Kingdom Ministry, June 1964
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KINGDOM MINISTRY
FOR UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
JUNE, 1964
VOL. VII NO. 6
Maintain Maturity with Our Brothers
1 We all know, of course, that pressing forward to maturity is absolutely essential, but equally vital is keeping our maturity. This maturity we have attained we must keep with our brothers, associating with them at meetings and in the ministry. Keeping regular in the ministry helps us guard and maintain our maturity and offers us the opportunity also of aiding new ones to press forward to maturity. You well know that to begin progressing toward maturity people need the Bible, and this month we are privileged to offer it in all seven languages in which the New World Translation is published.
2 As we have already experienced, the Bible is a most pleasurable thing to offer. The New World Translation is so easy to understand, so helpful, that once people begin to realize its value, they eagerly want a copy. So besides offering it at appropriate times to friends, neighbors and others you meet, you will want to make effective use of it in your territory. Since December was the last month we worked with the Bible offer, it would be timely for magazine-territory servants to ascertain what territory was not covered during the previous Bible campaign. Ascertain, too, what foreign languages are likely to be spoken in these territories; then be prepared not only with the regular complete English edition for $1, but with the Christian Greek Scriptures, for 50 cents, available in French, Italian, Portuguese, Spanish, Dutch and German. So give all persons in your territory an opportunity to have this fine Bible.
3 You will, of course, want to be prepared by being familiar with the sermon and with "Renderings of Scriptures Compared," which you received last year. It would be well, as part of your preparation, to check the condition of the Bible in your brief bag so that none of us offers a tattered or soiled copy. It is important to have a presentable
copy of the Bible to offer in the witness work. When householders do not accept the Bible, you can drop down to two magazines on a contribution of 10 cents. Many publishers report that by doing this they are able to place regularly and consistently far more than the monthly quota.
4 You will be interested to know that some brothers have had fine experiences by going to motel and hotel managers, showing them the New World Translation and asking if they would like to obtain copies for rooms. Most hotels and motels, as you know, have a copy of the
Bible in each room; hence many managers have been pleased to obtain the Bible at such a reasonable price. It would be well, then, for each congregation to select one or two capable brothers to make calls on motel and hotel managers. The Society would appreciate having a report on any unusual experiences.
5 Also of keen interest is the fact that our younger publishers have shared successfully and commendably in the Bible work. One circuit servant writes: "While I was serving with a congregation in Pennsylvania an eleven-year-old publish- (Continued on page 4, col. 3)
APRIL'S JOYFUL REPORT
1 How did we do this April? Very well, indeed, and we can all truly rejoice at the evidence of Jehovah's blessing upon our united activity. Ps. 100:1,2.
2 Not only did we enjoy a fine 12.7-percent increase with 315,568 publishers in the field all our activity is well ahead of last year's fine report. Outstanding is the fact that, for the first time, we went
"New World Translation of the Holy Scriptures," and a booklet; regular edition, 1; deluxe edition, 2.50.
THEME FOR JUNE Maintaining Maturity with Our Brothers.—Heb. 6:1, 12.
over the six-million mark in magazine placements. Think of the fine witness given by such an excellent distribution of the Watchtower and Awake! magazines!
3 Moreover, notice the increase in back-calls and Bible studies. How splendid this is, for it shows that we are not only interested in finding the "sheep" in our territory but also in feeding and tenderly caring for them. With 10,665 more Bible
studies in April, over and above the excellent March report, our prospects for continued expansion are very fine.
4 It is also very pleasing to report that 1,427 congregations reported "We made it!" compared to 1,376 last year. Commendably, too, there were 13,025 vacation pioneers during April, and this is 2,646 more than last year. How grateful we all
APRIL 1964 PREVIOUS HIGH INCREASE
315,568 Pubs. Apr.'63 308,370 7,198
4,784,853 Hours Apr.'63 4,505,478 279,375
6,071,936 Mags. Apr.'63 5,673,499 398,437
1,559,835 B-C Apr.'63 1,515,902 43,933
244,840 Bi. St. Mar.'64 234,175 10,665
159,794 Subs. Apr.'63 145,496 14,298
13,025 Vac. Pio. Apr.'63 10,379 2,646
8,402 Reg. Pio. Mar.'64 8,340 62
are for the help rendered by these zealous servants!
5 And what about our subscription campaign? This was blessed with outstanding success too. A grand total of 545,568 subscriptions were obtained, compared to 508,353 for last year-a fine increase of 37,215 subscriptions.
6 How favored we are to be the publicity agents of the kingdom of God in these momentous times! May our appreciation for this grand privilege never fade.
Your Service Meetings
SECOND MEETING IN JUNE
5 min: Introduction, text and comments.
10 min: Theocratic News and Announcements.
18 min: Question-and-answer coverage of main article.
15 min: Presenting the Good News discuss and demonstrate points.
12 min: Concluding comments. (Include encouraging remarks on "April's Joyful Report" and comment on slogan at bottom of page 1.)
THIRD MEETING IN JUNE
5 min: Introduction, text and comments.
12 min: Talk on "Fruitage of the Spirit" Assemblies and "Showing Christian Love at Assemblies," from June 1, 1964, "Watchtower."
15 min: Question-and-answer coverage of "Shoulder Your Responsibility as a New Publisher."
20 min: Demonstration on use of "Renderings of Scriptures Compared." (Publishers should bring their copy, along with Bibles, to meeting.)
CHAIRMAN (3 min.) Material in "Renderings of Scriptures Compared" can be used at conclusion of sermon or in answering objections such as "I already have a Bible." In either case householder can be invited to get his Bible, if this appears to be best. Then comparisons can be made to show the superiority of the "New World Translation." In certain scriptures the "Douay" or "King James Version" may not be too different from the "New World Translation." After determining what Bible version householder has, appropriate comparisons can be made.
DISCUSSION (6 min.) Chairman directs audience in lively and informative discussion as comparisons are made in various texts. Three minutes can be taken in discussing those texts where the "New World Translation" is greatly superior to the "King James Version" and the same can be done with reference to the "Douay Version." Publishers may make notes.
DEMONSTRATION (4 min.) Capable publisher gives presentation, making comparison with "King James Version." Householder says: "I already have a Bible." Householder is invited to get Bible and attention is directed to Matthew 5:3. After reading scripture the question is asked: "Just what does it mean to be 'poor in spirit'? Are we to understand from this that having a small amount of God's spirit is a good thing? [Let householder comment.] Notice how clear the thought is made by the 'New World Translation.' [Read.]'" If 1 Corinthians 10:24 is used, the householder could be asked: "Just what do you understand from this? Was the apostle Paul telling us that we should try to get someone else's money? [Let householder comment.] Notice how clear the 'New World Translation' is when it says: [Read.]'"
DEMONSTRATION (4 min.) Capable publisher shows how scripture comparisons can be used for the "Douay Version." After reading Matthew 11:12 the question is asked: "Just what do you understand by the words 'suffereth violence and the violent bear it away'? Are violent persons able to interfere with God's kingdom? Let us read this verse from the 'New World Translation' and then see if the meaning of Jesus' words is made
clear." If the scripture at 1 Corinthians 10:25 is used, the question could be asked: "Just what does the word 'shambles' mean? [Allow time for comment by householder, but no embarrassing silence.] Notice how any difficulty is cleared up when this text is read from the 'New World Translation.' [Read.]"
CHAIRMAN (3 min.) Scripture comparisons should be pasted in back of Bible and appropriate notations can be made. Which texts are used will depend upon the circumstances.
8 min: Concluding comments. (Include remarks on slogan, based on Galatians 6:1, at bottom of page 4.)
FOURTH MEETING IN JUNE 5 min: Introduction, text and comments.
10 min: Encouraging talk by magazine-territory servant stimulating more to share in magazine activity. 15 min: "Appreciating Jehovah's Provisions." Concentrate on "Yearbook" experiences to illustrate theme; introduction should be brief.
Meetings and assemblies are outstanding provisions from Jehovah. A Witness from England was impressed by appreciation shown for meetings by brothers in Barbados. (267 1) Witnesses in North Borneo consider Jehovah's provision for assembling together so vital they have sacrificed good jobs to be able to attend meetings. (247 1) Appreciating that meetings and assemblies are for Christians of all ages, a 92-year-old sister in the Bahamas never misses. (99 1) Properly appreciating assemblies, Witnesses in Australia expended themselves to get to Melbourne. (96 1) When necessary, Witnesses in Africa walk great distances under a blazing sun, so keenly do they appreciate assemblies. (123 4) Do we have similar appreciation for Jehovah's provisions?
20 min: Starting Studies When Placing Bible.
CHAIRMAN (3 min.) Let's continue to be Bible-study conscious and start studies at every opportunity. Note how this may be done on initial call.
SCENE I (7 min.) Publisher concludes sermon with John 17:3, places Bible and "This Good News of the Kingdom" booklet. He opens booklet to message on inside cover and points out value of examining source of good news, the Bible. Reads to householder question 2(b) on page 3 and uses points in paragraph 2 to emphasize value of gaining sure hope from Bible. Discusses paragraphs 4 and 5 with householder. Arranges to return.
CHAIRMAN (1 min.) How can a publisher not conducting a study be assisted?
SCENE II (7 min.) Mature publisher discusses with less experienced publisher need of starting studies. He explains how easy return visit is, requiring only the use of a scripture or two to get into the "Good News" booklet. Less experienced one asks to be shown. Mature one demonstrates, using less experienced one as householder. States, "You will recall the scripture, at Revelation 21:3, 4, that we talked about last week. Conditions that will come on earth in the future under God's kingdom were described. This is good news. In the booklet left last week, 'This Good News of the Kingdom,' this good news is further explained." Brings out copy, reads question on paragraph 3, then discusses and reads paragraph. Does same with paragraph 4. (Chairman breaks in—paragraphs 5 and 6 or more may be covered, depending on householder. See how arrangements are made for continuing study.) Mature one concludes, making definite arrangements to continue discussion following week. Less experienced publisher feels he could do this; it is not hard at all. Mature publisher will practice with him and go along on a call.
CHAIRMAN (2 min.) Share in the joyous work of conducting home Bible studies.
10 min: Concluding comments.
FIRST MEETING IN JULY
Theme: Gaining Strength by Mutual Encouragement.
5 min: Introduction, text and comments.
10 min: Talk on monthly theme. (See "Watchtower" of July 15, 1963, pp. 424-436, also July 1, 1964.)
15 min: Question-and-answer discussion of "The Assistance Arrangement (Part 1)."
20 min: Sermon: "Flee from Babylon the Great."
CHAIRMAN (2 min.) Display new sermon on platform. It will be used three months. Learn it well.
CHAIRMAN (10 min.) Develop sermon with the congregation.
Theme: Flee from Babylon the Great Gen. 11:9—Babel center of false worship
Rev. 18:2—Babylon, place of unclean exhalation
Rev. 18:4—Get out of Babylon the Great
Rev. 21:4—Blessings for those who flee
Suggested sermon: 'Good morning. I am calling to encourage home use of the Bible. During my brief visit this morning I would like to point out to you two interesting facts presented in the Bible. Do you recall where the different languages came from? [Allow for comment.] Genesis chapter 11 tells of the tower of Babel, which was built to promote false worship. It was not approved by God, and in Genesis 11:9 we learn . . . [Read and make appropriate comments.] In describing conditions seen in our day, Revelation 18:2 refers to Babylon the Great, which, like those who built the tower of Babel, promotes false worship displeasing to God. What is Babylon the Great, which is inhabited by offensive creatures? It is important that we know because God-fearing Christians are urged at Revelation 18:4 . . . [Read and comment.] To aid you to find the answer to this question, we would like to encourage you to accept this home Bible-study aid "'Babylon the Great Has Fallen!" God's Kingdom Rules!" and read the answer in your own Bible. It is important that you know, because the Bible assures us that after the destruction of Babylon the Great there will be on this earth [Paraphrase Revelation 21:4.] no more sickness, sorrow or death, but, rather, happiness and endless life and peace, because God's kingdom will then rule. This copy is yours for only 75 cents, along with this Bible-study booklet.'
CAPABLE PUBLISHER (5 min.) Demonstrates sermon.
CHAIRMAN (3 min.) Encourage all to use sermon during July, August and September. Use it well. 10 min: Concluding comments.
CONGREGATION ORGANIZATION
The Assistance Arrangement (Part 1)
1 As we have experienced, Jehovah, through his organization, has always provided assistance and training so his ministers could grow to maturity and improve their effectiveness in declaring the good news. (Eph. 4:11-13) And it is true today. For several years now we have received the benefits of the training program and the assistance arrangement.
2 The training program is for the more advanced publishers who can, with additional training, be assigned to train still others. (2 Tim. 2:2) The assistance arrangement is primarily designed to assist new, less experienced publishers who are not spiritually strong. It will help these publishers to become more regular and effective in Jehovah's service, mature ministers, by providing publishers to work with them consistently in the different features of the service, encouraging them to attend meetings and studying with them when necessary. The assistance arrangement, therefore, is really a steppingstone to bring publishers on to the level of spiritual development where they may benefit from the more advanced training program.
3 The overseer plays a prominent role in organizing the assistance arrangement. As he visits the service centers he should arrange for the more mature and experienced
publishers to work with those who need help and encouragement. Before visiting the group he will make an analysis of the Publisher's Record cards so he will know who needs assistance as well as those who can provide the assistance. Then he will talk to the more mature and experienced publishers, asking them to work regularly with the publishers who need the assistance, outlining the help needed.
4 In large congregations, where it will be some time before the overseer gets around to all the service centers, study conductors will arrange for the more experienced ones to assist those who need help. Study conductors will first discuss their suggestions for the group with the overseer before putting them into operation.
Who will be doing the assisting under this arrangement? Publishers starting out new ones in the service will not only continue their studies with them but will also want to help them in the field service. The experience and knowledge of mature publishers, pioneers and dedicated parents should be utilized in helping new publishers. Study conductors themselves will also assist weaker and less experienced ones. In each case, the mature ones taking the lead should be advised of the particular needs of the one(s) being assisted. Then they can work on improving one point at a time.
Announcements
Use at least a half hour on the service meeting to discuss experiences and counsel received at the district assembly the week after most of those in your congregation attend. Have a review and practical discussion of things learned at the assembly, including encouraging experiences that were related. Take care to highlight the matters that need particular attention in your congregation. This should be carefully planned by the congregation servant in advance. Make whatever adjustments are necessary in the service meeting schedule in order to put on this special program.
Do you plan to share the joys of vacation pioneering for two weeks, a month or even more this summer? If so, get an application and fill it out right away.
Inquiries have been made as to whether extra sets of the film "Proclaiming 'Everlasting Good News' Around the World" are available for local congregations and circuits to use in their territories. Also, some individuals have inquired. The cost of the film will be 180 a set for 16-mm single perforated. For double perforated the cost is215. Money must accompany the order. A narration script is supplied with each set of film, which comes in seven 400-foot reels. Scripts are available in English and Spanish. For orders received from outside the United
States, shipping costs will be added to the above prices.
Literature offer: July through September, "Babylon the Great Has Fallen!" God's Kingdom Rules! and 32-page booklet, for 75c. The question booklet will not be placed with the book. Congregations may carry a small stock for Bible studies.
Out of stock in U.S.A.:
1963 Watchtower and Awake! bound volumes —Spanish
1964 Calendar —Spanish
Two new Cost List booklets are being sent under separate cover to each congregation. Congregation servants and literature servants, as well as magazine-territory servants, should carefully study the revised instructions that appear in the beginning of the booklet. One copy is for the literature servant. The other is to be retained by the congregation servant.
MEMORIAL REPORT
Total Memorial attendance
491,375
509,501
Number of partakers
5,577
5,353
Number of public meetings
4,647
4,877
Attendance at public meetings
335,807
323,100
Shoulder Your Responsibility as a New Publisher
1 Did your career as a publisher of the good news commence recently, possibly in April? Your fellow publishers welcome you warmly into the ranks of active praisers of Jehovah's name. Now that you have taken this initial but very important step, what will your course be during the months to come? One of constant progress, assuredly, shouldering responsibility even though you may have many things to learn as a new publisher.
2 First of all, learn to appreciate that you are not alone in this grand work. You have many sources of help. Reliance should be placed in Jehovah and not in self, as he points out at Zechariah 4:6, "Not by a military force, nor by power, but by my spirit." In addition to this help, the one who has been conducting the study with you will be happy to offer assistance.
3 Taking in spiritual food is an unending process and is specially vital now at this point in your preaching career. Do not recommend to your teacher that the home Bible study that has been conducted with you be stopped just because you have started in the field activity and are attending congregation meetings. Continue the study and seek to improve your own personal study habits too. You should also read and study The Watchtower and Awake! regularly along with the Society's other publications.
4 Association with other active servants of Jehovah is likewise essential. This means that you will want to attend all the meetings, preparing well for them and then participating in them.
5 Having started to serve actively in the field, you will want to preach and teach regularly from this point on, having some share in the service every week, if possible. Mature publishers have a schedule to guide them, and a weekly one is best. Schedules can be discussed with one of the mature brothers.
6 As a new publisher you will be greatly blessed as you shoulder your responsibility in serving God, keeping in mind that this is now a part of your worship.
APRIL SERVICE REPORT
Pubs.
Av. Hrs.
Av. B-C
Av. Bi. St.
Av. Mags.
Sp'l Pios.
144.8
55.2
8.0
172.0
Pios.
8,402
97.1
33.6
5.2
123.7
Vac. Pios.
13,025
79.3
22.6
2.5
96.6
Pubs.
293,411
9.6
3.2
.6
12.4
TOTAL
315,568
Public Meetings Held: 27,383
UNITED STATES QUOTA FOR 1964 308,057 Publishers Presenting THE GOOD NEWS
Simplified Sermon for Bible Offer
1 Many fine reports have been received on the results from using simplified sermons. You will want to be prepared with one of the following for use in presenting the Bible offer:
2 "Good morning. My name is ___. My purpose in calling is to
to encourage Bible reading. Most people have a Bible in their home. [Allow householder to tell you if he has a Bible.] The importance of reading the Bible and understanding what it says is stressed by Jesus' words as recorded at John 17:3. [Read and make appropriate brief comments.] The Bible I have been reading from is the New World
THEOCRATIC NEWS
"Everlasting Good News" Assembly held in theater of new City Hall at Monrovia, Liberia. 230 adopted Resolution. 520 attended public talk. Good newspaper reports. 276 publishers reported in March; all rejoicing.
Colombia reported another new peak in March-16.1-percent increase, with 3,254 publishing. There were 11,951 attending the Memorial.
Despite month-long torrential rains, publishers in Ecuador reached new peaks in publishers (1,212), hours, magazines back-calls and Bible studies during March.
encourage people of all religions to do more Bible reading. Almost everyone would like to spend more time reading the Bible. Some say they do not read the Bible because it is difficult to understand. Perhaps this has been your experience. [Allow householder to comment.] The New World Translation of the Holy Scriptures is in modern English such as we use today. This complete Bible is yours for only $1. With the Bible we are giving a copy of this printed sermon in booklet form."
3 If John 17:3 is used you could say: "Good morning. My name is ___. The purpose of my visit is
Translation and it is in modern English. This translation makes Bible reading more enjoyable and understandable. I would like to leave a copy with you, along with this printed sermon, on a contribution of only $1."
4 If the Bible is not placed, take advantage of the opportunity to offer the two latest magazines. They can be presented by saying: "Millions of people regularly read the Watchtower and Awake! magazines. I would like to leave with you the latest copies of these two Bible journals on a contribution of only 10 cents."
"Fruitage of the Spirit" Assemblies
Volta by officials.
Northern Rhodesia reports second month in succession over the 10-percent goal, with 31,658 publishers in March. New peaks in hours, back-calls, Bible studies and vacation pioneers.
In March, Switzerland reported a new peak of 5,831 publishers-a 7.9-percent increase over previous March report. Hours increased 12.3 percent, new subscriptions 15.1 percent, magazines 6.2 percent, back-calls 15.6 percent, and home Bible studies 8.2 percent.
Maintain Maturity
(Cont'd)
er spent every day of her school vacation in the field service, working as a publisher. She used the simplified sermon. She placed three Bibles during the week. This is one
1 Conventions start this month! Those who will attend the first of the "Fruitage of the Spirit" Assemblies, at Atlantic City, undoubtedly have made their plans. But if not, you should do so immediately, sending in your Room Request to the convention headquarters in the assembly city.
2 Bear in mind that this is a FOUR-DAY assembly, and it is important to be there Thursday afternoon at 1:40 when it starts and stay until the program concludes on Sunday at 5:15 p.m. In almost every case the baptism will be on Friday, and candidates for immersion will want to be on hand in ample time for the discourse at 9 a.m. To get the most out of an assembly, you should have your Bible with you
vance, perhaps the evening before, and then you can go directly to your territory in the morning. When staying in private homes keep in mind the additional opportunities to witness. The ones with whom you stay should be invited to the convention and assisted, if possible, with particular stress on the public meeting. Even en route to the assembly you can share in the service by placing magazines with those you meet; so be sure to carry literature with you.
4 Certainly our assemblies have a splendid reputation in the minds of the people because of the fine conduct of those who attend. We are an exhibition of how people can live together in unity, and this is amazor many examples of how well young publishers can serve in the field ministry by following presentations provided by the Society through Kingdom Ministry." So, you young publishers, keep up the fine work, using the regular or the simplified sermon. Many of you will be able to be vacation pioneers this summer, helping you make further progress toward maturity.
Though house-to-house work will undoubtedly be your main way of placing Bibles, you will not want to forget persons who have taken subscriptions. Offer the Bible to subscribers, as well as to those who have taken the Babylon book. Placing the Bible opens a wonderful opportunity to start studies, so you will want to be alert to start them
as well as a songbook, and a pad for taking notes.
3 Arrangements are made for field service Friday and Saturday mornings at all the conventions. Why not share in it? Be generous with good things that Jehovah has given us and exhibit this by sharing in field service during the period allotted for it. Obtain your territory in ading to the world. When our conduct reflects the fruitage of God's holy spirit, not only in the field ministry but at all times, others will discern that the thing that makes Jehovah's witnesses so different is that they live in accord with God's righteous principles and have God's spirit. May we all, by our Christian conduct, help many to see that during the months to come.
when placing the offer or when making return calls.
7 Your offering the Bible in house-to-house witnessing and your using it in making back-calls and in conducting Bible studies will truly show your desire to maintain maturity with our brothers. And your maintaining maturity will encourage newer ones to press on to maturity.—Heb. 6:1, 12.
Maintain maturity by 'keeping an eye on yourself.'