Cooperate as a Flock with Servant Leadership

WHAT many responsibilities fall to the shepherds comprising the servant leadership in the congregations of God’s people! These shepherds have the obligation of taking the lead in the field ministry, of setting a fine example in conduct and in caring for their families; and they have the obligation to feed and protect the flock of God.​—1 Pet. 5:2, 3.

For both shepherds and “sheep” to be truly happy, not only must the servants properly discharge their duties, but the individual “sheep” of the congregational flock must fully cooperate. They must heed the counsel of the apostle Paul: “Be obedient to those who are taking the lead among you and be submissive, for they are keeping watch over your souls as those who will render an account.” In so doing you are showing regard for the Great Shepherd, Jesus Christ, who said in regard to his followers’ response to him: “The sheep listen to his voice.”​—Heb. 13:17, 20; John 10:3.a

How can you fully cooperate with the servant leadership? By being thoughtful, alert and ready to do your part. For example, there is the simple matter of coming to meetings on time, also preparing for meetings in advance and then giving others the benefit of your preparation by freely speaking up as opportunity affords. Willingness to cooperate is also shown by engaging regularly in the field ministry and reporting promptly. Nor to be overlooked is contributing financially to the upkeep of the Kingdom Hall, as well as helping to keep it clean.​—Heb. 13:7.

Then there is the opportunity to cooperate in the matter of assignments for parts on the program for the various meetings, the theocratic ministry school, service meetings and others. When scheduled to have a part, are you always on hand or do you fail to show up at times? Do you do your best to make your part on the program interesting and upbuilding?​—1 Tim. 4:13-16.

There is also the matter of your conduct. Do you cooperate with the servant leadership by never giving them concern because of being careless about your morals? Since the servants have the obligation to give personal attention to the spiritually weak, immature or sick, as well as those physically incapacitated, do you cooperate by doing your part to aid and comfort these needy ones?​—Rom. 15:1, 2.

An occasion in which there especially is a golden opportunity for all the flock to cooperate with the servant leadership is when the Watch Tower Society’s traveling representative, the circuit servant, visits the congregation. Do you give him full cooperation? Do you volunteer to work with him in the field? Do you volunteer to extend to him Christian hospitality? Do you attend all the meetings?​—1 Pet. 4:9.

Love, as well as empathy, will enable you to do these things. In all such ways the individual members of the congregational flocks can cooperate with servant leadership, to Jehovah’s praise and to the mutual happiness of all.

Do You Remember?

How carefully have you read recent issues of The Watchtower? Do you recall these outstanding points?

●If someone gets involved in an act of serious sin, why should he seek mature Christian help?

Primarily because the Bible wisely counsels him to do so. Additionally, if he fails to do this he may become irreformable or may, out of fear of being discovered, draw away from Jehovah’s organization.​—Pp. 540, 541.a

● What type of sins definitely ought to be brought to the attention of the congregation committee, even though some counsel has already been given by another mature Christian brother?

Any sin of the type mentioned at 1 Corinthians 5:11, if it has been committed repeatedly. Sexual immorality involving other persons, whether committed by adults or baptized minors, even if committed only once. Any serious sin that has become public knowledge.​—P. 541.

● Who were foreshadowed by the ancient patriarch Job?

As his name showed, Job was an “object of hostility.” Jesus Christ, the Greater Job, became the object of hostility from religious groups in his day. The modern-day remnant of spiritual Israel, because of their integrity to God, have come under similar reproach from religious enemies.​—Pp. 553, 554.

● In the modern-day fulfillment, who are pictured by Job’s three false comforters?

The religious clergy and leaders of Christendom who have misrepresented and opposed God’s servants.​—P. 557.

● Who bears the primary responsibility for making decisions as to activity in which minors may or may not engage?

God has assigned that responsibility to the father; if there is no father in the home, then the mother bears that load. Of course, what God’s Word says about right conduct should always be followed.​—P. 573.

● What fine results can come about when a Christian endures under persecution?

It can strengthen the individual spiritually, be a source of strength to fellow believers and serve to honor Jehovah’s name.​—Pp. 598, 599.

● What has God’s kingdom been doing since 1914?

It has taken action against its heavenly enemies, resulting in Satan’s ouster from heaven; it has caused worldwide proclamation of its installation to be made and protected the anointed ambassadors making that proclamation; it has gathered willing subjects who have joined in preaching the good news of the Kingdom.​—Pp. 620-625.

● What are the precious fire-resistant materials with which Jehovah’s witnesses endeavor to build true Christians?

They are godly qualities such as spiritual discernment, devotion to Bible principles, respect for Jehovah’s laws, and fearless willingness to witness about the Messianic kingdom.​—P. 661.

● What “truth” is it that Jesus meant when he said, “The truth will set you free,” and in what way could people be free?

It is not truth in general, but it is the truth that comes from Jehovah through Jesus. The freedom he spoke about was freedom from sin and death.​—Pp. 716, 717.

● What did Isaiah want to know when he asked, “How long, O Jehovah?”

He was not asking as to how long he must preach, but, rather, how long Jehovah would permit the bad spiritual condition of Israel to continue. The answer was, “Until the cities actually crash in ruins.”​—Pp. 750, 751.

[Footnotes]

Questions From Readers

● What qualifications should a person have in order to qualify as a book study conductor in a congregation of Jehovah’s witnesses?​—A. S., U.S.A.

The Bible sets the standard. Whenever a brother is being recommended by the congregation service committee as a servant, they ought to open the Bible and view the individual in the light of what it says. First Timothy chapter 3, verses 1 through 7, discusses the overseer; then, starting in 1 Ti 3 verse 8 is information about “ministerial servants,” who include the congregation book study conductors.

Notice what it says: “Ministerial servants should likewise be serious, not double-tongued, not giving themselves to a lot of wine, not greedy of dishonest gain, holding the sacred secret of the faith with a clean conscience.” If, as the apostle Paul says here, the man is “serious” and holds “the sacred secret of the faith with a clean conscience,” he will be a person who is conscientious about the ministry, one who manifests exemplary spirituality. This is important, because it is the responsibility of the book study conductor to help build up the spirituality of each one in the group to which he is assigned.

In 1 Ti 3 verse 10 the apostle Paul goes on to say: “Also, let these be tested as to fitness first, then let them serve as ministers, as they are free from accusation.” It is not wise to be in a hurry about recommending anyone about whom there is any doubt. Let him “be tested as to fitness first”; before he is appointed, let him show that his decisions are always firmly based on the Scriptures. If there is some doubt about whether his secular work sets a good example for others, or if there is some other situation that raises questions, it is not necessary