Preaching Helps Us to Endure

¹ God’s Word exhorts us to “run with endurance the race that is set before us.” (Heb. 12:1) Just as a runner needs endurance to compete successfully, so we need endurance to attain the prize of everlasting life. (Heb. 10:36) How can the Christian ministry help us to endure faithfully to the end?​—Matt. 24:13.

² Fortified Spiritually: Our proclaiming the Bible’s marvelous promise of a righteous new world helps keep our own hope bright. (1 Thess. 5:8) When we participate regularly in the field ministry, we have the opportunity to make known the truths that we have learned from the Bible. We have the opportunity to defend our faith, which in turn helps to fortify us spiritually.

³ In order to teach others effectively, we must clearly understand Bible truths ourselves. We have to do research and meditate on the material. The earnest effort that we put forth deepens our knowledge, strengthens our faith, and refreshes us spiritually. (Prov. 2:3-5) Thus, as we seek to help others, we strengthen ourselves.​—1 Tim. 4:15, 16.

⁴ Zealous participation in the ministry is a vital part of “the complete suit of armor from God,” which we need in order to stand firm against the Devil and the demons. (Eph. 6:10-13, 15) Our being busy in sacred service helps us to keep our mind focused on upbuilding things and to avoid becoming corrupted by Satan’s world. (Col. 3:2) As we teach others Jehovah’s ways, we are continually reminded of our own need to maintain holy conduct.​—1 Pet. 2:12.

⁵ Empowered by God: Finally, our sharing in the evangelizing work teaches us to rely on Jehovah. (2 Cor. 4:1, 7) What a blessing that is! Our developing such trust equips us not only to accomplish our ministry but also to cope with whatever circumstances we may face in life. (Phil. 4:11-13) Indeed, learning to rely fully on Jehovah is the key to endurance. (Ps. 55:22) In many ways, preaching helps us to endure.

Part 10​—Conducting Progressive Bible Studies

Training Students in the House-to-House Ministry

¹ When the elders determine that a Bible student qualifies as an unbaptized publisher, he may begin to share with the congregation in the public preaching work. (See Organized to Do Jehovah’s Will, pp. 79-81.) How can we help the student to meet the challenge of preaching from house to house?

² Preparing Together: There is no substitute for good preparation. Show the student where he can find suggested presentations in Our Kingdom Ministry and the Reasoning book, and help him select a simple approach that is practical for the local territory. From the start, encourage him to feature the Bible in his ministry.​—2 Tim. 4:2.

³ Practice sessions are very beneficial for a new publisher. As the student rehearses the presentation, show him how to handle tactfully the responses that are common in the territory. (Col. 4:6) Assure him that Christian ministers do not need to know the answer to every question that a householder might raise. Often it is best to handle such questions by offering to do research and to return to discuss the matter further.​—Prov. 15:28.

⁴ Preaching Together: The first time the student shares in the house-to-house ministry, let him observe as you give the presentation that the two of you prepared together. Then get him involved. In some cases, it may be best to have the new publisher give only part of the presentation, such as reading and commenting on a scripture. Take into consideration the personality and abilities of the student. (Phil. 4:5) Be generous in giving commendation as you progressively train him in the various aspects of the preaching work.

⁵ It is important to help a new publisher establish a regular schedule for participating in the ministry, doing so weekly if possible. (Phil. 3:16) Make definite arrangements to work together in service, and encourage him to work with other zealous ones also. Their example and association will help him to develop skill and find joy in preaching from house to house.