10 minutes. For the first four minutes, a qualified elder or ministerial servant should consider Scriptural points from the weekly Bible reading. The exception to this will be when the weekly Bible reading begins with the opening chapter of a Bible book. On such occasions, material for the first four minutes should be taken from the “All Scripture” book.

The speaker should be careful not to exceed the four minutes allotted for the opening portion. He should ensure that six minutes are set aside for the audience to offer brief comments of 30 seconds or less on what they have appreciated in the weekly Bible reading.