June

Meetings for Field Service

JUNE 1-7

Conversation with service companions

1. What are some appropriate subjects for discussion between doors?

2. How can we help one another improve presentations?

3. Why is silent prayer between doors appropriate?

JUNE 8-14

Prepared to offer magazines

1. Why is it helpful for us to read an article before using it?

2. What talking points are you prepared to use from the current issues?

3. Why is it advantageous to feature only one article?

JUNE 15-21

Offering the “Happiness” book

1. What talking points are you highlighting?

2. How will you tie in the Topic for Conversation?

3. Discuss suggestions or experiences in starting studies with “Happiness” book.

JUNE 22-28

Using magazines effectively

1. How might pictures be used?

2. How could a magazine route be developed?

3. Why are magazine routes beneficial?

Topic for Conversation

What Makes for Happiness?

Matt. 5:3—Being conscious of spiritual need.

Rev. 1:3—Observing God’s Word.

Progressively Teaching the Truth

¹ “Each time I start to give a witness either from house to house or informally, I try to think of the person I am speaking to as a potential fellow Witness.” This expression, made by an experienced brother who has enjoyed good success in helping others to learn the truth, gives all of us something to think about. (John 3:16; Matt. 20:28) Our own frame of mind as we work in the field service has a direct bearing on how successful our ministry will be. Do we really have in mind seeing these people again and progressively teaching them the truth?

POSITIVE FROM THE START

² A positive approach at the very first call from house to house, or as we begin to speak informally to others, is the first step in progressively teaching the truth. If we keep the desired end result in mind from the very beginning, we will be alert to keep an accurate house-to-house record and make definite plans to return as soon as possible to cultivate any interest we may have found. Publishers who are dependable in making regular visits from the beginning, answering Bible questions and conducting progressive Bible studies, not only are helping the newly interested one to gain Bible knowledge rapidly, but also are training the potential new Witness to be dependable and regular in helping others.

³ It is good to direct interested persons to the organization from the very beginning. Tell them about the congregation meetings and invite them to attend. Explain the work we do and talk about the worldwide organization of Kingdom-preachers. Show them the value of the various publications we use and be sure to build up enthusiasm for circuit assemblies and the larger yearly conventions. By introducing the newly interested persons to others in the congregation, you will help them to see that the Christian congregation is truly a brotherhood that enjoys wholesome fellowship that cannot be found elsewhere.

⁴ Our yeartext for 1981 affords excellent opportunities to discuss witnessing with the newly interested ones. We can encourage them to begin speaking to friends, relatives and acquaintances about Jehovah’s glorious kingship. (Ps. 145:10, 11) They can share the basic truths they are learning. When they have begun to attend meetings regularly and have brought their lives into harmony with basic Christian requirements, we can invite them to enroll in the Theocratic School and to share with us in field service.—Ps. 50:14.

ALL CAN HELP

⁵ When new ones attend congregation meetings, others in the congregation can influence them to make progress in the truth. How deeply impressed some people have become upon observing the godly conduct of Jehovah’s people in general! A warm and friendly atmosphere among both young and old at the Kingdom Hall, along with obvious manifestations of holy spirit, have caused many persons to recognize that ‘God is really among us.’ (1 Cor. 14:25) Congregation book study conductors should be attentive to the new ones, encouraging them to associate with the neighborhood book study group and begin to share in field service. Especially do the elders in the congregation have opportunity to give encouragement to the newly associated ones as they welcome them at the meetings and offer spiritual assistance.

⁶ Most of us who are in the truth today can reflect on the loving assistance we received from different brothers and sisters as we were coming into the truth. Our appreciation for the progressive training and encouragement we received over the years moves us to want to help other new ones that are coming to Jehovah’s house today. (Mic. 4:1, 2) By having a full share in progressively teaching the truth to others, we can rejoice with our part in fulfilling Jesus’ command to go and make disciples.—Matt. 28:19.

Part VIII—Congregation Meetings: Improving the Quality of Meetings

¹ Theocratic gatherings for worship each week play a vital role in our steady development as Christians. (Heb. 10:24, 25; Col. 1:9, 10) This regular intake of strengthening spiritual nourishment fortifies and equips us to face the ever-increasing pressures of our time, while we are having an active share in the preaching work. (Acts 2:40-42) To achieve the greatest amount of good for ourselves and our brothers, each of us can contribute toward improving the quality of our meetings.—Gal. 6:9, 10.

RESPONSIBILITY OF ELDERS AND MINISTERIAL SERVANTS

² Since elders are primarily charged with the work of teaching, they should be alert to help one another to improve in speaking and teaching ability. The success of each meeting depends on their presiding “in real earnest.” (Rom. 12:8; 1 Tim. 4:13, 16) When assignments are well-prepared and enthusiastically presented, the meetings will motivate us to greater acts of faith and loyalty. Elders responsible for arranging meeting parts should use the most qualified brothers.

³ In view of the recent adjustment in the length of some meetings, those who have assignments will want to give special attention to staying within the allotted time. Sufficient time has been allowed to cover main points and make local application to congregational needs. However, trying to cover too much material in a brief period can detract from the richness of our presentation.

INDIVIDUAL RESPONSIBILITY

⁴ All of us, however, can add to the instructiveness and upbuilding quality of our meetings by preparing so as to participate fully. Some families choose to prepare for meetings by reading a portion of the assigned material each day. If only a few minutes daily are used in this way, think of how much more pleasurable our weekly meetings will be!

⁵ When you are called upon to present an assignment in the Theocratic School or share in a demonstration, prepare well in advance and allow ample time to rehearse with those assisting you. Reports indicate that some are rehearsing school or service meeting parts for the first time on the night they are to be given. If this is being done during other parts of the program, obviously this will detract from the importance of our worship and bring little spiritual benefit to ourselves or others.

⁶ Real-life experiences also add much to our enjoyment of the meetings. (Prov. 15:30) The elders appreciate it when you make them aware of some interesting development in your field ministry. As these are shared with the congregation, many others can be encouraged.

⁷ Appreciation for our precious privilege of meeting together should impel each one of us to explore every channel available to us so that our meetings yield the richest possible dividends. Not only by our regular attendance each week, but also through our advance preparation and readiness to participate, will we make a genuine contribution to the quality of our congregational gatherings for worship.

Meetings to Help Us Make Disciples

Note: No service meeting is being planned for the week of August 23 to allow an open week for attending a district convention. This open week can be shifted to the actual week you attend a district convention in June, July or August. The week of August 30 is set aside for reviewing highlights of things learned at the district convention. This review should be shifted to the week following the district convention for your area.

WEEK STARTING MAY 31

Song 68

10 min: Announcements. Tie in yeartext, Psalm 145:10, 11, with encouragement to share in first-Sunday-of-the-month field service. Meeting tonight designed to equip us for effective use of Happiness book and new tract.

20 min: Animated talk encouraging all to share in Sunday field service. What an accomplishment it would be if everyone in assigned territory could be presented with the Happiness book and tract during June and July! Can congregation do this? Suggest and demonstrate variety of effective presentations featuring book or tract. Include suggestions for children or new publishers and use of Topic for Conversation with offer. Tract may be left free with all who will accept it and in a place where it is out of sight when no one is at home. Special assistance will be given to help us use the Happiness book in the field and in starting home Bible studies. Encourage all to look over first four chapters before next service meeting.

10 min: “God Promises a Paradise.” Elder discusses Story 71 from Bible Stories book with group of children.

5 min: Brief mention of specific arrangements for field service this weekend with additional encouragement for all to share in first-Sunday-of-the-month service. Remind brothers to bring Happiness book to service meeting next week.

Song 58 and prayer.

WEEK STARTING JUNE 7

Song 89

10 min: Announcements. Refer to Mark 6:30 and give brief report on last Sunday’s field service, including brief experiences from those who participated. Commend congregation for work done. Encourage continued participation in field service throughout remainder of month. Introduce following part.

20 min: Help Those Who Doubt. Many of the persons we meet in field service are disillusioned with religion in general. They may be atheists or claim to be agnostics who, in effect, say, ‘I don’t know if there is a God or not.’ The Happiness book is a powerful tool for reasoning with those who doubt the existence of God or the authenticity of the Bible. What are some specific points from the book that we can use in the field? (Elder handling this part should encourage audience to follow along in own Happiness book and perhaps mark paragraphs that they would like to use in the field.) Discuss paragraph 17 on page 16, along with picture on page 17. How could this stimulate the thinking of householder or encourage him to read book?

As time permits, discuss paragraph 19 on page 28 and paragraph 22 on page 19. These are points that can motivate doubters to consider why it is reasonable to have faith in a loving Creator.

What about the authenticity of the Bible? How do paragraphs 4 and 5 on page 22 help a person see why it is logical for God to provide a book for mankind? How can the illustrations be used effectively? Some say Bible was written by men. How can paragraphs 14 and 15 on page 26 be used to reason with such ones? By tactfully using the Happiness book in a way that stimulates thinking, we can help those who doubt.

15 min: Discuss talking points from current magazines, helping all to prepare for sharing in magazine work on Saturday. Arrange for some who are effective in placing magazines to suggest appropriate presentations. These may be offered from their seats in the audience. Experiences may be used to show how the brothers or other persons in the field have benefited from reading the magazines. Give brief review of field service arrangements for weekend. Encourage making special effort to work with magazines on Saturday. Announce specific arrangements. If appropriate, tie in brief remark related to this day’s text from Yearbook.

Song 29 and prayer.

WEEK STARTING JUNE 14

Song 5

7 min: Announcements and accounts report. Introduce next part.

15 min: “Improving the Quality of Meetings.” Question-and-answer coverage of article. Entertain comments from audience on what they do to prepare for all meetings and how they schedule time for it. Arrange for several comments in advance.

15 min: “Presenting the Good News—On Every Appropriate Occasion.” Animated talk and discussion with audience. Encourage all to take advantage of opportunities to witness informally during vacation and convention time and to go in service with congregations where visiting during summer vacation.

8 min: Service overseer discusses encouraging aspects of May field service report and outlines arrangements for witnessing this weekend. Remind all to bring Happiness book to service meeting next week. Look over chapters 5 through 10 before coming.

Song 9 and prayer.

WEEK STARTING JUNE 21

Song 25

15 min: ‘Coping with Life’s Problems.’ (Preferably an elder should be assigned this part to help publishers with use of Happiness book in the field.) Many who claim to believe in God do not see the Bible as an aid in coping with life’s problems. The Happiness book has many points that can be useful in showing such ones the practicality of the Bible.

The picture on page 41 can be used as a talking point with people who want relief from the pressures of life. We can discuss the many difficulties being experienced in a particular community and select a topic appropriate for the householder. Take stress for example. What are some of the causes of stress? How does the Bible give practical counsel that will help to minimize stress? Note the points in paragraphs 12 and 13 on page 44 and paragraph 17 on page 46. Fine admonition is given in the Bible to combat loneliness. Discuss the points made in paragraphs 21 and 22 on page 48. Money problems afflict many. We can use the scriptures highlighted in paragraphs 4 through 6 on pages 51 and 52 to get the householder’s viewpoint on the value of industriousness. As time permits, refer audience to page 56, paragraph 16; page 61, paragraph 26 and pages 77 and 78, paragraphs 7 and 9. (By involving audience in discussion, brother handling this part can stimulate much interest in using the Happiness book in the field.)

15 min: “Have You Worked Your Territory Thoroughly?” Questions and answers. To be handled by service overseer if possible. Encourage brothers to feel personally responsible for all people living in congregation’s assigned territory. Also refer to Watchtower 5/15/63, page 305; 4/1/71, pages 219-221; km 6/69, 6/74 and 4/79 for additional suggestions. Keep local needs in mind.

15 min: Using Summer Vacations Wisely. Encourage youths to use summer vacation time to expand their field activity. Interview school-age youths or others who plan to increase field activity or to auxiliary pioneer during summer months. If necessary, present convention information. Review congregation’s field service arrangements during week and on weekend, stressing Saturday magazine witnessing. Encourage all to share. Also make any necessary announcements.

Song 28 and prayer.

WEEK STARTING JUNE 28

Song 27

12 min: Announcements. This time may be used to present information prepared locally by the elders according to the needs of the congregation. If congregation has no particular needs, have elder give talk on “Do We Need Help to Understand the Bible?” See Watchtower 2/15/81, pages 16-19.

20 min: “Progressively Teaching the Truth.” Questions and answers. Following a discussion of the article, interview two or three brothers or sisters who have received progressive assistance in coming into the truth. Some may be able to mention how various ones in the congregation have helped them. Emphasize interest shown by others in their progress.

13 min: Convention information presented by convention coordinator. If time is not needed for convention information, an elder may give a talk on “Can You Be Contented with Your Lot in Life?” based on March 1, 1981, Watchtower, pages 4 through 7.

Encourage all to share in first-Sunday-of-the-month field service. Remind all to bring Happiness book to service meeting next week.

Song 95 and prayer.

Have You Worked Your Territory Thoroughly?

¹ How do you view the territory in which you preach? Does your work in the territory assigned reflect diligence and heartfelt interest in people or indifference and apathy? One diligent service overseer from Texas expressed his disciplined steadfastness this way: “Every time I knock on a new door I become obligated to another person.” Whether we regularly share in covering group or personal territory, we should display our deep concern for those “hungering and thirsting for righteousness.”—Matt. 5:6.

PERSONAL AND GROUP TERRITORY

² Establishing clearly defined territory boundaries is a God-directed arrangement. (2 Cor. 10:13; Gal. 2:9) Initially this ensures a more thorough witness being given. It also prevents much overlapping of effort that at times has resulted in irritated householders. In some instances several publishers unknowingly made return visits on the same householder. Thorough organization of territory coverage will help to alleviate this problem of duplicating our efforts.

³ While territory should periodically be worked by different publishers, some congregations arrange to have the same persons work a territory, or a selected portion thereof, several times. It may be advantageous to know the householder’s name. Also, householders are more inclined to open the door when the caller is someone they recognize.

⁴ When the same publishers work a territory it results in an economy of effort, time and expense. How so? First of all, the not-at-homes, return visits and Bible studies will be in a more confined area, not scattered about in a number of different territories requiring extensive travel. This, in turn, will create added incentive to call back on all those showing interest in our message. If you have been assigned a personal section of territory, why not put forth a diligent, organized effort to become acquainted with all those in your part of the “field.” (Matt. 13:38) In doing so, we reflect Jehovah’s own merciful attitude and recognize our personal accountability toward the lives of people in our community.—Jonah 4:11.

OFTEN-WORKED TERRITORY

⁵ Many publishers are finding an increasing number of not-at-homes when calling at conventional times. Rather than making a long list of homes to which we seldom return, in some areas publishers have immediately reworked the not-at-homes. A difference of an hour or two has resulted in finding some of these individuals who had stepped out momentarily at the time we first called. This prompt, systematic return to all not-at-homes will in effect extend the amount of available territory. Thus, large sections of territory are not needed, and such an arrangement is helpful when the congregation’s territory allotment is small.

⁶ If we take our responsibility seriously, we will want to be certain that all persons in our territory are visited. Persistence and a willingness to fulfill our commission are needed, particularly in rural territory, “difficult” or often-worked areas and those not easily accessible to us. This requires that we personally keep accurate records of our results at each door. Do not be satisfied with making just one return visit, but persist in calling several times where interest is shown. As a result of such steadfastness, one publisher now has 80 individuals on his magazine route and conducts a number of Bible studies.

⁷ Industriousness, diligence and determination are all qualities we must cultivate if we are to accomplish our ministry. (Ezek. 9:11; John 17:4) Our service to God should not be conducted in a casual, haphazard way. But, rather, our genuine love for Jehovah and our fellowman should motivate us to review carefully how we have been carrying out our preaching commission.

March Service Report

Av. Av. Av. Av.

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

Sp’l Pios. 518 128.8 94.1 50.1 5.3

Pios. 18,760 87.5 66.2 34.9 3.6

Aux. Pios. 17,966 61.5 47.2 20.2 1.8

Pubs. 536,006 8.7 9.0 3.8 .5

TOTAL 573,250

Newly Dedicated Ones Baptized: 1,695

Total publishers for March up 26,556 over March of last year! This is an increase of nearly 5 percent and only 4,000 less than our all-time peak. Individual magazine placements were up more than one million for an increase of 20 percent. We pray for Jehovah’s continued blessing on the field ministry as we zealously speak with others about his glorious kingship.

Congregation Book Study

Schedule for congregation studies in the book God’s Kingdom of a Thousand Years Has Approached:

May 31: Pages 169* to 178*

June 7: Pages 178* to 186*

June 14: Pages 186* to 193†

June 21: Pages 194 to 201*

June 28: Pages 201* to 211

* To or from subheading.

† Include last paragraph on page.

Presenting the Good News—On Every Appropriate Occasion

¹ The psalmist was keenly interested in showing his love and appreciation for Jehovah. He said: “It is good to give thanks to Jehovah and to make melody to your name, O Most High; to tell in the morning about your loving-kindness and about your faithfulness during the nights.” (Ps. 92:1, 2) Do you feel that way?

² Three young brothers who wanted to serve as auxiliary pioneers got an early start. In their town there was a transportation center where people took trains and buses into the city to work. The three young brothers were there at 6:30 each morning. Between 6:30 and 8:00 they placed many magazines as they spoke to people about Jehovah’s kingdom.

³ Late afternoon and early evening hours have also proved to be good times to share in the service. Many brothers and sisters have observed that, while in some territories they find few persons at home when doing house-to-house work during the day, they find many more at home in the early evenings. Some people are more relaxed at the end of the day. Oftentimes men are pleased to have someone to talk with, and it is the men who are rarely found at home weekdays.

⁴ In just a few weeks we will be attending the “Kingdom Loyalty” District Convention. Your lapel card may open up opportunities to present the good news. Be sure to wear it.

⁵ It may be that you have found other ways to draw people into conversation. For instance, after making a purchase, some brothers and sisters just ask the clerk: ‘Do you like to read?’ After receiving a reply, they reach for a magazine or other publication and tell the person, ‘Here is an article that I enjoyed reading very much.’ They show it to the person and ask if he would like to read it also. If it is an older magazine, they may say: ‘I have finished reading it. Would you like to read it, too?” Current publications can be offered for a contribution.

⁶ When sharing in the house-to-house work remember that we are looking for people. During the summertime people are often in the yard or walking along the sidewalk. Someone may be working on his car. Children may be playing in the street. People watch you going from house to house. By all means stop and satisfy their curiosity. You may find an excellent opportunity to present the good news.

⁷ As you endeavor to reach out to speak to more people, pray to Jehovah that he will direct you and bless your efforts. With his blessing you may have the pleasure of presenting the good news to someone who is hungering and thirsting for the truth. Yes, with Jehovah’s blessing, we can enjoy both happiness and success in our efforts to present the good news on every appropriate occasion.

Announcements

● Literature offer for June and July: Happiness book with new tract Is a Happy Life Really Possible? on a contribution of 60c. (If Happiness book is not available, use any other 192-page book with tract.) Offer tract when working with magazines also. August and September: My Book of Bible Stories on a contribution of $2.50, or, if not available, use any 192-page book on a contribution of 60c.

● New Publications Available:

A Secure Future—How You Can Find It—Albanian

Jehovah’s Witnesses in the Twentieth Century—Korean

● New Cassette Recordings Available:

1 Corinthians (one cassette)—English (Congregation and public: $2; pioneers: $1.75)

2 Corinthians and Galatians (one cassette)—English (Congregation and public: $2; pioneers: $1.75)

The Good News According to John (set of two cassette tapes)—Ukrainian (Congregation and public: $3; pioneers: $2.50)

● Out of Stock in U.S.A.:

1981 Yearbook of Jehovah’s Witnesses—English. Spanish

● In preparation for the dramas to be presented at the “Kingdom Loyalty” District Conventions, it is suggested that all read the following Bible accounts: 1 Samuel 18:1–19:24; 21:1–22:23; 24:1-7; 27:1-12; 29:1–31:13; 2 Samuel 1:1-16; Numbers 13:1–14:45; 16:1-35.

● Does your congregation get enough magazines? In view of the increased activity of your congregation as they engage in the magazine-day activity twice a month, it may be that you should be thinking of increasing your order.

● The special talk that was given in April, On Whose Promises Do You Rely?, will become a part of the regular series of talks given by the elders in the congregations.