What Paul Did

VIDEO: Paul Perseveres in Ephesus

1. Watch the VIDEO, or read Acts 19:8-10. Then consider the following questions:

1. Rather than giving up when some opposed him, how did Paul persevere in helping those who showed interest?

2. How often did Paul go back to teach these interested ones, and for how long did he do so?

What Do We Learn From Paul?

2. We need to invest time and effort to make effective return visits and to start Bible studies.

Imitate Paul

3. Adapt your schedule to the other person’s. Ask yourself: ‘When would I be most likely to contact him? When and where would he be most likely to converse with me?’ Be willing to follow up, even if the time is inconvenient for you.

4. Make an appointment. At the end of each conversation, try to confirm a specific time when you can speak with the person again. Be sure to keep the appointment.

5. Remain hopeful. Do not quickly assume that a person who is rarely at home or is often busy is not interested. (1 Cor. 13:4, 7) Instead, balance perseverance with making wise use of your time.​—1 Cor. 9:26.

What Jesus Did

VIDEO: Jesus Patiently Helps His Brother

1. Watch the VIDEO, or read John 7:3-5 and 1 Corinthians 15:3, 4, 7. Then consider the following questions:

1. How did Jesus’ brothers initially respond to his message?

2. What shows that Jesus did not give up on his brother James?

What Do We Learn From Jesus?

2. We need to be patient because some people take longer than others to respond to the good news.

Imitate Jesus

3. Try a different approach. If the person does not immediately agree to a Bible study, do not pressure him. When appropriate, use videos or articles to help him understand what happens on a Bible study and how he would benefit.

4. Do not compare. Each person is unique. If a family member or a return visit hesitates to study the Bible or to accept a Bible teaching, consider why that might be the case. Is he emotionally connected to a particular religious belief? Does he face pressure from relatives or neighbors? Allow time for him to think about what you have said and to appreciate what the Bible says.

5. Pray about the interested person. Ask Jehovah to help you remain positive and tactful. Pray for discernment to know when to stop calling on someone who shows little interest.​—1 Cor. 9:26.

What Jesus Did

VIDEO: Jesus Feels Pity for the Crowd

1. Watch the VIDEO, or read Mark 6:30-34. Then consider the following questions:

1. Why were Jesus and his apostles hoping “to be by themselves”?

2. What motivated Jesus to teach the crowd?

What Do We Learn From Jesus?

2. Empathy moves us to care about people, not just about our message.

Imitate Jesus

3. Listen carefully. Allow the person to express himself. Do not interrupt him or quickly dismiss his feelings, concerns, or objections. By paying attention, you show him that you care about what he thinks.

4. Think about the interested person. Based on your conversations with him, ask yourself:

1. ‘Why does he need to hear the truth?’

2. ‘How would studying the Bible make his daily life and his future better?’

5. Share information that addresses his needs. As soon as possible, demonstrate how a Bible study can answer his questions and can help him in practical ways.