May
Our Christian Life and Ministry—Meeting Workbook, May-June 2025
p. 1
Our Christian Life and Ministry—Meeting Workbook, May-June 2025
© 2025 Christian Congregation of Jehovah’s Witnesses
Cover picture: An Israelite couple enjoying a simple meal in a peaceful atmosphere
MAY 5-11
pp. 2–3
MAY 5-11
PROVERBS 12
Song 101 and Prayer | Opening Comments (1 min.)
1. Hard Work Is Rewarding
(10 min.)
Do not waste time pursuing worthless things (Pr 12:11)
Work hard, and be diligent (Pr 12:24; w16.06 30 ¶6)
You will be rewarded for your hard work (Pr 12:14)
TIP: Hard work can be satisfying when we focus on how it benefits others.—Ac 20:35; w15 2/1 5 ¶4-6.
2. Spiritual Gems
(10 min.)
Pr 12:16—How can the principle in this verse help a person to build resilience to face adversity? (ijwyp article 95 ¶10-11)
What spiritual gems from this week’s Bible reading would you like to share?
3. Bible Reading
(4 min.) Pr 12:1-20 (th study 5)
4. Starting a Conversation
(2 min.) HOUSE TO HOUSE. (lmd lesson 1 point 4)
5. Starting a Conversation
(3 min.) HOUSE TO HOUSE. Offer a Bible study. (lmd lesson 5 point 4)
6. Following Up
(3 min.) INFORMAL WITNESSING. Show our website to a person who has children. (lmd lesson 9 point 3)
7. Explaining Your Beliefs
(3 min.) Demonstration. ijwfq article 3—Theme: Do You Believe That You Have the One True Religion? (lmd lesson 4 point 3)
Song 21
8. Facing Economic Uncertainty With Jehovah’s Help
(15 min.) Discussion.
Are you worried about finding a job, losing your job, or not being able to make ends meet now or when you are older? This world’s economic system is fragile. However, Jehovah assures us that if we put him first, he will always care for our needs—even if we experience a drastic change in our economic situation.—Ps 46:1-3; 127:2; Mt 6:31-33.
Play the VIDEO Jehovah Has Never Let Us Down. Then ask the audience:
What do you learn from Brother Alvarado’s experience?
Read 1 Timothy 5:8. Then ask the audience:
How does this verse strengthen your faith that Jehovah will always care for the needs of his family of worshippers?
Consider a few Bible principles that can help you to cope with economic uncertainty:
Keep your life simple. Reduce unnecessary debt and expenses.—Mt 6:22
Make decisions about work and education that allow you to put spiritual things first.—Php 1:9-11
Be humble and adaptable. If you find yourself unemployed, be open to other types of work—even humble jobs—that could help you to provide for the needs of your family.—Pr 14:23
Be willing to share what you have with others, even if you do not have much.—Heb 13:16
9. Congregation Bible Study
(30 min.) bt chap. 26 ¶1-8, boxes on pp. 204, 208
Concluding Comments (3 min.) | and Prayer
MAY 12-18
pp. 4–5
MAY 12-18
PROVERBS 13
Song 34 and Prayer | Opening Comments (1 min.)
1. Do Not Be Fooled by “the Lamp of the Wicked”
(10 min.)
The wicked have no future (Pr 13:9; it-2 196 ¶2-3)
Do not associate with those who make bad things seem good (Pr 13:20; w12 7/15 12 ¶3)
Jehovah blesses the righteous one (Pr 13:25; w04 7/15 31 ¶6)
The lives of those who pursue worldly desires are rarely as glamorous as they may seem. But those who do the will of Jehovah enjoy a truly rewarding way of life
2. Spiritual Gems
(10 min.)
Pr 13:24—What warning does this verse contain about misguided love? (it-2 276 ¶2)
What spiritual gems from this week’s Bible reading would you like to share?
3. Bible Reading
(4 min.) Pr 13:1-17 (th study 10)
4. Starting a Conversation
(3 min.) HOUSE TO HOUSE. After starting with a timely topic, share something from the Bible that seems more relevant to the person. (lmd lesson 2 point 5)
5. Starting a Conversation
(4 min.) INFORMAL WITNESSING. Invite the person to a meeting. (lmd lesson 2 point 3)
6. Talk
(5 min.) lmd appendix A point 9—Theme: Children Who Respect and Obey Their Parents Will Succeed. (th study 16)
Song 77
7. “The Light of the Righteous Shines Brightly”
(8 min.) Discussion.
God’s Word contains matchless knowledge and wisdom. When we rely on it to light our way, we enjoy lasting success and happiness. That is something the world just cannot offer.
Play the VIDEO The World Cannot Give You What It Does Not Have. Then ask the audience:
How does Sister Gainanshina’s experience highlight the superiority of “the light of the righteous” in comparison to “the lamp of the wicked”?—Pr 13:9
Never waste your time fantasizing about the things of this world or regretting the choices you have made that allow you to serve Jehovah. (1Jo 2:15-17) Instead, focus on the “excelling value of the knowledge” that you have gained.—Php 3:8.
8. Local Needs
(7 min.)
9. Congregation Bible Study
(30 min.) bt chap. 26 ¶9-17
Concluding Comments (3 min.) | and Prayer
MAY 19-25
pp. 6–7
MAY 19-25
PROVERBS 14
Song 89 and Prayer | Opening Comments (1 min.)
1. Ponder Each Step When a Disaster Strikes
(10 min.)
Beware of believing “every word” you hear (Pr 14:15; w23.02 22-23 ¶10-12)
Do not simply rely on your instinct or past experience (Pr 14:12)
Do not listen to those who reject guidance from Jehovah’s organization (Pr 14:7)
FOR MEDITATION: Elders, are you prepared to follow direction and rely on Jehovah when disaster strikes?—w24.07 5 ¶11.
2. Spiritual Gems
(10 min.)
3. Bible Reading
(4 min.) Pr 14:1-21 (th study 11)
4. Starting a Conversation
(3 min.) PUBLIC WITNESSING. Share something from the Bible with a person who tells you that he is concerned about the economy. (lmd lesson 3 point 3)
5. Following Up
(4 min.) HOUSE TO HOUSE. Offer a magazine on a topic that the person showed interest in during your last conversation. (lmd lesson 9 point 4)
6. Making Disciples
(5 min.) Encourage your student to read the Bible daily, and show him how to reach his goal. (th study 19)
Song 126
7. Remain Prepared for a Disaster
(15 min.) Discussion.
To be handled by an elder. If provided, include reminders from the branch office and the body of elders.
As we endure “the last days,” we expect troubles to increase. (2Ti 3:1; study note on Mt 24:8, nwtsty) When facing a disaster, Jehovah’s people often receive timely and lifesaving direction. Our survival then may depend on our obedient preparation now, both spiritually and physically.—Pr 14:6, 8.
Prepare spiritually: Develop a good routine. Increase your skills in various forms of the ministry. Do not panic if you are temporarily separated from others in the congregation. (Pr 14:30) You are never isolated from Jehovah God and Christ Jesus.—od 176 ¶15-17
Prepare physically: In addition to go bags, each household should have a reasonable reserve of food, water, medicine, and similar items in case it is necessary to shelter in place for an extended period of time.—Pr 22:3; g17.5 4
Play the VIDEO Are You Prepared for a Disaster? Then ask the audience:
How can Jehovah help us during times of disaster?
What practical steps can we take to prepare?
How can we help others who are affected by disasters?
8. Congregation Bible Study
(30 min.) bt chap. 26 ¶18-22, box on p. 209
Concluding Comments (3 min.) | and Prayer
MAY 26–JUNE 1
p. 8
MAY 26–JUNE 1
PROVERBS 15
Song 102 and Prayer | Opening Comments (1 min.)
1. Help Others to Have a Cheerful Heart
(10 min.)
When our brothers experience severe trials, they may feel as though all of their days were bad (Pr 15:15)
Show hospitality to those experiencing difficulties (Pr 15:17; w10 11/15 31 ¶16)
“A cheerful glance” and a few encouraging words can make a big difference (Pr 15:23, 30, ftn.; w18.04 23-24 ¶16-18)
ASK YOURSELF: ‘Who in our congregation could use some encouragement? How can I help?’
2. Spiritual Gems
(10 min.)
Pr 15:22—How can this Bible principle help us to make good decisions about medical treatment? (ijwbq article 39 ¶3)
What spiritual gems from this week’s Bible reading would you like to share?
3. Bible Reading
(4 min.) Pr 15:1-21 (th study 2)
4. Starting a Conversation
(3 min.) HOUSE TO HOUSE. (lmd lesson 1 point 5)
5. Starting a Conversation
(4 min.) INFORMAL WITNESSING. Offer a Bible study. (lmd lesson 2 point 4)
6. Making Disciples
(5 min.) Encourage a Bible student who is facing family opposition. (th study 4)
Song 155
7. We Can Have a Cheerful Heart Despite Our Trials
(15 min.) Discussion.
Play the VIDEO We Can Rejoice Despite Distress, Hunger, and Nakedness. Then ask the audience:
What did you learn from these experiences?
8. Congregation Bible Study
(30 min.) bt chap. 27 ¶1-9
Concluding Comments (3 min.) | and Prayer
JUNE 2-8
p. 9
JUNE 2-8
PROVERBS 16
Song 36 and Prayer | Opening Comments (1 min.)
1. Three Questions That Lead to Good Decisions
(10 min.)
Am I showing trust in Jehovah’s guidance? (Pr 16:3, 20; w14 1/15 19-20 ¶11-12)
Will my decision make Jehovah happy? (Pr 16:7)
Am I being overly influenced by what others are saying or doing? (Pr 16:25; w13 9/15 17 ¶1-3)
ASK YOURSELF, ‘How could these questions help me to make good choices in dress and grooming?’
2. Spiritual Gems
(10 min.)
3. Bible Reading
(4 min.) Pr 16:1-20 (th study 12)
4. Starting a Conversation
(3 min.) INFORMAL WITNESSING. Show a person how he can benefit from jw.org. (lmd lesson 2 point 5)
5. Following Up
(4 min.) HOUSE TO HOUSE. Offer a Bible study to a person who has refused one in the past. (lmd lesson 9 point 5)
6. Talk
(5 min.) ijwbv article 40—Theme: What Is the Meaning of Proverbs 16:3? (th study 8)
Song 32
7. Local Needs
(15 min.)
8. Congregation Bible Study
(30 min.) bt chap. 27 ¶10-18
Concluding Comments (3 min.) | and Prayer
JUNE 9-15
pp. 10–11
JUNE 9-15
PROVERBS 17
Song 157 and Prayer | Opening Comments (1 min.)
An Israelite couple enjoying a simple meal in a peaceful atmosphere
1. Enjoy Peace in Your Marriage
(10 min.)
It takes work to maintain peace, but it is well worth the effort (Pr 17:1; see picture)
Avoid making issues out of small matters (Pr 17:9; g 9/14 11 ¶2)
Stay in control of your emotions (Pr 17:14; w08 5/1 10 ¶6–11 ¶1)
2. Spiritual Gems
(10 min.)
Pr 17:24—In what way do “the eyes of the stupid wander to the ends of the earth”? (it-1 790 ¶2)
What spiritual gems from this week’s Bible reading would you like to share?
3. Bible Reading
(4 min.) Pr 17:1-17 (th study 10)
4. Starting a Conversation
(3 min.) INFORMAL WITNESSING. (lmd lesson 3 point 5)
5. Starting a Conversation
(4 min.) PUBLIC WITNESSING. Offer a Bible study. (lmd lesson 6 point 4)
6. Talk
(5 min.) ijwbv article 60—Theme: What Is the Meaning of Proverbs 17:17? (th study 13)
Song 113
7. Cultivate Habits That Promote Good Communication
(15 min.) Discussion.
Good communication is key to a happy family life. When family members communicate openly, they can accomplish goals as a team and support one another during challenging times. (Pr 15:22) What can you do to promote open communication in your family?
Spend time together. (De 6:6, 7) When families work together, participate in spiritual activities together, and have fun together, they create a strong bond of love and trust. They also create opportunities for relaxed conversation. At times, you may need to sacrifice your personal preferences to do something that others in the family want to do, but the long-term rewards are worth it! (Php 2:3, 4) How can you make the best use of your time together?—Eph 5:15, 16.
Play the VIDEO Follow the Road Map to Family Peace—Improve Communication. Then ask the audience:
What effect can the misuse of electronic devices have on communication in the family?
What else did you learn about effective communication from this video?
Be a good listener. (Jas 1:19) Children are more likely to express themselves freely if they are not afraid of being misunderstood or judged. So do your best not to overreact if your child says something that concerns you. (Pr 17:27) Instead, listen with empathy. Try to understand his thoughts and feelings so that you can reassure or assist him in a loving way.
8. Congregation Bible Study
(30 min.) bt chap. 27 ¶19-22, box on p. 212
Concluding Comments (3 min.) | and Prayer
JUNE 16-22
pp. 12–13
JUNE 16-22
PROVERBS 18
Song 90 and Prayer | Opening Comments (1 min.)
1. Speak Refreshingly to Those Coping With Health Challenges
(10 min.)
Speak with godly wisdom (Pr 18:4; w22.10 22 ¶17)
Try to understand what the person is going through (Pr 18:13; mrt article 19 box)
Be a supportive and patient friend (Pr 18:24; wp23.1 14 ¶3–15 ¶1)
ASK YOURSELF, ‘What can I do to support my marriage mate if he or she is coping with a physical or mental health problem?’
2. Spiritual Gems
(10 min.)
Pr 18:18—Why were lots used in Bible times? (it-2 271-272)
What spiritual gems from this week’s Bible reading would you like to share?
3. Bible Reading
(4 min.) Pr 18:1-17 (th study 11)
4. Starting a Conversation
(1 min.) HOUSE TO HOUSE. The person speaks another language. (lmd lesson 2 point 5)
5. Following Up
(3 min.) PUBLIC WITNESSING. The person asks you to be brief. (lmd lesson 7 point 4)
6. Following Up
(3 min.) INFORMAL WITNESSING. Teach the person an important truth about God’s Kingdom. (lmd lesson 9 point 5)
7. Explaining Your Beliefs
(4 min.) Demonstration. ijwfq article 29—Theme: Do You Believe in Creationism? (lmd lesson 5 point 5)
Song 144
8. Helping Loved Ones Draw Close to Jehovah “Without a Word”
(15 min.) Discussion.
Many of us know someone who is not presently serving Jehovah—perhaps our marriage mate, our child, or a dear friend who has strayed from the congregation. Have you ever caught yourself being overly forceful or even blunt in an attempt to persuade him to serve Jehovah? Though our motives are good, our words could actually make things worse. (Pr 12:18) What would be a better approach?
First Peter 3:1 explains that an unbelieving husband “may be won without a word.” Even if a Christian sister’s husband refuses to discuss Bible truths with her, she may still be able to help him come to know Jehovah. Her conduct, which has been molded by such godly qualities as love, kindness, and wisdom, may soften his heart. (Pr 16:23) Our conduct and graciousness can have a good effect on loved ones who do not currently serve Jehovah.—“Gracious” study note on Col 4:6, nwtsty.
Play the VIDEO Successful Fighters for the Faith—Those With Unbelieving Mates. Then ask the audience:
What do you learn from Sister Sasaki’s experience?
What do you learn from Sister Ito’s experience?
What do you learn from Sister Okada’s experience?
9. Congregation Bible Study
(30 min.) bt chap. 27 ¶23-26, boxes on pp. 214, 217
Concluding Comments (3 min.) | and Prayer
JUNE 23-29
p. 14
JUNE 23-29
PROVERBS 19
Song 154 and Prayer | Opening Comments (1 min.)
1. Be a True Friend to Your Brothers
(10 min.)
Overlook their imperfections (Pr 19:11; w23.11 12-13 ¶16-17)
Support them in times of need (Pr 19:17; w23.07 9-10 ¶10-11)
Show loyal love (Pr 19:22; w21.11 9 ¶6-7)
ILLUSTRATION: Memories are like pictures. Keep only the ones that highlight the positive traits of your brothers.
2. Spiritual Gems
(10 min.)
3. Bible Reading
(4 min.) Pr 19:1-20 (th study 2)
4. Starting a Conversation
(3 min.) INFORMAL WITNESSING. Without sharing a specific Bible truth, find a natural way to let the person know that you are one of Jehovah’s Witnesses. (lmd lesson 2 point 4)
5. Following Up
(4 min.) INFORMAL WITNESSING. During a previous conversation, the person told you that he appreciates nature. (lmd lesson 9 point 4)
6. Talk
(5 min.) lmd appendix A point 10—Theme: God Has a Name. (th study 20)
Song 40
7. Local Needs
(15 min.)
8. Congregation Bible Study
(30 min.) bt chap. 28 ¶1-7
Concluding Comments (3 min.) | and Prayer
JUNE 30–JULY 6
pp. 15–16
JUNE 30–JULY 6
PROVERBS 20
Song 131 and Prayer | Opening Comments (1 min.)
1. Keys to a Successful Courtship
(10 min.)
Keep in mind Jehovah’s view of courtship (Pr 20:24, 25; w24.05 26-27 ¶3-4)
Observe the person even before beginning to date (Pr 20:18; w24.05 22 ¶8)
Get to know each other well during your courtship (Pr 20:5; w24.05 28 ¶7-8)
REMEMBER: A successful courtship does not always result in marriage, but in a good decision.
2. Spiritual Gems
(10 min.)
Pr 20:27—In what way is “the breath of a man . . . the lamp of Jehovah”? (it-2 196 ¶7)
What spiritual gems from this week’s Bible reading would you like to share?
3. Bible Reading
(4 min.) Pr 20:1-15 (th study 5)
4. Starting a Conversation
(4 min.) HOUSE TO HOUSE. The person tells you that he has recently emigrated from another country. (lmd lesson 3 point 3)
5. Following Up
(4 min.) PUBLIC WITNESSING. Tell the person about the JW Library® app, and help him load it onto an electronic device. (lmd lesson 9 point 5)
6. Explaining Your Beliefs
(4 min.) Demonstration. ijwbq article 159—Theme: Do Animals Go to Heaven? (lmd lesson 3 point 4)
Song 78
7. Encourage Others to Try Our Bible Course
(5 min.) Discussion.
Offering Bible studies is an important part of our ministry. After all, how can we help people to become disciples if we do not study the Bible with them? (Ro 10:13-15) Why not make it a goal to use the direct approach regularly in the door-to-door work? First, try to determine what topic the householder might be interested in. Then, demonstrate how a Bible study can answer his questions and help him in practical ways.
The “Try Our Bible Course” link on jw.org can help you to offer a Bible study to those you meet.
How could you use the “Try Our Bible Course” link to offer a Bible study?
What methods have you found to be effective in offering Bible studies where you live?
8. Organizational Accomplishments for June
(10 min.) Play the VIDEO.
9. Congregation Bible Study
(30 min.) bt chap. 28 ¶8-15