Why Important: The Bible Teach book is a primary tool in our teaching toolbox. However, before we can use it to study with someone, we must first place it with him. Therefore, all of us should endeavor to become skillful at offering the Bible Teach book in the ministry. (Prov. 22:29) There are many options, and publishers should use what works for them.

1. In addition to written publications, what beneficial provision do we have?

¹ Many enjoy using jw.org to read delightful and accurate words of truth. (Eccl. 12:10) However, have you made use of the audio recordings? These make it possible to listen to much of the information on our website. How might audio recordings benefit us?

2. How may we use audio recordings for our personal or family study?

² For Our Personal or Family Study: Listening to audio recordings of the Bible, the magazines, or a publication while traveling or engaging in everyday activities may help us to make better use of our time. (Eph. 5:15, 16) We can add variety to our family worship by listening to the reading of material while following along in our copy of the publication. Using audio recordings during personal study is especially helpful if we would like to improve in our reading or if we are learning a language.

3. Who in our territory may benefit from audio recordings?

³ For the Ministry: People in our territory who feel that they are too busy to read may be willing to listen to audio recordings. Or we may encounter those who speak a different tongue and who are more likely to respond if they hear the Kingdom message in their “own native language.” (Acts 2:6-8) In some areas, listening is an important part of the culture. For example, in the Hmong culture, people traditionally pass on their history to younger generations orally and they do quite well at retaining information that they hear. Many African cultures enjoy learning through storytelling.

4. What questions might we ask ourselves about helping people in our territory?

⁴ In your territory, would it be beneficial to play a sample of an audio recording in the householder’s language? Might someone benefit from an audio publication that we send him in an e-mail? Could we download an audio publication onto a CD and give it to an interested householder, perhaps along with the printed version? Every complete electronic book, brochure, magazine, or tract that we give someone in the ministry may be counted as a placement. Audio recordings are designed for us to use in our personal study and also to plant seeds of Kingdom truth.​—1 Cor. 3:6.

Jesus was asked the same question about everlasting life on at least two occasions, but each time he tailored his reply to the needs of the questioner. (Luke 10:25-28; 18:18-20) Therefore, although we may know the Bible study material well, we should prepare it beforehand with the student in mind. What points might he struggle to understand or accept? Which of the cited scriptures should we read with him? How much material should we try to cover? We may need to prepare an illustration, an explanation, or a series of questions to help the student grasp the information. In addition, since it is Jehovah who makes the seed of truth grow in the heart, we should ask for Jehovah’s blessing on our preparation for the study, on our student, and on our efforts to help him spiritually.​—1 Cor. 3:6; Jas. 1:5.

As a Bible student learns what the Bible really teaches and applies what he learns, he will grow and bear spiritual fruit. (Ps. 1:1-3) We can help our student progress by making good use of some helpful features of the Bible Teach book.

Introductory Questions: Each chapter begins with questions that are answered in the lesson. You could ask these questions rhetorically to whet the student’s appetite for your upcoming discussion. Or you could invite him to comment briefly on each question. If he expresses a wrong idea, there is no need to correct him at this point. His comments will help you to discern what points require attention and emphasis.​—Prov. 16:23; 18:13.

Appendix: If the student understands and accepts the material in the main text, you can simply encourage him to review the corresponding appendix material on his own. At the next study, you might take a few minutes to make sure that he understands it. However, if it would benefit him, you should take time during the study to discuss the appendix material or a portion thereof by reading the paragraphs and asking questions that you prepared in advance.

Review Box: The review box at the end of each chapter contains statements that answer the introductory questions. You can use this feature to make sure that your student understands and can explain the main points. Read each statement together out loud as well as any accompanying scriptures. Then invite your student to use the scripture(s) to explain why the statement is true.​—Acts 17:2, 3.

◼ Literature offer for November and December: What Does the Bible Really Teach? or one of the following tracts: Can the Dead Really Live Again?, How Do You View the Bible?, How Do You View the Future?, What Is the Key to Happy Family Life?, What Is the Kingdom of God?, Who Really Controls the World?, Will Suffering Ever End? January and February: Good News From God!, Listen to God, or Listen to God and Live Forever.

◼ Donations for the worldwide work that are sent directly to the branch office should be made payable to “Watchtower.” The branch office’s financial address is Watchtower, c/​o Accounting Office, 25 Columbia Heights, Brooklyn, NY 11201-2483. If you would like to donate electronically, ask your congregation secretary about the July 8, 2013, letter to all congregations in the United States, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

◼ Since January has five full weekends, it would be an excellent month to auxiliary pioneer.

The Watchtower December 1

“We’re making brief visits to clear up a common misconception about the Bible. Most people respect the Bible, but they think it’s too hard to understand. How do you feel about the Bible? [Allow for response.] Notice one reason for us to be interested in understanding the Bible. [Read Romans 15:4.] This magazine explains how we know that the Bible was written to be understood. It also gives some tips for understanding it.”

Awake! December

“We are making brief visits as a public service to families. Everyone wants peace and harmony in the home. What do you think is more realistic for families​—trying to avoid disagreements altogether or learning how to handle disagreements better? [Allow for response.] Notice what this Bible proverb says. [Read Proverbs 26:20.] This magazine outlines some practical advice from the Bible to help families have more peace in their household.”

When comparing the first nine months of this service year with the same period last year, the United States (the 50 states, including Alaska and Hawaii) had increases of 1.1 percent in publishers, 4.6 percent in regular pioneers, and 1.9 percent in Bible studies. Certainly, the “loving labor” being put forth to reach all with the good news brings joy to our heavenly Father.​—1 Thess. 1:3.