ministers’? The facts speak for themselves. In 1931, when they first accepted their unique name, there were about 50,000 Witnesses preaching around the world. The report for 1983 shows a peak of over 2,652,000 ministers preaching the Kingdom good news in association with 46,235 congregations. Yes, there are nearly as many congregations now as there were Witnesses in 1931! The truth has indeed been written on millions of hearts over the last few decades​—and that is irrefutable proof of the ministry of Jehovah’s Witnesses.​—Isaiah 43:10-12.

20. As Christian ministers, what do we need today? What questions remain to be answered?

²⁰ The need for Christian ministers today is more urgent than ever. The time is short and the harvest is great. All the more reason, then, for us to be qualified, capable ministers who preach and teach in a productive way. How can we do that? How can we be more effective ministers? Are the examples of Christ and the apostles of practical value for us today?​—Ephesians 5:15, 16; Matthew 9:37, 38.

Points for Review

◻ How do we know that all of Christ’s anointed followers had to be ministers?

◻ What role has the “great crowd” played in the modern-day ministry?

◻ On what is the Christian vocation to the ministry based?

◻ What proof of their ministry do Jehovah’s Witnesses have?

How to Become Effective Ministers

“That is why I am sending Timothy to you, [for] he will put you in mind of my methods in connection with Christ Jesus, just as I am teaching everywhere in every congregation.”​—1 CORINTHIANS 4:17.

1, 2. For a person to be drawn to the truth, what is one necessary factor? (Acts 8:12)

WITH the outpouring of the holy spirit at Pentecost, 33 C.E., the Christian congregation grew and spread rapidly. (Acts 2:40-42; 4:4; 6:7; 11:19-21) What was the key to its success? Why did so many Jews and then Samaritans and Gentiles accept Christ and the message of God’s Kingdom?​—Acts 8:4-8; 10:44-48.

² For a person to accept the Christian good news, certain factors have to come into play. First, one must appreciate God’s undeserved kindness toward mankind in having taken the initiative by sending his Son to the earth as a ransom sacrifice. As