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Encourage One Another at Congregation Meetings

The Watchtower (Study)—2023 | April
- Perhaps so many brothers and sisters volunteer to comment that your hand is frequently overlooked. Danielle, for example, has always enjoyed commenting at meetings.c She views it as part of her worship, a way to encourage others, and a means of reinforcing Bible truths in her own mind. But when she moved to a larger congregation, she was called on less frequently—sometimes not even once during an entire meeting. “I was frustrated,” she said. “I felt as if I had missed out on a privilege. When it happens again and again, you begin to wonder if it’s deliberate.”
  
  10. How might we increase our chances of giving a comment?
  
  ¹⁰ Can you relate to Danielle’s feelings? If so, you might be tempted to give up and just listen to the meeting. But do not stop trying to comment. What can you do? You may find it helpful to prepare several comments for each meeting. Then if you are not chosen to comment early in the study, you will still have opportunities to comment as the meeting progresses. When preparing for the Watchtower Study, think about how each paragraph ties in to the theme of the article. If you do, you will likely have something to offer throughout the lesson. Additionally, you might prepare to comment on paragraphs that discuss deeper truths that are more difficult to explain. (1 Cor. 2:10) Why? Because there may be fewer volunteers during that part of the lesson. What if, despite applying these suggestions, you find that after several meetings you still have not had an opportunity to comment? You might approach the conductor before the meeting and tell him which question you would like to answer.

Encourage One Another at Congregation Meetings

The Watchtower (Study)—2023 | April
- 13. How can we allow more in the audience to share in commenting?
  
  ¹³ For one thing, we can keep our comments brief, thus allowing time for more to participate. Elders and other experienced publishers can set the example. Even when you give a short comment, avoid talking about too many points. If you cover everything in the paragraph, there will be little left for others to say. In this paragraph, for example, two suggestions are given—keep comments brief and avoid covering too many points. If you are called on first to comment on this paragraph, why not talk about just one of these points?
  
  When might we choose not to raise our hand at a meeting? (See paragraph 14)f
  
  14. What can help us decide how often to raise our hand? (See also picture.)
  
  ¹⁴ Use discretion when deciding how often you will volunteer to comment. If we raise our hand too often, we might make the conductor feel pressured to call on us repeatedly even though others have not yet had an opportunity. This could discourage others from raising their hand.—Eccl. 3:7.
  
  15. (a) How should we respond if we are not called on to comment? (b) How can conductors show consideration for everyone? (See the box “If You Are Conducting.”)
  
  ¹⁵ When many publishers raise their hand during a study, we may not get to comment as often as we would like. At times, the conductor may not be able to call on us at all. That can be disappointing, but we should try not to take it personally when we are not called on.—Eccl. 7:9.
  If You Are Conducting
  
  If you are conducting a question-and-answer part, try to allow as many as possible to share in commenting. How can you accomplish this?
  
  Do not talk too much. Limit yourself to a brief introduction, a short conclusion, and a few well-placed remarks during the lesson.e There is no need to introduce every paragraph before it is read.
  
  After you read the question, pause briefly to give a number of publishers time to raise their hand. Do not call on the same ones repeatedly if others who have not had an opportunity to comment have their hand up. Remember, even mature publishers may become discouraged if they are often overlooked.
  
  Avoid saying, “I am looking for a new hand” or asking, “Who has not commented yet?”
  
  If conducting a question-and-answer part near the end of the midweek meeting, try to remember who has already commented during earlier parts in order to give others a chance to participate.
  
  Be mindful of timing. If you spend too much time on the opening paragraphs of a lesson, you may have to rush through the latter part of the article and not have time to call on others.
  16. How might we encourage others who comment?
  
  ¹⁶ If you are unable to comment as often as you would like, why not listen carefully as others participate and then after the meeting commend them for their comment? Your brothers and sisters may find your commendation just as encouraging as the comments you would have given. (Prov. 10:21) Giving commendation is yet another way that we can encourage one another.