Part 6​—Conducting Progressive Bible Studies

When a Student Raises a Question

¹ Once a Bible study is well established, it is usually best to consider Bible teachings in an orderly manner rather than jump from subject to subject. This helps the student to build a foundation of accurate knowledge and to progress spiritually. (Col. 1:9, 10) Often, though, students raise questions on various subjects during the study. How should these be handled?

² Be Discerning: Questions related to the study material being considered can usually be answered on the spot. If a question will be addressed later in the study publication, it may be sufficient simply to point that out. However, if a question is unrelated to the study material or will require research to answer properly, it may be better to consider the matter after the study or at another time. Some find that writing the question down assures the student that his question is being taken seriously and helps prevent the study from becoming sidetracked.

³ Many Bible teachings are considered only briefly in our basic study publications. What if a student has difficulty accepting a certain teaching or holds strongly to a false belief? It may be beneficial to consider additional material that thoroughly discusses what the Bible says on that subject. If the student is still not convinced, leave the subject for another time and continue on with his regular study. (John 16:12) As he gains a broader knowledge of the Bible and progresses spiritually, he may come to understand that Bible teaching.

⁴ Be Modest: If you are not sure of the answer to a question, resist the temptation to venture an opinion. (2 Tim. 2:15; 1 Pet. 4:11) Explain that you will research the matter and return with an answer. You might even use the opportunity to teach the student how to do research. Progressively show him how to use the various research tools provided by Jehovah’s organization. In this way he will eventually be able to answer his own questions.​—Acts 17:11.

Help Them Receive a Further Witness

¹ As we share the good news, we often meet people who live outside our territory or who speak another language, including sign language. Others with whom we have enjoyed good Bible discussions may move out of our territory. How can we arrange for such ones to receive a further witness? By using the Please Follow Up (S-43) form.

² People often listen more intently to the good news when it is presented in their mother tongue. (Acts 22:1, 2) Hence, in most cases, when we meet someone who speaks another language, we should fill out the form even if the person does not show interest in the Kingdom message. However, where there is a sizable foreign-language population that is regularly receiving a witness in their own language, it may not be necessary to fill out the form except when interest is shown.

³ Filling Out the Form: Tactfully endeavor to obtain the person’s name, his address, and his telephone number. Indicate the degree of interest shown, when the person can be reached, the literature that was placed or requested, and the language that the person best understands. After completing the form, promptly give it to the congregation secretary, who will forward it to the appropriate congregation or group.

⁴ Forwarding the Form: If the secretary does not know which congregation or group should receive the form or does not have the mailing address, he may telephone the Territory Desk at the branch office to obtain the needed information. It is no longer necessary to involve the city overseer when forwarding the form.

⁵ Whenever a congregation or a group receives a completed Please Follow Up form, arrangements should be made to call on the person promptly. As we diligently do our part, we can be confident that Jehovah will open the hearts of those who are “rightly disposed for everlasting life.”​—Acts 13:48.