Theocratic Ministry School Guidebook (1992)
Theocratic Ministry School Guidebook
Source: jw.org
Contents
Title Page/Publishers’ Page
Contents
Speaking Delightful Words of Truth
The Theocratic Ministry School Brings Benefits
The Bible—Our Principal Textbook
How to Read and Remember
Be a Good Listener
‘Apply Yourself to Public Reading’
Study Is Rewarding
The Value of Preparation
Working Up an Outline
Developing the Art of Teaching
Using Good Speech Every Day
Extemporaneous and Impromptu Speech
Voice Improvement and Use of Microphones
Tactful Yet Firm
Reaching the Heart of Your Listeners
Conversation That Upbuilds
How to Write Letters
Improving Your Answers
Using the School to Improve Field Ministry
Counsel Builds Up
Informative Material, Clearly Presented
Effective Introductions
Volume and Pausing
Directing Attention to the Bible
Reading and Applying Scriptures
Use of Repetition and Gestures
Highlighting the Theme and Main Points
Audience Contact and Use of Notes
Fluent, Conversational Delivery with Proper Pronunciation
Coherent Development of a Talk
Convince Your Audience, Reason with Them
Sense Stress and Modulation
Manifesting Enthusiasm and Warmth
Fitting Illustrations
Material Adapted for Field Ministry
Appropriate Conclusion and Your Timing
Poise and Personal Appearance
Let Your Advancement Be Manifest
Title Page/Publishers’ Page
Title Page/Publishers’ Page
Theocratic Ministry School Guidebook
“Ponder over these things; be absorbed in them, that your advancement may be manifest to all persons.”—1 Timothy 4:15.
Contents
Contents
PAGE STUDY
5 1 Speaking Delightful Words of Truth
9 2 The Theocratic Ministry School Brings Benefits
14 3 The Bible—Our Principal Textbook
19 4 How to Read and Remember
24 5 Be a Good Listener
29 6 ‘Apply Yourself to Public Reading’
33 7 Study Is Rewarding
39 8 The Value of Preparation
44 9 Working Up an Outline
49 10 Developing the Art of Teaching
54 11 Using Good Speech Every Day
58 12 Extemporaneous and Impromptu Speech
63 13 Voice Improvement and Use of Microphones
69 14 Tactful Yet Firm
73 15 Reaching the Heart of Your Listeners
78 16 Conversation That Upbuilds
84 17 How to Write Letters
90 18 Improving Your Answers
96 19 Using the School to Improve Field Ministry
100 20 Counsel Builds Up
108 21 Informative Material, Clearly Presented
113 22 Effective Introductions
116 23 Volume and Pausing
122 24 Directing Attention to the Bible
126 25 Reading and Applying Scriptures
130 26 Use of Repetition and Gestures
133 27 Highlighting the Theme and Main Points
138 28 Audience Contact and Use of Notes
142 29 Fluent, Conversational Delivery with Proper Pronunciation
149 30 Coherent Development of a Talk
153 31 Convince Your Audience, Reason with Them
158 32 Sense Stress and Modulation
163 33 Manifesting Enthusiasm and Warmth
168 34 Fitting Illustrations
172 35 Material Adapted for Field Ministry
175 36 Appropriate Conclusion and Your Timing
181 37 Poise and Personal Appearance
188 38 Let Your Advancement Be Manifest
NOTE: Scripture quotations in this book are from the modern-language New World Translation of the Holy Scriptures.
Speaking Delightful Words of Truth
Study 1
Speaking Delightful Words of Truth
1-3. How did human speech originate, and how was it developed?
1 Jehovah is the great Creator of speech. To him must go all the credit for this marvelous means of communication among intelligent creatures. And since all that God does is good, we can be sure that his gift of speech to man originally was one of those ‘perfect presents’ referred to in the Bible at James 1:17. Regarding human speech, Ludwig Koehler, an expert on words, wrote: “What actually happens in speech, how the spark of perception kindles the spirit, . . . to become the spoken word, eludes our grasp. Human speech is a secret; it is a divine gift, a miracle.”
2 Thus at his creation Adam was given a vocabulary. He also had the ability to coin new words. He was indeed gifted with the ability to communicate effectively. Not only could he express his thoughts in good speech, but he also had the ability to understand speech. This we learn from the fact that God spoke to Adam, issuing instructions to him. In turn, Adam could communicate with Eve.—Gen. 1:27-30; 2:16-20.
3 However, at a time of great wickedness on earth, at the tower of Babel, God confused the speech of men. (Gen. 11:4-9) And so it is that there are today many languages, most of which have various dialects. Some of these tongues are spoken by small tribal groups and others are spoken by millions of persons. Man’s speech, like man himself, has fallen far from its original perfection. Frequently his speech is used to spread falsehood and to turn people away from God.
4. How should we use our power of speech?
4 We, as ministers of Jehovah, on the other hand, want to use the power of speech properly. We have the privilege of talking to people about the true God and sharing with them his thrilling message of eternal life in a righteous new world. To help us to do this effectively this Theocratic Ministry School Guidebook is provided.
5, 6. Why is it so important that what we speak be the truth?
5 Speaking words of truth. Proper use of the power of speech requires that what we speak always be the truth, in full harmony with God’s Word. Falsehood cannot impart spiritual health to listeners. So the apostle Paul wisely admonished: “Keep holding the pattern of healthful words that you heard from me.” Why? Because that “pattern of healthful words” had come from God. (2 Tim. 1:13) Paul warned that some would “turn their ears away from the truth,” but he showed that the right thing is to “preach the word,” God’s Word. So we should stick to God’s Word of truth, using it as the basis for all the preaching and teaching that we do.—2 Tim. 4:1-5.
6 We are well aware that the right word spoken at the right time can start someone on the way to everlasting life or help him to stay in the way of life. (Prov. 18:21; Jas. 5:19, 20) So proper use of words is of great importance to each of us ministers, and the Theocratic Ministry School seeks to underline this fact.
7-9. What kind of words are usually most effective?
7 Choice of Words. Words are designed to communicate thoughts or ideas from the speaker’s mind to his hearers. This can be done successfully only if the speaker selects words that accurately express his thoughts and that are known or easily identifiable by his hearers. Effective choice of words does not come easily at first. Even wise King Solomon, the congregator of Israel, “pondered and made a thorough search, that he might arrange many proverbs in order. The congregator sought to find the delightful words and the writing of correct words of truth.” (Eccl. 12:9, 10) So it takes mental effort, search and good judgment to find desirable words. At Ec 12 verse eleven of the same Bible chapter, the effectiveness of well-selected words is indicated. “The words of the wise ones” are likened to “oxgoads” that prod and encourage people along the road to life.
8 Simplicity of words is one of the first principles to learn. Words do not need to be complicated or difficult in order to make speech effective. In fact, simplicity is a key to understanding and thus a great aid to the memory. What could be simpler yet more majestic than these opening words of the Bible Record: “In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth”? You cannot forget them. So, too, the conclusion reached by the wise congregator after all his pondering: “Fear the true God and keep his commandments. For this is the whole obligation of man.”—Eccl. 12:13.
9 We want to avoid words that muffle the clear ring of God’s truth. We do not want to ‘obscure counsel by words without knowledge.’ (Job 38:2) For who will hear and understand “if the trumpet sounds an indistinct call”?—1 Cor. 14:8.
10, 11. How is Jesus an example for us in speaking?
10 We can all benefit from the fine example of Christ Jesus. His simple phrasing and illustrations from ordinary occurrences of life had a powerful effect on listeners. Recall his discourse given on the mountain close to Capernaum, as set out in chapters five through seven of Matthew’s Gospel. Flowery oratory? No. Ambiguous words? None. Jesus was concerned about getting the truth into minds so that it would affect the hearts of people. He truly had the mind of his Father, Jehovah. His is the finest example as to speech for all of Jehovah’s ministers.
11 Let us never underestimate the powerful effect of clear, simple, well-chosen words of truth. They can delight, they can inspire, they can move to action. Of Jesus’ speech the account at Luke 4:22 tells that the listeners “all began to give favorable witness about him and to marvel at the winsome words proceeding out of his mouth.” His apostles, too, found many eager listeners. This in spite of the fact that prominent Jews of that time perceived those apostles to be “unlettered and ordinary” men. (Acts 4:13) What was the explanation? They had learned their method from their Master, Christ. Is not that a great encouragement for God’s ministers today, both young and old?
12. How can parents help their children to learn to express themselves well?
12 Parents can do a great deal to help their children to express themselves well. Around the home fine everyday speech can be inculcated, both by example and by teaching. The principles of the Bible, which should guide one’s speech, can be impressed on youthful minds. (Deut. 6:6-9) Many families take a few minutes each morning to discuss the Bible text for the day as set out in the booklet Examining the Scriptures Daily, and at other times they read together from The Watchtower or Awake! This is wonderful training for the family, adding new words to their vocabulary and showing how these words can be delightfully phrased for more effective communication to others. In this way, too, the family are getting the mind of Jehovah on matters, and their speech will reflect that.
13-16. To benefit fully from the Theocratic Ministry School, what must we personally do?
13 Making progress by sharing in Theocratic Ministry School. With the help of the course of study outlined in this Guidebook, all of us who sincerely desire to advance in the ministry will be aided to use “delightful words . . . correct words of truth.” Regardless of age or educational status, if you rely on Jehovah’s direction and on his spirit you can make progress and advance in the Christian ministry. But it is necessary for you to put forth the needed effort. You are urged to “ponder over these things; be absorbed in them, that your advancement may be manifest to all persons.”—1 Tim. 4:15.
14 Effort on the part of each one of us includes determining to be present at all congregational meetings of Jehovah’s people, and then following through with that determination. Particularly at the Theocratic Ministry School’s weekly sessions there will be help provided so that you can carry out the advice of the apostle Paul: “Do your utmost to present yourself approved to God, a workman with nothing to be ashamed of, handling the word of the truth aright.”—2 Tim. 2:15.
15 Each person, male or female, young or old, who attends meetings of the congregation may enroll and gain the benefits of this school. You may enroll whether you are baptized or not. Those who perhaps lack some school education should keep in mind that God foresaw that the message of the Kingdom would be heard without response by many who are wise in a fleshly way, of noble birth, highly educated from a worldly viewpoint. (1 Cor. 1:26-29) But he also foreknew that many who are despised from the world’s point of view would heed it and willingly pass it on to other truth-hungry persons. By enrolling in this school and by faithfully following through with its lessons you will be guided to knowledge that will truly enable you to speak delightful words of truth to honest-hearted ones. This will be for your own refreshment as well as for the refreshment of those who hear you.
16 Above all, by being a diligent student of this course you will be seeking, by word and action, to attain to that about which King David of Israel prayed: “Let the sayings of my mouth and the meditation of my heart become pleasurable before you, O Jehovah my Rock and my Redeemer.” (Ps. 19:14) Every Christian should have a strong desire to be able to speak well, on all occasions using words that will be pleasing to the Creator. The Theocratic Ministry School offers you valuable assistance in achieving that goal.
The Theocratic Ministry School Brings Benefits
Study 2
The Theocratic Ministry School Brings Benefits
1-5. What training does the ministry school provide to aid us in our service to God?
1 How does Jehovah train us as his servants to be effective in the ministry? It is done through his organization. In many lands the training starts with as basic a skill as learning to read. For those who have learned to read and write, the next step is to enroll in the Theocratic Ministry School.
2 This school provides free training for the ministry. It serves the congregation in two ways: (1) The individual student is given a program of study that helps him to improve in ability to gather, develop and present information logically to others; and (2) the entire congregation receives much valuable information in the course of each week’s program. Improved spiritual appreciation and ministerial activity are sure to result.
3 The program in each country is arranged by the Watch Tower Society’s branch office and a yearly schedule is provided. The program depends, of course, on the publications available in the language or languages of the country. Principally it centers around the Bible.
4 A number of helpful talks are presented by students each week. The principal one is called the instruction talk and is somewhat longer than the others. It is assigned to a capable brother, so that the congregation may gain the fullest benefit from it. The other talks are brief and may be assigned to male or female as the school schedule may provide. One of the shorter student talks, depending on the local schedule, may be a reading from the Bible. Other talks will develop assigned themes and perhaps be given a practical setting, if appropriate to the material. Assignments handled by sisters will often take the form of a presentation in the house-to-house ministry, perhaps a discussion at a return visit or after a Bible study, informal witnessing, or a conversation with members of one’s own family or another publisher.
5 In small congregations composed entirely of women all the material can still be covered. How? By informal reports, discussions between two sisters, questions and answers or simply reading the published information.
6. What qualifications are needed on the part of the school overseer?
6 School overseer. A Theocratic Ministry School overseer is appointed in each congregation. He should be a qualified teacher. He ought to have a good knowledge of Bible truth and a practical working knowledge of the language of most of his students. He needs to be tactful and kind. Spiritually, he should be an “older man.” It is his service to enroll you as a student, assign you talks and offer you kindly and constructive counsel.
7. What factors are considered when assigning talks?
7 The school overseer keeps a record of those enrolled, mainly for the purpose of making assignments. These talk assignments are ordinarily issued at least three weeks in advance in writing. This gives you time to analyze and prepare the material for delivery. The school overseer is aware that there are people of various levels of education in the congregation, and so he makes assignments with this in mind. He tries not to give a very young student a theme that would be unsuitable for one of tender years. He seeks to give equal opportunity to each enrolled student to share in the program.
8. Why are student speakers given a signal when their time is up?
8 Of course, when the school is held, it should be kept on schedule. So, when student talks run overtime, the school overseer or an assistant will give a signal. The student may complete the sentence he is on and then he should leave the platform.
9-12. In what ways does the school overseer show his interest in the progress of those who give talks as well as all in the congregation?
9 The school overseer counsels each student in the hearing of the entire congregation, because others besides the immediate speaker can benefit from it. Commendation is always in order. In fact, the counselor will be eager to encourage you. Constructive counsel will be offered on specific points listed on the Speech Counsel slip, points on which you have been asked to work. (See details in Study 20.) The school overseer will put forth an effort to become personally acquainted with your needs as a student, and he will be keenly interested in your progress.
10 He is also eager to make each session of the school a blessing to all in the congregation. He will encourage you to participate to the extent that you are able, to offer comments during the regular oral review and to share in the periodic written review. If you have not enrolled, he will encourage you to do so, helping you with your difficulties and showing you how you too can be an effective praiser of Jehovah.
11 The Theocratic Ministry School overseer also has the privilege of helping you as an enrolled student if you need assistance with your assignments, visiting you at your home where convenient. If there is not sufficient time to devote to this, he will invite mature brothers and experienced speakers to aid him. You parents, too, can assist greatly by extending such help to your own children, not to prepare the talks for them, but to offer suggestions and direction as to the necessary research and preparation. If you are training a new publisher in the field ministry, you might be invited to assist that same one to prepare his assignments in the ministry school.
12 The Theocratic Ministry School library at the Kingdom Hall is under the supervision of the school overseer. He will do what he can to demonstrate to new ones how they may avail themselves of its store of Bible knowledge. He should endeavor to have all the latest publications of the Society, as well as other helpful reference books, on the shelves, available to students and others.
13-17. How is the progress made by students readily evident to others?
13 Benefits to students. When you are given an assignment in the school, eagerly accept it as coming to you through Jehovah’s organization. Likewise receive and apply in all humility the counsel offered. The suggestions given you by the counselor can be applied both in your daily speech and in your ministry. By putting forth the effort to learn and apply the information provided in this school, you will benefit greatly.
14 Those who attend and share regularly in the school program find that their comments at meetings are greatly improved, and their participation in the field ministry is much more effective. And the school equips male students to prepare and present talks that stimulate and motivate the hearers, whether they are conducting parts on the service meeting programs or giving public lectures. Many, as a result of Theocratic Ministry School training, have been able to give a fine defense before courts and rulers, while others have spoken to school or social groups.
15 A student will also find, when he applies in his daily speech and conversation counsel received on student talks, that deeply ingrained, poor speech habits will be eliminated in time. Whether at a place of secular employment, at a public school or elsewhere, our training as Jehovah’s Witnesses soon becomes apparent to observers. As one well-known magazine expressed it: “In a few months, new Witnesses study the Bible harder than most Christians do all their lives. And it is no accident that almost all of them become poised and polished speakers.”
16 It is good for each one of us in the congregation to have a goal so that we can determine what advancement we are making in the ministry. Such goals can usually be tied in closely with the degree of progress made in the Theocratic Ministry School. For example, do you feel you are unequipped to call back on interested ones and to answer their questions? Much of the material presented and demonstrated at the school is useful for just these situations.
17 For maximum benefit to be gained, the school should not be viewed as merely a forty-five minute weekly course. Rather, if you are a serious student, you will want to follow through on the program of home study and preparation, including Bible reading and other necessary research. Not only the student speakers, but all of us in attendance at the school sessions will gain in knowledge and ability as Jehovah’s ministers if we prepare the current week’s lesson in advance.
18-20. Why should we not allow lack of personal ability to hold us back from sharing fully in the school?
18 All are encouraged to give their best, particularly having in mind the purpose of the school. It is not to give a display of speaking ability. Nor is it to show up the weaknesses and difficulties of some. Indeed, the motive with which we approach the school’s activities will to a large degree govern the extent of the benefit we shall gain. It is part of Jehovah’s educational system. He is teaching us and training us for his purpose. There is no need for any student to be concerned about the impression he makes, for we are not trying to please men or conform to purely human standards of teaching and speech. We are interested in gaining God’s approval and his blessing on our ministerial activity.
19 True, some brothers and sisters may feel as did Moses when he said to Jehovah: “I am not a fluent speaker, neither since yesterday nor since before that.” (Ex. 4:10) But if you have faith that nothing is impossible with God, you will overcome that initial feeling. (Matt. 19:26) Also, you can reason that any improvement in your ability to speak forth the Word of life is well worth the effort required. Even a small improvement may result in directing someone into the way of life, and would not that be cause for rejoicing?
20 The prime purpose of the Theocratic Ministry School is training for ministerial work. May you be one of the multitude who regularly attend and seek its benefits, and then see Jehovah’s blessing upon your efforts to progress.—Phil. 3:16.
The Bible—Our Principal Textbook
Study 3
The Bible—Our Principal Textbook
1, 2. When did Bible writing begin and end, and what is the extent of the Bible’s circulation?
1 The Bible is our principal textbook in the Theocratic Ministry School, and as ministers of the good news we should be well acquainted with it. We ought to know how it was produced, what it contains and how to use it.
2 Bible writing dates back to the year 1513 B.C.E., when Moses was directed to begin the record. It was late in the first century C.E. when the apostle John finished his writing, thus bringing Bible writing to an end—after about sixteen centuries. Today the Bible is available, in whole or in part, in some 2000 languages. Though few books reach a circulation in the millions, the Bible has been published by the thousands of millions. No other book can equal that record. Of course, the mere writing of a religious book, its preservation for hundreds of years and its esteem by millions do not prove that it is of divine origin. It must bear credentials of Divine Authorship demonstrating that it was inspired by God. A careful examination of the Bible convinces sincere persons that it truly has such credentials.
3, 4. In what form was the Bible originally written, and when was it divided into chapters and verses?
3 Originally written in Hebrew, Aramaic and Greek, the Bible, as we know it, has sixty-six books. The exact number of books is not important (whether certain ones are combined or left separated), nor the particular order in which they follow one another. The books remained as separate rolls long after the Bible canon or catalog of inspired books was closed, and ancient catalogs vary in the order in which the books are listed. What is most important, however, is what books are included. In reality, only those books now in the canon have any solid claim to inspiration. From ancient times efforts to include other writings have been resisted.
4 The Bible was originally written in continuous, unbroken lines of letters. It was not until the ninth century C.E. that any system of dividing sentences by punctuation marks was devised. The main features of our modern system of punctuation began in the fifteenth century C.E. as a result of the introduction of printing. Subdivision of the Bible into chapters and verses (the King James Version has 1,189 chapters, 31,102 verses) was not done by the original writers either. This came centuries later. The Masoretes, Jewish scholars, divided the Hebrew Scriptures into verses. Then in the thirteenth century C.E. chapter divisions were added.
5, 6. In what sense is the Bible inspired, and what explains the different styles of writing that it contains?
5 Inspired collection of books. Some forty different individuals served as secretaries of the one great Author to record the inspired Word of Jehovah. “All Scripture is inspired of God,” and this includes the writings of the Christian Greek Scriptures along with “the rest of the Scriptures.” (2 Tim. 3:16; 2 Pet. 3:15, 16) By “inspiration” is meant, not a mere stimulating of the intellect and emotions to a higher degree of accomplishment (as is often said of secular artists or poets), but the production of unerring writings that have the same authority as if written by God himself. God caused his own spirit to become operative on faithful men whom he used to record things at his direction. For this reason the apostle Peter could declare: “Prophecy was at no time brought by man’s will, but men spoke from God as they were borne along by holy spirit.” (2 Pet. 1:21) In at least one case, however, the information was supplied in written form by God himself. This was the Ten Commandments, God giving Moses two “tablets of stone written on by God’s finger.”—Ex. 31:18.
6 In some cases information was transmitted word for word, by verbal direction. (Ex. 34:27) The prophets also were often given specific messages to deliver. (1 Ki. 22:14; Jer. 1:7) The evidence indicates, however, that the men used by God to record the Scriptures did not always simply record dictated material. For example, John received the Revelation through God’s angel “in signs” and John was told: “What you see write in a scroll.” (Rev. 1:1, 2, 10, 11) So, God apparently saw good to allow the Bible writers to select words and expressions to describe the visions they saw, while he always exercised sufficient guidance over them so that the end product was accurate and suited his purpose. (Eccl. 12:10) This doubtless explains the different styles evident in the books of the Bible.
7. Who were some of the writers of the Hebrew Scriptures, and what requirements of true prophets did all of them meet?
7 That the writings of Moses were inspired of God there can be no doubt, in the light of internal evidence. It was not Moses’ idea to become the leader of the Israelites. At first Moses drew back at the suggestion. (Ex. 3:10, 11; 4:10-14) Rather, God raised Moses up and gave him miraculous powers. Even magic-practicing priests had to acknowledge that what Moses did originated with God. (Ex. 4:1-9; 8:16-19) In obedience to God’s command and with the divine credentials of holy spirit, Moses was moved first to speak and then to write down part of the Bible. (Ex. 17:14) Following Moses’ death, the writings of Joshua, Samuel, Gad and Nathan (Joshua, Judges, Ruth, 1 and 2 Samuel) were added. Kings David and Solomon also made contributions to the growing canon of the Holy Writings. Then came the prophets from Jonah to Malachi, each contributing to the Bible canon. And each in turn met the requirements of true prophets as outlined by Jehovah: They spoke in the name of Jehovah, their prophecies came true and they turned the people toward God.—Deut. 13:1-3; 18:20-22.
8. What is the most conclusive proof of the canonicity of the Hebrew Scriptures?
8 Just as Jehovah inspired men to write, it logically follows that he would direct the collecting of these inspired writings. According to Jewish tradition, Ezra had a hand in this work after the exiled Jews were resettled in Judah. He was well qualified for the work, being one of the inspired Bible writers, a priest, and also “a skilled copyist in the law of Moses.” (Ezra 7:1-11) The canon of the Hebrew Scriptures was well fixed by the end of the fifth century B.C.E. It contained the same writings that we have today and which are now divided into thirty-nine books. No council of men made them canonical; from their beginning they had divine approval. The most conclusive testimony on the canonicity of the Hebrew Scriptures is the unimpeachable word of Jesus Christ and the writers of the Christian Greek Scriptures. Though they used the inspired Hebrew Scriptures freely, never did they quote from the apocryphal books.—Luke 24:44, 45.
9, 10. What assurance is there that the books of the Christian Greek Scriptures really belong in the Bible canon?
9 The writing and collecting of the twenty-seven books of the Christian Greek Scriptures was similar to that of the Hebrew Scriptures. Christ “gave gifts in men,” yes, “he gave some as apostles, some as prophets, some as evangelizers, some as shepherds and teachers.” (Eph. 4:8, 11-13) With God’s holy spirit upon them they set forth sound doctrine for the Christian congregation. Jesus assured his apostles that God’s spirit would help them, teaching, guiding and recalling to their minds the things they had heard from him, as well as revealing to them future things. (John 14:26; 16:13) This assured the truthfulness and accuracy of their Gospel accounts.
10 The real test of canonicity is not how many times or by what nonapostolic writer a certain book has been quoted. The contents of the book itself must give evidence that it is a product of holy spirit. Consequently, it cannot encourage superstition, demonism or creature worship. It must be in total harmony with the rest of the Bible. Each book must conform to the divine “pattern of healthful words,” and be in harmony with the teachings of Jesus. (2 Tim. 1:13) The apostles clearly spoke with divine authority. By holy spirit they had “discernment of inspired utterances” as to whether such were of God or not. (1 Cor. 12:4, 10) With the death of John, the last apostle, this reliable chain of divinely inspired men came to an end. And so with the Revelation, John’s Gospel and his letters, the Bible canon closed. The sixty-six books of our Bible, by their harmony, testify to the oneness of the Bible, and recommend it to us as indeed Jehovah’s word of inspired truth.
11. What information that otherwise would not be available to men is contained in the Bible?
11 Contents. The Bible contains information that otherwise would not be available to men. The Genesis account, for example, provides information about earth’s creation; it gives us knowledge of things that took place before man was on the scene. (Gen. 1:1-31) The Bible also tells us about conversations that took place in the heavens and which no human ears could hear, unless God provided the information.—Job 1:6-12; 1 Ki. 22:19-23.
12, 13. What do we learn about Jehovah and Jesus Christ from the Scriptures?
12 More important, the Bible acquaints us with Jehovah. It relates details of miraculous visions of Jehovah with which his servants were favored. (Dan. 7:9, 10) Also the Bible acquaints us with God’s name “Jehovah,” which name occurs more than 6,800 times in the Masoretic text of the Hebrew Scriptures. In the Bible we learn of Jehovah’s outstanding qualities, such as love, wisdom, justice, mercy, long-suffering, generosity, perfection in knowledge, changelessness. (Ex. 34:6, 7) Furthermore, the Bible tells us much about God’s Son and the important place that he occupies in God’s purpose. (Col. 1:17, 18; 2:3; 2 Cor. 1:20) More than any others, the Son of God, when on earth, was able to enlarge our acquaintanceship with Jehovah. For he was able to say: “He that has seen me has seen the Father also.”—John 14:9.
13 Details as to the development of God’s purpose are revealed in the Bible. All of the foretold blessings for obedient man were centered in a promised Savior whom Jehovah would raise up. He was described in the Garden of Eden by God as the “seed” of God’s woman. (Gen. 3:15) In time God promised that this Seed would come through Abraham. (Gen. 22:18) He showed that the promised Savior would be an everlasting king and priest “according to the manner of Melchizedek!” (Ps. 110:4; Heb. 7:1-28) He gave the law covenant to Israel with its priesthood and sacrifices, all of which were a “shadow of the good things to come.” (Heb. 10:1; Col. 2:17) To David promise was made that the kingship would everlastingly remain in his family. (2 Sam. 7:11-16) And the heir of that promise, as well as the one to whom all the other prophecies pointed as the Deliverer, is shown to be Jesus Christ. Yes, throughout its pages the Bible focuses on the theme of the inspired writings—the kingdom of God in the hands of Jesus Christ as the means that Jehovah has provided for carrying out His purpose.
14-17. Why are Bible prophecy and Bible counsel on morals of great value to all of us?
14 As a book of prophecy, the Bible is outstanding. Thus it gives significance to events of history and shows why they turned out as they did. (Luke 19:41-44) It shows the future of all present worldly governments. (Dan. 2:44) It explains events of our days, showing that we live in the foretold time of the end of this old system and that soon God will clear out all the wicked.—2 Tim. 3:1-5; Ps. 37:9, 10.
15 Without the Bible we would not know the real purpose of life. (Eccl. 12:13) It makes clear that man is not a product of blind chance, but a creation of God, who has a loving purpose for mankind. And it explains what God’s will is for us now and how we can find real satisfaction in life.—Rev. 4:11; 1 Tim. 2:3, 4; Ps. 16:11.
16 Human history demonstrates that man, apart from God, cannot successfully direct his steps. Only the Bible provides the guidance that he needs. It gives guidance regarding morals, showing what God condemns and what he approves. (Gal. 5:19-23) It proves to be a most practical help amid a world that has thrown off moral restraint. It helps us to get the viewpoint of God and to be pleasing to him. And it shows us the way to eternal life in God’s new world.—John 17:3.
17 Is it not obvious why this Book of books should be our primary textbook for study? Christians, above all, are keenly concerned about investigating this Book that is authored by the One to whom God’s Son said: “Your word is truth.” (John 17:17) The Bible, therefore, assumes first place in the study course of the Theocratic Ministry School.
How to Read and Remember
Study 4
How to Read and Remember
1, 2. Why is it important for us to remember what we read?
1 For those who read just as a pastime, for their own entertainment, remembering what they read is of little importance. But for someone who is studying for a profession, it is vital to remember what he reads in his textbooks. Passing an examination and entering upon the chosen occupation depend on it. The Christian minister, however, has a greater need to remember what he reads, whether reading casually or seriously. His objective is to draw closer to Jehovah and to improve his ministry, to Jehovah’s praise.—Deut. 17:19.
2 The Christian’s main reading material is the Bible and those publications that offer genuine help in understanding the Bible. He knows that it is the knowledge found in the Bible that leads to eternal life. It is this reading that equips him to be an effective minister, and it is this reading with which we are chiefly concerned in the Theocratic Ministry School.
3, 4. Why should we be selective in what we read?
3 Our taking of information into the mind through reading may be compared to our taking of food into the stomach. In both instances we must be selective. The eater, even when just satisfying his appetite, is foolish to take into his stomach that which is indigestible or that which offers no real benefit to the body, or worse, may even poison him. For best results, for long-lasting benefits, food should be easily digested and assimilated by our bodies.
4 So, too, with our reading. Whether it is casual or serious reading, what we take in should be mentally digestible and it should be something that will lastingly benefit our minds. Obviously it is unwise to feed the mind on that which is untrue, godless or immoral, and which may therefore cause spiritual indigestion. (Phil. 4:8) And why waste time reading material of little value? Just as we are selective in what we eat, so we should be in what we read.
5, 6. Why do we need to schedule time for personal reading, and when might such reading be done?
5 Schedule for personal reading. Having selected the right kind of material to read, you need to take the next step. This is to establish a schedule of reading that will fit into your particular life pattern. If you fail to set aside specific days, or evenings, for periods of reading, your efforts are likely to be too haphazard to be successful.—Acts 17:11.
6 Thoughtful reading requires ample time as well as surroundings that favor pondering over the material examined. But not all your reading will be done during extended study periods. If you can set aside even ten or fifteen minutes regularly each day to do some reading, you will be amazed at how much you can accomplish. Some persons do this reading early in the morning, or before going to bed at night. Others read while riding public transportation en route to their place of secular employment or school, or during their lunchtime. In some homes, the entire family reads together for five or ten minutes after one meal each day or just before going to bed. Regularity, doing some reading every day, produces good results.
7. What should be our goal in Bible reading?
7 Your personal schedule should include time for reading the Bible itself. There is great value in reading it right through from cover to cover. This can be achieved by reading a certain number of chapters or pages each day or each week. However, your goal in reading should never be just to cover material, but to get the overall viewpoint of it with the intention of remembering. Take time to ponder on what it says. When reading the Bible you can always be confident that you are partaking of the best spiritual food that can be had.
8, 9. What other material would it be beneficial to include in our reading program?
8 Time is also needed for preparatory reading of the material to be covered at the Watchtower study and other congregation meetings. It is good to have in mind commenting at the meetings, but do not make the finding of answers your main objective. Rather, seek to understand what you read and consider how it affects your own life.
9 Then there are the Watchtower articles other than those used in the congregation’s weekly study. Awake! magazine, too, offers a great deal of informative material in its pages. And have you read the older publications of the Society in your language? To the extent that you can make time to read the material, there is a blessing in store for you. The rate of one’s spiritual growth is, to a large extent, governed by the regularity and the quality of one’s reading habits.
10-17. What practices will help us to remember more of what we read?
10 Memory aids. To benefit fully from what we read, we need to remember it. People will often say that they do not remember because they have a bad memory. It may be in many instances, however, simply an untrained or unworked memory. It is the course of wisdom to endeavor to get the most good out of the reading that we do. Much of the good would be lost if the material read were quickly forgotten. We need to learn how to read so as to remember. There are a number of suggestions that have worked well for experienced readers. They may assist you.
11 As you read, endeavor to read phrases or word groupings rather than individual words. This will make it possible to speed up your reading and will help you to grasp ideas instead of struggling with words. For usual reading, do not sound out the words or move your lips as you read, and do not make a practice of backing up to read again unless it is to impress a key thought. Of course, for weighty, involved material you need to slow down so as to be sure to get the right thought. You may even want to read it aloud, or in an undertone. (Ps. 1:2) The Psalms and Proverbs, for example, were not written for speed reading but for meditation.—Ps. 77:11, 12.
12 It also helps if you read with pencil in hand, underlining key words and otherwise noting special points you may wish to go over again. Underlining, however, should be done sparingly, for if overdone it defeats the purpose of isolating the principal ideas. When you come across some specially valuable explanation or an argument that could be used to meet some common objection in the house-to-house ministry, it would be helpful to make note of the page and paragraph at the back of your book. Then it can be found quickly when needed. Never mark a book, of course, unless it is your own property.
13 You cannot just read through an article or a book without pausing, reflecting, comparing the information with what facts you already know on the subject—not if you really want to remember the outstanding points. Learn to analyze what you read, taking note of reasons given and arguments in support of conclusions that are presented. Also, be on the lookout for principles that apply to your life and that are a guide to daily living. Pause to consider how you can apply them.
14 In a serious reading of one of the Society’s bound books it is often helpful to consider first the title and the logical order of the table of contents. This will impress on your mind the overall theme. When you prepare to read a magazine article or a chapter in a book, look first at the various subheadings. These show the order in which the theme will be developed. Be alert to take note of topic sentences, which usually appear near the beginning of each paragraph. They will often tell you in a nutshell what the paragraph is about. Concentrate on getting the overall view of the subject on which you are reading.
15 Another suggestion is to try to visualize what you read, making mental pictures as an aid to memory. In imagination see the actors and the background, hear the sounds and voices, smell the odors, taste the food and drink, share the happiness or grief of a situation. Try to put yourself in the scene being described. Every sense can be brought into play imaginatively to reproduce vividly the Bible account. Passages of Bible history can be more easily committed to mind in this way.
16 When you come to the close of a chapter, give it a final brief mental review. Then compare your mental outline with the written material again.
17 If possible, discuss with someone else the points you have covered, doing so while they are still fresh in mind. Your expression of them will deepen the impression on your mind, while the other person may well be able to add to your fund of knowledge on the subject. If you have found some practical field points, use them in your preaching ministry as soon as possible. This, too, will fix the material in your memory.
18-20. Why is it so important to learn to read well?
18 Value of effective reading. Reading has a direct influence on our lives. The kind of work we do, the skills we develop, our enjoyment of life, our spiritual growth are all connected with our reading ability. Without this ability to read one is denied much of the richness of learning and experience. Parents can help to train their children to read by a systematic home program of reading. From time to time it would be good to call on your children to read aloud, for example, reading the text and comments for the day from the booklet Examining the Scriptures Daily. If you are not a fluent reader, it would be well worth your while to practice for fifteen to thirty minutes each day. In a few months you will experience satisfying results.
19 Good reading habits, scheduled times for reading and research, and use of the various suggestions outlined here will greatly improve your ministerial ability. You will be able to remember more of the precious words of God, so as to apply them in your life and ministry. Even elderly persons can improve their ability to remember if they practice the points here offered. No one should feel that he is too old to benefit.
20 God’s reason for setting down his grand purposes in a book was so that all his wonderful works might be made known to the children of men and long remembered. (Ps. 78:5-7) Our appreciation for his generosity in this matter is best shown by our diligence in reading and remembering that life-giving Word.
Be a Good Listener
Study 5
Be a Good Listener
1-5. What does it mean to listen, and why is it important, especially at congregation meetings?
1 Your progress as a minister of Jehovah is dependent to a considerable extent on how you listen. Throughout your life listening plays an important role in learning. You are listening when you hear with thoughtful attention, but if your attention is not focused on what is being said, the words that are spoken fall on deaf ears. No doubt you have talked to persons who gave you only part of their attention. No matter how often they agreed with you, you knew that they were not really getting the point and so were not really being benefited by what you said. How careful, then, we should be to be good listeners at all times, but especially when attending a course in divine education! As Proverbs 1:5 states: “A wise person will listen and take in more instruction.”
2 The congregation meetings are part of the educational program provided for us through Jehovah’s organization. By listening intently we show respect for Jehovah and his provision for our education. But God knows our makeup and that we may tend at times to let our attention wander, so in his invitation to eat of the abundance of spiritual food that he provides he emphatically says: “Listen intently to me, and eat what is good, . . . Incline your ear and come to me. Listen, and your soul will keep alive.” (Isa. 55:2, 3) If we would have eternal life and aid others to gain that prize, then we need to listen closely and grasp God’s thoughts.—Heb. 1:1, 2; 2:1.
3 Listening attentively also demonstrates proper humility, and we all have good reason to be humble. We can all learn from someone else; none of us know it all. Even if the one speaking lacks in fluency or some other quality of the capable speaker, genuine humility should lead us to give help and encouragement by our attentiveness and response to what he says. And who knows but that he may touch on some angle or some shade of meaning that has never occurred to us before? Out of the mouths of babes, spiritually speaking, Jehovah can provide enlightenment.—Matt. 11:25.
4 Paying close attention is vital in connection with congregation meetings because the things we learn are to be applied in our lives. It is through gaining “accurate knowledge” that we are able to put on the new personality. (Col. 3:9, 10) But if we do not listen carefully, if we fail to pay attention to details, we may not fully appreciate what changes are needed in our lives and so our spiritual growth may be hindered. Too, it is important to be able to give the right answers in oral or written reviews. But how much more so, in the field ministry, should we be able to give everyone who asks us a reason for the grand hope that we cherish!
5 As you cultivate the habit of paying close attention to what is spoken, you will improve your ability to remember the things you hear.
6-8. How can you keep your mind from wandering when a talk is being given?
6 How to listen. It is easy to let other matters distract us at meetings. We may be preoccupied by things that happened during the day or concerned about something that has to be done tomorrow. But if one is not listening intently to what is being said, what is the point of being present? So there is need for each one to discipline himself, to keep a tight rein on his train of thought. One must be determined to give full attention to the discussion at hand, and refuse to allow the mind to wander. It should be as though one has pulled down a mental curtain on all thoughts that are foreign to the subject under discussion. That is concentration.
7 A good way to protect yourself against the wandering mind or the daydreaming habit is to make notes of points and scriptures used by the speaker. Keep the notes brief, as too many will distract your attention, while a few will help your concentration. These notes may be of value to you at some later time. But, even if you never use them again, they do help to keep your attention riveted on what is being said. You become deeply involved in the subject under discussion and can pinpoint the speaker’s main arguments.
8 In ordinary conversation it is a good indication that the other party is listening if he raises intelligent questions on the subject under discussion. So, too, when listening to a prepared talk it is good evidence that your mind is on the subject if you find yourself raising constructive questions and then watching to see if the speaker will answer them. Among other things, ask yourself how you could use the material being presented.
9. How can the comparatively fast rate of thinking be used to good advantage when listening to a talk?
9 The average person thinks much faster than the speaker can talk, permitting time for outside thoughts to enter the mind. It has been estimated that the average rate of thinking is about 400 words a minute, but the average rate of speaking is about 125 words a minute. However, this thinking speed can be used to our advantage if we reflect on the material presented, summarizing it, reviewing it, and so fixing it firmly in mind.
10, 11. How can right motive be an aid in listening?
10 Another aid to getting the important points a speaker has to offer is to listen with the right motive. It is not our objective to listen with a view to criticizing the speaker’s material and delivery. In the ministry school the appointed overseer has the responsibility of offering counsel. So that leaves the rest of us free to concentrate on whatever useful information the speaker has to offer.
11 Again, when the school overseer offers counsel to student speakers, it is seldom constructive for another student to be deciding whether he agrees with the counsel offered or not. But it will definitely be to his advantage to ask himself whether the same counsel applies to him, and what benefit he can personally gain from it. Thus by being a good listener he is aided to progress by each talk given instead of limiting his advancement to the occasions when he personally is assigned to speak.
12. In what way can children learn to be good listeners?
12 Youths and young children should also be taught to be attentive listeners. It helps if they are seated in a location where they are under the watchful eye of parents. If they can read, it is encouraging for them to have their own copy of the publication being used. Generally speaking, it is unwise to permit them to occupy the time with material that is foreign to the program. As a stimulus to listening they can be given to understand that when they get home they will be asked to repeat something they have learned. And they should be warmly commended if they do remember or make note of something said during the meeting.—Deut. 31:12.
13, 14. How can eating habits affect our listening?
13 Concentration comes more easily if we have been careful to avoid eating a heavy meal just prior to meeting time, for this is sleep-inducing. This is because the body’s resources are taxed to care for digestion, leaving but a minimum to operate one’s thinking processes. With mental perception thus dulled, there is danger of simply listening sluggishly to what is said, without response or deep appreciation, or of dozing off altogether.
14 Perhaps even more important is scheduling your affairs to be present regularly for the instruction presented. Students at many schools skip classes and then try to review the material themselves. But you will hardly benefit from instruction you do not hear. Do not let family or friends keep you from being present at the meetings. Make certain you are present to hear with life-sustaining regularity the truths presented from God’s Word.
15, 16. Explain how we can test and improve our listening ability at the meetings.
15 Testing your listening ability. We spend five hours each week at congregation meetings, and during most of that time we have the opportunity to learn by listening. Do you personally make the best possible use of that time? How much of the fine material covered each week by the public speaker do you retain? After attending the ministry school and the service meeting, can you state the main idea of each talk in your own words, or do you find that at times you cannot even remember who was on the program? Might you benefit more fully by putting forth a greater effort to concentrate, perhaps even taking notes? Try it. Then review the main ideas in discussion with others after the meetings.
16 During several of our weekly meetings, questions are propounded and the audience is invited to comment. Those comments often reflect hours of personal study and years of experience. When others offer comments, do you really listen to what they are saying? Do you listen carefully enough so that, when they are finished, you could repeat in your own words the gist of what they said? Try to do just that, and you will be delighted at how much more you really hear.
17. What will help to hold our attention while paragraphs are being read?
17 During these meetings much reading is also done. Paragraphs of the study material are read at the Watchtower study and the congregation book study. Do you really listen to what is being read, or do you let your mind wander during the reading? There is a wealth of detail in the paragraphs that time does not permit to be covered by oral comments. And then the repetition of the main points by the commenters helps to fix the material clearly in mind. How much we can learn if we really listen to everything that is read at the meetings! It will help you to do so if you focus your eyes on the printed material as well as listening.
18-20. How are eager listeners rewarded?
18 Eager listeners rewarded. Eager listeners recognize that there is much to be learned and they are anxious to get as much as possible. They heed the advice of Proverbs 2:3, 4: “Call out for understanding itself . . . give forth your voice for discernment itself, . . . keep seeking for it as for silver.” And as they search, Jehovah blesses them, because he has promised: “In that case you will understand the fear of Jehovah, and you will find the very knowledge of God. . . . you will understand righteousness and judgment and uprightness, the entire course of what is good.”—Prov. 2:5, 9.
19 It is true that to be good listeners we must discipline ourselves. But how rewarding it is! Our spiritual growth becomes readily manifest. Beneficial changes are made in our lives. And our ability to make known the good news both from the platform and in the field ministry improves.
20 Whereas our time for personal study may be quite limited, we all have opportunity to do much listening at congregation meetings. How important, then, the quality of our listening! And since the things we hear involve our service to Jehovah and our eternal life, how appropriate the counsel of Jesus: “Pay attention to how you listen”!—Luke 8:18.
‘Apply Yourself to Public Reading’
Study 6
‘Apply Yourself to Public Reading’
1, 2. When do we have opportunities to do public reading?
1 The apostle Paul exhorted Timothy, “Continue applying yourself to public reading.” And he instructed Timothy to teach this and additional qualifications for the ministry to fellow Christian ministers. (1 Tim. 4:13) That inspired counsel is also appropriate for each one of God’s ministers today, and we do well to heed it.
2 Public reading is often called for on the part of the theocratic minister. At the Watchtower study and at the congregation book study scriptures and paragraphs have to be read. During the service meeting and the Theocratic Ministry School, as well as in the field ministry, Bible texts are read. Therefore it is for each minister’s own benefit and for the benefit of those who will listen, for him to become a good public reader.
3. Why is preparation important?
3 Public reading is reading out loud for the benefit of others. But will listeners really benefit to the full if the reader stumbles over words and uses improper phrasing or misplaced emphasis that obscures the thought? What attention will they give if he lacks enthusiasm, reading in a monotone? To read well in a group, preparation is needed. It is good never to go to an assignment, even for reading at a congregation book study, without having read through the material. Otherwise the audience will not be receiving the benefit that they might, and they may well pick up wrong pronunciations of words from the reader. Yes, there is need for each minister to apply himself to public reading.—Hab. 2:2.
4, 5. What qualities are needed in order for public reading to stimulate the audience, and to be easily understood?
4 Needed qualities. When reading, be enthusiastic. Infuse warmth into your presentation, reflecting the feelings described by the words. Thus you will avoid a cold and lifeless presentation. Exercise care not to reduce your volume to the point where your audience misses vital parts. Your volume must be sufficient to reach all parts of the room or auditorium being used. No one should have to strain to catch even a word.
5 There is need to sound out your words clearly, without chopping off part of some words, or slurring them together so as to render them unintelligible. On the other hand, it is not good to become so precise that your delivery detracts from the message. Well-enunciated reading means that the listener is never in any doubt about the words you are reading. Indistinctness often results because the reader’s voice is not projected outward toward the audience, so make it a practice to hold your head up when you read. Open your mouth so as to let the sounds go out without any obstruction.
6. How is proper placement of emphasis determined, and in what way do pauses contribute to emphasis?
6 Proper emphasis is important. Indeed, it is the key to understanding what you read. It is well known that a change of emphasis can convey an entirely different meaning to an audience. Sometimes a single word requires special stress, but often it is a group of words, an entire phrase, that should be emphasized. The placement of emphasis should be determined by the thought to be conveyed, and that is governed, not merely by the rest of the sentence, but by the entire argument. Well-placed pauses are a vital part of emphasis. Short pauses help to group words in a meaningful way and draw attention to key ideas; longer pauses indicate the conclusion of a main part of the argument.
7. What helps to make reading sound like conversation?
7 Variety in pitch and pace must also be taken into consideration as you strive to read well. Without it the delivery would be dull and unappealing. But when properly employed, such variety in expression will do much to make your reading sound more like natural, lively conversation.
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