July
Our Christian Life and Ministry—Meeting Workbook, July-August 2026
pp. 1–16
Our Christian Life and Ministry—Meeting Workbook, July-August 2026
© 2026 Christian Congregation of Jehovah’s Witnesses
Cover picture: Jeremiah contemplating Jehovah’s instructions
JULY 6-12
pp. 2–3
JULY 6-12
JEREMIAH 13-15
Song 123 and Prayer | Opening Comments (1 min.)
Jeremiah contemplating Jehovah’s instructions
1. Jehovah Deserves Our Obedience
(10 min.)
Although Jeremiah may have been puzzled by Jehovah’s directions, he made a great effort to obey (Jer 13:1-7; jr 51-52 ¶17-18)
Jeremiah later learned the important reason behind Jehovah’s directions (Jer 13:8-11; jr 52 ¶19)
Christians strive to imitate Jeremiah’s obedience, even when we do not understand the reasons for the direction (w22.12 21 ¶16; w08 6/15 19 ¶7)
2. Spiritual Gems
(10 min.)
Jer 15:16, 17—How can we imitate Jeremiah and fight discouragement? (w07 3/15 10 ¶3)
What spiritual gems from this week’s Bible reading would you like to share?
3. Bible Reading
(4 min.) Jer 13:1-14 (th study 2)
4. Starting a Conversation
(3 min.) HOUSE TO HOUSE. Use a tract to start a conversation. (lmd lesson 1 point 5)
5. Following Up
(4 min.) INFORMAL WITNESSING. Share an article from jw.org on the subject of your previous conversation. (lmd lesson 9 point 4)
6. Talk
(5 min.) lmd appendix A point 18—Theme: Jesus Foretold Events We See Today. (th study 7)
Song 49
7. “To Obey Is Better Than a Sacrifice”
(15 min.) Discussion.
The words “to obey is better than a sacrifice” were spoken by Samuel to King Saul after Saul disobeyed Jehovah’s clear instructions given through the prophet.
Read 1 Samuel 15:3, 7-9, 22, 23. Then ask the audience:
How did King Saul disobey Jehovah, and for what possible reasons?
Why is obedience to Jehovah better than a sacrifice?
How is rebelliousness the same as the sin of divination?
Read Luke 16:10. Then ask the audience:
Why should we obey even in seemingly minor matters?
What might some consider to be minor matters?
Play the VIDEO Become Jehovah’s Friend—Why Obey God if We Can’t See Him? Then ask the audience:
What lessons did you learn from the video?
8. Congregation Bible Study
(30 min.) lfb lessons 100-101
Concluding Comments (3 min.) | and Prayer
JULY 13-19
pp. 4–5
JULY 13-19
JEREMIAH 16-17
Song 34 and Prayer | Opening Comments (1 min.)
1. It Matters Whom We Trust
(10 min.)
Those who put their trust in mere humans displease Jehovah (Isa 30:1, 2; Jer 17:5)
They will have a hard life (Jer 17:6; it “Juniper” No. 2)
Those who put their trust in Jehovah will flourish (Jer 17:7, 8; w09 3/1 17 ¶2)
2. Spiritual Gems
(10 min.)
Jer 17:7—Why does trusting in Jehovah include trusting his human representatives? (w22.02 4 ¶7-8)
What spiritual gems from this week’s Bible reading would you like to share?
3. Bible Reading
(4 min.) Jer 17:5-18 (th study 5)
4. Starting a Conversation
(3 min.) HOUSE TO HOUSE. Feature a video from the Teaching Toolbox. (lmd lesson 5 point 5)
5. Following Up
(4 min.) HOUSE TO HOUSE. Offer a Bible study. (lmd lesson 7 point 4)
6. Making Disciples
Song 54
7. Youths, Trust God’s Word for Practical Advice
(15 min.) Discussion.
If you are young and inexperienced, you are a favorite target of Satan. (Ge 3:1) Likely you face challenging situations almost every day at school. You can avoid much heartache by trusting in Jehovah and his Word for advice. For the following situations, write down a helpful Bible example or scripture.
Classmates make fun of you for being different
There is no one your age in the congregation to befriend
A classmate wants to communicate with you by phone or social media
A teacher tries to discourage you from pursuing a career in full-time service after graduation
Play the WHITEBOARD ANIMATION Can the Bible Really Help You? Then ask the audience:
What lessons did you learn from the video?
TRY THIS: Take the Bible reading challenge! Every day read one chapter and then research something that you want to know more about. See how many days in a row you can do that. Because this trains you to think like Jesus, you will know what to do when faced with situations that require a quick response.—1Co 2:16.
8. Congregation Bible Study
(30 min.) lfb lessons 102-103
Concluding Comments (3 min.) | and Prayer
JULY 20-26
pp. 6–7
JULY 20-26
JEREMIAH 18-19
Song 44 and Prayer | Opening Comments (1 min.)
1. Spiritual Recovery Is Not Hopeless
(10 min.)
Jehovah urged the people of Judah to reform their deeply entrenched wicked practices (Jer 18:11; it “Baal” No. 4 ¶23)
They wrongly felt: “It is hopeless!” (Jer 18:12)
We are not powerless or hopeless in our fight against sin (Jer 18:7, 8; w25.08 23 ¶11)
2. Spiritual Gems
(10 min.)
Jer 18:6; 19:10, 11—How is Jehovah the Great Potter? (it “Potter” ¶8)
What spiritual gems from this week’s Bible reading would you like to share?
3. Bible Reading
(4 min.) Jer 19:1-11 (th study 5)
4. Starting a Conversation
(4 min.) HOUSE TO HOUSE. Offer and demonstrate a Bible study. (lmd lesson 4 point 3)
5. Following Up
(4 min.) HOUSE TO HOUSE. Continue a discussion of the tract you left on the previous visit. (lmd lesson 9 point 3)
6. Explaining Your Beliefs
(4 min.) Talk. ijwbq article 44—Theme: What Does the Bible Say About Free Will? (th study 20)
Song 38
7. Steps to Spiritual Recovery
(15 min.) Discussion.
Many who have left Jehovah still love him. But they may not know how to return, or they may feel unworthy. Just as Jehovah helped his people in the past, he can help individuals who wish to return today.
Someone who has stopped running in the race for life should not feel that he must resume Christian activities all at once. He may need to rebuild his strength first. How might he resume his activity gradually?
Pray to Jehovah, and ask for his help. (1Pe 5:7) Jehovah promises to help us regain strength.—Isa 40:28, 29
Take in at least a little spiritual food each day. Perhaps browse jw.org or read or listen to a few Bible verses. Just as physical food strengthens us physically, spiritual food strengthens us spiritually.—Ps 1:2, 3
Try to attend a congregation meeting as soon as possible. This is how Jehovah provides encouragement and support.—Heb 10:24, 25
Play the VIDEO I Turned My Life Around. Then ask the audience:
What lessons did you learn from the video?
8. Congregation Bible Study
(30 min.) wcg “A Letter From the Governing Body” and intro
Concluding Comments (3 min.) | and Prayer
JULY 27–AUGUST 2
pp. 8–9
JULY 27–AUGUST 2
JEREMIAH 20-21
Song 73 and Prayer | Opening Comments (1 min.)
1. He Was a Bold Preacher
(10 min.)
Jeremiah was persecuted for delivering Jehovah’s judgments (Jer 20:2, 8)
Jeremiah became discouraged and considered giving up (Jer 20:9a)
Jeremiah was able to continue preaching boldly because of Jehovah’s word and His support (Jer 20:9b, 11; w11 3/15 30 ¶9; w10 2/15 7 ¶8-9)
2. Spiritual Gems
(10 min.)
Jer 20:12—What does this verse motivate us to do? (w13 3/15 10 ¶11)
What spiritual gems from this week’s Bible reading would you like to share?
3. Bible Reading
(4 min.) Jer 20:7-18 (th study 2)
4. Starting a Conversation
(4 min.) INFORMAL WITNESSING. 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.) HOUSE TO HOUSE. Share a truth from appendix A of the Love People brochure. (lmd lesson 9 point 3)
6. Explaining Your Beliefs
(4 min.) Demonstration. A child rehearses with one of his parents a report that he plans to give to his class based on ijwwd article 41. (th study 13)
Song 57
7. Be Adaptable—Show Personal Interest
(15 min.) Discussion.
Before going in the ministry, we might have prepared to start a conversation on a topic that many people in the territory are thinking about. (lmd lesson 1 point 3) However, what if we discern that a different topic would be better for a particular householder? Before sharing the good news with a blind man, Jesus showed him kindness. (Joh 9:1, 6, 7, 35-38) What does this teach us? When someone senses that we genuinely care, he is more likely to listen to our message. Therefore, when preaching from house to house, it is important to imagine how the householder feels and to demonstrate personal interest.
Read 1 Corinthians 9:20-23. Then ask the audience:
How did Paul show that he cared about people?
Why did Paul make the effort to adapt his message?
Play the VIDEO “Eager to Declare the Good News”—Be Ready With the Right Equipment—Excerpt. Then ask the audience:
Although the brother had prepared a topic to start a conversation, how did he adapt to the situation?
Why is it important to show that we care?
8. Congregation Bible Study
(30 min.) wcg intro to section 1, timeline, and chap. 1
Concluding Comments (3 min.) | and Prayer
AUGUST 3-9
p. 10
AUGUST 3-9
JEREMIAH 22-23
Song 40 and Prayer | Opening Comments (1 min.)
1. The Importance of Good Shepherds
(10 min.)
The shepherds in Judah neglected God’s people (Jer 23:2; Eze 34:2-5)
False prophets, by their words and example, encouraged the people to engage in wrongdoing (Jer 23:14, 15; w94 3/1 8 ¶4; it “Apostasy” ¶4)
Christian overseers shepherd the flock eagerly and strive to be good examples (1Pe 5:2, 3)
FOR RESEARCH: How did the fulfillment of Jeremiah 23:5, 6 benefit God’s people?
2. Spiritual Gems
(10 min.)
Jer 23:33—What is “the burden of Jehovah”? (w07 3/15 11 ¶1)
What spiritual gems from this week’s Bible reading would you like to share?
3. Bible Reading
(4 min.) Jer 23:25-36 (th study 11)
4. Starting a Conversation
(4 min.) HOUSE TO HOUSE. Feature a video from the Teaching Toolbox. (lmd lesson 3 point 4)
5. Following Up
(4 min.) HOUSE TO HOUSE. Offer a magazine on the topic of your last conversation. (lmd lesson 9 point 5)
6. Talk
(4 min.) lmd appendix A point 19—Theme: Jesus Is God’s Son. (th study 15)
Song 103
7. Our History in Motion—The Governing Body Preserves Unity—Part 1
(15 min.) Discussion.
Play the VIDEO. Then ask the audience:
Before the Internet and other technology were available, how did the Governing Body prove to be good shepherds?
8. Congregation Bible Study
(30 min.) wcg chap. 2
Concluding Comments (3 min.) | and Prayer
AUGUST 10-16
p. 11
AUGUST 10-16
JEREMIAH 24-25
Song 124 and Prayer | Opening Comments (1 min.)
1. What Made “Figs” Good or Bad?
(10 min.)
Repentant exiled Jews were like good figs (Jer 24:1, 2, 5-7; w94 3/1 14 ¶6)
Disobedient, unrepentant Jews were like bad figs (Jer 24:8-10; w94 3/1 15 ¶10; it “Egypt, Egyptian” ¶74)
Christians can be like good figs by doing an honest self-examination and by making needed adjustments (w13 3/15 10 ¶10-11)
2. Spiritual Gems
(10 min.)
Jer 25:8, 9, 12—Why did Jehovah punish Babylon when it acted as his “servant” to execute judgment on his people? (it “Kingdom of God” ¶36)
What spiritual gems from this week’s Bible reading would you like to share?
3. Bible Reading
(4 min.) Jer 24:1-10 (th study 5)
4. Starting a Conversation
(4 min.) HOUSE TO HOUSE. After starting with a timely topic, switch to something that seems more relevant to the person. (lmd lesson 2 point 5)
5. Following Up
(4 min.) INFORMAL WITNESSING. Share a truth from appendix A of the Love People brochure. (lmd lesson 9 point 5)
6. Making Disciples
(4 min.) Give encouragement to a Bible student who is struggling to break free from an addiction. (lmd lesson 12 point 4)
Song 65
7. Local Needs
(15 min.)
8. Congregation Bible Study
(30 min.) wcg chap. 3
Concluding Comments (3 min.) | and Prayer
AUGUST 17-23
p. 12
AUGUST 17-23
JEREMIAH 26-28
Song 77 and Prayer | Opening Comments (1 min.)
1. Do Not Be Fooled by False Prophets
(10 min.)
God’s prophet Jeremiah gave lifesaving direction (Jer 26:2-6)
False prophets contradicted Jeremiah (Jer 27:14, 15)
We must use discernment to determine whether direction comes from Jehovah’s organization or from God’s enemies (w24.07 12 ¶13-15)
2. Spiritual Gems
(10 min.)
Jer 26:20-23—What lesson may Jeremiah have learned from Urijah? (jr 122 ¶18)
What spiritual gems from this week’s Bible reading would you like to share?
3. Bible Reading
(4 min.) Jer 28:5-17 (th study 5)
4. Starting a Conversation
(3 min.) PUBLIC WITNESSING. (lmd lesson 1 point 4)
5. Following Up
(4 min.) HOUSE TO HOUSE. Share a truth from appendix A of the Love People brochure. (lmd lesson 9 point 3)
6. Making Disciples
Song 16
7. Local Needs
(15 min.)
8. Congregation Bible Study
(30 min.) wcg chap. 4
Concluding Comments (3 min.) | and Prayer
AUGUST 24-30
pp. 13–16
AUGUST 24-30
JEREMIAH 29-30
Song 12 and Prayer | Opening Comments (1 min.)
1. Jehovah Disciplines His Servants to the Proper Degree
(10 min.)
Repentant Jews would search for Jehovah with all their heart (Jer 29:12, 13; jr 114 ¶3)
Jehovah would restore his people (Jer 29:14)
They would not be exterminated but instead disciplined “to the proper degree” (Jer 30:11; Heb 12:6; jr 168 ¶2)
FOR MEDITATION: How should we respond when Jehovah disciplines us?—w22.11 21 ¶6.
2. Spiritual Gems
(10 min.)
Jer 30:11—How can parents imitate Jehovah when administering discipline? (w14 7/1 12 ¶1-4)
What spiritual gems from this week’s Bible reading would you like to share?
3. Bible Reading
(4 min.) Jer 30:1-11 (th study 2)
4. Starting a Conversation
(4 min.) HOUSE TO HOUSE. Start a conversation on the subject of the September campaign, and offer a Bible study. (lmd lesson 3 point 4)
5. Starting a Conversation
(3 min.) PUBLIC WITNESSING. Start a conversation on the subject of the September campaign. (lmd lesson 1 point 5)
6. Talk
(5 min.) ijwbv article 6—Theme: What Is the Meaning of Jeremiah 29:11? (th study 1)
Song 3
7. Jehovah Gives His Servants Hope
(10 min.) Discussion.
During the time that the Jews were captive in Babylon, Jehovah promised them that they would eventually be restored to their homeland. (Jer 29:10) Their misery would end. Such promises from God benefit his servants not only when they are fulfilled. Even before they come true, they give us hope as we await their fulfillment.
Play the VIDEO Universal Peace Is Sure to Come!—Do Not Lose Hope. Then ask the audience:
What lessons did you learn from the video?
8. Special Campaign in September
(5 min.) Talk by the service overseer. Stimulate enthusiasm for the campaign, and outline local arrangements.
9. Congregation Bible Study
(30 min.) wcg chap. 5
Concluding Comments (3 min.) | and Prayer
AUGUST 31–SEPTEMBER 6
pp. 14–15
AUGUST 31–SEPTEMBER 6
JEREMIAH 31
Song 27 and Prayer | Opening Comments (1 min.)
1. “I Will Make . . . a New Covenant”
(10 min.)
Jehovah promised to replace the Mosaic Law covenant with “a new covenant” that would have much broader and long-term benefits (Jer 31:31, 32; jr 169 ¶4)
The new covenant would be between Jehovah and the Israel of God and would provide a legal basis for forgiveness of sins (Jer 31:33, 34; jr 171 ¶9)
Christians who are not part of the Israel of God also benefit from the new covenant (w10 3/15 27 ¶14; jr 177 ¶18)
2. Spiritual Gems
(10 min.)
Jer 31:15—What are the possible fulfillments of this prophecy? (it “Ramah” No. 1 ¶3)
What spiritual gems from this week’s Bible reading would you like to share?
3. Bible Reading
(4 min.) Jer 31:1-11 (th study 12)
4. Starting a Conversation
(3 min.) HOUSE TO HOUSE. Use the direct approach to offer a Bible study. (lmd lesson 4 point 3)
5. Starting a Conversation
(4 min.) INFORMAL WITNESSING. Use ijwyp article 106 to help a classmate who is distressed because he feels the teacher is being mean. (lmd lesson 3 point 3)
6. Explaining Your Beliefs
(5 min.) Talk. ijwfq article 37—Theme: Why Do Jehovah’s Witnesses Maintain Political Neutrality? (th study 14)
Song 67
7. Be Adaptable—Use JW.ORG
(15 min.) Discussion.
We can be adaptable in the ministry by anticipating situations that we may encounter and preparing for them. However, at times the householder will bring up something that we are not ready to discuss. What tool can help us to adjust the conversation quickly?
Play the VIDEO “Iron Sharpens Iron”—Effective Use of JW.ORG—Excerpt. Then ask the audience:
Imagine that you are preaching from house to house during the campaign and a householder tells you that he does not believe in God because he felt abandoned by Him when he experienced a personal tragedy.
Before giving a witness, how could we demonstrate empathy?—Jas 1:19
What scripture might you share? How would you find that scripture on jw.org?
If a scripture does not quickly come to mind, what would you type in the search box to find helpful information?
If you do not have access to jw.org or JW Library®, how would you try to help the householder?
8. Congregation Bible Study
(30 min.) wcg chap. 6