We do not have a paid clergy in our organization. Instead, as was done when the Christian congregation got its start, qualified overseers are appointed “to shepherd the congregation of God.” (Acts 20:28) These elders are spiritually mature men who take the lead in the congregation and shepherd, “not under compulsion, but willingly before God; not for love of dishonest gain, but eagerly.” (1 Peter 5:1-3) What work do they perform in our behalf?

They care for us and watch over us. The elders guide and help to protect the congregation spiritually. Aware that God has entrusted them with this important role, the elders do not dominate his people, but rather, they contribute to our well-being and joy. (2 Corinthians 1:24) Just as a shepherd diligently cares for each one of his sheep, the elders try to get to know every member of the congregation individually.​—Proverbs 27:23.

They teach us how to do God’s will. Every week, the elders preside over the congregation meetings in order to strengthen our faith. (Acts 15:32) These devoted men also take the lead in the evangelizing activity, working with us and training us in all features of the ministry.

They give us personal encouragement. In order to care for our individual spiritual needs, local elders may visit with us in our home or at the Kingdom Hall to offer help and comfort from the Scriptures.​—James 5:14, 15.

In addition to their work in the congregation, most elders also have secular jobs and family responsibilities that require their time and attention. These hardworking brothers deserve our respect.​—1 Thessalonians 5:12, 13.

• What is the role of the congregation elders?

• In what ways do the elders show personal interest in us?

The Bible describes two groups of Christian men who care for congregation responsibilities​—“overseers and ministerial servants.” (Philippians 1:1) Generally, there are a number of such brothers serving in each congregation. What work do the ministerial servants perform for our benefit?

They assist the body of elders. The ministerial servants are spiritually-minded, reliable, and conscientious men, some younger, others older. They care for the important but often routine organizational and physical tasks that must be handled in the congregation. This allows the elders to focus on teaching and shepherding responsibilities.

They render practical services. Some ministerial servants are assigned as attendants to welcome all who arrive at the meetings. Others may handle the sound equipment, the distribution of literature, the congregation accounts, and the assigning of witnessing territory to members of the congregation. They also assist in maintenance of the Kingdom Hall. Elders may ask them to provide help for elderly ones. Whatever responsibilities ministerial servants are given, their willingness to carry these out earns them the respect of all.​—1 Timothy 3:13.

They set a good example as Christian men. Ministerial servants are chosen for their fine spiritual qualities. When they handle parts on the meetings, they strengthen our faith. By taking a lead in the preaching activity, they stimulate our zeal. Because of their cooperative spirit, they promote joy and unity. (Ephesians 4:16) In time, they too may qualify to serve as elders.

• What sort of men are the ministerial servants?

• How do the servants help the congregation to function smoothly?

The Christian Greek Scriptures make frequent mention of Barnabas and the apostle Paul. These men served as traveling overseers, visiting the early congregations. Why? They were genuinely concerned about the welfare of their spiritual brothers. Paul said that he wanted to “return and visit the brothers” to see how they were. He was willing to cover hundreds of miles (or kilometers) in order to go and strengthen them. (Acts 15:36) That is the desire that our traveling overseers have today.

They come to encourage us. Each circuit overseer makes the rounds of 20 or so congregations, spending a week with each one twice a year. We can benefit greatly from the experience of these brothers and if they are married, that of their wives. They endeavor to get to know young and old alike, and they are eager to accompany us in the field ministry and on our Bible studies. These overseers make shepherding calls with the elders, and to strengthen us, they give encouraging talks at meetings and assemblies.​—Acts 15:35.

They show an interest in all. Circuit overseers are keenly interested in the spiritual condition of the congregations. They meet with the elders and ministerial servants to review the progress made and to give them practical advice in handling their responsibilities. They help the pioneers to make a success of their ministry, and they enjoy getting to know newly associated ones and hearing about their spiritual progress. Each of these brothers freely gives of himself as “a fellow worker for [our] interests.” (2 Corinthians 8:23) We should imitate their faith and devotion to God.​—Hebrews 13:7.

• For what purpose do circuit overseers visit the congregations?

• How can you benefit from their visits?

When a disaster strikes, Jehovah’s Witnesses immediately organize assistance to bring relief to their brothers who are affected. Such efforts demonstrate the genuineness of our love for one another. (John 13:34, 35; 1 John 3:17, 18) In what ways do we help?

We donate funds. When a great famine occurred in Judea, early Christians in Antioch sent financial help to their spiritual brothers. (Acts 11:27-30) Similarly, when we learn that our brothers in some part of the world are facing hardship, we send donations through our local congregation to supply material aid to those in critical need.​—2 Corinthians 8:13-15.

We provide practical assistance. The elders who are at the scene of a disaster locate each congregation member to ensure that everyone is accounted for and safe. A relief committee may coordinate the supplying of food, clean drinking water, clothing, shelter, and medical help. Many Witnesses with the needed skills volunteer to go at their own expense and participate in the relief work or to repair damaged homes and Kingdom Halls. The unity that we enjoy as an organization and the experience we have gained in working together enable us to mobilize quickly in times of need. Although we extend our hand to “those related to us in the faith,” we assist others too when possible, whatever their religion.​—Galatians 6:10.

We offer spiritual and emotional support. Victims of a disaster especially need comfort. At such times, we draw strength from Jehovah, “the God of all comfort.” (2 Corinthians 1:3, 4) We gladly share the Bible’s promises with those in despair, offering the assurance that soon God’s Kingdom will bring an end to all the tragedies that cause pain and suffering.​—Revelation 21:4.

• Why are the Witnesses able to respond quickly during disasters?

• What spiritual comfort can we share with the survivors?

Shortly before his death, Jesus had a private conversation with four of his disciples​—Peter, James, John, and Andrew. As Jesus was foretelling the sign of his presence in the last days, he raised a vital question: “Who really is the faithful and discreet slave whom his master appointed over his domestics, to give them their food at the proper time?” (Matthew 24:3, 45; Mark 13:3, 4) Jesus was assuring his disciples that as their “master,” he would appoint those who would provide a steady supply of spiritual food for his followers during the time of the end. Who would make up this slave?

It is a small group of anointed followers of Jesus. The “slave” is closely identified with the Governing Body of Jehovah’s Witnesses. It dispenses timely spiritual food to fellow worshippers of Jehovah. We are dependent on this faithful slave to keep giving us our “measure of food supplies at the proper time.”​—Luke 12:42.

It manages the household of God. (1 Timothy 3:15) Jesus gave the slave the weighty responsibility of managing the work of the earthly part of Jehovah’s organization​—looking after its material assets, directing the preaching activity, and teaching us through our congregations. Thus, to provide us with what we need when we need it, “the faithful and discreet slave” is distributing spiritual food by means of the publications we use in our ministry, as well as through the programs that are presented at our meetings and assemblies.

The slave is faithful to Bible truths and to its commission to preach the good news, and it is discreet about how it wisely cares for Christ’s interests on earth. (Acts 10:42) Jehovah is blessing its work with increase and abundant spiritual provisions.​—Isaiah 60:22; 65:13.

• Who was appointed by Jesus to feed his disciples spiritually?

• In what ways is the slave faithful and discreet?

In the first century, a small group, “the apostles and elders in Jerusalem,” served as a governing body to make important decisions on behalf of the entire anointed Christian congregation. (Acts 15:2) When they made a unanimous decision, it was a result of discussing what the Scriptures say and yielding to the influence of God’s spirit. (Acts 15:25) That pattern is followed today.

It is being used by God to do his will. The anointed brothers who serve on the Governing Body have an intense interest in God’s Word and much experience in handling practical and spiritual matters. They meet each week to consider the needs of the worldwide brotherhood. As in the first century, Bible-based instructions are provided either through letters or by means of traveling overseers and others. This promotes unity in thought and action among God’s people. (Acts 16:4, 5) The Governing Body oversees the preparation of spiritual food, gives impetus to the Kingdom-preaching work, and supervises the appointment of brothers to positions of responsibility.

It is responsive to the direction of God’s spirit. The Governing Body looks to the Universal Sovereign, Jehovah, and to the Head of the congregation, Jesus, for guidance. (1 Corinthians 11:3; Ephesians 5:23) Its members do not regard themselves as the leaders of God’s people. They, along with all anointed Christians, “keep following the Lamb [Jesus] no matter where he goes.” (Revelation 14:4) The Governing Body appreciates our prayers in its behalf.

• Who were on the governing body in the first century?

• How does the Governing Body today seek God’s direction?

Bethel, a Hebrew name, means “House of God.” (Genesis 28:17, 19, footnote) It is a fitting designation for the complexes that Jehovah’s Witnesses have established around the world from which the preaching work is directed and supported. The Governing Body serves at the world headquarters in New York State, U.S.A., and from there it supervises the activity of the branch offices in scores of countries. As a group, those who serve at these facilities are known as the Bethel family. Like a family, they live and work together, enjoy meals together, and study the Bible together in unity.​—Psalm 133:1.

A unique place where family members give of themselves. At every Bethel facility, there are Christian men and women who are devoted to doing God’s will and serving Kingdom interests full-time. (Matthew 6:33) Not one of them receives a wage or salary, but all are furnished with room and board and an allowance to assist with personal expenses. Everyone at Bethel has an assignment, whether in an office, a kitchen, or a dining room. Some serve in a printery or a bindery, or do housekeeping, laundry, maintenance, or other things.

A busy place that supports Kingdom preaching. The main objective of every Bethel is to make Bible truth available to as many people as possible. This brochure is one example of that. It was written under the oversight of the Governing Body, transmitted electronically to hundreds of translation teams around the world, printed on high-speed presses at several Bethel printeries, and shipped out to over 110,000 congregations. Every step of the way, Bethel families provide essential support to the most urgent of all tasks​—preaching the good news.​—Mark 13:10.

• Who serve at Bethel, and what provisions are made for them?

• What urgent work is supported by the activity at each Bethel?

Bethel family members serve in a variety of departments, caring for the preaching activity in one or several countries. They may serve on translation teams, print magazines, bind books, warehouse literature, do audio/​video production, or care for other matters for the region.

A Branch Committee oversees the activity. The Governing Body entrusts the operation of each branch office to a Branch Committee made up of three or more well-qualified elders. The committee keeps the Governing Body informed of the progress of the activity in each land under that committee’s jurisdiction and of any problems that may arise. Such reports help the Governing Body to decide what subjects should be considered in future publications and at meetings and assemblies. Representatives of the Governing Body are sent out regularly to visit the branches and provide guidance for the Branch Committees in handling their assignments. (Proverbs 11:14) A special program including a talk by the headquarters representative is arranged for the encouragement of those living in the branch territory.

Support is given to the local congregations. Responsible brothers at the branch office approve the formation of new congregations. Brothers also direct the activity of the pioneers, missionaries, and circuit overseers who serve in the branch territory. They organize assemblies and conventions, coordinate the construction of new Kingdom Halls, and see that literature is shipped to the congregations to supply their needs. Everything done at a branch contributes to the orderly accomplishment of the preaching work.​—1 Corinthians 14:33, 40.

• How do Branch Committees assist the Governing Body?

• What responsibilities are cared for at a branch office?

In order to do our best to declare the “good news” to “every nation and tribe and tongue and people,” we produce literature in over 750 languages. (Revelation 14:6) How do we accomplish this challenging task? We do it with the help of an international writing staff and a group of devoted translators​—all Jehovah’s Witnesses.

The original text is prepared in English. The Governing Body oversees the activity of the Writing Department at our world headquarters. This department coordinates the assignments of the writers who serve at headquarters and at certain branch offices. Having a diversified writing staff allows us to address multicultural subjects that give our publications an international appeal.

The text is forwarded to the translators. After the written material has been edited and approved, it is sent electronically to teams of translators around the earth, who translate, check, and proofread the text. They endeavor to select the “accurate words of truth” that will capture the full meaning of the English in their target language.​—Ecclesiastes 12:10.

Computers speed up the process. A computer cannot replace human writers and translators. However, their tasks can be sped up by using computerized dictionaries, language tools, and research materials. Jehovah’s Witnesses designed a Multilanguage Electronic Publishing System (MEPS) by which text can be entered in hundreds of languages, merged with accompanying artwork, and composed for printing.

Why do we put forth all this effort, even for languages that are spoken by only a few thousand people? Because it is Jehovah’s will that “all sorts of people should be saved and come to an accurate knowledge of truth.”​—1 Timothy 2:3, 4.

• How is the writing done for our publications?

• Why do we translate our literature into so many languages?

Our organization publishes and distributes hundreds of millions of Bibles and other publications every year without charge. We build and maintain Kingdom Halls and branch offices. We support thousands of Bethelites and missionaries, and we provide relief aid in times of disaster. So you may wonder, ‘How is all of this financed?’

We do not tithe, charge dues, or take up collections. Although the costs of supporting our evangelizing work are high, we do not solicit money. Over a century ago, the second issue of the Watchtower magazine stated that we believe we have Jehovah as our backer and that we “will never beg nor petition men for support”​—and we never have!​—Matthew 10:8.

Our activities are supported by voluntary donations. Many people appreciate our Bible educational work and donate toward it. The Witnesses themselves happily contribute their time, energy, funds, and other resources to the doing of God’s will in all the earth. (1 Chronicles 29:9) At the Kingdom Hall and at our assemblies and conventions, there are contribution boxes where those who wish to make donations may do so. Or donations can be made through our website, jw.org. For the most part, the moneys received come from those of modest means, much like the needy widow Jesus spoke so well of who put two small coins into the temple treasury chest. (Luke 21:1-4) Thus anyone can regularly “set something aside” to give “just as he has resolved in his heart.”​—1 Corinthians 16:2; 2 Corinthians 9:7.

We are convinced that Jehovah will continue to move the hearts of those who want to ‘honor him with their valuable things’ in support of the Kingdom work, so that his will may be accomplished.​—Proverbs 3:9.

• What makes our organization different from other religions?

• How are the voluntary contributions used?

As the name Kingdom Hall implies, the central Bible teaching discussed there focuses on God’s Kingdom​—the theme of Jesus’ ministry.​—Luke 8:1.

They are centers of true worship in the community. From that location, the preaching of the good news of the Kingdom is carried out. (Matthew 24:14) Kingdom Halls vary in size and design, but all are modest structures, many accommodating more than one congregation. In recent years, we have built tens of thousands of new Kingdom Halls (an average of five each day) in order to keep up with the increase in our congregations. How is this possible?​—Matthew 19:26.

They are built with donations made to a central fund. These donations are sent to the branch office so that money can be made available to congregations needing to build or remodel a Kingdom Hall.

They are built by unpaid volunteers from all walks of life. In many lands, Kingdom Hall Construction Groups have been organized. Teams of construction servants and volunteers move from one congregation to the next within a country, even in remote areas, assisting the local congregations with the construction of their Kingdom Halls. In other lands, qualified Witnesses have been appointed to supervise the building and renovating of Kingdom Halls within an assigned region. Although many skilled tradesmen from the region volunteer their labor at every building site, members of the local congregation make up the bulk of the volunteer labor force. Jehovah’s spirit and the whole-souled efforts of his people are making all of this possible.​—Psalm 127:1; Colossians 3:23.

• Why are our places of worship called Kingdom Halls?

• How is it possible to build Kingdom Halls all around the world?

Every Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses bears God’s holy name. Therefore, we feel that sharing in keeping the building clean, presentable, and in good repair is a privilege and an important part of our sacred worship. All can participate.

Volunteer after a meeting to do some cleaning. After each meeting, brothers and sisters happily do a light cleaning to tidy up the Kingdom Hall. Once a week, a more thorough cleaning is done. An elder or a ministerial servant coordinates the work, usually following a checklist of things to do. Depending on the need, individuals volunteer to sweep, mop, or vacuum the floor, do dusting, straighten the chairs, clean and disinfect the bathrooms, wash windows and mirrors, dispose of trash, or do exterior cleaning and care for the yard. At least once a year, a day is set aside to do a major cleaning. By including our children in some duties, we teach them to respect our place of worship.​—Ecclesiastes 5:1.

Lend a hand in making any needed repairs. Every year, a detailed inspection is made of the Kingdom Hall, inside and out. Based on this inspection, regular maintenance work is done to keep the hall in good repair, helping to avoid unnecessary expenses. (2 Chronicles 24:13; 34:10) A clean and well-maintained Kingdom Hall is a worthy place in which to worship our God. By having a share in this work, we show how close Jehovah and our place of worship are to our heart. (Psalm 122:1) This also creates a favorable impression in the community.​—2 Corinthians 6:3.

• Why should we not neglect our place of worship?

• What arrangements are made to keep the Kingdom Hall clean?

Would you like to do some research to increase your knowledge of the Bible? Are you curious about a particular scripture or a person, place, or thing mentioned in the Bible? Or have you wondered whether God’s Word can help you with a personal concern that you have? Then visit the Kingdom Hall library.

It provides helpful research tools. Likely, you do not possess all the Bible-based publications of Jehovah’s Witnesses that are available in your language. But the library at the Kingdom Hall contains most of the recent publications. It may also have a variety of Bible translations, a good dictionary, and other helpful reference works. You are free to use the library before and after meetings. If a computer is installed, it may have Watchtower Library on it. This is an electronic program that contains a large collection of our publications and an easy-to-use search feature with which you can look up a subject, a word, or a scripture.

It is useful for students in the Life and Ministry Meeting. You may be able to make good use of the Kingdom Hall library when preparing your assignments. The Life and Ministry Meeting overseer is in charge of the library. He is responsible for making sure that the latest publications are there and that they are well-arranged. He or your Bible teacher can show you how to find the information that you need. However, no books should be taken out of the Kingdom Hall. And, of course, we want to handle the books carefully and not make any marks in them.

The Bible explains that to “find the knowledge of God,” we must be willing to search for it “as for hidden treasures.” (Proverbs 2:1-5) The Kingdom Hall library can help you to start your search.

• What research tools are available in the Kingdom Hall library?

• Who can help you to make the best use of the library?

Jesus Christ told his followers: “Let your light shine before men, so that they may see your fine works and give glory to your Father who is in the heavens.” (Matthew 5:16) To that end, we are making good use of modern technology, including the Internet. Our website, jw.org, is the official online source of information about the beliefs and activities of Jehovah’s Witnesses. What does it feature?

The Bible’s answers to commonly asked questions. You can find the answers to some of the most important questions that people have ever asked. For example, the tracts Will Suffering Ever End? and Can the Dead Really Live Again? are available online in over 600 languages. You can also find the New World Translation in over 130 languages and a number of Bible study aids, including the book What Does the Bible Really Teach? and the current issues of The Watchtower and Awake! Many of these publications can be read or listened to online or downloaded in such popular formats as MP3, PDF, or EPUB. You can even print out a few pages to share with an interested person in his own language! Video publications are available in scores of sign languages. You can download dramatic Bible readings, Bible dramas, and beautiful music to enjoy at your leisure.

Factual information about Jehovah’s Witnesses. Also posted are the latest news and video clips about our worldwide work, events affecting Jehovah’s Witnesses, and our humanitarian relief efforts. You can find notices of upcoming conventions and contact information for our branch offices.

By these means, we are shining the light of truth into the remotest parts of the earth. People from every continent, including Antarctica, are benefiting. We pray that “the word of Jehovah may keep spreading rapidly” into all the earth, to God’s glory.​—2 Thessalonians 3:1.

• How is jw.org helping more people to learn Bible truth?

• What would you like to explore on our website?