organize yourself by making a realistic schedule that enables you to accomplish tasks at their appointed time. (Eccl. 3:1; Phil. 1:10) Ask Jehovah for help. (1 John 5:14) Being punctual is one way of showing appreciation for the two greatest commandments of the Law—to love God and to love our neighbor.—Matt. 22:37-39.

• 2. Why does punctuality bring honor to Jehovah?

• 3. Why does punctuality demonstrate consideration for others?

• 4. If we are often late, how can we make improvement?

  © 2014 Christian Congregation of Jehovah’s Witnesses. 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 Patterson, NY, and at additional mailing offices. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Our Kingdom Ministry, 1000 Red Mills Road, Wallkill, NY 12589-3299.                            Printed in Canada.

  
  

  WEEK STARTING MAY 26

  Song 60 and Prayer

  Q Congregation Bible Study:

  cl chap. 7 ^18-22, box on p. 75 (30 min.)

  Q Theocratic Ministry School:

  Bible reading: Exodus 34-37 (10 min.)

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

  No. 2: Why Moral Restraint Was Not Removed When the Ten Commandments Came to an End—rs p. 349 fl1-2 (5 min.)

  No. 3: Abraham—Abundant Blessings Should

  Not Make a Man of God Proud—it-1 p. 31 fl6-p. 32 fl1 (5 min.)

  Q Service Meeting:

  Song 32

  
  

  10 min: Start a Bible Study on the First Saturday. Discussion. Invite audience to relate experiences they had starting a Bible study on the first Saturday of the month. Demonstrate how a study may be started on the first Saturday in June, using the sample presentation on page 4. Encourage all to have a share.

  10 min: Enduring Persecution Leads to a Fine Witness. (Luke 21:12, 13) Discussion based on the 2013 Yearbook, page 124, paragraph 1; and page 128, paragraphs 1-2. Invite audience to comment on the lessons learned.

  10 min: Question Box. Discussion by an elder. Invite adults to comment on how they benefited from being taught deeper Bible truths by their parents.

  Song 88 and Prayer

  
  

QUESTION BOX

■ What must children learn in order to growto spiritual maturity?

Christian parents do much to bring their children up “in the discipline and instruction of Jehovah.” (Eph. 6:4; ftn.) For example, parents have found it beneficial to consider the daily text with their children each morning. During family worship and on other occasions, families may watch and discuss a video together, talk about specific material from Young People Ask articles, reenact a Bible account, or have practice sessions. However, in order for children to “press on to maturity,” they must also be taught deeper Bible truths.—Heb. 6:1.

Consider what we teach those we meet in our territory. On the initial call or on a subsequent visit, we generally endeavor to start a Bible study using What Does the Bible Really Teach? After completing that publication, we use “Keep Yourselves in God’s Love.” Why? The Bible Teach book gives students a basic knowledge of the Scriptures. The “God’s Love” book teaches them how to apply Bible principles in everyday life. Consideration of both publications helps new ones to become “rooted” in Christ and “stabilized in the faith.” (Col. 2:6, 7) Would this material not also benefit our children? They too need to be taught about the ransom, the Kingdom, and the condition of the dead. Children also need to know why God permits suffering and how to identify the last days of this system of things. They must be convinced that Jehovah’s Witnesses have the truth. Young ones also need to understand Bible principles and how to train “their powers of discernment.” (Heb. 5:14) Of course, parents must consider the age and comprehension level of their children. However, many children have the ability to begin learning deeper Bible truths even when they are quite young.—Luke 2:42, 46, 47.

To help parents, study guides that are based on the Bible Teach book will appear on jw.org. Families can find these on our Web site by looking under BIBLE TEACHINGS > TEENAGERS. In the future, additional study guides will be prepared based on the “God’s Love” book. Of course, the printed version of these books can also be used. Parents can determine whether they will use this material during a portion of their Family Worship evening, when conducting a separate study with one of their children, or when training a child to do his own personal study.

WEEK STARTING JUNE 2

Song 134 and Prayer

Q Congregation Bible Study:

cl chap. 8 ^1-8 (30 min.)

Q Theocratic Ministry School:

Bible reading: Exodus 38-40 (10 min.)

No. 1: Exodus 40:20-38 (4 min. or less)

No. 2: What the Sabbath Means to Christians —rs p. 349; updated: w11 7/15 p. 28 fl16-17 (5 min.)

No. 3: Abraham—The Historicity of Abraham in the Christian Greek Scriptures—it-1 p. 32 ^2-3 (5 min.)

Q Service Meeting:

Song 115

10 min: Offer the Magazines During June. Discussion. Start by demonstrating how the magazines may be offered, using the two sample presentations on this page. Then analyze the sample presentations from beginning to end. Conclude by briefly encouraging all to become well-acquainted with the magazines and to share enthusiastically in offering them.

10 min: Local needs.

10 min: How Did We Do? Discussion. Invite publishers to comment on how they benefited by applying points from the article “Improving Our Skills in the Ministry—Preparing Our Opening Words.” Ask the audience to relate good experiences.

Song 44 and Prayer

Announcements

■ Literature offer for May and June: What Does the Bible Really Teach? or one of the following tracts: How Do You View the Bible?, How Do You View the Future?, What Is the Key to Happy Family Life?, Who Really Controls the World?, or Will Suffering Ever End? July: Feature one of the following 32-page brochures: Good News From God!, Listen to God, or Listen to God and Live Forever. August: Special campaign distribution of the tract to advertise the jw.org Web site.

■ Beneficiaries of a government program known as Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) may apply to serve as temporary Bethel family members or temporary volunteers. When answering questions regarding citizenship on the application, these individuals should identify themselves as DACA beneficiaries.

■ As a reminder, each year the elders should review with the congregation pertinent points from the January 6, 2012, letter regarding disaster preparedness and response.

Sample Presentations

To Start Bible Studies on the First Saturday in June

“We are making brief visits to discuss this intriguing question.” [Show the first question on the back of the June 1 Watchtower.] What’s your opinion?” Allow for response. Consider together the material under the first question and at least one of the cited scriptures. Offer the magazines, and arrange to discuss the next question.

WATCHTO6ER June 1

Announcing Jehovah's Kingdom *

“Smoking kills about 6,000,000 people a year. Do you think anything can be done to slow down this epidemic? [Allow for response.] Many people have been helped to quit or to avoid smoking altogether by considering God’s view of the matter. For example, this Bible verse has caused some to think about how smoking affects others. [Read 1 Corinthians 10:24.] This magazine explains how considering God’s view of smoking can motivate a person to quit.”

!"#$ June

“Social networks have made it possible for people to have more so-called friends than ever before. What would you say is the most important quality of a true friend? [Allow for response.] Here’s an example of the practical advice on friendship that is found in the Bible. [Read James 1:19.] This magazine outlines four guiding principles that can help us be the kind of person others would want to have as a friend.”

Field Service Highlights

As of February 1, 2014, the United States branch tions in Jamaica and the Cayman Islands. What unity among the more than 1.2 million publishers in the United States branch territory! This includes the 50 U.S. states, the Bahamas, Bermuda, the British and U.S. Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico, and the Turks and Caicos Islands.—Ps. 133:1.

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