Presenting the Good News​—By Using Features of the Reasoning Book

¹ The June 1, 1985, Watchtower promised that the “Integrity Keepers” Convention would provide “what will prove to be long-lasting assistance to reason with others from the Scriptures.” That promise was fulfilled in a grand way with the release of the book Reasoning From the Scriptures. Now that nearly two years have passed, have we become more familiar with the book’s outstanding features? Are we taking it with us in the field service, using it at every opportunity, and training newer and less experienced ones to use it?

² To increase our effectiveness in using this fine publication, it will be beneficial to review some of the features of the book and consider how they can be used. Please note the section “How to Use Reasoning From the Scriptures” (p. 7). The first three paragraphs contain motivating material that reminds us to reason with people who have sincere questions or those who are willing to listen to a different point of view. (Acts 17:2, 3) The remaining paragraphs in this section provide a helpful step-by-step outline of how to use the book to the greatest advantage.

HANDLING OBJECTIONS

³ For example, suppose the householder makes the observation, “I believe there is good in all religions.” Rather than using a thought or scripture that you have used in the past, often you will find it more tactful and more effective if you tell the householder that you would like to show him something interesting that you have on the subject. Draw the Reasoning book out of your briefcase and open it to the main heading “Religion” on page 322. As you quickly scan the boldfaced questions, you will notice the question on page 323, “Is it true that there is good in all religions?” as the one closely related to the householder’s observation. You could read some of the comments directly from the book.

⁴ You could also have turned first to the end of the subject “Religion” (p. 330). There you will find the valuable feature “If Someone Says—.” The comment on page 331, “All religions are good; you have yours, and I have mine,” is closely related to what your householder has said. Then you could read appropriate points under this statement.

⁵ The Reasoning book may also help you learn to initiate conversations. Each week before you go into field service, try to review one or two points from the section “Introductions for Use in the Field Ministry” (p. 9). Use a variety of these introductions in the field service. Vary them according to the Topic for Conversation and the territory to be worked. In a short time you may find that you are more versatile and effective in starting conversations.

⁶ Have you ever felt ill at ease when a householder used a scripture and misapplied it? Remember, the Reasoning book might help with its feature on page 445, “Scriptures Often Misapplied.” There page references are given for enlightening comments on 85 of the most commonly misapplied passages.

⁷ When those with whom we study ask Bible questions, we can help them find the answers with the aid of the Reasoning book. So if we place a copy of this book with each one, we can help equip them to answer many of their own questions, as well as questions that friends and relatives may ask them. We thank Jehovah for this beautiful treasure that can have such a tremendous impact on our activity in the field ministry. May we use it to the full to praise his glorious name.​—Ps. 66:2, 8.

Can You Auxiliary Pioneer?

¹ Organized to Accomplish Our Ministry, page 114, states: “Whatever your personal circumstances, if you are baptized, are of good moral standing, can arrange to meet the requirement of spending 60 hours a month in the field ministry and believe you could serve one or more months as an auxiliary pioneer, the congregation elders will be pleased to consider your application for this privilege of service.” So the auxiliary pioneer service is within the reach of most baptized publishers at some time during the year. Can you make room for this privilege?

² Do not be quick to rule out the possibility of your serving. Old and young​—some with good health and others with poor health—​have joyfully shared in the auxiliary pioneer work for one or more months. It takes sacrifice and exertion, but the blessings to be received make it worth while.​—Luke 13:24; 1 Cor. 9:16.

³ It is helpful to outline a practical schedule that fits your circumstances and allows you to average at least two hours in service each day. Be sure to take the matter to Jehovah in prayer, and do not hesitate to invite others to work along with you. All of this will help you to meet the 60-hour requirement.

⁴ To apply, you can request an application from the presiding overseer of your congregation. This should be done well in advance of the time you wish to serve. If the Congregation Service Committee approves your application, your appointment will be announced to the congregation. This will alert others to the opportunity of working with you as their circumstances permit, and your example can encourage them. We heartily invite you to join the many that share regularly in the auxiliary pioneer work.

Theocratic News

◆ Austria reached a new all-time peak this service year with 16,569 publishers in October. New peaks of 8,719 Bible studies and 607 regular pioneers were also reported.

◆ Burkina Faso reported a new peak of 325 total publishers for October. They are conducting 651 Bible studies, which averages out to two Bible studies per publisher.

◆ Colombia had new peaks of 29,786 publishers and 47,652 Bible studies during October. Congregation publishers averaged 12.6 hours in the field service.

◆ Kenya’s new publisher peak for October was 3,900.

◆ The island of Saipan is happy to report a new peak of 43 publishers, a 34-percent increase over last year’s average.

◆ Tanzania reported a new peak of 2,515 publishers for October. During that month over 17 percent of the publishers were pioneering.

◆ Uruguay reports their first peak of publishers this service year with 5,949 in October. Congregation publishers averaged 12.6 hours in the field service.

December Service Report

Av. Av. Av. Av.

Pubs. Hrs. Mags. R.V. Bi.St.

Sp’l Pios. 279 129.4 86.2 54.8 6.0

Pios. 52,244 82.2 40.0 28.9 2.9

Aux. Pios. 28,114 58.9 28.6 17.3 1.5

Pubs. 645,309 9.5 6.6 3.7 0.5

TOTAL 725,946

Newly Dedicated Ones Baptized: 2,962