Assemblies That Truly Exalt the Divine Name

“AT THE [Riverfront] stadium, they will set up a little city, ruled by Jehovah,” was the way a feature writer for the Enquirer described the “Divine Name” District Assembly then in preparation in Cincinnati.

This forecast also proved to be true of all the thirty-four assemblies held in the United States and the eleven in Canada from late June through August.

Indeed, from advance preparation right through the five-day program, it was evident that the assembled witnesses of Jehovah enjoyed the smile of their God and Creator, whom they recognize as controlling their activities. The dominant spirit of the assembly was exalting the Divine Name, as well as the making of a good name with God. Outstanding stress was placed on spirituality, the need of obtaining it, how to guard it, and the building up of others spiritually.

This attitude so permeated the gatherings that a writer in the Atlanta Constitution was moved to say: “They come seeking spiritual sustenance and refreshment, help with their problems or help with helping somebody they love​—and they love everybody.”

PREPARATION

It is no small undertaking to arrange and prepare for such assemblies, at which an aggregate attendance of hundreds of thousands of persons is expected. Well over a year beforehand, sometimes years ahead, work is begun to provide the new Bible literature that will be released. Also, convention sites are selected and contracted for. Months ahead, the printing plant of the Watchtower Bible and Tract Society begins its typesetting and printing. Bound books keep the plant’s bookbinding department busy right down to convention time. The assembly’s printed releases, on top of the normal demand for the Society’s Bibles, Bible books and magazines, put an extra strain on facilities and usually call for working extra time.

In addition, the program must be prepared, with a view to the needs of Christians in today’s world situation. Some of the primary talks are printed in manuscript form; others are outlined, so that the same spiritual food is received regardless of which assembly a person attends. Bible dramas are recorded and sent to the assembly sites in time for performers to learn the script and pantomime the words coming over the public-address system. Other dramas are thoroughly prepared, rehearsed and presented “live.”

Besides all this, there are thousands of man-hours spent organizing each local assembly, so that there are a cafeteria, refreshment stands, attendants to handle the crowds, a large cleaning crew, public-address equipment, parking arrangements and attendants, rooming accommodations, volunteer service assignment organization and a host of other things all set up by the opening day.

CITIES WELCOME THE ASSEMBLIES

In times past, opposition from religions of Christendom created much trouble for Jehovah’s witnesses in obtaining assembly sites. Also, because of clergy influence on local citizens, rooming accommodations were sometimes difficult to get. Even city officials and businessmen were affected by the misrepresentation of the Witnesses’ motives and reliability. But today this is rarely the case.

A reporter for the Montreal Star, observing so many gathered together (22,692 attended in a race grounds), remarked: “The Bible has drawn more here than the races. Jehovah’s Witnesses just never give up. The people who were fighting you are not around anymore, but Jehovah’s Witnesses are still here.”

Typical of the attitude of officials, auditorium managers and businessmen are the following examples.

On the second day of the Memphis assembly the Commercial Appeal editorialized:

“FIFTEEN THOUSAND strong, the Jehovah’s Witnesses have entered Memphis for a five-day meeting and Memphis is glad to welcome them.

“The Witnesses are a diligent group. They have been to Memphis in the past, and their conduct has always been exemplary. The sect is an evangelical one whose members work as volunteers. Their convention is trying to keep costs down for their hard-pressed workers, and the impromptu cafeteria they have put together is an example of their careful planning.

“Such industriousness on their part makes them welcome guests. We hope they find the city hospitable.”

And the Memphis Press-Scimitar noted that the crowd, being a “family affair,” was too big for the city’s largest convention hall, then remarked: “By the time the Witnesses schedule their next assembly in Memphis the city’s new Everett Cook Convention Center on North Main will be ready for them. The Witnesses are always a welcome group. They maintain high standards of conduct and civility and they take care of their own problems.”

Such was the reception in virtually all the assembly cities. Only in a few remote cases was there a question when auditorium managers or officials were approached. But when they were directed to call other managers and officials with whom the Witnesses had previously dealt, their doubts were allayed. The director of Veterans Stadium in Philadelphia remarked to news reporters that he had talked to some other stadium officials before renting the stadium. He added: “They are a prime catch to get in. They attract a lot of people but do a tremendous job cleaning up and taking care of their own needs.”

Similar cooperation by police, city authorities and businessmen was a feature of every assembly in the United States and Canada. So marked was the success of the rooming accommodations activity that it prompted comment in the Albuquerque, New Mexico, News: “[It] almost makes one feel Somebody Important is taking a personal interest in matters.”

PURPOSE OF THE ASSEMBLIES

The assemblies might be described as having a twofold purpose: (1) to exalt the Divine Name Jehovah in the minds and hearts of Jehovah’s witnesses and of all others whom they can reach (Matt. 6:9); and (2) to provide education for themselves, their children and others in obedience to the divine principles for which that Name stands.

The assembly’s keynote talk, delivered on the opening day, was entitled “Whose Name Do You Respect More​—Your Own or God’s?” It was shown clearly that the clergy of Christendom put themselves ahead of God, preferring their own ideas instead of God’s Word. In contrast, a major feature of this assembly was the emphasis on use of the Bible. Daily Bible reading was encouraged for each family. And, for real depth of understanding and proper application, the need of considering the background and events surrounding the Bible books, also the context of the portion being read, was demonstrated.

The need of giving heed to the sovereignty of God and the vindication of the Divine Name was highlighted in the public talk “When All Nations Collide, Head On, with God.” This climactic talk on the assembly’s final day was the occasion of the peak attendance, which soared up to 678,359, in the United States and Canada.

The assemblies actually constitute major steps in preparation for life in a new order where justice, orderliness, peace, real love and concern for one another will prevail. Jehovah’s witnesses are trying to live that way now.

The Witnesses really believe the “Lord’s Prayer,” which requests of God: “Let your kingdom come. Let your will take place, as in heaven, also upon earth.” (Matt. 6:10) They follow Jesus’ counsel: “Keep on, then, seeking first the kingdom and [God’s] righteousness.” And it has truly made them happy.​—Matt. 6:33.

Some persons like Jehovah’s witnesses but do not want to listen to what they believe from God’s Word. But were it not for God’s Word and the application of its principles in their lives their conduct would not be exemplary and they would not be able to hold such fine assemblies. Some people recognize this. One woman in Portland, Oregon, said to two of Jehovah’s witnesses who spoke to her about providing rooming accommodations in her home for visiting delegates: “You are so warm, kind and good. It must be your religion that makes you that way.”

A columnist in the Buffalo Evening News wrote: “Witnesses just regard consideration of other people’s property as Christian conduct.” She reported an experience of a householder in Tonawanda, New York, who at first had hesitated to list rooms for delegates, but afterward said: “If all people were like them, I’d like to rent my rooms out every week. If it was a rainy day, they even took their shoes off before they came in the house, so they wouldn’t dirty the carpets. They were among the most polite people I’ve ever met.”

TEACHING

The assembly program laid heavy stress on teaching. Communication on the family level must be kept open, the conventioners were told. To aid parents to avoid a ‘generation gap,’ children must be taught in very early years. Before the speaker announced the release of the 192-page book Listening to the Great Teacher he said, addressing parents: “Do not think that your children will naturally become disciples just because you are. They will not be followers of Jesus Christ unless you teach them that way.”

Parents received the book as a real boon in helping them to set up an organized teaching program, to get across to the children deep Bible truths and principles of Christian conduct in plain, simple words and illustrations. Children attending the assembly also showed that they were eager to receive such Bible teaching, as they were seen on the convention grounds in hundreds, clutching tightly the book that was ‘for them,’ or deeply engrossed in reading it themselves.

Prior to the publication of this book a series of similar articles had appeared in The Watchtower. Some persons had been cutting out the articles and making a book. One parent remarked: “My children check on me every week to be sure I don’t miss an article. We make a game of reading these articles. The children answer every question the article asks. In fact, we have to insist that they hold up their hands first, to keep all from talking at once. These articles prompt the children to think and to participate mentally.” Another said: “I was struck by the point that a child learns so quickly, even difficult concepts.”

Such careful parental teaching brings rich rewards. In this world of family disintegration the family unity among true Christians is notable, as a Lansing, Michigan, reporter observed in the State Journal: “The sea of old and young faces in the auditorium, the corridors and overflowing in the exhibition hall downstairs is a show of family solidarity​—a keystone of the religion’s practice. This bond extends to the whole body of adherents.” (Italics added.)

‘The teaching program does not stop with the young ones,’ said one convention speaker. ‘We are all in a school in which there are no graduations. All of us must continue to learn from the inexhaustible storehouse of God. The Divine Name shines with greater and greater brilliance as we learn more about Jehovah’s ways.’ He then released to those assembled the Theocratic Ministry School Guidebook, to be used in the ministry school held weekly in each congregation of Jehovah’s witnesses for both young and old.

For more advanced Bible knowledge, a 1,700-page book, Aid to Bible Understanding, was released. This book, similar in style to a Bible dictionary, represented seven years of research.

MORALITY

Throughout the program, morals received strong attention. Young folks were interviewed on the platform, discussing the drug problem as it exists in the schools. A father and mother talked the matter over with their teen-age children, alerting them to the drug danger and giving counsel as to why and how they should avoid drug use. This reasoning, understanding way of approach served as a model for parents, who must know what their children are doing and must arm them against the drug menace if they wish to save them.

On the platform, some were interviewed who had in the past used drugs but who by reason of learning and applying Bible principles had freed themselves from drugs. In several of the convention cities, these youths were later interviewed extensively on radio and TV. After one interview, the news director of an Atlanta radio station concluded: “Your young folks not only have answers about the Bible, but they also have answers concerning the drug problem.”

Many were moved by the drama “Jehovah Blesses the Loyal Ones,” portraying the snare that the ancient Israelites fell into by association with the immoral, idol-worshiping Moabites just as Israel was about to move into the Promised Land. (Numbers chapters 22-25) The fact that loose, sexually filthy conduct of any kind is a sin, just as are fornication and idolatry, was clearly set forth. The drama drove home to all observers the great danger of bad associations in this time when the destruction of this present system of things and the entering of God’s people into his new order of righteousness are so near.

AIMED AT THE HEART

Many were the remarks of appreciation for the fine material presented on the program. But as much appreciated as the information itself was the spirit it engendered, due to the program’s focus on the heart. One conventioner, who has walked in this “way” of truth for nineteen years, expressed such sentiments. He said: “The program was of a very personal nature, motivating one to examine his heart condition and that of his family, and to provide loving Scriptural help as needed. It has made me more aware of my obligation to give more assistance to the congregation.” Another, when asked what he viewed as the overall main point of the program, answered: “A love of God and not of statistics. We want the Divine Name to be vindicated.”

A feature of the program that absorbed the attention of all was entitled “What Is in Your Heart?” The participants in this drama underwent heart-searching situations common to Christians. On the stage giant models of the brain and the heart lighted up as each was “speaking” inside the individual wrestling with a difficult moral decision. The drama “Making Jehovah’s Purpose Your Way of Life,” portraying the devotion of Ruth the Moabitess to the God of Naomi, touched the hearts of all. Ruth’s words, “Where you go I shall go, . . . Your people will be my people, and your God my God,” moved the listeners to search their own hearts to see whether they too are making themselves fully available to serve in promoting the worship of the true God, Jehovah.

The consensus as to the effectiveness of the “drama” method of presentation was echoed by an assembly delegate in Portland, Oregon, who stated: “The talks and dramas have forcefully stressed the need to ‘guard our hearts’ to take prompt action to expel wrong thoughts.” Another, from Washington state, remarked: “The thing that was emphasized at this assembly was love, helping all of us to search our hearts and see the depth of our loyalty and devotion to Jehovah and Christ Jesus.”

Indeed, “Out of [the heart] are the sources of life.” It is as a delegate from the Poughkeepsie, New York, congregation concluded: “The matter of correct motivations​—why we do things, not just what we do—​seems to be the thread of thought spun by the majority of speakers, since it is the heart Jehovah judges, not just one’s works or what he appears to be outwardly.”​—Prov. 4:23; 21:2.

Thus the “Divine Name” assemblies truly exalted the Name of Jehovah before God’s own people. And their orderliness, cleanliness, good manners and happy spirit glorified in the eyes of all beholders the Name of the God Jehovah’s witnesses serve. A staff writer for the Shreveport Journal entitled a feature article on the assembly, “They Witness to a Happy Deity.”

The heartfelt sincerity that worship of the true God Jehovah brings was noted by a writer in the Greensboro, North Carolina, Daily News. Viewing the “higher ratio of ethnic mixture than most other religious groups,” he said, “The business of ‘brother and sister’ is not pretended.”

Jehovah’s witnesses are happy that their activities are resulting in exaltation of the Divine Name. But they realize that they must ‘keep on seeking the kingdom and God’s righteousness’ by making constant improvements in their ministry to God. This broad subject was also considered on the assembly program, and will be discussed in the following article.

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Sign on Milwaukee City Hall welcomes conventioners

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At Los Angeles 62,885 heard the talk “When All Nations Collide, Head On, with God.”

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Speaker at Milwaukee releases complete “Aid to Bible Understanding”

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Young ones enjoy discussing new book “Listening to the Great Teacher”

Strengthening the Ministry for the Work Ahead

WHAT is it that gives strength to a servant of God to maintain clean and honest living in the everyday world as he faces all the pressures and difficulties encountered today? And what, in addition, empowers him to go to the homes of people in his community to recommend and teach his faith to others?

It is God’s spirit, obtained by studying his Word the Bible and then putting its principles into practice. Doing all this constitutes the Christian’s ministry. This ministry must receive constant attention. That is why Jehovah’s witnesses are very zealous for association together in meetings for Bible discussion.

That is also why Jehovah’s witnesses arrange for three assemblies a year, one usually being a “district” assembly or even a national or international one that brings thousands together. In the summer of 1971, 678,359 persons attended the “Divine Name” assemblies in the United States and Canada. Britain and Europe also enjoyed assemblies, with later conventions scheduled for other parts of the earth.

THE INTERNAL MINISTRY

The strengthening of the Christian ministry was one of the major objectives of the assemblies. The “internal ministry” received special focus, and a new viewpoint and attitude were gained​—a more Biblical view of the ministry, particularly as described by the apostle Paul in First Corinthians chapter twelve, where he talks about the “varieties of ministries.”

In a talk discussing the ministry it was shown that, while preaching to “outsiders” and teaching them by means of home Bible studies is important, this is only one of many ministries of Christians. The “internal ministry”​—training of one’s family, calling on others who are sick or in need of help, sharing in Christian meetings, preparing talks—​all are ministries. Taking care of other responsibilities in connection with the congregation and the Kingdom Hall, even honest, conscientious conduct in caring for the needs of one’s family, are ministries. A Christian must be circumspect in everything he does, that his ministry may not be found fault with.

A few of the comments heard on the convention grounds show the spirit that this talk generated in its hearers. An overseer in a New York city congregation said: ‘Perhaps in the past some of Jehovah’s servants have been overly concerned with figures and performing duties in a precisely prescribed manner, whereas the important thing is the heart motivation, a deep love of Jehovah.’

A traveling representative of the Watchtower Society in Florida commented: “One thing that stood out was the building up of the family spiritually. . . . Sometimes the brothers get depressed because they cannot do very much in the field ministry. . . . This will bring a spirit to the congregation that those who can’t get out into the field service as much as they like are being faithful by building up the spirituality of their families. They won’t feel left out.”

Another delegate from New York stated that he was especially delighted to see the emphasis placed on loving encouragement and shepherding, rather than mere reports. “There are so many of our brothers and sisters,” he said, “who are elderly or otherwise limited, but yet who make tremendous contributions to the overall health, spirituality and welfare of the congregation in so many ways. It is good to see that their ministry in these ways has received due recognition. The emphasis that there is no ‘special’ class, but that all are brothers, was also fine.”

“I was happy to hear the speaker point out,” said an overseer from California, “that we don’t want to say our pioneers [full-time preachers] are worth more than the other members of the congregation. We have fine brothers and sisters who cannot spend full time preaching, just as we have fine pioneers.”

APOSTOLIC CONGREGATIONS

The talks that dealt with the governing arrangement of the early Christian congregation, and that outlined its application today, brought forth enthusiastic response. Jehovah’s witnesses have always been happy to conform to the apostolic method of congregation organization and operation to the extent that they have understood it, and their spiritual prosperity and increase are evidence that God has looked upon them with favor.

In recent years the arrangement has been that one mature man was the overseer, the one primarily responsible for shepherding the congregation. Other appointed “servants” were assistants to him.

However, a recent study of Biblical, apostolic congregation structure made by the governing body of Jehovah’s witnesses revealed that, in one particular, the congregations need an adjustment in order to be more perfectly in line with that of the first century congregations.

In harmony with this understanding it was called to the conventioners’ attention, from the Bible, that the apostolic method of governing each congregation was by means of a body of elders, spiritually mature men appointed from among the male members, and who were also overseers of the congregation. All these were equal in authority, not merely assistants to one man. Each apparently acted in turn as chairman, but while serving as such he was not the overseer. This arrangement had the effect of spreading the responsibility and providing a more balanced governing arrangement for the congregations.

How was this notable Bible principle of organization received by the assembled crowds?

Well, Jehovah’s witnesses realize that Jehovah progressively leads and refines his people. They have experienced similar adjustments before and recognize that advancement has come because of God’s leading. They also are aware of the fact that they would not be true representatives of God and his kingdom if they should refuse to accept such changes.

To get expressions on individual attitudes toward the new arrangement many of the responsible men, those serving as overseers of various congregations, and others, were interviewed. The general feeling that this structural adjustment was a step forward was well summed up in the expression of three of these men.

One, a traveling minister serving a number of congregations in the Chicago area, said: “It has to work; it is from Jehovah.” Another, who supervises a large area known as a “district” in western United States, envisioned a greater flow of God’s spirit “because of a closer feeling of ‘one Mediator between God and men.’” A fine expression by a delegate from Oregon was that the emphasis away from the individual, with none possessing the primary authority in the congregation, “will focus more attention on the true Head of the congregation, Jesus Christ.”

Others spoke of the benefits to the individual minister in the congregation. “It will be an encouragement to all mature men to take hold of responsibility,” said a Chicago Witness of long experience. A public expression was made by the assembled conventioners in Cincinnati, stating: “How grateful we are to be a part of an organization that is so intensely interested in the spiritual welfare of its people.”

ORGANIZED FOR A MOMENTOUS FUTURE

Thus it is evident that the ministry of those preaching the good news of God’s Messianic kingdom is being strengthened. If trialsome times of persecution are ahead, the congregations will be able to continue their work despite the taking away of some of the responsible men. As an overseer of twenty-nine years’ experience said, seriously: “I feel that this information was given to us just at this particular time because we are well along in the time of the end. There is certainly a need for us to draw closer together to face the enemy in a unified way.”

Momentous events to take place in the immediate future are contained in the Bible prophecy of Ezekiel. This prophecy formed the basis of a book released at the assemblies, entitled “The Nations Shall Know that I Am Jehovah”​—How? In Ezekiel’s prophecy the work of God’s people today is figuratively represented as a ‘marking’ for preservation of all persons who desire a world of righteousness and peace, and who want to make over their lives to God’s way. (Ezek. 9:4-6; Col. 3:10) A total of 12,556 persons who are newly taking up this course of life were baptized at the assemblies in Canada and the United States.

Though time is short for the present system of things, Jehovah’s witnesses have much to do. There are many thinking men who see ‘the handwriting on the wall’ for this system of things and who need to hear the good news of the Kingdom. Those making advance preparations for the “Divine Name” assemblies were impressed with the fact that, generally, the businessmen with whom they dealt were not “all business,” as in the past. Some voiced the opinion, “We see no future in the business world.” Many realize too that Christendom’s religions are decaying. As Ezekiel’s prophecy shows, such persons must be reached with the Bible’s warning to forsake these religions if they are to survive Christendom’s fall.

The general sentiments of the conventioners at the conclusion of the assembly were expressed by an overseer in a Cincinnati congregation, who evidently had Ezekiel’s prophecy fresh in mind when he said: ‘Christendom will go down, stubbornly refusing to change according to revealed truth, whereas the society of Jehovah’s witnesses will grow and eternally prosper because it readjusts to conform to Jehovah’s way. I think we shall long remember the “Divine Name” Assemblies.’

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Forty-five “Divine Name” assemblies of Jehovah’s witnesses were held in Canada and U.S.A.; 36,335 attended here in Cincinnati

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Family Bible reading was encouraged by the assembly program

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12,556 were baptized at assemblies in Canada and the United States

At Philadelphia missionaries from West Africa discuss new “Theocratic Ministry School Guidebook”