Meetings for Field Service

NOVEMBER 2-8

How would you

1. Introduce new Topic for Conversation?

2. Involve the householder in consideration of scriptures?

NOVEMBER 9-15

Offering the “Kingdom Come” book

1. What points from the book can be highlighted?

2. What if the householder has it?

NOVEMBER 16-22

Offering the New World Translation

1. How will you offer the Bible?

2. What can you highlight?

NOVEMBER 23-29

Witnessing during holiday period

1. How will you offer literature?

2. What magazine articles will you feature?

Topic for Conversation

Religion That Has Real Value.

2 Tim. 3:1, 2, 5​—A mere form of worship is not enough.

John 4:23​—Religion that God approves.

Outstanding New Peaks

773,219 Publishers in August

The 1987 service year came to a close in August with a new peak of 773,219 publishers. This is an increase of 26,263 over last April’s report. Truly this gives us cause for rejoicing. The new peak of 53,143 regular pioneers in the field is an additional cause for rejoicing. As we move forward in the ministry, may we continue to put our trust in Jehovah’s holy name!​—Ps. 33:21.

Seeking the Kingdom First

¹ Every reasonable person wants to enjoy a long life under peaceful conditions. This is a normal desire, and such may be attained by ‘seeking the Kingdom first.’ (Matt. 6:33) However, instead of seeking the Kingdom, people today do so many things that detract from enjoyment of life. Overindulgences and excesses seem to be the order of the day. Dangers to life itself abound. Disruptive violence and civil disorders have spread to parts of the earth once noted for a more tranquil way of life.

² Still, we know that if a person gives priority to ‘seeking the Kingdom,’ his life will be affected for good. Jehovah will lengthen his days and add years to his life.​—Prov. 3:1, 2.

VALUABLE ASSISTANCE

³ During the month of November, we will be working to help people seek the Kingdom and pursue the goal of life by offering the New World Translation of the Holy Scriptures along with the excellent Bible study aid “Let Your Kingdom Come” for the contribution of $4.50. What a privilege we have to help others in this way! We want to be ready with talking points that might stimulate interest in righteoushearted ones and help them to see how these publications will be beneficial to them in seeking the Kingdom first. What can we say?

⁴ If the householder appears to be religiously inclined, after introducing yourself you may wish to say: “People who are interested in improving their way of life may show this by following a particular religion. But many who do so are still unhappy. Why is this so? The Bible gives us this reply: [Read 2 Timothy 3:1, 2, 5.] It is readily seen from what we have read that merely having a form of worship is not enough. Well, what does God expect of us? Notice the answer given here at John 4:23: [Read.] The Bible itself will help you to learn more about the religion that has real value. May I leave you this easy-to-understand translation along with this book for $4.50?”

⁵ If the edition of the New World Translation you are offering includes the feature “Bible Topics for Discussion” in the back, you may suggest that the householder make use of this to get clear insight into each subject under discussion by referring to the cited scriptures.

⁶ You may find a person who already has the New World Translation. If so, then simply try to interest him in a copy of the “Kingdom Come” book. You might say: “Certainly belief in God’s Kingdom would be an important part of the religion that God approves. May I offer you this book that is designed to familiarize you with the many references to the Kingdom found in the Bible you have already? It is yours for just $1.00.”

OUR GOAL

⁷ Our goal is to help honesthearted ones learn about Jehovah and motivate them to seek the Kingdom first. This will build up their hope of life under righteous conditions. Offering the modern-language New World Translation and the “Kingdom Come” book with its clear, direct, and yet appealing style will help us reach our goal. Let us be enthusiastic in performing our ministry!

Helping Inactive Ones

¹ One of Jesus’ parables is about a shepherd’s leaving 99 sheep to go in search of one that was lost. Do you recall his statement as to what would result from finding the one that was lost? “And if he happens to find it, I certainly tell you, he rejoices more over it than over the ninety-nine that have not strayed.” (Matt. 18:13) Such joyfulness has been experienced by many congregations when inactive ones have returned to the flock of God.

² In the past few years, additional attention has been given to assisting those who have become inactive. Overseers have the responsibility to pay attention to all the flock. (Acts 20:28) For this reason, they have taken the initiative to visit inactive ones. As a result, many have responded to these loving efforts and have become active Kingdom proclaimers again. Are there still some in your congregation who have become inactive in recent years? What can be done to help them?

WHAT CAN BE DONE

³ The service overseer and the secretary take the lead in coordinating efforts to care for inactive persons. The elders should arrange their affairs to make the initial visit. In some cases, it may be that the inactive one would appreciate having someone conduct a Bible study with him. If so, the service overseer would determine who should be assigned to conduct the study. Perhaps the one who originally studied with the person or someone he has known and respected would be in a good position to help. If an entire family is involved, it may be that an elder or a qualified ministerial servant could be asked to study with them. An inactive sister may be assisted by an experienced sister. A young person may respond to a young ministerial servant or a capable pioneer. The service overseer may recommend that certain subjects or an entire publication be studied. The objective is to give needed help. The service overseer may use whoever is in the best position to do that.

⁴ Some elders have found it beneficial on the initial call to review the article “Return to the Shepherd of Your Souls” in the May 1, 1982, Watchtower. Jehovah’s mercy can be highlighted and upbuilding experiences about those who have returned to Jehovah can be shared. In the case of a youth who has become inactive, the article entitled “Bring Your Heart Back to Jehovah” that appeared in the October 1, 1982, Watchtower may be helpful. Thereafter, a regular Bible study may be arranged.

⁵ Publishers who are given the responsibility and privilege to conduct such studies should take a personal interest in these individuals. Develop a friendship with them. Highlight the importance of regaining their spiritual strength. Help them to appreciate that Jehovah, out of his love and concern for them, has arranged for this personal assistance through his organization.

⁶ Although certain publishers will be asked to assist inactive ones, this does not mean that others cannot help also. All can take the initiative to greet these persons when they come to the Kingdom Hall and engage in upbuilding conversation with them. Show that we are happy to have them with us and that we hope they will continue progressing. This loving interest should continue to be shown as they make spiritual progress. Positive results have been obtained by such united efforts.​—Eph. 4:16.

⁷ Yes, we certainly rejoice to see formerly inactive ones associating with us again. This is especially true for those who have been able to render some personal assistance. It is our prayer that Jehovah will richly bless our efforts to “work what is good” toward those inactive ones who are “related to us in the faith.”​—Gal. 6:10.

Meetings to Help Us Make Disciples

WEEK STARTING NOVEMBER 1

Song 172

10 min: Selected Announcements from Our Kingdom Ministry and local announcements.

25 min: “Seeking the Kingdom First.” Questions and answers. Have an experienced publisher demonstrate presentation in paragraph 4.

10 min: Question Box. Discussion with audience by presiding overseer. Highlight information regarding which books may be used in home Bible studies. Those mentioned should be used if available in the language of the student.

Song 146 and concluding prayer.

WEEK STARTING NOVEMBER 8

Song 71

8 min: Local announcements, August field service report, including “Outstanding New Peaks,” and accounts report. Mention Society acknowledgment of all contributions, including donations to Society Kingdom Hall Fund and for missionary travel.

15 min: “Presenting the Good News​—By Handling Conversation Stoppers.” Questions and answers. As time permits, briefly demonstrate suggestions for handling conversation stoppers.

15 min: Encouragement From the Pioneers. Interview two or three who have taken up the regular pioneer work during the past year. What motivated them to enroll as pioneers? What obstacles were in their way and how did they overcome them? What encouragement would they offer to others who want to enter the pioneer work? Auxiliary pioneers may be interviewed similarly if there are no new regular pioneers in the congregation.

7 min: Examining the Scriptures Daily. Talk based on the day’s text and comments. Encourage daily consideration of text. Invite all to share in weekend magazine-day activity.

Song 21 and concluding prayer.

WEEK STARTING NOVEMBER 15

Song 221

7 min: Local announcements. Announce special field service arrangements for November 26 where this is a designated holiday.

18 min: “Helping Inactive Ones.” Question-and-answer discussion. In connection with paragraph 4, service overseer gives a five-minute demonstration of how he sets up visits and what publication will be used by the two elders making the initial call.

20 min: Youths, Do You Have Spiritual Goals? Talk by experienced brother, encouraging young persons to set spiritual goals. Many tempting worldly goals face youths today. World exerts strong influence. What attitude should we have toward these temptations? (1 John 2:15, 16) Why? (1 John 2:17) Since world is passing away, it would be unwise to pursue riches and a position in this world. (1 Tim. 6:9, 10) Instead, we should be active in Jehovah’s service today. (Matt. 24:14; 28:19, 20) Could set goals such as reaching national average of hours for publishers, making return visits, conducting a Bible study, getting baptized, helping other young ones, helping the elderly, auxiliary pioneering, regular pioneering, serving where the need is greater, missionary service, and Bethel service. (Matt. 6:33) Why is a lifetime of serving Jehovah the best goal to have? (Eccl. 12:1) By setting spiritual goals, we receive help from Jehovah and draw close to him and his Son. (Jas. 4:8) Interview two or three exemplary youths who are pursuing spiritual goals in their life and have been blessed by doing so, or interview older ones who have set goals and achieved them.

Song 183 and concluding prayer.

WEEK STARTING NOVEMBER 22

Song 48

10 min: Local announcements. Theocratic News. Announce arrangements for magazine-day service.

20 min: “Doing the Necessary Things to Please God.” Question-and-answer coverage.

15 min: Local needs. Secretary may discuss reporting field service time and Bible studies. Stress that individual reports are due promptly at the end of each month.

Song 96 and concluding prayer.