Counsel on Theocratic Organization (1949)
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COUNSEL ON THEOCRATIC ORGANIZATION FOR JEHOVAH'S WITNESSES COUNSEL ON THEOCRATIC ORGANIZATION FOR JEHOVAH'S WITNESSES
ISSUED MARCH 1, 1949, BY THE WATCH TOWER BIBLE AND TRACT SOCIETY BROOKLYN, N. Y.
COUNSEL ON THEOCRATIC ORGANIZATION FOR JEHOVAH'S WITNESSES
Counsel on Theocratic Organization should be studied prayerfully and carefully by Jehovah's witnesses worldwide. The counsel submitted is based upon God's Word of truth, the Bible, and is published by the Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society to aid Jehovah's witnesses in advancing the most important work in the world, the ministry of the Kingdom. As the paragraphs are studied, scriptures cited should be looked up, and their relation to the paragraph discerned. It will be profitable to study this publication in the service meetings from time to time, as well as individually.
Each person consecrated to the service of Jehovah God as His minister and having symbolized his consecration by water baptism should be given a personal copy of this booklet. The publisher of the Kingdom will receive his copy through the company servant of his local company, who will fill in the name and address of the publisher in the space provided. Following the Scriptural counsel of this booklet will insure united action by Jehovah's witnesses everywhere in the world as they expand true worship into "all nations" in this blessed "day of Jehovah".
(Address)
Made in the United States of America
COUNSEL ON THEOCRATIC ORGANIZATION FOR JEHOVAH'S WITNESSES
THE Spirit of the Lord Jehovah is upon me; because Jehovah hath anointed me to preach good tidings unto the meek; he hath sent me to bind up the broken-hearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to them that are bound; to proclaim the year of Jehovah's favor, and the day of vengeance of our God; to comfort all that mourn." (Isa. 61:1,2,A.S.V.) Nineteen hundred years ago Jehovah's chief minister and witness, Christ Jesus, carried out Isaiah's prophecy, preaching "good tidings" at the homes and in public places. (Matt. 4:23-5:12; 10:7, 12-14; Luke 4:17-21; 10:38,39) Outstanding in the King's ministry was the resounding proclamation, "The kingdom of heaven is at hand."—Matt. 4:17.
2 Jesus' ministry centuries ago, however, did not completely fulfill the prophecy of Isaiah. It is now, in this "day of Jehovah" since 1914, that Almighty God will see to it that the preaching of "this gospel of the kingdom . . . in all the world for a witness" is done. (Matt. 24:14) God continues to use his beloved Son, enthroned as heavenly King of the New World, to direct his witnesses in carrying the good news unto the ends of the earth.—Rev. 11:15, A.S.V.; Acts 1:8.
3 It matters not whether they are of one race or nationality or of another, whether in small towns and rural areas or in large cities, whether alone or with a group, the work of Jehovah's witnesses is the same. It is to preach "this gospel", make public confession of their faith and direct meek persons to true worship and life. (Ps. 145:21; Zeph. 2:1-3; Rom. 10:10-15) Conditions may vary with individuals, but the basic service to the Lord does not.
Restoring true worship through the Kingdom ministry is the most important service in your community, regardless of where you may live.—John 4:24; Acts 17:22-28,34.
4 Jehovah's witnesses recognize Jehovah and Christ Jesus as the "higher powers" and are guided in their service by God's Word, the Bible. (Isa. 43:10-12, A.S.V.; Rom. 13:1, 2, A.S.V.; Rom. 3:4; John 17:17) Having embraced the fundamental truths of the Scriptures, Christians will advance in knowledge by constant study, becoming mature in mind and perfectly equipped to instruct others. Remaining a babe through failure to study may cause one to relapse into sin and die. (Prov. 2:1-6; Heb. 5:12-14; 6:1-8) Knowledge is the minister's defense. Each Christian must acquire it, and "put on the whole armour of God", and thus be able to resist the Devil's attacks, gain God's favor, and find life.—Eccl. 7:12; John 17:3; Eph. 6:10-17; Jas. 4:6, 7.
To dispense knowledge of God and Christ to the household of faith and multitudes who hunger for truth, Jehovah through Christ at the temple has raised up in these "last days" the "faithful and wise servant". (Matt. 24:45-47) This servant is the association of all the remnant of Christ's anointed body members, operating under the direction of their Head and King Christ Jesus. It is entirely Theocratic, bound by God's Word, subject to Christ, God's anointed One, and guided by the spirit of Jehovah. (Col. 1:18; Acts 2:17,18) It receives counsel on Theocratic organization through its visible governing body, composed of faithful, mature servants of God. (Acts 15:1,2) Seeking only to advance true worship, Jehovah's witnesses heed His Word and move steadily forward in doing God's work, letting their light shine more and more in this dark world. (Matt. 5:14-16, A.S.V.) The members of God's organization, though having various duties to perform, will function in perfect peace and unity under their one Head, just as the members of a perfect human body work together harmoniously.—1 Cor. 12.
6 Jehovah's witnesses use as their primary legal agency to assist them in preaching the gospel internationally the Watch Tower Bible & Tract Society, a corporation formed under the laws of the State of Pennsylvania, U.S.A. This Society discharges its chartered purpose to train ministers, provide Bible helps, and generally improve the condition of the people through dissemination of Bible truths. Other corporations have been formed from time to time to care for the expanding Kingdom work, but all work in harmony with the Watch Tower Bible & Tract Society.
The Society is keenly interested in every servant of God, and desirous of helping him better his Theocratic service, share in the vindication of Jehovah's name, and prove worthy of the gift of eternal life. In keeping with the responsibility placed upon God's visible organization by the King, and out of love for all who serve Jehovah, the Watch Tower Bible & Tract Society publishes many helps besides Bibles to aid Jehovah's witnesses, such as the Watchtower and Awake! magazines, books, booklets and pamphlets. All of these should be carefully read and studied by Jehovah's witnesses everywhere, for it will help them to see and work harmoniously.
ORDINATION AND RESPONSIBILITY
8 Jehovah through Christ ordains his witnesses to serve as ministers, preaching good news. (Isa. 61:1-6; Matt. 28:19,20,A.S.V.) As ministers Jehovah's witnesses follow closely the example of Jesus, whose life was devoted to the ministry. (John 18:37;1 Pet. 2:21) Jehovah's witnesses, therefore, constitute a society or body of ministers. Their field for ministry is the world of mankind. In performing their ministry Jehovah's witnesses do a public service of tremendous value.—Ps. 22:27; Matt. 13:38.
9 Individually the ordained minister is responsible before God to "make full proof of thy ministry". (2 Tim. 4:5) His faith will be backed by godly works for the King, in the field of public praise. (Ps. 45:2, Leeser; 2 Tim. 3:15-17, Weymouth; Jas. 2:17,26) His active PERFORMING THE MINISTRY
service to God will bear sure witness to all the world that he truly is God's ordained minister.2 Cor. 3:1-3.
10 In performing his ministry Jesus was not bound by the traditional methods of the Pharisees. Both his message and his method of work were different. By word of mouth he preached the kingdom of God publicly and at the homes of the people, to few or many. (Matt. 9:35; Mark 6:32-34; Luke 5:1-3; 8:1) The disciples followed Jesus' example in their preaching.—Luke 10:1-5; Acts 5:42; 20:20, 21.
11 Jehovah's witnesses today perform their ministry in the same general ways as Jesus and his disciples. They too preach at the homes, on the streets, by public meetings and in other ways, to one person, small groups of two or three, or many. In apostolic days the gospel was preached in the then known world. At this time of the end, however, God's message must be heralded into every part of the globe. Accordingly Jehovah's witnesses have expanded the Kingdom ministry by making full use of the added means of communication developed since the first advent of Christ.
12 Printed Bible helps, such as books, booklets, magazines and leaflets, together with the Bible itself, can be obtained to assist Jehovah's witnesses in performing their service effectively. The Bible helps serve as a substitute for the oral sermon, and enable interested persons to read and study the truth at their convenience. Literature is not sold, but placed with the public on a contribution basis. Contributions received do not cover the cost of publication and distribution of the Bible helps, many of which are given free to the people. Like God's minister Paul, Jehovah's witnesses are not 'peddlers of God's message'.—2 Cor. 2:17, An Amer. Trans.
13 It should be remembered that your work as a minister is to "feed my sheep". (John 21:15-17) This obligates you to call back on people, increase interest and conduct home Bible studies with them. Placement of literature does not remove the need for return calls, for
"sheep" require much help in grasping the whole truth. Let them read and also hear from your lips God's message of life.Prov. 10:21;15:2;Acts 15:36.
14 Personal Territory. It is proper for you to hold territory near your home, letting your light shine among neighbors. (Phil. 2:15,16) It will permit you to serve more persons than can be reached when traveling long distances, with better attention given to near-by backcalls and Bible studies. Personal territory lends itself to effective service during weekdays, when you may have but a limited time available for preaching. If you wish to hold personal territory elsewhere in the company assignment, you may do so. In each case, territory will be obtained from the territory servant.
15 Group Witnessing. Two or more publishers may work together in a territory. This arrangement is termed "Group Witnessing". The territory will be assigned to one of the group who can oversee its systematic coverage by means of house-to-house, back-call and Bible-study work. Group witnessing is specially helpful to newly interested persons who are encouraged and trained in the ministry by working with others. Publishers will usually work alone from house to house in the section assigned. New ones, however, and those needing help in presenting the witness at the door or on a return call, will be greatly aided by accompanying more experienced publishers.
16 Those who attend a company book study are in a position to serve efficiently as a group, under the oversight of a company book study conductor. Service may be performed in the evening, during the day, or on week-ends. In all group witnessing territory, the individual publisher should try to follow up the interest and begin home Bible studies. The one assigned the territory will report to the territory servant on the work done.
17 Field service in conjunction with public meetings is best done by group witnessing. The territory for coverage will have been selected under direction of the company servant, and the group in all of its service activity within that territory will advertise the public meeting.
Public meeting advertising can be carried on during the entire week preceding the meeting.
18 Work in the Territory. Work should be done in the most practical and systematic manner. When working rural territory, redeem the time by doing as much steady witnessing as possible. If a rural area can be properly worked by two or three, it is not necessary for a larger group to go along. Larger groups can be assigned to more densely populated sections, and thus the entire rural territory be covered thoroughly in a minimum of actual witnessing time.
19 The publisher should make an effort to witness to the occupants of every home in the assignment. When interest is found, back-calls should be made and a home Bible study started if at all possible, using the Bible and the Society's publications as textbooks. The home Bible study ought to be about one hour in length. The method of conducting the study is flexible, depending upon varying conditions. Usually the conductor will read the questions in the publication, call for answers and a general discussion of the material, and have scriptures looked up and the paragraph read as a summary. The objective of home Bible-study work is to educate others in God's Word. Such knowledge will lead them into association with Jehovah's witnesses and the doing of God's will.
20 If an interested person shows a desire to increase in knowledge, you should continue to call back and furnish Bible instruction. On the other hand, if the interest is not sufficient to justify the continuance of study, look for the Lord's "sheep", who thirst for the water of life. Time is valuable, and should be spent where the most good can be accomplished.
21 You should invite and bring good-will to public meetings and all company meetings, there to gain further knowledge and become acquainted with the brethren. Be alert at all times to observe the progress of your student and, at the opportune time, explain the privilege of sharing in the Kingdom work. Take the Bible student along with you into the field, and offer kind and considerate counsel. Service to God must be voluntary, prompted by love for God and his kingdom. Your work is to teach, explain, encourage and help others to serve the King. God through his spirit will move those who truly love Him to serve actively and willingly, as the servant does his part.—Ps. 110:3; Dan. 11:33; Acts 18:24-28; 2 Tim. 2:2.
22 A Bible study may be conducted with a newly interested one even after he has begun to preach. Such, however, will be continued only as long as necessary. Always keep in mind the need of searching for and nourishing others who hunger for truth.
24 You are encouraged to share in magazine work, placing The Watchtower and Awake! in the hands of the people. This may be done on the street, from house to house, and store to store. Routes may be developed, delivering the magazines regularly to the householder or storekeeper, and later inviting them to subscribe. Public meeting advertising will be carried on in conjunction with magazine work.
23 For the convenience of the publisher who finds it advantageous to use it, the House to House Record has been provided by the Society. It may be used to record interest and not-at-homes as an aid in calling back. Some record is desirable in order that you may perform your follow-up work as efficiently as possible.
25 Sometimes preaching is done through sound equipment such as sound-trucks and loud-speakers mounted on automobiles or placed in public parks where people may assemble and hear a public Bible talk. Those using sound equipment should do so with the dignity becoming God's servants, taking into consideration the volume, location and circumstances. Always conform to local regulations for the operation of sound equipment on the streets, and other proper regulations that do not infringe on your service to the Lord. Aim to present the truth pleasingly, in a way that will honor The Theocracy, and favorably impress the listeners.
TIME AND REPORTS
26 Everything Jehovah's witnesses possess, including their time, belongs to the Lord. Time, then, should be used wisely, redeemed to God's honor and the benefit of yourself and others. (Col. 4:5) While all of God's ministers are required to serve him "day and night", doing everything as "unto the Lord", not all may be able to devote the same amount of time to the Kingdom ministry, for one reason or another. (Rev. 7:15; Col. 3:23) Hence, some are company publishers, while others are blessed with the privilege of full-time pioneer service. Nevertheless each one, desiring to please God and recognizing the consequences of failing to preach, will be alert to make the very most of his opportunities to preach the gospel and attend all company meetings. (1 Cor. 9:16; Eph. 5:16, An Amer. Trans.) This will mean diligence to avoid permitting the cares of this life or personal matters to crowd out vital Kingdom work, which should be sought first. (Mark 4:19; Luke 21:34-36; 1 Tim. 6:6-11) It will usually require establishing some sort of personal time-schedule, allowing you to have a regular share in the ministry, week after week, seeking to expand your praise to God "more and more". (Ps. 71:14) Your individual responsibility is to proclaim glad tidings to the extent of your ability and opportunities. In doing this, you may be assured of God's rich blessing, whether you serve as a pioneer or as a faithful company publisher. The Lord is pleased with your wholehearted service.—Mark 12:41-44.
27 In early Christian days a record of some kind must have been kept of the preaching activities of Jehovah's witnesses. Thus it could be reported to the joy of all concerned that hundreds and thousands were "added to the church". (Acts 2:41,47;4:4) The man with the writer's inkhorn made a report of his ministry in ancient times. (Ezek.9:11) At this end of the world, then, it is proper that you make a report of time spent in preaching and the results achieved during the preaching period.
28 Company publishers are asked to report to the company organization, using the Publisher's Field Service
Report. The company servant will see to it that the complete report is compiled at the end of the month. This will be recorded locally, and also sent to the Society's office by the third day of the month following. All reports should be checked carefully for accuracy before being mailed.
29 Pioneers, circuit servants and district servants will report their field service promptly at the end of each month direct to the Society's office on the form provided.
30 The complete national report of field service will be published monthly in the Informant. The annual worldwide report will appear in the Yearbook of Jehovah's witnesses. Through these publications you will be kept informed of the steady progress and expansion of true worship, locally, nationally and internationally. It will be a constant source of joy and satisfaction to learn that the number of those that will make up the "great multitude" is becoming ever greater, and the name of Jehovah magnified by reason of the Lord's blessing upon your wise use of consecrated time. The record will also point to any features of the work that deserve special attention. Reports are encouraging and beneficial.
31 Time to be reported as field service is time actually spent in preaching the gospel to the public and persons of good-will. This will include house-to-house, back-call, home Bible-study and magazine work, advertising public meetings, use of sound equipment to preach, and other efforts put forth to minister to the public and "other sheep". It is understood that many essential services not reported as field service are performed daily by the servant of God, bringing divine favor and blessing, such as personal study, attendance at company meetings and public talks, visiting the sick and needy brethren and traveling to and from territory and meetings. Some may be called upon to aid in maintaining a presentable Kingdom Hall, assist in keeping company records, or perform various duties at an assembly. All of these services are necessary, but will not be reported as field service, since they do not constitute preaching to the public and good-will.
32 To assist the publisher in properly reporting, the following information is given regarding figures that should appear on the Publisher's Field Service Report:
83 "Total Books": Total number of bound books placed, including Bibles.
34 "Total Booklets": Total number of booklets placed.
35 "Hours of Field Service": Time actually spent preaching the gospel to the public and good-will. When in the field time is to be counted from the beginning of your witness work to the end of your work. Any periods of time that are spent witnessing for the Kingdom to "the stranger" when not in actual field service may be reported too. For example, during lunch periods or to visitors at home or while traveling.
36 "New Watchtower and Awake! Subscriptions": Total number of new subscriptions obtained.
37 "Individual Magazines": Total number of magazines distributed, whether from house to house, store to store, on the streets, at work, at back-calls and studies, or anywhere else you have opportunity.
38 "Back-Calls": Total number of back-calls made. Back-calls are return calls by publishers where something more is explained to interested persons regarding Jehovah's purposes. The call may be made on someone met in the regular witness work, on a person of goodwill whose name is supplied by the Society or another publisher, or on an individual with whom the publisher conducts a home Bible study. The purpose of a back-call is to give an additional witness to the Kingdom and to try to develop a home Bible study where one is not in progress.
All figures that appear on the Publisher's Field Service Report will show the total results achieved during the preaching period covered by the report. The report slip is to be turned in to the company at least once each week. You may, however, report each day you engage in field service, if you desire.
40 Study Reports. One report will be made out (each month) by the publisher for each home Bible study conducted. These reports will be received by the assistant
company servant for notation on the Publisher's Record card and a compiling of the company's monthly report. Then he will turn the Study Reports over to the Bible study servant for posting his records. When the company reports to the Society, it should report only the number of different home Bible studies held during the month, which will equal the number of Study Reports received for that month. The Study Report will also be used to report on each company book study, as well as other company meetings, once a month.
Public meetings in company territory are to be reported to the Society by the company. When pioneers in isolated territory put on public meetings, one of their group should report the number on his monthly report, even though the pioneers have been assisted by a company.
42 When a publisher is being trained by another, or where it is deemed unsafe to travel alone, both publishers may count and report the time spent in field service; and if two are required to make a back-call together and both assist in giving a witness, both may count the time, but only one back-call is to be reported.
PIONEER PUBLISHERS
43 The pioneer publisher is one devoting full time, to the extent of at least 100 hours a month or 1200 hours a year, in Kingdom preaching. The pioneer work is open to consecrated company publishers who have participated in the field service regularly for at least six months. If they find it necessary, pioneers may engage in part-time or seasonal secular employment to enable them to provide things needful for their well-being. (Acts 18:2,3; 20:33,34; 1 Cor. 4:12) The Society aids pioneers to continue in the service by providing literature and other witnessing equipment at special rates. Pioneers will do their work in accordance with Counsel on Theocratic Organization for Jehovah's witnesses, which applies to all of the Lord's people.
44 The Society will furnish a pioneer application blank to company publishers desirous of taking up full-time service.
The pioneer application should be filled out carefully, then returned to the Society's office for consideration. With the application the publisher will submit a letter of recommendation from the company servant or one of his assistant servants. A copy of the field record for the preceding six months should be included. If, for some reason, the servant feels that the applicant requesting a letter of recommendation is not qualified to serve as a pioneer, he should write to the Society, setting forth his reasons fully.
45 After receipt of the application, the Society will advise the applicant of his enrollment as a pioneer, if accepted. The pioneer serves as a special representative of the Society. He will receive a territory assignment from the Society, authorizing him to work with a company, or in an isolated area open to pioneers. The assignment of territory is usually based on the publisher's choice, noted on the application. During the month the pioneer is expected to keep an accurate record of his field service, and report direct to the Society's office at the end of each month.
46 Pioneers Serving in Company Territory. When assigned to work with a company, the pioneer will obtain territory, as other publishers do, from the territory servant. He will cover his territory properly, witnessing from house to house with the current offer, following up interest and endeavoring to start Bible studies in the homes of persons of good-will. Whether in the field or elsewhere, the pioneer will set a proper example for his brethren by godly conduct.
47 The primary responsibility of a pioneer is to use his time in the preaching work. He bears this obligation before the Lord; consequently a company should not expect the pioneer to care for various duties that may keep him away from field service. Nevertheless, each pioneer will work closely with the company in its Kingdom ministry, by directing interested ones to company meetings, and aiding these and other publishers in the field as he has opportunity. At the end of the month a Study Report for each home Bible study conducted by
the pioneer is to be turned in to the company. Regular attendance at company meetings and enrollment in the Theocratic ministry school (for male pioneers) is essential for their spiritual welfare. Co-operation between the company and pioneer will be pleasing to the Lord, and contribute much to the upbuilding and unity of the local organization of Jehovah's witnesses.
48 The Pioneer in Isolated Territory. Pioneers in isolated territory will likewise preach "publicly, and from house to house". When good-will are found, Bible studies will be started with a real effort made to nourish and train believers to do Jehovah's will. Several interested ones may be brought together for a group Bible study of the bound books or The Watchtower regularly. It is hoped that the pioneer's work will result in the development of a company of publishers fully able to carry on Kingdom service when he leaves. If it is believed that a company can function in the isolated territory, the pioneer may fill out a company application form and send it to the Society's office. If none of the group is sufficiently advanced, perhaps the pioneer will be the logical recommendation for company servant temporarily, since the "overseer" should be mature and able to instruct others.
49 Until a company is formed in isolated territory, publishers and good-will should be encouraged to attend some meetings of the nearest company, if this is possible. They should be in touch with the nearest company servant, who will communicate with the pioneer regarding the dates of the visit of the circuit servant and the circuit assembly. Those in isolated territory should then make an effort to support the circuit servant's visit to that company and receive further counsel and assistance from him. The same is true of the circuit assembly. If none of the good-will in the isolated area are able to meet with the company, the circuit servant may try to arrange to meet with them (as well as the pioneer) for a brief period while he serves the nearest company.
50 All necessary reports in connection with witnessing in the territory will be held by the pioneer, made out properly and submitted to the Society as directed. When the territory is completed and the pioneer goes into another area, if no company has been formed these records will be sent to the Society with a report on the completed territory.
51 Whether in isolated or in company territory, the pioneer's obligation is to carefully follow up placements, establish home Bible studies with the meek and aid them to praise God.
52 The pioneer ministry in these last days is a vocation unmatched by any other occupation in the world. Company publishers of all ages who are free to perform pioneer service should cherish the privilege and prospect set before them of sharing every day in the work of supreme importance in this critical period of history. The greater the number of pioneers in the field, the greater will be the expansion, as more hours, back-calls and Bible studies produce more servants of God. The Society suggests the quota of at least ten percent of all publishers serving as pioneers. Each company in the world should set this figure as its goal and keep the pioneer privileges before the brethren.
SPECIAL PIONEERS
53 The work of special pioneers is the same as that described under the heading "Pioneers". The Society selects from the pioneer enrollment individuals who may be able to take up the special pioneer service. Special pioneers are required to devote a minimum of 140 hours a month, or 1600 hours a year, in field service. In order for a special pioneer to qualify for monthly financial assistance from the Society, in addition to the aid received from literature placements, he will be required to devote at least 140 hours to field service and make no less than 50 back-calls during the month.
54 Special pioneers will receive their assignment of territory from the Society. They may be sent to a town
where no company is organized, or be assigned to work in conjunction with a company needing special help. If the Society believes it necessary a special pioneer may be appointed company servant.
The working of a territory assigned to a special pioneer should be done systematically. It is suggested that he cover a section of territory once every two months and thus remain in the same area, convenient to his back-calls and home Bible studies. His assignment should be covered by house-to-house witnessing at least three or four times in eight months. The principal objective of a special pioneer is the starting of home Bible studies, with the newly interested directed to the local company. Where a company does not exist, the special pioneer will work toward organizing a new company in the course of time. Special pioneers with duties of servant in a company may take out a smaller territory so as to comply with the above suggestion and in addition work with company publishers when group witnessing is organized and when public meetings are arranged. During the week, if not taking out other publishers, he can work in his assigned territory.
56 Special forms are provided for the special pioneers, and these will be sent in once a month, setting out their field service record and making request thereon for their monthly allowance.
MISSIONARIES
57 Pioneers who have graduated from the Watchtower Bible School of Gilead get special assignments. The president of the Society decides if they shall be sent to a missionary home, Branch office, circuit servant work, or be given some other special service. Those assigned to missionary service are provided with lodging, food, and a small allowance for each missionary's personal needs; this in addition to aid received through literature placements in the field. Instructions for pioneers and special pioneers will apply to missionaries as far as work in their missionary assignments is concerned. Their reports are made out on Missionary Report forms and sent to the Branch office under which they are working.
The Branch sends a copy of the report of each missionary home to the president of the Society every month.
COMPANY PUBLISHERS
58 Consecrated servants of God who are unable to meet pioneer requirements are designated herein as company publishers. (1 Tim. 5:8) Nevertheless they are ministers, not full-time, like the pioneers, but in their off hours from secular work the company publishers serve God every day, using their faculties and strength to Jehovah's glory and the blessing of their neighbors. (Ps. 57:9, A.S.V.; 145:10-12, A.S.V.; Acts 18:1-4; 1 Pet. 3:15) They seek first the Kingdom and they preach the gospel to the fullest extent of their opportunities, assuming before the Lord a personal obligation to minister from house to house, through back-calls and Bible studies, and in other ways.
59 It is suggested that company publishers endeavor to preach regularly, week after week, meeting and, if possible, exceeding the company quota of hours, back-calls and home Bible studies. By consistent and faithful Theocratic service you will find the Lord's "sheep" and soon develop a congregation of people of good-will, whom you will feed regularly through home Bible study and also by bringing them to company meetings. It is your privilege to direct willing ones into the field, and train them for godly service.
60 Company meetings, arranged for the welfare of all of Jehovah's people in these evil times, deserve constant support by all of Jehovah's witnesses. And, whether at meetings, in the field, or elsewhere, Jehovah's witnesses will serve God in peace and unity, applying daily the wise counsel of God's Word and the instruction of the Theocratic organization. Company publishers, moreover, will be watchful for occasions to expand their ministry in the time yet remaining for announcing Jehovah's reign.
COMPANY ORGANIZATION
61 The company organization consists of a group of Jehovah's witnesses in a certain locality who meet regularly for worship and Bible study and unitedly preach the gospel in the field. A company is enrolled and organized by the Society, given its territory assignment and provided with literature and other equipment for effective service. The company organization serves as the one organization of true worship in the community, providing a place of assembly for persons of good-will who desire to learn of and serve the true God.
62 In each company a qualified brother will be appointed by the Society as company servant or "overseer". Other brethren will be appointed to serve as assistants to the company servant. Through the apostle Paul the Lord gives this counsel respecting ministers selected as overseers and assistants: "A bishop [overseer] then must be blameless, the husband of one wife, vigilant, sober, of good behaviour, given to hospitality, apt to teach; not given to wine, no striker, not greedy of filthy lucre; but patient, not a brawler, not covetous; one that ruleth well his own house, having his children in subjection with all gravity; (for if a man know not how to rule his own house, how shall he take care of the church of God?) not a novice, lest being lifted up with pride he fall into the condemnation of the devil. Moreover he must have a good report of them which are without; lest he fall into reproach and the snare of the devil." (1 Tim. 3:2-7; see also Titus 1:5-9) Paul's further counsel to Timothy is: "I charge you before God and Christ Jesus and the chosen angels to observe these rules without any discrimination, and to be perfectly impartial. Never ordain anyone hastily; do not make yourself responsible for the sins of others; keep your life pure." (1 Tim. 5:21, 22, An Amer. Trans.) Servants in companies are designated as follows: Company servant, assistant company servant, Bible study servant, territory servant, advertising servant, accounts servant, stock servant, school servant, Watchtower study conductor and company book study conductors.
Where possible the company servant and accounts servant should be two different persons. If it appears that other servants should be appointed in the future, the Society will so advise.
In an area where there are no consecrated brothers, but where there are consecrated sisters, the Society may form a company consisting of sisters. Thus they will be able to meet regularly for study and service. A qualified sister will be appointed to serve as company servant and other sisters as assistants. Hence the various services that require attention in the company, including all studies, will be looked after. In the Theocratic ministry school here, however, neither student talks nor instruction talks will be given. The material in the textbook under consideration should be read and oral and written reviews conducted regularly. People of good-will are to be invited to all company meetings. Undoubtedly the Lord will prosper the diligent ministry of a company of sisters and "other sheep" will be gathered. When a man is associated with the company he may be recommended for company servant provided he is consecrated, an active publisher for at least a year, and qualified according to the Scriptural requirements for an "overseer". The Society may assign a male pioneer to help the company, appointing him as company servant to take full oversight. In instances where a male pioneer associates with a company for a short period of time he should be used to conduct the Watchtower studies, Theocratic ministry school and service meeting, as well as the company book study. (1 Cor. 11:1-3; 1 Tim. 2:12) In small companies where qualified brothers are few, sisters may be appointed as servants to assist the company servant. In all instances sisters will seek to copy the example of godly servants in the past, such as Phoebe, commended by the apostle Paul for her good work.—Acts 16:13-15, 40; Rom. 16:1.
64 Where there are not enough different qualified brethren to take care of all servant positions, then one or more persons meeting the qualifications may be appointed to serve in more than one position of service. Wherever possible the company servant, assistant company
servant and Bible study servant will be three different brothers. All servants appointed by the Society will accept the added responsibility before the Lord of keeping their records in proper order and up to date, and will realize their primary obligation to set a proper example by zeal and good works. (1 Tim. 4:12) Every servant is required to have his records at the company meeting place at each company meeting.
65 All servants will work in unity under the oversight of the company servant to aid their brethren and people of good-will to serve God. (1 Pet. 5:1-11) The company servant will see to it that the Publisher's Record file is checked at the end of the second week of each month to ascertain whether any publishers have not reported field service up to that time. An effort will then be made to assist these to share in the work before the end of the month.
It may be that some of the brethren are sick and in need of comfort and assistance. These should be visited. (Jas. 5:13-15) Minister to those in need and follow the example of Christ. (Matt. 20:28) The aged and infirm delight to share in God's service. If confined to their homes, they may witness to any who call, place literature and study with willing persons. Other means of witnessing, including sending literature by mail and letter-writing, can be employed by these brethren. A record of the time thus spent to "preach this gospel" will be kept and reported to the company. Servants will have in mind their welfare, as well as that of all others in the company.—Rom. 15:1,2.
67 Publisher's Record File. The number of publishers comprising a company will be determined by the number of cards in the Publisher's Record file. Each card should show fully the information requested thereon regarding the publisher. When new ones begin to preach the gospel, new cards will be made out and the date service started clearly shown.
68 Each one of you should strive to engage regularly in the service, week after week. Your Publisher's Field Service Reports will be filed in front of your Publisher's Record card during the month.
When these cards are checked once a month, those not yet in the service can be given immediate aid to share in the service that month, and regularly thereafter.
69 When the circuit servant visits a company, he will check the Publisher's Record file to determine the number who have been regular, and those who have been irregular, in service over the preceding six-month period. Should a number of brethren fall into the "irregular" group, the circuit servant will try to determine the cause of this weakness and put forth a special effort to instruct and encourage all of these to have part in field activity during the week of his visit and consistently thereafter.
70 If any of you move out of the company territory, you should take your Publisher's Record card with you to give to the company servant in your new territory. A Publisher's Record card, when filled, is not to be discarded, but filed as part of the company's permanent record.
INFORMANT
Every month the Society will send the Informant to each of you through the company servant. Your name will be noted on the Informant or the company servant may use any other convenient method to assure proper distribution of the Informant. Through the Informant the Society makes a personal contact with you and instructs you as to how to carry on the ministry from month to month. Brethren who are ill or infirm and unable to get to meeting regularly should receive their copies. You should study your Informant as soon as received, make the instruction your own, and apply its counsel in the field. The company will keep a file of issues of the Informant, and it is suggested that you too keep a file for reference from time to time. The total number of copies of the Informant received monthly will generally be the same as the company quota. When an increase or decrease is necessary the company servant or the circuit servant will inform the Society and the adjustment will be made. The circuit servant will always cheek with
the company servant before recommending any change. The Informant will be sent to each pioneer direct.
72 If any change in these instructions should be made you will be notified thereof through the Informant. The latest instructions will always apply.
THE KINGDOM HALL
The place of assembly for worship of Jehovah's witnesses is the Kingdom Hall. In some communities where a company is small and a hall is not obtainable, it may be necessary to use a private dwelling. Regardless of the type or size, however, all Kingdom Halls, in all parts of the world, should have one thing in common: they should be clean, in keeping with the clean and pure worship of God's people. Brethren should cooperate and may volunteer to aid in caring for the Kingdom Hall. The company servant will oversee its maintenance. Where possible, the yeartext should be mounted at the front of the hall. The company chart, a stock room, Theocratic library, and file for keeping records will constitute other equipment. The Kingdom Hall may be identified from the outside by a neat, appropriate sign, such as "Kingdom Hall of Jehovah's witnesses". The Kingdom Hall is truly the most important structure in the community, since its purpose relates to the Kingdom work. Keep it inviting and presentable, to Jehovah's praise and the benefit of all who gather within.
"ISOLATED" PERSONS
74 In various places throughout the world there may be persons of good-will desirous of serving Jehovah who are not associated with a company or living in the territory of a company. It is the desire of the Society to assist these in every way possible. It would be to the advantage of all such to assemble with a company and receive regular counsel, help and instruction in order to advance in the ministry. Hence, when the Society is advised of such a person or group of persons, the territory in which they live may be assigned to the nearest company, even though it may be some distance away.
If the "isolated" brethren can attend company meetings weekly, much benefit will be gained. If circumstances prohibit this, then assembling once a month or so will prove strengthening. The company servant will see to it that they receive the Informant each month, mailing it if necessary, in addition to literature and other witnessing equipment. At least a Watchtower study should be established where brethren and good-will in the outlying section can assemble. Reports of field service are to be kept and turned in to the company regularly. Thus, through this arrangement these servants of the Lord will be in constant touch with an established company. They will be informed by the company servant of the dates of the circuit servant's visit, as well as the circuit assembly, and should put forth a special effort to support these provisions for their assistance.
75 When the circuit servant visits the company he will investigate the prospects of forming another company in that area and, if advisable, the company application form can be sent to the Society for consideration. It must be kept in mind that one recommended as company servant is to be consecrated, baptized, able to set a proper example and willing to carry out instructions. If none is qualified to serve as company servant, then it would be best to continue association with the nearest company until a company can be organized.
In some instances it may be wholly impractical for an individual or a group of "isolated" brethren to associate with or report to any company. These the Society will try to assist directly, providing them with the Informant and literature. A report card will be furnished and one of the group will mail this at the end of the month to the Society's office. When the circuit servant works with the company nearest this group he may take a day or so to assist them to the extent possible, informing the Society of their service and the prospects for forming a company. If deemed advisable and feasible, he may arrange to work a week with them when he next serves in that area and help them to become better organized.
Should an isolated group feel able to function as a company one of their number may write to the Society's office for a company application form to be filled out and returned by the most qualified publisher of the group. The group should, however, not request to be organized with the stipulation that a pioneer be sent in to act as company servant. They should be able and willing to serve in the field and assume the responsibility to "preach the gospel" themselves.
UNITS IN CITIES
78 In a city where a company has approximately 200 publishers the Society may divide the company into units, or units may be further subdivided with the proper regard for the best method of advancing the Kingdom interests in each section. Such subdivisions of companies and units will be designated by geographic names, as "Central Unit", "North Unit," "Flatbush Unit." The committee of the company or unit will give thorough consideration to the most effective boundary division, consulting with other servants and publishers where necessary. Then they should submit their recommendation to the Society for servants in the new unit, together with complete information as to the territory division. Or, they can await the visit of the circuit servant and consult with him in regard to the entire readjustment and have him forward information and details to the Society. In either case, the company application form should be completely and accurately filled out and submitted with the desired information.
79 Each unit in a city will function separately, just as any company. Its reports will be made direct to the Society and the Society will send instructions and supplies to each company servant.
In large cities where two or more units exist, the Society will appoint one of the company servants as the "city servant". He may be called upon by the company servants of other units for counsel in times of need, but it will be unnecessary for the city servant to make regular visits to the various units. At times the Society may communicate with the city servant relative to service of a special nature and advise him specifically of what is desired.
When a circuit servant visits a city with two or more units he will check with the city servant and discuss with him the over-all activity in the city and offer and receive any suggestions that may be helpful. If it appears needful for some good reason that another person be appointed as the city servant, the circuit servant will make recommendation to this effect. Full information should be given as to the reasons for the change, and also the qualifications of the recommended brother.
81 When a publisher is appointed to a position of servant, a special appointment letter will be sent to the company. This letter is to be retained as part of the company's permanent file. The company servant, assistant company servant and Bible study servant will constitute the company committee. Their duties will include making recommendations to the Society for servants if a vacancy occurs or the need exists for another servant between visits of the circuit servant. No selfishness, personal favoritism or prejudice may enter into the performance of their duties. (Phil.2:3; Jas.2:1-9) The assistant company servant and Bible study servant will work closely with the company servant, who will take full oversight of the committee and company services.
82 In recommending servants the committee will suggest to the Society two names for each position to be filled, setting out the full names, and noting first and second choice, along with the age, years in service, date of immersion, anointed or Jonadab, average hours, average back-calls and average Bible studies during the previous six months, with the complete and specific reasons for recommending the change. Brethren recommended should have been baptized. The same information requested above should be supplied for those recommended as company book study conductors except that only one name need be submitted for each assignment. If a new
company servant or assistant company servant is recommended, the full mailing address must also be given. Until such time as the Society makes a new appointment, the company servant or assistant company servant (in event the company servant moves) will be responsible for taking care of the duties of the servant's position vacated. The Society will not be bound by this list in making any appointments, but the list will be advisory. If the circuit servant is scheduled to visit the company soon after the vacancy occurs, the committee may await his visit and take up the matter with him.
COMPANY SERVANT
85 The company servant is appointed to serve as overseer of all features of the company ministry. He will be familiar with the duties, work and records of all the other servants. Necessarily he must have a good knowledge of The Watchtower, Counsel on Theocratic Organization for Jehovah's witnesses, the Informant and special letters or other instructions issued by the Society, to be in position to oversee the work and service of all others. When communications are sent to the company from the Society, they will be addressed in care of the company servant. He, in turn, will read all letters addressed to the company at the first service meeting following receipt of the correspondence and see that all those addressed to other servants are turned over to them. All other servants involved should fully acquaint themselves with the contents of such communications. The company correspondence and other data to be retained for future reference should be properly filed and be accessible to those concerned. The chief work of any servant is his ministry in the field, assisting and training others. In order that the keeping of necessary records will not interfere with a servant's main work, it is proper that the company servant select others to assist. Such assistance should come from brethren who will cooperate fully with the servant whom he or she is to assist.
84 On receipt of the Informant, the company servant should plan the service meetings for the following month.
He may consult with other servants as to how various articles in the Informant might be handled in service meetings. If the brethren have suggestions to offer regarding service meetings or other matters they may discuss these with the company servant. He will decide whether any of these suggestions should be used, having in mind a constant improvement of the service meeting and all other activities of the company. If brethren have service problems they should feel free to take them up with the company servant. Company meetings, that is, the service meeting, Watchtower study, Theocratic ministry school and company book studies, will be arranged by the company servant at a time convenient to the majority of the publishers. It is suggested that wherever possible the Watchtower study should be held on Sunday.
ASSISTANT COMPANY SERVANT
The assistant company servant should be the one most qualified to look after the Kingdom interests and take oversight in the absence of the company servant. His name and address will be on record in the Society's office so that communications with the company may be sent through him if necessary. The assistant company servant will aid and co-operate closely with the company servant in all matters of service, including the keeping of company records. This will take in the posting of the Publisher's Record cards, the Company Progressive Report Sheet, company chart, and other records that may be required. All records should be kept neat and accurate for ready reference and checking. He will also receive the Study Reports when they are turned in at the end of each month and as soon as he is done with them turn them over to the Bible study servant. (See paragraph 40 for further information.)
80 The Bible study servant will oversee the back-call and Bible-study activity. His chief concern will be his service in the field assisting others. If the Publisher's Record card, which he should check periodically, reveals
placement of literature with few back-calls and studies, the Bible study servant will lend aid to his fellow workers, calling back with them to build up that feature of their service. Ministers who have been efficient in starting studies will be glad to aid their brethren also in home Bible-study work.
Before a home Bible study is established, a number of back-calls may be necessary, with an informal and general discussion on Scriptural subjects. If the person is interested and teachable a regular home Bible study should be in progress soon after return calls are begun. This will usually be a Bible study with one of the Society's bound books as a textbook. It may, however, be a Bible study with The Watchtower or one of the Society's booklets or the Bible itself, depending on literature available and other factors. When genuine interest is shown and a home Bible study started, you will report this on the Study Report, which you will turn in to the company at the end of the month. Thus the file of the Bible study servant will contain only the names of persons keenly interested in the Kingdom.
The Bible study servant will keep a Study Record file. A Study Record slip will be in the file for each home Bible study conducted. These slips will be filed under the territory number, and arranged alphabetically according to the name of the householder. If it is found that interest no longer exists, the Study Record slip can be discarded. After the Bible study servant receives the Study Reports from the assistant company servant, he will post information from them on the Study Record slips. If a new study is started, a Study Record slip will be made out and inserted in the file. The Study Report will be turned in to the company both by company publishers and by pioneers. The pioneer's studies, however, will not be reported to the Society by the company, but by the pioneer himself.
89 When a home Bible study is started you will make out a Study Record for your own use. At the end of the month you will turn in the Study Report slip to the company, along with other reports of field service.
When the Bible study servant receives this report he will make out a file copy on the Study Record slip from the information posted on the publisher's Study Report. The Study Record form will be used by both the publisher and the Bible study servant. One will serve as the publisher's study record and the other as the file study record. The publisher and the servant, each having a copy of the Study Record, will each make monthly entries on the reverse side of this slip, showing the month and year, number of studies held that month, and the average weekly attendance, which attendance includes the study conductor.
90 If for some reason you are unable to continue your study, you or the Bible study servant should try to arrange for another to care for it. The new publisher would then receive and retain the publisher's copy of the Study Record slip, and make the monthly reports on the Study Report form to the company. If no other publisher can take this study immediately, then the publisher's Study Record slip should be turned in to the Bible study servant, and these will be kept in a separate file under territory numbers, alphabetically arranged. An effort should be made to have another publisher care for this study as soon as possible. If, however, this cannot be done, then when the territory is assigned to a new publisher these Study Record slips should be turned over to him.
91 If after earnest effort it is found that the person with whom a publisher has been holding a study loses interest, then the publisher when making out his Study Report should check the space next to the words "Not Interested", attach the Study Record slip to the Study Report, and turn these in to the company. The Bible study servant will either check further on this study or destroy all records pertaining to it.
92 Every publisher will want to personally assist people of good-will and not place that responsibility on another. Therefore each publisher will keep his own records of good-will people until such time as a study
is started, and then reports will be made to the company on the proper forms.
93 The Bible study servant will also keep a file of the company studies. The same Study Record form will be used for the Watchtower study, service meeting, Theocratic ministry school, company book studies and public meetings.
94 At the end of the month each conductor of a company study will fill out and turn in a Study Report slip on his meeting. The Bible study servant will post the Study Report on the file copy of the Study Record form. All Study Report slips should be destroyed after posting.
TERRITORY SERVANT
95 The territory servant will look after the proper coverage of the entire assignment and encourage all publishers to work within the boundaries designated by the Society. The assignment should be subdivided into smaller sections of territory, the size of which will be determined by the type of territory, the size of the company, and other local conditions. It should be kept in mind that as far as possible the territory is to be covered at least once every six months, except in the case of special pioneers. Where it can be arranged the territory servant should prepare a large map of the entire territory assignment. It should be mounted and properly marked with the territory sections. A file is to be kept of each Individual Territory and Territory Assignment Record card, on which a record will be kept of the territory coverage. The Bible study servant will work closely with the territory servant, furnishing any information regarding studies and good-will data that may be necessary, when the territory is assigned.
The territory servant will assign to you upon request open territory that you may wish to work. You will be permitted to hold the territory as long as it is properly worked. Once every six months each assigned territory should be returned to the territory servant for checking. If you wish, and unless there is some good reason for not doing so, the territory will be reassigned. The date on which territory is to be returned is noted on the Territory Map Card.
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