"Pay Attention to Yourselves and to All the Flock" (1991)
Download: PDF — "Pay Attention to Yourselves and to All the Flock" (1991)
/cover.jpg)
"PAY ATTENTION TO YOURSELVES AND TO ALL THE FLOCK" "PAY ATTENTION TO YOURSELVES AND TO ALL THE FLOCK"
"PAY ATTENTION TO YOURSELVES AND TO ALL THE FLOCK"
ACTS 20:28
Kingdom Ministry School Textbook
A copy of this textbook is issued to each appointed elder, and he may retain it as long as he continues to serve as an elder in any congregation. At such time as he should cease to serve in that capacity, his copy of the book must be handed over to the Congregation Service Committee, since this publication is congregation property. No copies are to be made of any part of this publication.
© 1991 WATCH TOWER BIBLE AND TRACT SOCIETY OF PENNSYLVANIA All rights reserved
Publishers WATCHTOWER BIBLE AND TRACT SOCIETY OF NEW YORK, INC. INTERNATIONAL BIBLE STUDENTS ASSOCIATION Brooklyn, New York, U.S.A. Prior editions in English: 1977, 1979, 1981
Unless otherwise indicated, New World Translation of the Holy Scriptures-With References is used.
Kingdom Ministry School Course
The Purpose of the Textbook 9
UNIT 1 (a)
Imitate Jehovah, the Shepherd and Overseer of Our Souls 10
UNIT 1 (b)
Loving Overseers Working With the Congregation 19
UNIT 2 (a)
How Overseers Teach 31
UNIT 2 (b)
Teaching at Congregation Meetings 38
UNIT 3 (a)
Be Whole-Souled in the Evangelizing Work 50
UNIT 3 (b)
Help Your Brothers to Reach All by Evangelizing 57
UNIT 4 (a)
How the Elders Work Together as a Body 64
UNIT 4 (b)
Our Loving Heavenly Overseer Provides Counsel and Discipline for All 82
UNIT 5 (a)
Overseers ‘Ruling for Justice Itself’ 90
UNIT 5 (b)
Sharing on a Judicial Committee 107
UNIT 5 (c)
Handling Cases of Wrongdoing With Wisdom and Mercy 118
UNIT 6 (a)
Jehovah’s People Theocratically Organized for His Name 144
UNIT 6 (b)
Under “the Law of the Christ” 152
Index 156 The Purpose of the Textbook
The revised edition of "Pay Attention to Yourselves and to All the Flock" is presented as a practical and convenient handbook for congregation elders and traveling overseers to use in caring for responsibilities as shepherds of the flock of God. Acts 20:28;1 Pet.5:2.
As appointed elders and Christian overseers, you have been given the responsibility to ensure that the flock is well fed. (Compare John 21:15-17.) Among other things, this calls for teaching the congregation as a whole through instructive meetings. It also involves appropriate teaching on a personal basis to enlighten, give counsel, exhort, and reprove. Improving your ability as teachers is given special consideration in this publication.
Another important part of an overseer's work involves taking the lead in field service. Therefore, emphasis is placed on your regular participation in the public ministry and on how you can help others to have a meaningful share.
With so many outside pressures bearing on the brothers, you are often faced with matters involving counsel and judgment. How can you be sure that you are viewing matters from Jehovah's standpoint? When judging cases that come to your attention, how can you be balanced in showing loving concern for the brothers involved while making sure that Jehovah's righteousness is upheld? This publication gives these matters careful consideration.
Material from the three original segments of "Pay Attention to Yourselves and to All the Flock," published in 1977, 1979, and 1981, has been combined and updated. The outline presentation of the information has been retained. This facilitates locating particular points that you may need to find quickly. Thus the book will continue to serve as a handbook to be used in connection with elders' meetings, judicial matters, and the periodically conducted Kingdom Ministry School.
The wide margins and other blank spaces and pages have been provided so that you can make appropriate notes for your personal use and can add references as related information is published or otherwise brought to your attention. If it should become necessary to make substantial revisions at a future date, the Society will issue revised information on individual pages that can be conveniently inserted, thus keeping the information in the book up-to-date.
We are confident that you greatly appreciate your privilege of serving Jehovah's people as undershepherds of God's flock. Your life is filled with many responsibilities; you are also subject to many pressures. On the other hand, you receive many blessings and much joy. May you find the information in this handbook to be helpful in caring for your assigned duties. And may your faithful service continue to bring refreshment and strength to the flock of God, your brothers.—Isa. 32:2.
Imitate Jehovah, the Shepherd and Overseer of Our Souls
Jehovah is the Shepherd and Overseer of our souls. (1 Pet. 2:25) How it instills confidence and courage in us to have him rule over us! Since we are commanded to "become imitators of God," we should imitate him in all areas of life. (Eph. 5:1) Consider the following four ways in which Jehovah, as the Supreme Overseer, sets the example for all overseers to imitate. (1) He is a God of love. (2) He is our Grand Instructor. (3) He is the Great Evangelizer, sponsoring the preaching of the good news worldwide. (4) He is the Perfect Judge, being just at all times and in all of his ways.
How can you imitate Jehovah? In your efforts to be like him, you must continually develop your skills as teachers. You need to take the lead in Kingdom preaching and disciple making. As judges, you must render just, yet merciful, decisions among Jehovah's people. And in all matters, your exercising oversight in a loving way for the whole brotherhood is vital.
Our Loving Overseer
How many are the expressions of love that Jehovah has showered down on us!
"We love, because he first loved us." (1 John 4:19)
Each day, we are indebted to him for the life and the measure of health we enjoy.
By Jehovah's undeserved kindness, we have our family, brothers and sisters in the congregation, home, food, clothing, and innumerable other blessings.
We are obligated to him because he has given us the knowledge of the truth and the privilege of being members of his united international organization and servants in his royal service.
Jehovah has been a Guardian and Protector of his people both physically and spiritually. (Ps. 145:20; Prov. 18:10)
Elders should also be guardians and protectors of His people.
The basic idea inherent in the Greek word for overseer (e.pi'sko.pos) is protective care.
Elders strive to be alert to the needs of the individual publishers and families, willingly stepping forward to assist when there is a need. (Isa. 32:1, 2)
Stepfamilies, single parents, and widows may have special need for advice and guidance.
Teenagers or young adults who take a false step need help too. (Gal. 6:1)
Do not evade their problems.
Give them constant attention and guidance, being careful not to condemn them.
God gives us the direction we need in order to look after his people. (Compare Exodus 24:12.)
His Word directs us and his spirit assists us beyond our natural abilities in caring for responsibilities. (2 Cor. 4:7)
When we make mistakes or fail to handle situations adequately, Jehovah is patient with us.
Many opportunities arise for you, as overseers, to imitate the Supreme Overseer in showing love for others.
Watch for opportunities to help others, even physically.
How may love and patience be shown in the following situations?
A ministerial servant does not handle a matter to completion.
Someone comes to you seeking information but does not readily understand your explanation of the matter.
A young person shies away from you and other adults.
A young person whose parents are not in the truth begins to associate.
A single parent regularly seeks advice and encouragement. (w80 9/15 pp.21-5)
A brother or a sister appears to be discouraged or suffers from depression. (w90 3/15 pp.26-30)
A pioneer has car trouble.
An elderly widow needs help applying for social services.
A single parent or a widow has a leaking roof.
The Grand Instructor
Jehovah is the Grand Instructor of his people. (Job 36:22; Isa. 30:20, 21)
Jehovah instructed his only-begotten Son so well that he could be described as "a master worker" beside his Father. (Prov. 8:30)
As a perfect reflection of his Father, God's Son was a Master Teacher.
The Scriptures relate that those who heard him were "astounded at his way of teaching." (Matt. 7:28)
It is noteworthy that Jesus himself said: "What I teach is not mine." "I do nothing of my own initiative; but just as the Father taught me I speak these things." (John 7:16; 8:28)
Jehovah has lovingly provided divine instruction and guidance for man.
He created man with the mental capacity to be taught and to teach others.
He gave Adam divine instruction in the way of everlasting life.
Through his prophets and priests, he continued to instruct his people, Israel.
The Levites, for example, were to be teachers of the Law.
Nehemiah described their activity on one occasion, saying that they were explaining the Law to the people, reading aloud from the book, putting meaning into it, and giving understanding in the reading. (Neh. 8:7, 8)
God provided teachers for the growth and health of the early Christian congregation. (Eph. 4:11-13)
Christian overseers today also need to teach God's Word.
Today, Jehovah provides instruction by means of "the faithful steward." (Luke 12:42)
In loyal submission to Christ as Head and Master, "the faithful and discreet slave" is diligent in attending to the spiritual needs of Jehovah's people everywhere. (Matt. 24:45)
Appointed overseers serve as teachers in the congregation. (Titus 1:5,9)
They must be careful not to give their own opinions but, rather, to teach God's Word exclusively. (1 Cor. 4:6; 2 Tim. 4:2)
Five weekly congregation meetings, two larger assemblies within the circuit each year, and an annual district convention furnish progressive instruction and training in true worship for the entire household of God.
Gilead School, Ministerial Training School, Pioneer Service School, and Kingdom Ministry School give specialized education to equip ministers for particular fields of service.
Schools or training sessions organized periodically as the need arises equip brothers progressively to care for their assignments in the organization.
Help the brothers in your congregation to take full advantage of the schooling provided by our Grand Instructor.
Encourage enrollment in the Theocratic Ministry School.
Encourage those persons who qualify to reach out for the privilege of receiving specialized training provided through other schooling arranged by the organization.
In addition to handling parts on the meetings, you have opportunities to feed your brothers spiritually and in a loving manner before and after the meetings, in shepherding work, in field service, and in other ways.
How can love be shown when:
A brother is not prepared for his meeting part?
A shy or inexperienced person needs assistance in preparing talks for the Theocratic Ministry School?
Someone needs help in getting to the Kingdom Hall or to an assembly?
A child does not behave well in the Kingdom Hall?
The Great Evangelizer, Who Sponsors the Preaching of the Good News Worldwide
Jehovah provided good news of deliverance when uttering the first prophecy in Eden. (Gen. 3:15)
Through His angel, He declared good news to Abraham. (Gal. 3:8)
It was foretold that the Messiah, Jesus, would "tell good news to the meek ones," and he did that, sharing wholeheartedly in the work. (Isa. 61:1; Luke 4:18)
Jesus foretold that during this time of the end, the good news (evangel) of the Kingdom would be preached in all the inhabited earth for a witness.
In fact, he said: "The good news has to be preached." (Mark 13:10)
This is the good news that God wants people to hear.
Since overseers of the flock of God are responsible for taking the lead in this evangelizing work, individual selfexamination in this regard is appropriate.
(2 Tim. 4:5) There is need for you to be present and to participate in the field service when the rest of the congregation is sharing in this activity.
Elders need to make definite arrangements to take the lead in the field and work with the publishers and pioneers.
By such active involvement of the elders, the brothers are encouraged and the activity of the congregation increases.
Be alert to discern when publishers need help in developing their field service skills.
Give specific instruction.
Demonstrate how they can improve.
Make sure that the congregation has adequate arrangements for field service for the benefit and convenience of the publishers and pioneers. Good support will result.
By the example you set, the congregation should learn that field service is not a burdensome chore but, rather, can be a pleasurable privilege.
How can love be shown when:
A publisher forgets to turn in his field service report?
Someone stays too long on a call, causing others to wait?
An elderly publisher has become irregular in field service? (w87 6/1 pp. 10-12)
A Lover of Justice and a God of Mercy
Jehovah's justice and mercy became evident in the way he handled the case of the rebellion in Eden.
Justice prevailed in the judgment he pronounced upon those two unrepentant rebels against his sovereignty.
Yet mercy tempered his judgment, as he foretold a deliverer for the then unborn offspring of Adam and Eve. (Gen. 3:15) In justice Jehovah has allowed mankind to suffer the due recompense for sin.
(Deut. 32:4,5)
But in mercy he has made provision for their redemption and has given them hope of everlasting life.
The ransom provision itself satisfies justice—a perfect life for a perfect life. (1 Tim. 2:6)
Indeed, what mercy that provision reflects!
Jehovah shows himself to be just and merciful with groups of people as well as with individuals.
It is undeserved kindness to those in desperate need. (John 1:17; Eph. 1:7)
Jehovah extended to natural Israel the opportunity to supply the members of the bride of Christ.
But when an insufficient number responded, Jehovah mercifully extended the invitation to the Samaritans and then to the nations, the Gentile people. (Acts 8:14; 10:45; 15:14; Rom. 11:25)
David was worthy of death because of his sin with Bathsheba, but he was extended great mercy because of the Kingdom covenant, the mercy he himself showed to others, and his own sincere repentance.
However, he did not escape punishment: The son of his adultery died soon after birth, and David reaped repeated domestic difficulties.
Elders must be both just and merciful in their dealings with others.
In giving counsel and in judging, you should hold to God's standard with everyone.
What Jehovah expects of you is revealed at Deuteronomy 1:16, 17; Micah 6:8; and Matthew 5:7.
How may your love for impartiality, justice, and mercy be tested in situations involving the following?
Those you may consider more prominent in the Christian congregation and those you may not consider so. (Jas. 2:1-4) Those of other races, nationalities, and economic levels.
(Acts 10:34, 35)
Younger members of the congregation as well as adults. (1 Tim. 5:1,2)
Wrongdoers who are sincerely repentant. (2 Cor. 2:5-8)
Members of your own family who have engaged in serious wrongdoing and are not repentant. (1 Cor. 5:11)
The example you set in displaying justice and mercy will be reflected by the congregation.
How may you imitate Jehovah, our Loving Overseer, when:
Someone who has been a victim of physical, emotional, or sexual abuse seeks your help? (w90 2/15 pp.21-3; w83 10/1 pp.27-31)
A person who has a disfellowshipped family member believes she is being avoided by others in the congregation? (w91 4/15 pp.23-5; w83 1/1 pp.30-1)
A teenager is going through a phase of immodest grooming and dress?
You are dealing with a wrongdoer who does not appear to appreciate your efforts to help him?
Loving Overseers Working With the Congregation
As overseers work with the congregation, they should make it their goal always to imitate the loving ways of the Supreme Overseer, Jehovah. In the same manner as Jehovah has shown consideration for the disadvantaged and needy, so also overseers should be sensitive to the needs of the aged, the sick, the new ones, the young, and those who need material assistance. Even as our heavenly Father has shown interest in the spiritual growth and advancement of all of his intelligent creatures, so overseers today ought to demonstrate a constant interest in the spiritual well-being and advancement of all in the congregation. (Ps. 146:7-9) No doubt you would like to be of even greater assistance to your brothers in these matters.
What Kind of Overseer Are You?
Very likely you are a busy person, leading a full life with many responsibilities.
If you are married, you have a wife and most likely children to care for spiritually, physically, and emotionally.
Caring for this primary responsibility requires time and thought. (w86 11/1 p.22)
Your secular employment can be very demanding of your energy, time, and emotions.
Other important matters involving Kingdom interests, such as personal study, preparation for meetings, field service, and helping and encouraging publishers in many ways, tax your time.
Maintenance and cleaning of the Kingdom Hall need to be scheduled and carried out, and at times your help may be needed when new Kingdom Halls are built.
You also need rest and relaxation.
Elders can learn to become proficient and to keep balance so that all necessary matters receive proper attention.
At 2 Corinthians 11:24-27, the apostle Paul mentioned some of the great pressures that he faced, and yet he said in verse 28 that from day to day, there was also rushing in on him "anxiety for all the congregations."
You, as a loving overseer, feel a similar concern for all the brothers and sisters in your congregation.
Paul wrote to Timothy: "I am grateful to Christ Jesus our Lord, who imparted power to me, because he considered me faithful by assigning me to a ministry." (1 Tim. 1:12)
Appreciation for the loving-kindness and mercy shown us by Jehovah and his Son, as well as our love for them and for our brothers, moves us to serve the congregation as fully as possible, despite other responsibilities.
Therefore, do not rely on your own wisdom and strength.
Always petition Jehovah for his wisdom to direct you in doing his work, especially when problems or circumstances arise that you have never experienced or handled before. (Jas. 1:5)
Pray for holy spirit. It can provide power beyond what is normal. (Luke 11:13;2 Cor.4:7,8,16)
The congregation prays that Jehovah will bless your efforts to serve him and his people as a loving overseer.
Working With
Individuals Who Have Special Needs
At 1 Peter 2:17, we are encouraged not only to "honor men of all sorts," including secular rulers (vs. 13), but also to have "love for the whole association of brothers."
By taking personal interest in your brothers and sisters, you stay awake to their needs and are in a position to show them appropriate love and honor.
All the flock of God need to feel the loving shepherding of the elders.
The aged and the sickly often need special attention. (w87 6/1 pp. 10-12)
These may need assistance in practical ways.
They may need someone to cook for them, wash and iron their clothes, clean their homes, run errands.
They often need encouragement and reassurance that the elders care about them and are interested in them. (1 Thess. 5:14)
They may need someone to help them get to the meetings, read to them, or in other ways help them to stay spiritually strong.
Consider ways that you can provide such practical assistance.
Other brothers and sisters can help you carry the load.
Invite them to volunteer.
Make definite arrangements as to how they can help.
It is important to check periodically to see that someone is following through on arrangements made to give assistance.
Your being alert to such needs and providing the appropriate assistance will mark you as a loving overseer.
You may be sure that this is well pleasing to Jehovah. (Heb. 13:1, 16)
Individuals with medical problems who are facing the blood issue need special assistance.
Even before they enter the hospital, some may need help in making sure that medical and legal papers are fitting and that the necessary medical personnel have been spoken to in order to avoid a transfusion. (g91 3/8 pp. 3-8; km 11/90 pp. 3-6)
Visit the patient in the hospital.
Pray with, strengthen, and comfort the patient, also relatives, such as the parents of a sick child. (Jas. 5:13)
If the patient is faced with the blood issue, elders can do much to keep the situation calm and to reason with doctors and unbelieving relatives.
On rare occasions a situation requires a 24-hour watch.
The Hospital Liaison Committee should be called only when the patient needs a cooperative doctor, when a confrontation develops, or when a threat to force blood on the patient is unresolved.
All elders should have a copy of the list showing names and telephone numbers of committee members. Keep it in an accessible file with appropriate references, such as "Questions From Readers" in The Watchtower, June 1, 1990, pages 30-1, and March 1, 1989, pages 30-1; the brochure How Can Blood Save Your Life?; the booklet Jehovah's Witnesses and the Question of Blood; and Our Kingdom Ministry, November 1990, pages 3-6.
Committee members can help by:
Finding cooperative doctors, hospitals, and so forth.
Reasoning with physicians on alternatives to blood.
Discretion should be used in determining what, if any assistance might be given on a humanitarian basis to those not having a good standing in the congregation.
For example, if a disfellowshipped one takes a firm stand on the blood issue, local elders or the Hospital Liaison Committee could share information with the family out of consideration for those faithful ones.
In major cities some elders are especially assigned as members of Patient Visitation Groups to visit hospitals regularly to assist Witness patients.
This arrangement does not relieve local elders of their responsibility to visit the sick at home and in the hospital.
Newly associated ones are especially in need of attention.
When they first come to the Kingdom Hall, new ones may feel like strangers; we want to change that feeling to one of warm friendship.
If you notice a new one standing by himself or talking only with the one who studies with him, take the initiative to approach and greet him and introduce him to others.
Teach attendants to greet new ones, and occasionally remind them to do this.
Train all the brothers and sisters to take the initiative in approaching new ones and getting acquainted with them.
So that you may encourage and help others, be sure to arrive at the meetings early and stay for a while after the program.
You can associate with new ones at other times also, perhaps visiting with them in their home or yours.
Such personal interest lets them see that genuine love exists among Jehovah's people. (John 13:35)
It also fills the void created when they cut off former associations and worldly entertainment.
Young members of the congregation need to be strengthened to resist "the desires incidental to youth." (2 Tim. 2:22)
Parents have the primary responsibility to care for the needs of their children. (Eph. 6:4; Col. 3:21)
However, the young ones are a part of the congregation and elders have a responsibility toward them also and should show genuine interest in them.
Why is knowing the full names of all the youth in your congregation helpful?
Many youths do not have a father or a mother in the truth, and some have no relatives in the truth.
They deserve the consideration that is to be shown to "the fatherless boy." (Job 29:12; Jas. 1:27)
EXPERIENCE: One teenager was given attention by an elder. He would pick the boy up every time he was going to help with the building of the Kingdom Hall. Each day after they finished their work on the hall, they would go to get some refreshments and take time to converse. The boy grew up and became a circuit overseer. He remembered this elder's concern as a major factor in his spiritual development.
Take note of ways that you and others can assist and encourage young ones in the congregation, and continually assure them of your interest.
Seek them out to engage them in conversation at the Kingdom Hall and elsewhere.
Encourage them to express themselves.
Eagerly listen to their viewpoints and their problems; be slow to criticize, quick to commend.
Help young ones build confidence in Jehovah, and help them to esteem highly the privilege of being Jehovah's Witnesses. (w85 8/15 pp. 11-21)
Develop helpful interest in their schooling.
Show a keen concern for youth who have difficulty adjusting to adulthood.
Make them feel wanted and needed in the congregation.
Help them to see how they can be helpful and encouraging to others by their presence and participation at the meetings and in the field service.
Use ingenuity in devising assignments for exemplary ones, such as using them to assist with roving microphones, tidy up the restrooms after each meeting, and straighten up the chairs.
List some responsibilities appropriate to your congregation.
Suggest attainable goals for them, such as weekly participation in field service or commenting at every meeting.
Talk with them about pioneer work, Bethel and missionary service, auxiliary pioneering, and so forth.
Work with them in the field service.
Help them to make progress in various features of this activity, such as in filling out house-to-house record slips, organizing their book bags, and learning how to make return visits and start Bible studies.
Examine what is being done to encourage and assist young ones in your congregation.
Pioneers need encouragement and help in many ways.
Make a periodic check to see what encouragement pioneers need, and assist them in practical ways.
Are meetings for field service begun and ended on time?
Is sufficient territory available for the pioneers? Have they lost some of their joy? If so, why?
Arrange to work with them in field service on a regular basis.
If some have genuine material needs, others (including elders) may be able to assist.
Assist persons who are in need materially.
It is not enough just to wish them well. (Jas. 2:15-17; 1 John 3:16-18)
They may need advice or actual assistance in getting appropriate secular employment.
They may need advice and assistance in making application to receive aid provided by Caesar for the needy. (w662/1 pp.95-6)
Children, grandchildren, or other family members who could help may need reminders or encouragement to do so. (1 Tim. 5:4,8; w87 6/1 pp. 13-18)
There may be individuals in the congregation who would readily help if they knew there was a need.
If other assistance is not available, the needy person may qualify to receive assistance from the congregation. (1 Tim. 5:3-10; w87 6/1 pp. 8-13; om pp. 122-3)
When there are official restrictions on the work, the brothers are in special need of encouragement and direction. (Isa. 32:1, 2)
Arrangements need to be made so that all members of the congregation will be well fed spiritually on a regular basis.
Do not neglect encouraging the brothers to share regularly in the witnessing activity. (Rom. 10:10)
In case of a natural disaster, arrange to provide comfort spiritually and to assist the brothers physically and materially. (w73 3/1 pp.134-5; w73 2/1 pp.95-6)
Determine if any of the brothers were injured or lost their life and what care is being administered.
Check to see what government aid may be available. (w66 2/1 pp.95-6) Arrangements must be made for the brothers to be fed spiritually on a regular basis.
Following a natural disaster, the brothers can make good use of opportunities to comfort others spiritually and, to the extent possible, to help in practical ways according to the need.
When an emergency arises because of a natural disaster or political unrest, responsible elders should quickly contact the branch office by telephone.
The branch office will provide direction related to the establishment of a relief committee if needed.
Steps the relief committee should take include the following:
Follow through on the emergency measures initiated by local elders.
Quickly assess property damage and the needs of local publishers.
Establish headquarters, perhaps using a Kingdom Hall.
Collect and distribute needed funds, food, supplies, and building materials; coordinate assistance for those having needs.
Do not solicit funds by writing letters or verbally asking for assistance.
After relief has been administered, submit a detailed written report to the Society, including a written record showing all receipts and disbursements of relief funds.
Brothers and sisters witnessing in dangerous territory, such as high-crime areas or war-torn zones (apply locally), also need loving assistance. (Matt. 10:16)
The organization has suggested precautions that would be advisable for publishers who witness in dangerous areas. (km 4/85 p.8)
Additional precautions may be appropriate for the brothers witnessing in your territory.
Your own family has special needs.
Christian husbands have as their primary God-given responsibility the care and salvation of their families. (w59 9/15 pp. 548-54) Occasionally, those in the congregation demand time and attention that an elder should rightfully give to his family. Shepherding begins at home. (w83 9/1 pp.23-4; w66 5/1 pp.271-2)
Aiding the brothers in these ways takes time and effort. Elders are understandably limited in what they can do. Love for the whole association of brothers will prompt us to do what we can to help those in need. (2 Cor. 8:1-12)
Help Your Brothers to Make Progress
Consider areas in which you should endeavor to make progress. (1 Tim. 4:12-15)
Set goals for yourself continually.
Help brothers who have the potential to become ministerial servants make progress in that direction.
Brothers who are regular publishers and demonstrate a desire to be used can be given certain assignments to perform around the Kingdom Hall.
Before being appointed as an elder or a ministerial servant, a brother must be "tested as to fitness first." (1 Tim. 3:10)
Your being alert to give qualified brothers something to do in the congregation will provide an opportunity for such testing and will give them added training.
Giving due consideration to their exemplary conduct, activity in the ministry, and fine spiritual outlook, the elders can determine what would be best for these brothers.
Keep in mind that not all have the same abilities or circumstances, so be discreet in assigning brothers things to do. (1 Cor. 12:4-7; w68 4/1 p. 209)
According to what is needed and appropriate, encourage reliability, industriousness, modesty, and humility. (Prov. 9:8b, 9) In order for you to get better acquainted with these brothers, you may wish to visit with them occasionally in their home or have them come to yours.
Accompany them in the evangelizing work.
Help them to progress in the field ministry by application of Kingdom Ministry suggestions, and help them to find pleasure in sharing the good news with others.
Teach them to show interest in their brothers, taking others with them in field service as often as possible.
They may need to set a better example in encouraging their wife and children in this activity.
Be generous in giving commendation to these brothers when progress is made; it is a powerful force that often motivates persons to continue progressing. (1 Cor. 11:2)
If a brother is lacking certain qualifications needed by a ministerial servant, it would be a kindness to speak with him about the matter and give practical suggestions that might help him to develop the needed qualifications.
Train ministerial servants who are reaching out for the office of overseer.
A brother may need experience in shepherding.
Provide training by taking him along on certain shepherding calls.
After a call you might ask him how he would have handled certain things that came up.
This may enable you to see how he reasons.
You may be able to help him improve his ability to exhort.
After he has expressed himself, you might explain to him why you handled the situation as you did.
A brother may need greater discernment in the practical application of Bible principles.
Suggest that he regularly read the Bible and certain past Watchtower articles and Society publications.
The body of elders may extend greater teaching privileges to capable ministerial servants who make fine advancement and meet the requirements.
From time to time, encouragement and counsel should be given to these brothers.
Although our sisters will never be ministerial servants or elders, they need help to make progress also.
Some may be encouraged to share in auxiliary or regular pioneer service.
Adequate field service arrangements should be made for the sisters when you are not able to be with them.
Consider other ways in which you can encourage and help your sisters, including single parents.
Urge sisters to become more effective in developing and conducting Bible studies.
Periodically, elders should meet together to consider what can be done to help others advance.
Since you have many responsibilities, look for occasions when you can combine one activity with another and thus accomplish both at the same time.
An example of this would be arranging to work in the field service with a publisher who needs spiritual encouragement.
Give other examples.
Joyful Results
Congregation members feel secure as they benefit from the concern, assistance, and protection of loving overseers working with them. (Compare Ezekiel 34:11-16.)
Servants of Jehovah are glad to cooperate and exert themselves vigorously in his work. (Rom. 12:11, 12)
Many are motivated to imitate the faith of loving overseers as they see how the overseers' conduct turns out. (Heb.13:7)
Jehovah is honored by those who devotedly imitate him.
How Overseers Teach
Being teachers is a Scriptural requirement for overseers. (1 Tim. 3:2) The apostle Paul counsels: "Pay constant attention . . . to your teaching."(1 Tim.4:16) All of us should strive to be good teachers. We can learn much from Jesus, the Master Teacher, by observing how he taught. But remember, teaching is not a matter of mastering techniques. Effective teaching requires love, getting the spirit of things, motivating others, reaching the heart of those being taught.
Learning How to Teach by Studying Jesus' Example
The following observations show why Jesus was such an effective teacher:
His motive was to honor Jehovah. (John 8:49,50)
He based his teaching on God's Word. (Matt. 4:4,7,10; 12:3,5; 19:4; 22:31,32)
He presented matters with simplicity, brevity, and clarity, and he was practical. (Matt. 5-7)
He used questions to involve his hearers and help them to reason and draw conclusions. (Matt. 16:5-12; 22:42-45)
He used illustrations that applied to his listeners, such as those concerning fishermen, shepherds, and housewives. (Matt. 13:47-50; Luke 15:3-10)
He explained matters that were not understood by his hearers. (Matt. 18:1-5; Mark 4:10, 13-20, 34)
He used object lessons. (John 13:2-16)
He reached the heart of those to whom he spoke. (Luke 24:32)
The result of his ministry was that "the crowds were astounded at his way of teaching." (Matt. 7:28; John 7:45,46) Improving Your Teaching Ability
Above all, adhere to God's Word in your teaching. (Titus 1:9)
God's Word has power to move people to action.
God's Word is the truth. Our personal opinions may lose effectiveness as circumstances change or may even be in error.
Avoid drawing attention to yourself.
As God's humble servants, we should seek to honor him in all that we do and say.
Emphasize the Scriptures rather than your own ideas.
Jokes and humorous stories are not necessary and often detract from the power of the Scriptures. The Bible does not indicate that Jesus used such devices.
Logical development is a key ingredient in effective teaching.
It makes a presentation persuasive and easy to follow.
Present specific material as Jesus did.
A talk dealing with generalities lacks impact and authority; it is vague.
When giving instructions, explain how they are to be executed. Notice Jesus' specific instructions at Matthew 10:11-14.
Do not introduce more material than can be adequately developed in the allotted time.
Keep your presentation simple, uncomplicated.
Allow time to repeat the main points.
Teaching with the Bible involves more than simply reading a Bible text.
When reading, emphasize key portions of the text.
When giving a public talk, do not ask volunteers in the audience to read Scripture texts; they may not emphasize the portion applicable to the argument.
Explain the scripture.
Illustrate the main point of the text.
Apply the points to your audience; this will help you to hold their attention and should move them to apply what they learn.
Illustrations were an important feature of Jesus' teaching, and they can help you to be effective. (Luke 7: 41-43)
Make your illustrations simple; complex ones may be difficult to follow and may even detract from your argument.
Note the simplicity and power of illustrations used by James. (Jas. 3:1-11)
What makes these illustrations so practical in giving counsel against gossip?
Effective questions may be used to stimulate thinking and help individuals to draw conclusions.
Note how Jesus used questions. (Matt. 16:13-16; Luke 10: 25-28,36)
Asking leading questions based on what a person already knows may direct his mind to a correct conclusion. (Matt. 17:24-27)
EXAMPLE: A new brother tells you that his employer requires him to overcharge customers. He asks you what he should do. Rather than tell him what to do, help him reason on the matter and draw his own conclusion based on the Scriptures. Draw him out by asking questions, such as: How do you feel about it? Is such an action dishonest? If so, why? What does the Bible say about dishonesty? Would you want a person to do that to you? As you read and discuss appropriate scriptures with him, you will help him to draw the right conclusion based on the Bible, and he may be motivated by a good heart to follow through on the counsel of the Scriptures.
Asking a person what he thinks-viewpoint questions helps you to find out what he believes on a matter.
Getting answers to such questions will help you to know what counsel or encouragement he needs.
His comments will help you to discern how to reach his heart.
EXAMPLE: If a sister asks you about marrying an unbeliever, you might ask her: What do you think about it? Do you remember any scriptures that have a bearing on the subject? After reading with her 1 Corinthians 7:39 and 2 Corinthians 6:14, 15, you might ask: What do those scriptures tell you as to God's view on the matter? Do you agree with this counsel? What benefits can you foresee coming to the person who follows this counsel from God?
Appeal to the Heart in Your Teaching
The figurative heart in man stands for the sum total of the interior man as manifested in all his various activities and in his desires, motivations, affections, emotions, thoughts, and so forth. (Ps. 119:11; it-1 p. 1057)
Heartfelt appreciation is necessary; for a person to apply the truth, it must first get into his heart.
When teaching, you must reach the heart of the student.
One way to reach his heart is to encourage the person to ponder on what he learns.
You can help him do this by emphasizing the main points and encouraging him to review these.
Another way is to ask probing questions, such as: How do you feel about this Bible point and what the Society has published on this subject? How could you apply this information in your life or to this present situation?
A third way to impress the truth on the heart is to help your listener to think in terms of his relationship with Jehovah.
Encourage him to ask such questions as: Why do I want to do this? Am I seeking to please God, or am I catering to my own fleshly desires?
Emphasize the importance of seeking Jehovah's direction before making decisions. (Ps. 55:22; Prov. 3:5,6)
A willing heart is necessary if our brothers are to be properly motivated to preach the good news. (Ex. 35:5, 21, 22)
Do not try to get the brothers to engage in the field service by exerting undue pressure on them. However, encouragement is proper.
Endeavor to stimulate their hearts so there will be a desire to serve Jehovah whole-souled and to have as full a share as possible in the preaching work. (Mark 12:30)
Whole-souled devotion is implied in the greatest commandment of the Mosaic Law; no less is required of us as disciples of Jesus Christ. (Matt. 22:36-40)
Do not expect everyone to do or accomplish the same in witnessing.
People have different circumstances and different conditions of health.
All can render whole-souled service, some by producing thirtyfold, others sixtyfold or a hundredfold, according to their circumstances. (Matt. 13:23)
Help the brothers to appreciate that participation in proclaiming the good news is a sacred duty, a requirement on which our life depends. (Rom. 10:10; 1 Cor. 9:16)
Keep before the brothers the fact that our work relates to the supreme issue of the rightness of Jehovah's sovereignty; this should stir our hearts and move us to zealous service. (Luke 6:45) Help them to see that our sharing in Kingdom preaching and disciple making reveals that God's Kingdom really means much to us individually.
Show that lives are at stake, that we are doing a work never to be repeated, that the work is not in vain, that the reward for endurance in God's service is certain.
Overseers who appreciate their privilege and discharge their responsibility to teach God's law will reap joyful blessings.
'Pay constant attention to your teaching, for by doing this you will save both yourself and those who listen to you.' (1 Tim. 4:16)
What praise this will bring to Jehovah!
UNIT 2 (a) Teaching at Congregation Meetings
The spirituality of the congregation depends greatly on the quality of teaching at the meetings. The five weekly meetings form an integral part of our theocratic education. The brothers come to these meetings expecting to be instructed in God's Word and encouraged in his work. You have a great and wonderful privilege to stand before your brothers, God's flock "in your care," to feed them and build them up. Do this willingly, with joy and earnestness. (1 Pet. 5:2) This will motivate them to zealous service and increase your happiness as well.
Teaching at the Watchtower Study
The Watchtower is the principal means of dispensing spiritual food at the proper time.
The information it contains can greatly help individuals to establish and maintain a good relationship with Jehovah and with fellow worshipers.
The spiritual food is needed to nourish the heart.
To teach effectively at the Watchtower Study, you will need to prepare prayerfully and carefully.
Look up the scriptures and know how they apply.
Take a keen interest in the material and in your brothers; reach their heart.
Progressively strive to improve your teaching at the Watchtower Study.
The opening remarks of the conductor should be brief and to the point, calling attention to the theme and stimulating interest in the material.
Be warm, enthusiastic, inviting, and yet specific.
You may ask two or three questions that will be answered during the study, make a statement to be proved, present a problem that needs a solution, or focus attention on the teaching box.
The conductor should not comment excessively.
As a teacher, you do not do the thinking for the congregation; rather, by pointed questions you help them to think in an orderly manner and arrive at correct conclusions.
When important points are not covered in comments from the congregation or when the application of a scripture is overlooked, ask specific questions to draw out the information.
However, a caution: Do not ask additional questions unnecessarily, for doing so may stifle comments on other points that the audience has in mind.
Ask additional questions only when needed.
Avoid talking too much or leading the brothers to concentrate on details rather than on the main points.
Tactfully and kindly stimulate the brothers' desire to participate.
This may be done by being warm and friendly yourself and by commending the brothers for their comments and efforts.
Promote personal and family preparation.
Encourage the brothers to comment in their own words, briefly and to the point.
Train the audience to give a direct answer to the printed question first.
Additional comments by the audience may then draw attention to scripture application, to supporting arguments, or to practical application of the material.
The congregation should not be scolded if answers are not forthcoming as quickly as the conductor would like, for this may stifle future comments.
Make good use of the Bible during the study. (Acts 17:11)
Help the congregation to appreciate that every study has been prepared to help us understand Bible prophecies, teachings, moral principles, and so forth.
Encourage the audience to look up and comment on the scriptures used in the study as time permits.
The conductor may invite all in attendance to look up selected scriptures as they are read and commented on.
Some scriptures could be assigned in advance for individuals to read and comment on.
Help the audience to understand how key scriptures support the theme of the study.
Keep concluding comments brief.
Ask the review questions in the teaching box that appears toward the end of the lesson.
These draw attention to the main points.
Encourage application of the counsel in our lives. (Jas.1: 22,25)
Teaching at the Congregation Book Study
In conducting the study, seek to build appreciation for the material being considered.
Help those attending to understand not only the answers to the questions but also the reasons for the answers and the value of the information.
Make practical application to personal lives, attitudes, field service, and so forth.
Conduct the study in a way that will motivate the brothers to act on what they learn and will make them want to do Jehovah's will. (Ps. 110:3)
Your opening remarks should be brief and specific.
If material is in verse-by-verse style, you may read the portion of the Bible that will be considered during the study if time permits.
Draw attention to the main points and overall concept rather than to details.
If a comment made detracts from the theme, kindly direct the discussion back to the theme and main point.
EXAMPLE: If you are considering John 3:16 and the theme is the ransom, you would draw attention to the point that God "gave his only-begotten Son" as a ransom, rather than become involved in a discussion of the expression "the world," although this is also mentioned in the verse.
Unquoted scriptures may be read and discussed as time allows.
The conductor decides how this is best handled.
Be selective, choosing texts that best illuminate main points.
Long citations may be read, they may be summarized by someone assigned in advance, or key verses may be read.
Carefully observe the response of those in attendance.
Do not comment excessively; rather, by pointed questions endeavor to draw out answers from the audience.
At times persons who tend to read their comments may be kindly encouraged privately to put them in their own words.
Be discerning; it might be offensive or discouraging if this is done after a new or timid person has made a comment.
Be alert to commend the brothers for what they do. Strive to make the material reach both the mind and the heart.
To help the brothers understand points that are not clear, various types of questions may be employed.
You might use true-or-false statements as well as multiple-choice, leading, or viewpoint questions.
Help the brothers to see the practical value of the material.
Watch for points that the brothers can use in field service.
Are there points that would be helpful to those in divided households? Or information that could be used by the brothers at their place of employment, by the children at school, or by Christians in other situations?
Encourage all to participate-young ones and new ones as well as mature ones.
Keep the atmosphere respectful, yet friendly and inviting.
Perhaps you may be able to help some individuals prepare for the study.
Timid persons may be willing to read a scripture.
Others may be given assignments or may be kindly encouraged to comment.
Keep the concluding review brief and specific, highlighting main points learned.
If practical, have the closing review from the Bible rather than from the book, especially if the material was considered verse by verse.
Continue to work at improving your teaching at the Congregation Book Study.
Teaching at the Public Meeting
The Public Meeting generally features a discourse, although slide presentations produced by the Society are also used.
All the elders, and especially the presiding overseer should be concerned with maintaining high-quality public talks.
The presiding overseer will consult with other elders and schedule talks that will be most beneficial for the congregation and for new ones that attend.
The information should be spiritually upbuilding to both new ones and regular attenders.
Request speakers from other congregations who are known for their effective teaching ability.
Those who are assigned to give public talks should regularly work toward improving their teaching ability.
Do thorough research in the Society's publications to bring the material to life.
Be sure that your outline is kept current.
Periodically update your statistics, experiences, illustrations, and so forth.
Points from recent articles in The Watchtower and Awake! may be worked in when appropriate.
Apply the information to the needs of the congregation.
Visiting speakers who are not familiar with the particular needs of a congregation should be cautious in attempting to give pointed counsel to the audience on local situations.
When preparing a public talk, ask yourself: Why is this information needed? How will I present it and illustrate it so that all will benefit by understanding how the information can be used?
Present the information so that an unbeliever in the audience can see the reasonableness of it.
We want to help people, not ridicule them; we want to appeal to their reason and better judgment and not belittle their intelligence.
EXAMPLE: If your talk is on the subject of evolution, you would not want to present the material in such a way as to ridicule those who believe in evolution. While the brothers might consider such a presentation humorous, it would not appeal to a person in the audience who believes in evolution.
Help the brothers in the audience to see how they could present the material in a way that would appeal to those in the territory who believe in evolution.
Use terms that are easily understood by all.
Involve your audience by the use of rhetorical questions.
Make good use of key scriptures.
Not only read scriptures but also explain, illustrate, and apply them.
Do not read all cited scriptures; focus on key ones.
Rather than have persons in the audience read scriptures, the speaker should read them with proper emphasis, sense stress, and enthusiasm.
Enthusiasm is very important in your teaching; without it, well-prepared material may not be clear.
Put your heart into your talk.
Adhere closely to the material and the timing set out in the Society's outlines.
Accept and appreciate constructive counsel offered by other elders who are interested in helping you to improve your speaking and teaching ability.
Elders should not hold back from kindly offering helpful counsel and suggestions to fellow elders when such is needed for improving the quality of public talks.
If it is decided by elders that a visiting speaker needs to improve, suggestions may be provided through the presiding overseer of his congregation.
Be sure that your aim is to teach the audience and not to entertain them.
Teaching at the Service Meeting
The purpose of the Service Meeting is to equip and stimulate the brothers to share fully in the preaching and disciple-making work.
Either the presiding overseer or another elder, after analyzing the material, assigns the various meeting parts to qualified brothers.
Impartially using various qualified members of the congregation on the Service Meeting program stimulates interest.
To teach effectively, prepare carefully and rehearse all demonstrations.
Endeavor to follow the suggestions outlined in Our Kingdom Ministry.
These have been well thought out, and when adhered to, they will assure well-balanced and upbuilding programs.
When preparing to present material, consider the needs of the local congregation.
Help the brothers to see how the information presented is practical and how it can be helpful to them in their ministry.
Ask yourself: Why does our congregation need this information? What points will be of greatest value to the publishers? Then highlight these points.
For your instruction and counsel to be most effective, you should first of all appreciate the value of field service and set a good example in the work, taking the lead. (1 Tim. 4:12)
The Service Meeting should be 45 minutes in length, excluding the songs and prayer.
The brothers appreciate having the meetings conclude on time.
If someone before you on the program takes too much time, try to reduce your part to compensate.
If someone habitually goes overtime, the presiding overseer or another elder should speak to him in a kindly way, give practical suggestions, and help him to see the need to make adjustments.
Perhaps he should have less material.
Perhaps he should spend less time on introductory remarks and get right into the assigned material.
Periodically the elders should discuss what they can do to improve the Service Meetings.
Each one should work at being a more effective teacher when he has a part on the Service Meeting.
Teaching at the Theocratic Ministry School
The Theocratic Ministry School has done much to train God's people to present the Kingdom message in a clear and effective way by:
Providing useful training for the field ministry.
Helping students progressively to improve their field presentations.
Training brothers to become effective public speakers and teachers. (om p. 73)
Progressive training offered by the school helps public speakers improve speaking and teaching ability.
The Theocratic Ministry School overseer should prepare well to conduct an effective school.
Use good judgment in making assignments, having in mind the student's age, educational level, time in the truth, and so forth.
Give good, constructive counsel.
As time permits, draw attention to practical points not covered by the students.
Introductory remarks may call attention to points that the congregation can look forward to learning during the school.
At times this can be effectively done by raising anticipatory questions and inviting the brothers to look for the answers.
Oral counsel should encourage the student and further help him to develop speaking and teaching skills.
Warmly commend the students for what they do.
Consider each student's emotional state and educational level.
If a main point is not covered by the assigned student, draw attention to it during the two minutes allotted for counsel.
Explain why a particular speech quality was good or why it needs improvement.
Give specific counsel on areas needing improvement, not necessarily in the order outlined on the Speech Counsel slip.
Explain or show how to improve.
If time permits, explain how a particular speech quality can improve the field service ability of the congregation.
When returning a student's Speech Counsel slip, it may be possible to encourage him and further discuss points of counsel; or this may be done at another time.
When someone needs additional help but you cannot give this yourself, arrange for another member of the congregation to do it.
Some students may need help to improve their reading ability.
It is important that everyone in the congregation be able to read well and understand what they read.
Arrangements might be made to help some improve their reading skills.
Perhaps an auxiliary room could be used for these classes when the school is being conducted, or they could be held at another time.
All meetings should always be conducted in such a way as to honor Jehovah, spiritually build up those in attendance, and cause us to grow ever stronger in our love for Jehovah, his service, and our brothers.
All meetings should begin and end on time; this requires thorough preparation on the part of every participant.
Public speakers should adhere strictly to the 45-minute total timing indicated on the Society's outlines, excluding opening song and prayer.
One hour is allowed for the Watchtower Study, including the review but excluding songs and prayer.
When held in conjunction with the Public Meeting, both meetings are to be concluded within the allotted two hours.
The Theocratic Ministry School and the Service Meeting are allotted 45 minutes each.
When one of these two meetings follows the other, both should be concluded within one hour and 45 minutes, including songs and prayers.
On special occasions, such as during the visit of the circuit overseer, content and timing of meetings may be adjusted in accord with published instructions.
When elders and others participating in meetings prepare well and use only the time assigned for their respective parts, they show loving consideration for all those attending the meeting and respect for Jehovah's arrangement for meetings that encourage and instruct.
UNIT 2 (b) Be Whole-Souled in the Evangelizing Work
Jehovah has assigned his people one of the most important tasks ever performed on the earth—the evangelizing work. Evangelizing involves preaching and teaching the good news of the Kingdom by means of every appropriate method open to us.
Why is the evangelizing work so important? Because it provides a touchstone by which mankind is being judged. Acceptance of the good news and obedience to it result in salvation; rejection and disobedience mean destruction. This in itself impresses upon us the urgency of the work.—Matt. 25:40, 45.
Especially must the elders be whole-souled in the evangelizing work. The apostle Paul stated: "Whatever you are doing, work at it whole-souled as to Jehovah, and not to men."—Col. 3:23.
What Is Whole-Souled Service?
Whole-souled service involves using your whole self your heart, mind, and strength.
Every fiber of your existence is involved in lovingly serving God; no function, capacity, or desire in life is excepted.
It means being God-oriented, that is, God-directed.
Whole-souled service does not require that we be physically perfect.
Imperfect people are urged to be whole-souled. (Mark 12:28,30)
It is a matter of using all our imperfect faculties to the fullest extent possible in God's service.
People have different abilities, so their accomplishments differ.
Jesus spoke of the seed "sown upon the fine soil" as producing a hundredfold or sixtyfold or thirtyfold all is whole-souled. (Matt. 13:18,23)
One person may have better health or more energy resources, or natural ability than another; circumstances in life differ.
Two women in Bible times received honorable mention for their contributions to God's service, though the material value of their gifts differed greatly. (Mark 14:3, 6-9; Luke 21:1-4)
Similarly today, some may be whole-souled even though personal circumstances and limitations allow them to do very little in field service.
Help your brothers to enjoy what they are able to do in the evangelizing work, whether it appears to be little or much.
Being whole-souled makes one more effective in the evangelizing work.
If we put our whole heart into our presentation of the Kingdom message, people may sense this, and it may have much to do with their favorable response to the good news.
When in the field service, we should keep our mind on our ministry, how to present the good news effectively and not on matters of self-interest.
As dedicated servants of Jehovah, we should be determined to exert ourselves physically, using our energies and strength in the evangelizing work. (1 Tim. 4:10)
An hour or two at a time may be all that an older or sickly person can wisely spend in field service. His service would be whole-souled.
Those whose strength and circumstances permit them to do more need not discontinue their activity just because others cannot stay out longer.
…