August 2007
For United States of America
km-E Us 8/07 Vol. 50, No. 8
We Cherish Our Privileges!
1 Throughout mankind’s existence, Jehovah has extended to his servants many types of privileges. He has given privileges to them regardless of their gender, age, or station in life. (Luke 1: 41,42; Acts 7:46; Phil. 1:29) What privileges does he extend to us today?
2 Some of Our Privileges: We have the privilege of being taught by Jehovah. (Matt. 13: 11, 15) Praising Jehovah by our expressions during congregation meetings is another privilege we enjoy. (Ps. 35:18) When we have opportunities to comment, we do so eagerly. Similarly, if we view each assignment in the congregation as an honor, we will fulfill it to the best of our ability. Do we regularly participate in the privilege of keeping the Kingdom Hall clean and in good repair?
3 Although millions wonder if their prayers are heard by God, we enjoy the privilege of having our prayers heard by the most important Personage in the universe. (Prov. 15:29) Jehovah personally listens to the prayers of his servants. (1 Pet. 3:12) He places no limit on how often we can approach him. What a cherished gift we have, to be able to pray “on every occasion’’!—Eph. 6:18.
4 “God’s Fellow Workers”: One of our finest privileges is that of proclaiming the good news of God’s Kingdom as “God’s fellow workers.” (1 Cor. 3:9) This is a work that brings satisfaction and refreshment. (John 4:34) Jehovah does not have to use humans to accomplish this work, but he has given us this assignment as an expression of his love. (Luke 19:39, 40) In doing so, Jehovah has not given this privilege to just anyone. Those who share in the public ministry must meet and maintain certain spiritual qualifications. (Isa. 52:11) Do we show that we value this privilege by making the ministry an important part of our weekly routine?
5 Privileges from Jehovah make our life rich. (Prov. 10: 22) Never take them for granted! By demonstrating that we truly cherish our privileges of service, we please our heavenly Father, the Giver of “every good gift and every perfect present.” —Jas. 1:17.
Worshipping Jehovah as a Family
1 In Bible times, family members did many things together. They performed daily chores and primarily worshipped Jehovah as a family. (Lev. 10:12-14; Deut. 31:12) Today, in many places, family members do very little together. However, Christians rec ognize the value of engaging in activities as a family, especially when it comes to worship. How it must please the Originator of the family to see families worshipping him in unity!
2 Preach Together: Working together to preach the good news strengthens the family bond. Therefore, in addition to accompanying others in the congregation to preach, an elder will also regularly work with his wife and children. (1 Tim. 3:4, 5) Despite having a full schedule, even traveling overseers arrange time to work with their wives in the ministry.
3 Parents who preach with their children are able to help them progress as evangelizers. Not only will children observe their parents’ joy and satisfaction in the ministry but they will see their parents express their own love for Jehovah and for fellow humans. (Deut. 6:5-7) The importance of this does not diminish as children in the home grow older. One couple with three sons between the ages of 15 and 21 continue to accompany them in the ministry on a regular basis. The father said: “We teach them something every time. And we make sure that it is an enjoyable, encouraging experience.”
4 Prepare Together: Families have found it beneficial to prepare for the ministry together. Children often enjoy practice sessions with members of the family taking turns giving the presentation or being the householder. Some use a few minutes at the end of the family study to do this.
s Our joy is increased when we engage in important and satisfying activities with those we love. How epjoyable it is for family members to work together in the field ministry from house to house as well as in making return visits and conducting Bible studies! As you thus worship Jehovah with your family, you can joyfully declare: “As for me and my household, we shall serve Jehovah.’’—Josh. 24:15.
Service Meeting Schedule
Week Starting August 13
Song 20
15 min: Local announcements. Using the suggestions on page 8 or other presentations appropriate for your territory, demonstrate how to offer the August 15 Watchtower and the August Awake! In one demonstration, have the publisher use one of the suggestions in paragraph 3 on page 3 of this issue of Our Kingdom Ministry to raise a question that he will answer on the return visit. Discuss “New Circuit Assembly Program.” Announce the date of the next circuit assembly if available.
15 min: Benefiting From Theocratic Subjection. Talk and audience discussion based on chapter 15 of Organized to Do Jehovah’s Will.
15 min: “Worshipping Jehovah as a Family.”* Invite the audience to comment on how they have benefited from sharing in the ministry as a family. One or two comments may be arranged in advance. Song 48 and concluding prayer.
Week Starting August 20
Song 100
10 min: Local announcements. Discuss “New Special Assembly Day Program,” and announce the date of the next special assembly day if known.
15 min: Start a Bible Study on the Initial Call During September. Audience discussion. During September we will offer the Bible Teach book and endeavor to discuss a few paragraphs with the householder on the initial visit. Review the suggestions in the January 2006 Our Kingdom Ministry insert, and have one or two demonstrations showing how to start a Bible study on the initial call.
20 min: “How the Congregation Book Study Arrangement Helps Us,”* When considering paragraph 5, include comments from the Organized book, page 41, paragraph 2.
Song 6 and concluding prayer.
Week Starting August 27
Song 98
10 min: Local announcements. Read accounts report and donation acknowledgments. Using the suggestions on page 8 or other presentations appropriate for your territory, demonstrate how to offer the September 1 Watchtower and the September Awake!
10 min: ‘Make Friends by Means of the Unrighteous Riches.’ Talk by an elder based on the December 1, 1994, Watchtower, pages 13-18. 25 min: “A Worthy Goal for the New Service Year.”* Interview one or two who served as auxiliary pioneers recently. What adjustments did they make in their schedule? How did they benefit? If available, one of those interviewed could be someone who was able to auxiliary pioneer because of the help and support of others in his household. When discussing paragraph 9, mention the dates of the circuit overseer’s next visit if known.
Song 196 and concluding prayer.
Week Starting September 3
Song 50
10 min: Local announcements and selected Announcements from Our Kingdom Ministry. Remind publishers to turn in field service reports for August.
15 min: “We Cherish Our Privileges!”* As time permits, invite audience to comment on the cited scriptures.
20 min: “How to Turn Magazine Placements Into Bible Studies.”* Include a brief demonstration of one of the suggestions in paragraph 2. Remind publishers that a Bible study may be reported when it has been conducted two times after the study arrangement was demonstrated and if there is reason to believe that the study will continue.
Song 2 and concluding prayer.
* Limit introductory comments to less than a minute, and follow with a question-and-answer discussion.
April Service Report
Av. Av. Av. Av.
Number of: Hrs. Mags. R.V. Bi.St.
Sp'l Pios. 427 107.0 72,4 42.8
Aux. Pios. 129,987 48.2 35.6 10.9
TOTAL 1,053,008 Baptized: 3,289
© 2007 Christian Congregation of Jehovah’s Witnesses. Ail rights reserved. Our Kingdom Ministry (ISSN 1067-7259) is published monthly by Christian Congregation ot Jehovah's Witnesses; Charles I. Woody. President; W. H. Nonkas, 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. WOO Red Mills Road, Wallkill, NY 12589-3299. Printed in U.S.A.
1 On Saturdays we generally feature the Watchtower and Awake! magazines in the ministry. However, this is only the first step in reaching our goal of teaching honestheart-ed ones the truth. Below are some suggestions on how to place the Bible Teach book on a return visit and start a Bible study. These may be adapted to your territory and put in your own words. Feel free to use another approach if it is effective for you.
2 Use the Introductory Pages: When you return, you could say: “The magazines I left you direct attention to the Bible. Notice why Bible reading is so important.” Read Isaiah 48:17, 18; John 17:3; or another appropriate scripture. Then after introducing the Bible Teach book and handing the householder a copy, you could proceed as follows:
■ “The Bible gives us a real hope for the future.” Show the householder pages 4-5 and ask, “Which of these promises would you like to see fulfilled?” Direct him to the chapter that discusses the Scriptural promise he selected, and briefly consider a paragraph or two if he allows.
■ Or you could say, “The Bible answers the most important questions of life.” Direct his attention to page 6, and ask if he has ever wondered about any of the questions at the bottom of the page. Turn to the chapter that gives the answer, and briefly discuss a paragraph or two.
■ Or you could point out some of the titles in the table of contents and ask which one of the subjects interests him. Turn to that chapter, and briefly demonstrate a Bible study.
3 Leave a Question on the Initial Visit: Another option is to lay the groundwork for the return visit on the initial call. After the householder accepts the magazines, raise a
1. What is our goal when placing magazines? 2. How could we use the Introductory pages in the Bible Teach book to start a Bible study?
3. How might we start a Bible study after placing magazines that deal with (a) worsening world conditions? (b) the family? (c) the reliability of the Bible?
question, and promise to answer it on your next visit. Endeavor to make a definite arrangement to return, and be sure to keep the appointment. (Matt. 5:37) When you go back, remind the householder of the question, and briefly read and discuss the answer from the Bible Teach book. Hand him a copy so that he can follow along. Here are a few examples:
■ If the magazine you placed deals with worsening world conditions, you could say, “Next time we can discuss the Bible’s answer to this question, What changes will God bring about on the earth?” Use pages 4-5 when you return. Or you could raise the question, “Are tragedies God’s will?” On the return visit, show the householder paragraphs 7-8 in chapter 1.
■ If the magazine you placed deals with the family, before leaving you might raise this question, “What can each member of the family do to make family life happier?" When you return consider paragraph 4 in chapter 14.
■ If the magazine you placed deals with the reliability of the Bible, you could raise this question for your next discussion, “Is the Bible scientifically accurate?” On the return visit, consider paragraph 8 in chapter 2.
4 At the end of each discussion, raise another question to be answered on the next visit. Once a regular study is established, consider the book systematically from beginning to end. What if the householder does not accept the Bible Teach book? You can still continue to take him the magazines and have Scriptural discussions with him. As you cultivate his interest, he may in time accept a Bible study.
5 The Watchtower and Awake! may stir up a person’s desire to learn what the Bible really teaches. Therefore, make a special effort to start Bible studies with those who accept the magazines. In this way, we will obey Jesus’ instructions to “make disciples . . . , teaching them.”—Matt. 28:19, 20.
4. What should we do if the householder does not accept the Bible Teach book?
5. Why should we endeavor to do more than leave magazines with people?
1 We must set goals if we want to make spiritual progress. What personal goals have you set for the new service year? An excellent goal is auxiliary pioneering for one or more months. Since this enjoyable activity usually requires some advance planning, now is a good time to begin thinking ahead. Why consider auxiliary pioneering as a goal?
2 Reasons to Auxiliary Pioneer; Auxiliary pioneering enables us to please our heavenly Father “more fully” by spending increased time in the ministry. (1 Thess. 4:1) As we consider all that Jehovah has done for us, our hearts move us to tell others about him. (Ps. 34:1, 2) Jehovah takes note of and appreciates the personal sacrifices we make in order to do more in the ministry. (Heb. 6:10) Knowing that we are pleasing Jehovah by our hard work brings us great joy.—1 Chron. 29:9.
3 Usually, the more you do something, the easier and more enjoyable it becomes. Spending increased time in the ministry will make you more comfortable speaking at the door. You will become more proficient at starting conversations and in using the Bible. The more you discuss your faith, the stronger it will
1. What goal might we consider for the new service year?
2. Why consider auxiliary pioneering as a goal?
3, 4. How do we benefit from auxiliary pioneering?
become. Many who were not conducting a Bible study have been able to start one while auxiliary pioneering.
4 Auxiliary pioneering may also be the boost needed to get out of a spiritual rut. A former regular pioneer who felt he was putting too much emphasis on secular work decided to auxiliary pioneer for one month. He said: “I could not believe how that one month energized me spiritually! I made arrangements to auxiliary pioneer continuously, which led to my becoming a regular pioneer once again.”
5 Overcome Obstacles: Some may hesitate to apply because they feel they lack ability as preachers. If this is causing you to hold back, Jehovah can help you as he did Jeremiah. (Jer. 1:6-10) Although Moses was “slow of mouth and slow of tongue,” Jehovah used him to accomplish His will. (Ex. 4:10-12) If you feel inadequate, petition Jehovah for courage.
6 Do you hesitate to apply because of health problems or a busy schedule? If you are infirm, pacing yourself may make auxiliary pioneering possible. If you have a busy schedule, you may find that you can move some nonessential activities to another month. Some with a full-time
5. How may we be able to overcome feelings of inadequacy?
6. How may it be possible to auxiliary pioneer despite health problems or a busy schedule?
job have been able to buy out time to auxiliary pioneer by taking one or two days of vacation.—Col. 4:5.
7 How to Do It: Make your desire a matter of prayer. Ask Jehovah to bless your efforts to expand your ministry. (Rom. 12:11, 12) He can help you make wise decisions regarding how to adjust your schedule. (Jas. 1:5) If you lack the desire, ask Jehovah to help you find pleasure in the preaching work.—Luke 10:1,17.
8 Discuss as a family the goal of auxiliary pioneering. (Prov. 15:22) Perhaps one member of the family could auxiliary pioneer with the support of others in the household. Discuss with others in the congregation your desire to pioneer, especially with those who have similar circumstances. This may generate increased enthusiasm to auxiliary pioneer.
9 As you review your theocratic calendar for the new service year, when might you be able to auxiliary pioneer? If you work full-time or go to school, you may want to consider months that have a holiday or that have five Saturdays or five Sundays. For example, September, December, March, and August have five full weekends. The month of May has five Saturdays, and June has five Sundays. If you have health problems, consider months that usually have good weather. You may
7. Why is it beneficial to make auxiliary pioneering a matter of prayer?
8. How might applying Proverbs 15:22 enable you to auxiliary pioneer?
9. Which months might you choose to auxiliary pioneer?
also consider pioneering during the month the circuit overseer is scheduled to serve your congregation. During his visit, you will have the added privilege of attending the first half of the meeting that is held with the regular pioneers. Since the Memorial falls on March 22 next year, March, April, and May are excellent choices. Once you have chosen the month or months that you want to auxiliary pioneer, begin writing out a schedule that will enable you to meet the hour requirement.
10 Even if you feel that you are unable to auxiliary pioneer during this coming service year, you can still maintain the pioneer spirit. Continue to do all that you can in the ministry, confident that Jehovah is pleased with your whole-souled effort to give him your best. (Gal. 6:4) Be supportive, and encourage those who are able to auxiliary pioneer. Perhaps you can adjust your schedule to share in the ministry an additional day of the week with those who are pioneering.
11 Jehovah’s people have a sense of urgency. There is a job to get done —the preaching of the good news. Lives are involved, and the time left is reduced. (1 Cor. 7:29-31) Love for God and for neighbor will move us to do all that we can in the ministry. With effort and good planning, we may be able to auxiliary pioneer at least one month during the new service year—a worthy goal indeed!
10. What can. you do if it is not possible to auxiliary pioneer?
11. Why should we have a sense of urgency?
Jehovah deserves to be glorified. How do we glorify Jehovah? What challenges are some facing in this regard? What blessings come to those who glorify God now? The circuit assembly program for the 2008 service year will provide satisfying answers to these questions. It has as its theme “Do All Things for God’s Glory.” (1 Cor. 10:31) Consider what is in store for us during the upcoming two days of rich spiritual instruction.
The district overseer will speak on the subjects “Why Give God Glory?” and “Be Exemplary in Meeting God’s Requirements.” He will give the public discourse, “Who Are the People Who Glorify God?,” and the closing talk, “Unitedly Glorifying God Worldwide.” He will also conduct the Theocratic Ministry School. The circuit overseer will speak on the themes “Take Delight in Reflecting God’s Glory,” “Giving Attention to the Needs of the Circuit,” and “Remain ‘Firmly Set in the Truth,”’ which is based on 2 Peter 1:12. In addition, we will learn how “The Pioneer Ministry Glorifies God.” “Glorifying God in All Aspects of Our Life,” the first of two thought-provoking symposiums, will explore the depth of meaning in the inspired words found at 1 Corinthians 10:31. The symposium “Rendering Sacred Service to Praise Jehovah” will deal with various facets of our worship. We will enjoy the summary of The Watchtower and the discussion of the daily text on Sunday. There will also be an opportunity for baptism.
The majority of mankind refuse to acknowledge God. Many are too distracted by human schemes to ponder the magnificence of Jehovah. (John 5:44) But we are convinced of the value of spending time considering how to “Do All Things for God’s Glory.” Plan to be on hand and to benefit fully from all four sessions.
The theme of the special assembly day program for the 2008 service year is “We Are the Clay—Jehovah Is Our Potter,” based on Isaiah 64:8. The Scriptural admonition provided by means of this program will increase our appreciation for Jehovah’s wisdom, justice, power, and love as the Great Potter.
The circuit overseer’s talk, “Serving as Honorable Vessels in the Ministry,” will show how increasing numbers are enjoying the rich blessing of knowing the truth and sharing it with others. The talk “Meditation Will Safeguard You” will reveal how serious contemplation of Jehovah’s righteous principles protects us. The visiting speaker will address the audience on the themes “Not ‘Fashioned After This System of Things’ ” and “Be Molded by the Great Potter.” Parents and young ones will find encouragement in the parts “Youths Who Are Useful to Jehovah” and “Vital Role of Parents in the Molding Process,” Through demonstrations and interviews, we will delight to hear and observe what our brothers and sisters are accomplishing in their ministry. Those who wish to symbolize their dedication to God by water baptism should inform the presiding overseer as soon as possible. Be sure to bring your copy of the issue of The Watchtower to be studied the week of the special assembly day.
Whatever the Great Potter purposes he accomplishes. But it is up to each one of us to choose how we will respond to his shaping of us. Those who wisely submit to Jehovah’s patterns and refinements can, as a lump of clay on a potter’s wheel, be fashioned, polished, and transformed into useful vessels. When we cooperate with Jehovah, we magnify his sovereignty and receive many blessings.
■ Literature offer for August: Worship the Only True God. If a Bible study is started, it is recommended that the Bible Teach book be studied before the Worship God book. September: What Does the Bible Really Teach? Make a special effort to start Bible studies on the initial call. When householders already have this publication, show how they can benefit from it by briefly demonstrating a Bible study. October: The Watchtower and Awake! magazines. Where interest is shown, offer the tract Would You Like to Know More About the Bible? with the objective of starting a Bible study. November: Learn From the Great Teacher. If individuals say they have no children, offer the brochure Keep on the Watch!
■ Since September has five full weekends, it would be an excellent month to auxiliary pioneer. ■ Congregations should begin requesting the 2008 Calendar of Jehovah’s Witnesses, Examining the Scriptures Daily—2008, and the 2008 Yearbook of Jehovah’s Witnesses with their next literature request. A listing of the languages in which these items are available will appear in the monthly “Announcement to All Congregations.”
■ The elders are reminded to follow through on instructions given on pages 21-3 of the April 15, 1991, Watchtower regarding any disfellowshipped or disassociated ones who may be inclined toward becoming reinstated.
■ On September 1 and 2, 2007, an inventory will be taken of all literature on hand at Wallkill Bethel. Because of this, no congregation literature requests will be processed for pickup during those days.
The following questions will be considered at the Theocratic Ministry School during the week beginning August 27, 2007. The school overseer will conduct a 30-minute review based on material covered in assignments for the weeks of July 2 through August 27, 2007.
1. How can we show respect for others in our ministry and in the congregation setting? [be p. 192 pars. 2-4]
2. What is vital if we are to manifest conviction when we express ourselves? [be p. 196 pars. 1-3]
3. What are some suggestions that will help us to be tactful when witnessing to others? [be p. 198 pars. 1-5]
4. How does being tactful involve right timing when witnessing to others? (Prov. 25:11) [be p. 199 pars. 1-3]
5. How can we keep the tone of our talks positive? [be p. 203 par. 3-p. 204 par. 1]
6. What can be said about Ezekiel’s writership as well as the canonicity and authenticity of the book of Ezekiel? [si p. 133 par. 3]
7. What is one quality that is essential for a person to endure injustice? [w05 6/1 p. 29 par. 4]
8. What do we learn from Jesus’ response to the Sadducees who questioned him about the resurrection? (Luke 20:37, 38) [be p. 66 par. 4]
9. When a Bible student or a fellow believer asks what he should do in a given situation, how should you answer? [be p. 69 pars. 4-5]
10. What is involved in being “made new in the force actuating your mind"? (Eph. 4:23) [be p. 74 par. 4]
11. At Ezekiel 9:2-4, whom does the man in linen represent, and what does the “mark on the foreheads” denote? [w88 9/15 p. 14 par. 18]
12. How are the religious leaders of Christendom like the “stupid prophets, who [were] walking after their own spirit,” described at Ezekiel 13:3? [w99 10/1 p. 13]
13. In uttering the “proverbial saying” recorded at Ezekiel 18:2, what were the Israelites trying to do, and what important lesson about accountability is highlighted? [w88 9/15 p. 18 par. 10]
14. In what sense did Ezekiel become “speechless,” or “mute,” during the time of Jerusalem’s siege and destruction? (Ezek. 24:27; 33:22) [w03 12/1 p. 29]
15. Who is “Gog of the land of Magog,” and when does he move to destroy Jehovah’s people? (Ezek. 38:2, 16) [w97 3/1 p. 14 par. 1-p. 15 par. 3]
What to Say About the Magazines
1 Each of our five weekly meetings is different in its format and purpose. Yet, all of them are important in helping us to “consider one another to incite to love and fine works.” (Heb. 10:24, 25) What are some unique and beneficial features of the Congregation Book Study arrangement?
2 Help to Progress Spiritually: The number of people attending a book study is generally far less than the number attending the other congregation meetings. This makes it easier to develop friendships that are a source of spiritual support. (Prov. 18:24) Have you made an effort to get to know everyone in your book study group, perhaps asking each one to work with you in the ministry? The book study arrangement also enables the book study overseer to know the unique circumstances of each one in the group and to provide personal encouragement.—Prov. 27:23,
3 Have you invited your Bible students to attend the book study with you? Interested ones who are reluctant to attend our larger meetings may be less nervous about attending a smaller meeting, especially in a private home. The intimate atmosphere makes it easier for young ones and those newly associated to share in commenting. And since the group is smaller, we have more opportunities to participate and praise Jehovah.—Ps. 111:1.
1. How do our five weekly meetings help us?
2. What benefits come from meeting with a smaller group at the book study?
3. How does the book study arrangement promote commenting as well as attendance by Bible students?
4 Book studies are generally held at convenient locations throughout the territory. While it is not possible for all to be assigned to the location nearest them, attending our assigned book study may require less travel than attending other congregation meetings. The book study location may also serve as a convenient meeting place for field service.
5 Help for the Ministry: The book study overseer is interested in assisting each one to have a regular, meaningful, and joyful share in the ministry. Therefore, he endeavors to work with everyone in the group, giving personal assistance in various features of the ministry. If you find a particular aspect of the ministry to be challenging, such as making return visits, let your book study overseer know. Perhaps he can arrange for you to work with an experienced publisher in the group. Your ability to teach on Bible studies will be refined by paying careful attention to the book study overseer’s good teaching methods as he conducts the book study. - 1 Cor. 4:17.
6 What a blessing the Congregation Book Study Is! This loving arrangement from Jehovah helps us maintain our sure spiritual footing during the challenging times in which we live.—Ps. 26:12.
4. The book study arrangement may be convenient in what ways?
5. How may we receive help in the ministry from our book study overseer?
6. Why should we seek to benefit from the book study arrangement to the full? '
™ Watchtower® Aug. 15
AnnouncingJehovah's Kingdom
“I would like to have your opinion on what this says. [Read Hebrews 3:4.] Do you agree that the universe had an intelligent Designer? [Allow for response.] This magazine examines whether belief in a Designer is compatible with true science.”
Awake! Aug.
When meeting a young person, you might say: “Many your age have been hurt by malicious gossip. Has that happened to you? [Allow for response.] The Bible gives good advice that can help us if we are the victim of gossip. It also shows how we can steer clear of harmful gossip ourselves.” Feature the article that begins on page 12, and read one of the scriptures from the article.
-Watchtower® sept. 1
ANNOUNCING jEliOVAirS KINGDOM
“Many feel that the ‘Old Testament’ provides helpful historical information. But they wonder if its guidelines are relevant for today. What do you think? [Allow for response. Then read Romans 15:4.] This magazine shows how the ‘Old Testament’ provides beneficial advice for daily living and real hope for the future.”
Awake! Sept.
“Do you think that natural disasters are acts of God? [Allow for response. Then read Deuteronomy 32:4.] This magazine examines why God has allowed natural disasters to occur. It also outlines how to protect your family.”
8