kingdom ministries lessons improving our skills in the

Kingdom Ministries Lessons

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Improving Our Skills in the Ministry

FEBRUARY 15, 2015 17

STICK TO YOUR GOOD STUDY HABITSEssential to maintaining zeal for the ministry

is cultivating and sticking to good study habits.“The faithful and discreet slave” publishes infor-mation on a wide range of topics. (Matt. 24:45)So the subjects that you can study in order totake in spiritual food are extremely varied. Let usconsider an example of a good subject for per-sonal study: Why is the Kingdom-preachingwork of great importance? The accompanyingbox sets out some of the reasons.

Considering the points listed in the box canmotivate you to keep on preaching zealously.Whynot make it a study project to see how manyother reasons you can list? Then meditate on thereasons and the scriptures that support them.Doing so will no doubt strengthen your zeal forthe ministry.

BE OPEN-MINDED ABOUT SUGGESTIONSJehovah’s organization regularly offers sugges-

tions designed to help us improve our ministry.In addition to our house-to-house work, for ex-ample, we might engage in letter writing, tele-phone witnessing, preaching on the street or inother public places, and sharing the good newswith people informally and in business territory.We may also be able to arrange our affairs so thatwe can witness in seldom-worked territory.

Are you open-minded about these sugges-tions? Have you tried to put some of them intopractice? Many who have done so have beenoverjoyed with the results. Consider three exam-ples.

The first example involves the effect of some-thing said in one of the Kingdom Ministry articleson how to start Bible studies. It moved a sister

Converse with yourpreaching partner

Be open-mindedabout suggestions

Stick to yourgood study habits

Help one who is lessexperienced

OUR KINGDOM MINISTRY F E B R U A R Y 2 0 1 4

Improving Our Skills in the Ministry-- Making a Record of the Interest

“Pay constant attention to yourself and to your teaching.” (1Timothy 4:16) This inspired

counsel from the apostle Paul to Timothy indicates that, whether we are new or

experienced, we should endeavor to make progress. To help us do that, a new

series entitled “Improving Our Skills in the Ministry” will appear in Our Kingdom

Ministry. Each article will discuss an important skill and provide some suggestions on

how to develop it. During the month, all are encouraged to give that skill special

attention. After the month concludes, a Service Meeting part will give us an

opportunity to comment on how we benefited from concentrating on that skill. This

month we are encouraged to work on making a record of the interest.

Why Important: To fulfill our commission, we must do more than preach. We

must return to those who show interest and teach them, watering the seeds of truth

that we have planted. (Matthew 28:19, 20; 1 Corinthians 3: 6-9) This requires finding

the person again, talking about his concerns, and building on our previous

conversation. Therefore, when we find interest, it is necessary to make a record of

it.

How to Do It:

Make sure that you have tools in your witnessing case for recording interest. Keep your

records neat, well-organized, and up-to-date. Make a record as soon as you finish the call.

Write down information about the householder. What is his name and contact information, such as his address, phone number or e-mail address? What did you observe about him and his family that maybe significant?

Write down the details of your conversation. What scriptures did you read? What did he say about his beliefs? What literature did you leave? Record the time the day of the week and the date of the visit.

Write down what you plan to do next time. What did you promise to discuss? When did you say you would return?

Update your record each time you return. No harm is done if you write down more information than you need.

Try This During the Month:

When making a record, tell those with whom you are working what you are writing down.

OUR KINGDOM MINISTRY M A R C H 2 0 1 4

Improving Our Skills in the Ministry-- Responding to Potential Conversation Stoppers

Why Important: Imagine that you know that a natural disaster is imminent. People will die unless

they flee to safety. You go to a neighbor’s home to warn him, but he interrupts you, saying that he

is busy. Surely, you would not quickly abandon your efforts to help him! Many in our territory turn

us away, not realizing the life-saving value of our message. At the time of our visit, perhaps they

are preoccupied. (Matthew 24:37-39) Or maybe they have been prejudiced by un-true rumors.

(Matthew 11:18, 19) They might assume that we are no different from the religions that have

produced bad fruitage. (2 Peter 2:1, 2) If the householder initially is not interested, we should not

be quick to give up.

How to Do It:

Before preaching from house to house, take a few moments to think about potential conversation stoppers that you may encounter and consider how to respond.

If the householder presents an objection, gently try to continue the conversation. Perhaps you can do that by commending him. For example, if he says that he has his own religion, you might reply, “I was hoping to find someone like you who has an interest in spiritual things.” Sometimes acknowledging the householder’s feelings or circumstances will enable you to continue giving a witness. For instance, if he says that he is busy, you might say: “I understand. But before I leave, I would like to give you this.” Another option is to ask a question if the householder says that he is not interested. You could say, “Do you mean that you are not interested in the Bible or is it religion in general that does not interest you?”

Use good judgment. Remember that Jehovah does not force people to listen. (Deuteronomy 30:19) Everyone must carry his own load of spiritual responsibility. (Galatians 6:5) If the householder is adamant, it is best to take our leave. By demonstrating respect for his feelings, we may open the door for another publisher to give a witness in the future. — 1 Peter.3:15.


When you encounter a potential conversation stopper, after leaving the householder, discuss with your partner how you might have responded in a better way.

OUR KINGDOM MINISTRY A P R I L 2 0 1 4

Improving Our Skills in the Ministry— Being a Helpful Companion

Why Important: Jesus recognized the value of preaching with a companion. So when he

dispatched 70 of his disciples to go ahead of him and preach, he sent them out in pairs. (Luke

10:1) A companion can provide needed support if his fellow publisher encounters a difficult

situation or is unsure of how to answer a householder. (Ecclesiastes 4:9, 10) He can share his

experience and occasionally offer a suggestion that may help the one with whom he is working

become a more effective evangelizer. (Proverbs 27:17) He can also encourage by means of his up

building conversation between doors. Philippians 4:8.

How to Do It:

Pay attention when your partner is giving a witness. (James 1:19) When a scripture is read,

follow along in your copy of the Bible. This will put you in a better position to assist if

needed.

Use good judgment to determine if and when you should join in the conversation. (Proverbs

25:11) If you accompany another publisher on a Bible study, your occasional comments will

likely be appreciated. However, when preaching from house to house, your service

companion may prefer that you let him do the talking when it is his turn. Of course, if he is a

new publisher or if he is not sure how to respond to a question or objection, he will likely

appreciate your help. But whether you are accompanying a publisher in the house-to-house,

return visit or Bible study work, do not interrupt, take over the conversation, or introduce a

different subject.

Share your experience. If on occasion, you can give the publisher with whom you are

working a suggestion to help him be more effective in the ministry, do not hold back.

(Proverbs 3:27) At an appropriate time, you might begin by saying: “How do you think that

went?” or “May I offer a suggestion?” or “Here’s what I try to do.” Keep in mind that while

others appreciate receiving a suggestion on occasion, they will be discouraged if every

mistake is called to their attention.


After working in the ministry with your field service partner, tell him what he said or did that

made him a helpful companion.

OUR KINGDOM MINISTRY M A Y 2 0 1 4

ImprovingOurSkills in the Ministry— Preparing Our Opening Words

Why Important: If our introduction does not arouse interest, the householder may terminate the

conversation before we can give a witness. Therefore, many publishers consider their opening

words to be the most important part of their presentation. Although sample presentations are

provided in Our Kingdom Ministry and the Reasoning book, they do not always include a complete

introduction, in order to allow for flexibility. Even if a sample presentation is complete, publishers

may choose to alter it or prepare their own. Thus, we will be more effective if we carefully prepare

our opening words rather than say whatever comes to mind when the householder opens the door.

— Proverbs 15:28.

How to Do It:

Choose your topic. It should be based on the literature you are offering and should be of

interest to people in your territory.

Carefully prepare the first sentence or two that you will say after giving a customary

greeting. You might start by saying: “I am here because . . . ,” “Many people are concerned

about . . . ,” “I would like to get your opinion on . . . ,” or something else. Short, simple

sentences usually work best. Some publishers choose to memorize their introduction.

Formulate a viewpoint question that will draw the householder into the conversation.

(Matthew 17:25) Remember that he was likely thinking about other matters before you

arrived, so the question should not be too difficult or put him on the spot.


Set aside time during family worship to prepare and practice your opening words.

When in the ministry, share what you plan to say with other publishers. (Proverbs 27:17)

Change your introduction if it is not effective.

OUR KINGDOM MINISTRY J U L Y 2 0 1 4

Improving Our Skills in the Ministry— Initiating a Conversation in Order to Witness Informally

Why Important: When sharing in the house-to-house ministry, we often find that many people are not at home. However, we may come in contact with them when using public transportation, when

waiting in a doctor’s office, when taking a break at work or at school, and so forth. It is Jehovah’s will that everyone has an opportunity to hear the Kingdom message. (1Timothy 2:3, 4) Often, in order to give a witness, we must take the initiative to start a conversation. How to Do It:

Be selective. Does the person seem friendly and willing to talk? Do the circumstances allow for relaxed conversation? Some publishers first make eye contact with the person and then smile. If the person smiles back, they try to start a conversation.

Say a brief, silent prayer if you lack the courage to speak. — Nehemiah.2:4; Acts 4:29.

Start with a simple comment, perhaps a greeting. Jesus did not begin his conversation with the Samaritan woman by talking about the Kingdom. (John 4:7) Sometimes a conversation can be initiated by giving commendation: “Your children are so well behaved!” Asking a question is another possible conversation starter: “Did you see that news report last night?”

Once the conversation has started, look for an opportunity to introduce the good news, but do not be in a hurry. Allow the conversation to develop naturally. Perhaps you can make a statement that arouses the person’s curiosity and prompts an inquiry. For example, if the conversation is about family matters, you might say, “I found some reliable advice on raising children.” If you are discussing a news item, you could say,“ I recently enjoyed reading some good news for a change.” Do not be discouraged if the conversation ends before you can give a witness.

Carry tracts or other literature that you can give to someone who shows interest. Try This During the Month:

Each week try to start at least one conversation with the goal of witnessing informally.

OUR KINGDOM MINISTRY A U G U S T 2 0 1 4

1914-2014 One Hundred Years of Kingdom Rule!

Improving Our Skills in the Ministry— Confidently Speaking Up About the Kingdom

Why Important: If we are to follow the clear direction given at 2 Timothy 1:7, 8, it is important that we confidently speak up about the Kingdom. How can we gain confidence to advertise the Kingdom? How to Do It:

Have empathy for people. (Philippians.2:4) Many are distressed over world conditions or personal problems. Our having empathy motivates us to tell them about the Kingdom.

Before leaving the house, take a few tracts with you. Try This During the Month:

Choose a person to whom you would like to witness. Pray to Jehovah for courage and the opportunity to speak up.

OUR KINGDOM MINISTRY S E P T E M B E R 2 0 1 4

Improving Our Skills in the Ministry— Laying the Ground Work for a Return Visit

Why Important: When we find someone who shows interest, we want to return when he will be home so that we can water the seed of truth that we planted. (1 Corinthians 3:6) This often requires that before we leave, we lay the groundwork for the return visit by finding out when we may come back. In addition, it is good to leave a question that we will discuss the next time we visit. This will build the householder’s anticipation for the visit, and if the question is answered in the publication we left with him, he will be more likely to read it. Laying the groundwork for the next conversation also makes it easier to call back because the subject for the discussion has already been chosen, and the householder will know what to expect. When we see him again, we can explain that we returned to answer the question that we raised on the last visit and then proceed. How to Do It:

When preparing your house-to-house presentation, also prepare a follow-up question to be answered on the next visit. It could be based on a topic that is discussed in the literature

you are offering that day, or it could be a question that is answered in one of our study publications, which you can introduce when you return.

When concluding your conversation with a person who shows interest, let him know of your desire to talk to him again and then share the follow-up question you prepared. In some territories people are very busy and tend to be reluctant to make an appointment for you to visit them again. In those circumstances, you might say: “Is this usually a good time to find you at home? [Allow for response.] Next week, I’d like to stop by briefly and answer this question . . . If you are too busy when I come, you can just let me know.”

If you tell the householder that you will return at a specific time, keep your appointment. (Matthew 5:37) At the conclusion of the return visit, lay the groundwork for the next one.


When preparing your presentation, also prepare a follow-up question to answer next time. Share it with other publishers with whom you are working.

OUR KINGDOM MINISTRY N O V E M B E R 2 0 1 4

Improving Our Skills in the Ministry— Showing Personal Interest

Why Important: Jesus viewed people as individuals, and he showed loving personal interest in them. For example, on one occasion Jesus may have sensed some uneasiness in a deaf man, so when he healed him, he did so privately, away from the stares of the crowd. (Mark 7:31-35) He showed consideration for his disciples by recognizing their limitations and not overwhelming them with too much information. (John 16:12) Even in his heavenly position, Jesus shows personal interest. (2 Timothy 4:17) As followers of Christ, we want to imitate him. (1 Peter 2:21; 1 John 3:

16, 18) Furthermore, we will be more effective in our ministry if we show consideration for the householder and take note of his unique circumstances, his interests, and his concerns. He will be more likely to listen if he senses that we are not just on a mission to deliver a message or to leave literature; rather, we are interested in him personally.

How to Do It:

Be well prepared. Relax, smile, and be friendly.

Be observant. Do you see indications that the person has children? that he enjoys

gardening or has pets? that he has certain religious beliefs? Perhaps you can tailor your

introduction to fit his circumstances.

Ask for his opinion, and listen carefully without needlessly interrupting. Maintain eye contact

to show that you are listening. Acknowledge his comments, and commend him if you can do

so sincerely. Avoid being argumentative.

Be adaptable. If necessary, adjust your presentation to address the person’s concerns. This

may be easier than you think, since our tracts, brochures, and magazines discuss a wide

variety of subjects. If you have called at an inopportune time, such as when he is busy,

acknowledge that and shorten your presentation.


Have practice sessions during family worship, or perhaps while in the ministry, in which the

publisher must adapt his presentation to address something the house holder says.

During some meetings for field service, the brother conducting could discuss or demonstrate

ways to show personal interest.

OUR KINGDOM MINISTRY D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 4

MONTHLY THEME: Send out “good things” out of the good treasure entrusted to us Matthew12:35

Improving Our Skills in the Ministry— Demonstrating a Bible Study by Using the

Bible Teach Book

Why Important: Many people may not understand what we mean when we say that we offer free home Bible studies. They may think that they have to join a study group or take some sort of correspondence course. Instead of simply offering a study, why not demonstrate a study? In just a few minutes, even on the doorstep, you can show a person what an easy and enlightening experience it can be to study the Bible. How to Do It:

After introducing yourself, ask the house-holder if he is concerned about the future.

Mention that many people have similar concerns, and show him the table of contents in the Bible Teach book. Explain that this book has easy to understand lessons that show what the Bible teaches about the future and other subjects, and ask him which chapter he is interested in.

Hand him a copy of the book, and direct him to the chapter that he selected. Explain that the questions at the beginning of the chapter are answered in the paragraphs that follow.

Ask the householder to read the first paragraph if he feels comfortable doing so. Then read the question for that paragraph, and consider the answer together. Lookup and discuss scriptures cited in support of the answer. Show him how you have highlighted the answer in your book.

Consider the next paragraph, but this time ask the householder to try answering the question in his own words.

Commend him, and make arrangements to return to complete the lesson.

If appropriate, direct attention to the video on jw.org entitled What Happens at a Bible Study?


Pray for Jehovah to bless your efforts to start a new Bible study. — Philippians.2:13.

Try to demonstrate a Bible study using the Bible Teach book or show the video What Happens at a Bible Study? at least once while engaging in the ministry.

OUR KINGDOM MINISTRY J A N U A R Y 2 0 1 5

MONTHLY THEME: ‘Slave for the Lord with all humility.’—Acts 20:19.

Improving Our Skills in the Ministry— Responding to an Irate Householder

Why Important: Many that we meet in the ministry are polite. However, Jesus prophesied that some people will hate us. (John 17: 14) Therefore, it should not surprise us if we encounter an irate householder. When this occurs, we want to respond in a way that pleases the one whom we represent, Jehovah (Romans 12:17-21; 1 Peter 3:15) Doing so will likely prevent the situation from escalating. It will also give a witness to the householder and any observers, making them more inclined to listen the next time Jehovah’s Witnesses visit.—2 Corinthians 6:3.

How to Do It:

Maintain a calm and friendly demeanor. This will help defuse the situation. Do not take the householder’s reaction personally. (Ecclesiastes 7:9) He may be upset because of personal problems or because you happened to call at the wrong time. Even if he is irritated by our message, often this is because he has been misled. — 2 Corinthians 4:4.

Reply with mild and gracious words. (Proverbs 15:1) Did you wake him up or interrupt him? Although we do not apologize for our work, you could humbly apologize for calling at an inopportune time. Is he angry because of an untrue rumor that he has heard about us? If so, you might say: “I can understand why that would upset you. However, it seems that what you have heard about us is not accurate. May I explain? ”Does he object to one of our beliefs, perhaps regarding disfellowshipping or blood? You could say: “I understand. Others have expressed the same concerns. May I show you from the Bible the basis for that teaching?”

If the person is highly agitated, it may be best to take your leave without trying to reply. If he

asks that Jehovah’s Witnesses not visit him again, you can assure him that his wishes will be honored.


Have practice sessions during your family worship.

After leaving an irate householder, discuss with your partner how you might have responded in a better way.

OUR KINGDOM MINISTRY F E B R U A R Y 2 0 1 5

MONTHLY THEME: Be “Zealous for Fine Works”! —Titus 2:14

“Improving Our Skills in the Ministry-- Witnessing Through an Intercom

Why Important: Witnessing through an intercom can be intimidating. How can we avoid letting

this challenge dampen our zeal for fine works? Keep in mind that witnessing through an intercom

may be the only way to reach some people with the good news. (Rom.10:14) Experience has

shown that an effective witness can be given this way. (See the 2011Yearbook, pp. 65-66, and

the 2000 Yearbook, p. 54, par. 3.) Consider the following suggestions.

How to Do It:

Prepare a brief presentation, and write it out so that you can read it directly to the

householder through the intercom. This can boost your confidence. At the outset, explain

the purpose of your visit. Use the householder’s name if it is shown on the directory.

Conclude by offering to deliver (or leave in the person’s door) a tract or a magazine that will

provide more information.

Maintain a positive viewpoint. Smile and gesture as if you were speaking face-to-face with

the person.

Relax and be conversational. Speak clearly and with good volume. Avoid unnecessary

pauses, but do not speak too fast.

Use good judgment. In large buildings, there may be many intercoms. Perhaps you could

choose just three or so to ring, take note of where you left off, and then leave. Residents of

the building may become alarmed if we linger in the foyer in order to ring every intercom.


During family worship have practice sessions with the participants facing away from each

other.

OUR KINGDOM MINISTRY M A R C H 2 0 1 5

MONTHLY THEME: “Be Ready for Every Good Work.” —Titus 3:1.

Improving Our Skills in the Ministry— Developing a Magazine Route

Why Important: Many people who enjoy reading our magazines do not wish to study the Bible

with us. Perhaps they are happy with their religion, or they feel that they do not have time to study.

However, as they regularly read our magazines, they may form a longing for God’s Word. (1 Pet.

2:2) A particular article may strike a responsive chord, or their circumstances may change.

Regular, brief visits will make them more comfortable with us and help us learn what their interests

and concerns are. Eventually, a Bible study may be started.

How to Do It:

Each month, schedule time to bring the individual the latest issues of The Watchtower and

Awake! Maybe you can visit at other times during the month to whet his appetite for an

article from the magazines you left or to offer the publication being featured that month.

Keep good records.—See the January 2014 Our Kingdom Ministry, p. 3.

Prepare for each visit. Rather than simply dropping the magazines off, engage the householder in conversation and try to build a rapport with him so that you can cultivate his interest.

Be alert for opportunities to start a study. If someone on your route asks you what the Bible says on a certain topic, bring him a study publication that contains the answer, and discuss it together. Before you leave, raise a related question and consider it on the next visit. If you are regularly and systematically having even brief discussions using the Bible or one of our

study publications, you are conducting a Bible study. Have you offered the householder the Good News brochure and demonstrated a short Bible study? Have you shown him the

videos Why Study the Bible? and What Happens at a Bible Study? Even if the person

has not been receptive to a study in the past, circumstances change. Would it be beneficial for you to try again?


Make a list of those who could be on a magazine route. Offer them the current issues of the

magazines, and tell them that you will bring them the next issue.

OUR KINGDOM MINISTRY

MAY 2015 MONTHLY THEME: Help all sorts of people come to an accurate knowledge of truth. ---1 Timothy 2:3, 4

Improving Our Skills in the Ministry— Witnessing to Someone Who Speaks Another Language

Why Important: Jehovah is interested in the spiritual welfare of people “in every nation.” (Acts

10:34, 35) Therefore, Jesus indicated that the good news would be preached “in all the inhabited

earth” and “to all the nations.” (Matthew 24:14) Zechariah prophesied that people “out of all the

languages of the nations” would respond. (Zechariah 8:23) According to the apostle John’s vision,

those who survive the great tribulation will include individuals “out of all nations and tribes and

peoples and tongues [languages, footnote].” (Revelation 7:9, 13, 14) In view of the foregoing, when

we encounter someone in our territory who speaks another language, we should try to give him a

witness.

How to Do It:

Be prepared. Carry in your witnessing case Good News for People of All Nations.

Become familiar with the instructions entitled “How to Help Those Who Speak

Another Language,” found at the beginning of the booklet. Anticipate the languages

you may encounter, and download a video or a publication in those languages from

jw.org to your mobile device. Consider using the JW Language app to learn a few

phrases. If congregations of different languages preach in the same neighborhood,

carry literature only in the language of your congregation when going from house to

house. However, when engaging in public witnessing in multilingual areas, have

literature in the languages of those you may meet.

When you encounter someone who does not speak your language, do your best to

share “the magnificent things of God” with him in his own language. (Acts 2:11) Direct

him to jw.org for more information in his language. If he shows interest, promptly fill

out a Please Follow Up (S-43) form, and give it to the secretary. Continue calling on

the interested person until he is contacted by publishers who speak his language.


During your next Family Worship evening, have a practice session where you give a witness to someone who does not speak your language.

When Going From House to House:

“I’m here because people are concerned about where this world is heading. Do you think

conditions will ever improve? [Allow for response.] Many people are surprised to learn that the

Bible contains good news that can give us hope. Here are some of the questions that the Bible

answers.” Hand the householder a brochure, and invite him to choose a question from the back

cover that interests him the most. Then go to the lesson, and demonstrate the study. Make

arrangements to return to consider the next question in that lesson.

OUR KINGDOM MINISTRY JUNE 2 0 1 5

MONTHLY THEME: “Remember The Days Of Old.”—Deut. 32:7

“Improving Our Skills in the Ministry-- Starting a Doorstep Bible Study Using the

Good News From God! Brochure

Why Important: To make disciples, we must be teachers of God’s Word. (Matthew 28:19, 20) All

of us can effectively teach the truth by using the tools that have been given to us. The Good News

From God! brochure is specially designed to help us teach the truth to others. In fact, we could use

it to start a Bible study with a householder on the initial call right at his doorstep.

How to Do It:

Review the presentation in the box.—See also the March 2013 Our Kingdom Ministry.

Put your personal copy of the brochure in your service bag. Be sure to have enough brochures to offer.

Consider just one or two paragraphs, and stay ten minutes or less.


Pray for the desire to conduct a study. Also, beg Jehovah for his help in starting a Bible

study and in becoming an effective teacher of the truth.—Philippians 2:13.

During family worship or personal study, take time to embed the presentation in your heart.

You can thus speak with conviction and start a doorstep Bible study while in the ministry.

OUR KINGDOM MINISTRY AUGUST 2015

MONTHLY THEME: “As for me and my household, we will serve Jehovah.”—Joshua 24:15.

“Improving Our Skills in the Ministry-- Training New Ones

Why Important: New disciples of Jesus must learn to observe “all the things” he commanded, which includes teaching the truth to others. (Matthew 28:19, 20) Many new ones have already qualified to join the Theocratic Ministry School and may have witnessed informally to family members or friends. However, as they grow in appreciation for what they are learning and come to know that Jehovah wants all people to hear the good news, they may express a desire to share in the field ministry. (Romans 10:13, 14) After new ones are approved as unbaptized publishers, good training will help them be more confident as they take this necessary step in their spiritual progress.—Luke 6:40. How to Do It:

Help the new publisher obtain the publications he will need for preaching and teaching. Show him how you organize your witnessing case, and explain the purpose of each publication you carry.

Together, select a sample presentation from Our Kingdom Ministry and practice it. Encourage the new one to put the presentation in his own words. Rehearse settings from the Ministry School book, page 82, that are common in your territory. Emphasize the importance of modest dress and grooming.—2 Corinthians 6:3, 4.

Provide progressive training. Show the new publisher a territory card, and teach him how to use a house-to-house record. Demonstrate how to make a record of interested ones. Teach him how to use jw.org in the ministry as well as the booklet Good News for People of All Nations. Help him cultivate the interest he finds.—1 Corinthians 3:6.

Be patient, and offer commendation. (Proverbs 25:11) Set a good example. Your zeal and the personal interest you show will have a positive effect for years to come.


Work in the house-to-house ministry with your student, and take him on a return visit or a Bible study. If you do not have a student, invite a less experienced publisher to work with you.


SEPTEMBER 2015 MONTHLY THEME: “Bear thorough witness to the good news.”—Acts 20:24.

Improving Our Skills in the Ministry— Witnessing in Business Territory

Why Important: Since many people work long hours, often the best way to reach them with the

Kingdom message is by witnessing to them at their workplace. Witnessing in business territory

can be enjoyable and productive because there are no not-at-homes and workers tend to be

polite to those they view as potential customers. In order to be effective, publishers must use

good judgment and be exemplary in their dress and grooming. (2 Corinthians 6:3) Therefore, the

service overseer should carefully monitor how often business territories are worked and by whom.

How to Do It:

Prepare a presentation that is brief. If we take too much of the worker’s time, we

may not be given opportunities to speak to him in the future.

Choose a time to visit when the businesses are less busy, such as when they first

open.

Endeavor to speak first with the person in charge. Be warm and friendly. You might

say, “We are visiting people briefly at their workplace because it is difficult to find

them at home.” Give him a brief presentation, and offer a tract, the magazines, or

another piece of literature. So that we will not be confused with salesmen, it is best

not to mention the donation arrangement unless we are asked how our work is

financed.

If the person in charge is friendly, ask for permission to speak briefly to the other

workers. At some businesses, it may be better to ask if you can leave some

reading material in the break room.

Use good judgment, and be flexible. For example, if a worker is talking to a

customer or is busy, wait until he is free before approaching him.


During your next Family Worship evening, practice a brief presentation you might use if you work in business territory.


OCTOBER 2015 MONTHLY THEME: Become “rooted” and “stabilized in the faith.”--Colossians 2:6, 7

Improving Our Skills in the Ministry— Training Bible Students to Develop Good Study Habits

Why Important: In order to progress to spiritual maturity, Bible students must nourish their minds

and hearts with more than the basic teachings of God’s Word. (Hebrews 5:12–6:1) Study requires

effort. It includes relating new information to what we already know and discerning its practical

value. (Proverbs 2:1-6) Learning to do personal research will enable students to answer Bible

questions using our Christian publications. The earnest effort that they put forth to apply what they

learn will equip them to withstand trials they will face as Christians.—Luke 6:47, 48.

How to Do It:

Emphasize the importance of seeking Jehovah’s help in prayer prior to each study session.—

John 14:26; 1 Corinthians 2:10.

From the outset, encourage your student to prepare in advance for his Bible study. Show him

your study copy, and teach him how to underline or highlight only key words or phrases.

Have your student answer the questions in his own words. Avoid turning the study into a dry

question-and-answer session in which the student simply reads answers directly from the

book.

Encourage your student to read a portion of God’s Word daily. Show him the Bible reading

schedule on jw.org, which outlines a practical way he can do this. Developing the habit of

reading the Bible daily will require determination, but the effort will be worthwhile.—Psalm

1:2, 3.

Show your student how he can find answers to Bible questions using Watchtower Library or

Watchtower ONLINE LIBRARY. Help him identify the mnemonic symbols for publications

commonly used at congregation meetings.


At the end of a subheading or a chapter, ask your Bible student to summarize in a few sentences what he has just learned. If you do not have a student, practice summarizing a passage from the Bible or a paragraph from The Watchtower in a few sentences to improve your own reading comprehension.


NOVEMBER 2015 MONTHLY THEME: “I planted, Apollos watered, but God kept making it grow.” --1 Corinthians 3:6.

Improving Our Skills in the Ministry— Offering the Bible Teach Book

Why Important: The Bible Teach book is a primary tool in our teaching toolbox. However, before

we can use it to study with someone, we must first place it with him. Therefore, all of us should

endeavor to become skillful at offering the Bible Teach book in the ministry. (Proverbs 22:29) There

are many options, and publishers should use what works for them.

How to Do It:

Raise an interest-arousing question that you can use to direct the householder to a specific

chapter in the book. You may even select one of the questions at the beginning of each

chapter. After hearing the householder’s response, read an appropriate scripture and then

show him a paragraph on that subject and perhaps briefly discuss it together.

Another option is to use the introductory pages to stimulate interest and then show the

householder where the book gives the Bible’s answer. For example, you might refer to a

recent tragedy covered in the news and explain that many have wondered about the answers

to the questions on page 3. Or you could say that you are visiting your neighbors to share a

positive view of the future. Then show the pictures on pages 4-5 and ask, “Which of these

promises would you like to see fulfilled?” Another possibility is to say that you are making

brief visits to help people find answers to life’s big questions. Then show the householder the

questions at the bottom of page 6, and ask which one interests him the most.

Use the direct approach for starting a Bible study. You might say: “We are showing this Bible

study aid to our neighbors. Have you seen it before? [Allow for response.] If you have just a

few minutes, I’d like to demonstrate how it can be used with your own copy of the Bible.”


Have practice sessions during your family worship.

When in the ministry, share with other publishers what you plan to say. (Proverbs 27:17)

Change your presentation if it is not effective.

kingdom ministries lessons improving our skills in the

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