Our kingdom ministry

JANUARY 2015

MONTHLY THEME: ‘Slave for the Lord with all humility.’—Acts 20:19.

WEEK STARTING JANUARY 12

Song 114 and Prayer

Q Congregation Bible Study:

cl chap. 18 ^20-24, box on p. 188 (30 min.)

Q Theocratic Ministry School:

Bible reading: Joshua 21-24 (8 min.) No. 1: Joshua 24:14-21 (3 min. or less)

No. 2: King Ahaz—Theme: Idolatry Brings God’s Disfavor—it-1 pp. 61-62 (5 min.)

No. 3: Jehovah Is the All-Powerful Creator —nwt p. 6 ^4-p. 7 fl1 (5 min.)

Q Service Meeting:

Song 61

10 min: Slave for the Lord With All Humility. Discussion. Read Acts 20:19. Then invite comments on the following questions: (1) What does the verb “slave” imply?

(2) What are some ways that we can slave for the Lord? (3) What is humility? (4) How does humility help us to accomplish our ministry?

20 min: “Improving OurSkills in the Ministry—Responding to an Irate Householder.” Discussion. After discussing the article, have a brief, realistic two-part demonstration. First show a publisher not responding well to an irate householder. Then show the publisher responding in a more skillful way. Encourage all to follow the suggestions under “Try This During the Month.”

Song 76 and Prayer

Improving Our Skills in the Ministry—Responding to an Irate Householder

Why Important: Many that we meet in the ministry are polite. However, Jesus prophesied that some people will hate us. ( John 17: 14) Therefore, it should not surprise us if we encounter an irate householder. When this occurs, we want to respond in a way that pleases the one whom we represent, Jehovah. (Rom. 12:17-21; 1 Pet. 3:15) Doing so will likely prevent the situation from escalating. It will also give a witness to the householder and any observers, making them more inclined to listen the next time Jehovah’s Witnesses visit.—2 Cor. 6:3.

How to Do It:

• • Maintain a calm and friendly demeanor. This will help defuse the situation. Do not take the householder’s reaction personally. (Eccl. 7:9) He may be upset because of personal problems or because you happened to call at the wrong time. Even if he is irritated by our message, often this is because he has been misled.—2 Cor. 4:4.

• • Reply with mild and gracious words. (Prov. 15:1) Did you wake him up or interrupt him? Although we do not apologize for our work, you could humbly apologize for calling at an inopportune time. Is he angry because of an untrue rumor that he has heard about us? If so, you might say: “I can understand why that would upset you. However, it seems that what you have heard about us is not accurate. May I explain?” Does he object to one of our beliefs, perhaps regarding disfellowshipping or blood? You could say: “I understand. Others have expressed the same concerns. May I show you from the Bible the basis for that teaching?”

• • If the person is highly agitated, it may be best to take your leave without trying to reply. If he asks that Jehovah’s Witnesses not visit him again, you can assure him that his wishes will be honored.

Try This During the Month:

• • Have practice sessions during your family worship.

• • After leaving an irate householder, discuss with your partner how you might have responded in a better way.

WEEK STARTING JANUARY 19

Song 47 and Prayer

Q Congregation Bible Study:

cl chap. 19 ^1-8 (30 min.)

Q Theocratic Ministry School:

Bible reading: Judges 1-4 (8 min.) No. 1: Judges 3:1-11 (3 min. or less) No. 2: How Can You Learn About God?—nwt p. 8 fl1-4 (5 min.)

No. 3: Ahithophel—Theme: Jehovah Thwarts the Schemes of Traitors—it-1 pp. 65-66 (5 min.)

Q Service Meeting:

Song 77

10 min: Are You Using the Glossary? Discussion based on the following questions: (1) How can the glossary in the revised New World Translation help us when reading (a) Exodus 28:30, (b) Matthew 16:6, and (c) 2 Peter 2:4? (2) How can we use the glossary to help our Bible student clearly understand such terms as (a) “covenant,” (b) “ransom,” and (c) “soul”? Conclude by encouraging all to make use of this tool.

10 min: Slaving for the Lord Requires Persistence and Initiative. Discussion based on the 2014 Yearbook, page 59, paragraph 1, to page 62, paragraph 1; and page 67, paragraph 2. Invite audience to comment on the lessons learned.

10 min: “Keep Progressing as a Minister.” Questions and answers.

Song 20 and Prayer

Keep Progressing as a Minister

¹ Christians should progress as ministers. That is why Jesus gave his followers progressive training in the preaching work. (Luke 9: 1-5; 10:1-11) It is also why Aquila and Priscilla took Apollos into their company and “explained the way of God more accurately to him.” (Acts 18:24-26) For the same reason, Paul encouraged the experienced evangelizer Timothy to continue applying himself to his

• 1. What examples from the first century indicate that we should progress as ministers? teaching, so that his advancement would be “plainly seen by all people.” (1 Tim. 4:13-15) No matter how long we have been slaving for the Lord as publishers of the good news, we need to continue sharpening our preaching skills.

• ² Learn From Others: One way to hone our skills is to learn from others. (Prov. 27: 17) Therefore, pay attention when fellow publishers give their presentation. Ask for specific suggestions from effective preachers, and listen carefully to what they say. (Prov. 1:5) Are you unsure about how to make a return visit, start a Bible study, or engage in some other aspect of the ministry? Take the initiative, and ask your group overseer or an experienced publisher for training. Remember, too, that Jehovah’s holy spirit can enhance our abilities, so ask for it regularly in prayer.—Luke 11:13.

• ³ Do not get offended if you receive a suggestion for improvement, even if it is unsolicited. (Eccl. 7:9) Like Apollos, accept the help with humility and gratitude. Doing so shows wisdom.—Prov. 12:15.

• ⁴ Progress Glorifies God: By way of illustration, Jesus encouraged his followers to progress as ministers. He compared himself to a vine and his anointed followers to branches. He said that the Father cleans every branch bearing fruit “so that it may bear more fruit.” (John 15:2) Just as the owner of a vineyard desires the branches of his grapevines to be more productive, Jehovah wants us to continue growing in our ability to produce “the fruit of our lips.” (Heb. 13:15) What is the satisfying result when we make progress as an evangelizer? Jesus gives us the answer: “My Father is glorified in this, that you keep bearing much fruit.”—John 15:8.

• 2. How can we learn from others?

• 3. How should we react if we receive a suggestion, perhaps unsolicited?

• 4. What powerful reason did Jesus give for progressing as an evangelizer?

  © 2015 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 JANUARY 26

Song 99 and Prayer

Q Congregation Bible Study:

cl chap. 19 fl9-17 (30 min.)

Q Theocratic Ministry School:

Bible reading: Judges 5-7 (8 min.)

No. 1: Judges 7:12-25 (3 min. or less)

No. 2: Amnon—Theme: Selfish Erotic Love Is Ruinous—it-1 p. 96 (5 min.)

No. 3: Ways in Which We Can Learn About Jehovah—nwt p. 9 fl1-4 (5 min.)

Q Service Meeting:

Song 88

10 min: The Offer for January and February. Discussion. Invite audience to relate positive experiences they have had offering the Good News brochure. Have a brief demonstration showing how the brochure may be offered. Afterward, discuss the article “Why Depart Promptly?”

10 min: Elders Who Slave for the Lord—The Watchtower Study Conductor. Interview of the Watchtower Study conductor based on these questions: What does caring for your assignment involve? How do you prepare for the Watchtower Study? Why are you not able to call on everyone who raises his hand to comment? How can the reader, those who comment, and the brothers who carry the microphones assist in making the Watchtower Study beneficial and enjoyable? How did the recent Kingdom Ministry School help you to better care for this important responsibility?

10 min: “Use jw.org in Your Ministry—‘Be-come Jehovah’s Friend.’” Discussion. Review some of the features of this section of our Web site, and play a sample for the audience. Invite the audience to suggest ways to use “Become Jehovah’s Friend” when witnessing from house to house, publicly, or informally.

Song 135 and Prayer

Why Depart Promptly?

When we meet for field service, we are among our brothers and it is normal to want to converse. However, once the meeting ends, we should try to depart for the territory promptly. Our preaching work is urgent. (2 Tim. 4:2) The longer we delay, the less time we will have for the ministry. We will have plenty of opportunity to enjoy upbuilding association with fellow publishers as we work with them in the ministry. Our departing for the ministry without lingering shows industriousness as we slave for Jehovah and his Son. —Rom. 12:11.

Use jw.org in Your Ministry —“Become Jehovah’s Friend”

The “Bible Teachings” section of jw.org has a feature for children called “Become Jehovah’s Friend” that includes songs, videos, and activities. Have you used this feature in your ministry? If you are studying the Bible with a parent who has young children, why not show it to him? This may move him to explore other areas of our Web site.

While distributing Kingdom News No. 38, one brother met a woman who began reading the tract as soon as he handed it to her. She had several young children who were curious about the tract. The brother briefly discussed its contents and pointed out our Web address on the back. Since the woman showed interest, he took the opportunity to play one of the Caleb videos for her and her children, using his mobile device.

A sister told a workmate with young children about our Web site and the information it contains for families. The woman looked up jw.org along with her children. Later, she told the sister that her children were going around the house singing “Preach the Word,” one of the songs from “Become Jehovah’s Friend.”

Become familiar with this feature of jw.org, and download one of the videos, songs, or activities to your mobile device. Then you will be ready to use this section of jw.org in the ministry. What a valuable tool to help us slave for the Lord!—Acts 20:19.

WEEK STARTING FEBRUARY 2

Song 109 and Prayer

Q Congregation Bible Study:

cl chap. 19 V18-23, box on p. 198

(30 min.)

Q Theocratic Ministry School:

Bible reading: Judges 8-10 (8 min.) No. 1: Judges 8:13-27 (3 min. or less) No. 2: Who Wrote the Bible?—nwt p. 10 V1-5 (5 min.)

No. 3: Andrew—Theme: Not Prominent, But Approachable and Faithful —it-1 p. 105 (5 min.)

Q Service Meeting:

Song 110

10 min: Offer the Magazines During February. 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.

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—Responding to an Irate Householder.” Ask the audience to relate positive experiences.

New song “Grant Us Boldness” and Prayer

Reminder: Please play the music through once, and then the congregation should sing the new song.

Sample Presentations

WAT4HTO6ER February 1

Announcing Jehovah's Kingdom

“We’re giving this tract to everyone in the area today. It explains the practical value of the Bible. Here is your copy. [Hand the householder the tract How Do You View the Bible?] Some have wondered if the Bible contains practical advice that can help them on their job. Notice what this verse says about work. [Read Ecclesiastes 3:13.] This magazine outlines some Bible principles that can help us find joy in our work. Would you like to read it?”

!"#$ February

“We are visiting briefly to show our neighbors the current issue of Awake! It considers the answer to an intriguing question. [Show the cover.] I would like to get your opinion on this example mentioned in the magazine. [Read Proverbs 29:11.] Do you think this Bible principle is relevant today? [Allow for response.] This magazine discusses four Bible principles and explains how we can benefit from applying them.”

Was Life Created?

“Do you think it is more reasonable to believe that God created life or that life began by chance and evolved? [Allow for response.] Our personal beliefs about how life began can have a major impact on how we view the future. For instance, notice the thoughts of one evolutionist. [Read the quote on page 29 from William B. Provine.] On the other hand, those who believe God created all things have a bright hope for the future.” Refer to paragraph 4 on page 29, read Psalm 37:10, 11, and offer the brochure.

Announcements

Field Service Highlights

■ Literature offer for January and February: Good News From God! or Was Life Crea ted? March and April: The Watchtower and Awake! magazines.

■ The title of the public talk to be given by the circuit overseer during the second half of the 2015 service year is “The Scene of This World Is Changing.”

As part of a special initiative to reach people living in isolated areas, ten temporary special pioneers were assigned in July 2014 to preach to individuals in the cities of Barrow, Dillingham, Haines, Nome, and Skagway, Alaska. Contemplating the effort being put forth to reach all with the good news motivates us to thoroughly work our assigned territory.

—Matt. 10:11.

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