Yellow: Direct Response
Light Yellow: Additional Response
Celeste: Additional Points
“There is more happiness in giving than in receiving” (ACTS 20:35).
1. How did the apostle Paul feel about ministerial servants?
1 Ministerial servants carry out very important work in congregations. It is evident that the apostle Paul appreciated these loyal men. Thus, when he wrote to the Philippian Christians, he specifically greeted the ministerial servants along with the elders (Phil. 1:1).
2. What does Luis think about his responsibility as a ministerial servant?
2 Many baptized men enjoy carrying out their work as ministerial servants. They can be young or old. For example, Devan was 18 years old when he was appointed. On the other hand, Luis was just over 50. This brother sums up how many feel when he says, “It is a great honor for me to work as a ministerial servant, especially when I think about how much love the congregation has shown me.”
3. What questions will we answer in this article?
3 If you are a baptized man and are not yet a ministerial servant, Could you set it as a goal? What should be your motivation for proposing it? And what biblical requirements would it have to meet? In this article we will answer these questions. But first let us examine what the function of a ministerial servant is.
WHAT IS THE FUNCTION OF A MINISTERIAL SERVANT?
4. What is the function of a ministerial servant? (See also the image).
4 Ministerial servants are baptized men who have been appointed by holy spirit to help the elders attend to various practical matters in the congregation. Some ensure that publishers have sufficient territories and publications for preaching. Many help in cleaning and maintaining the Kingdom Halls. Others serve as ushers or operate audio and video equipment during congregation meetings. Although many of their tasks are of a practical nature, ministerial servants are above all spiritual men. They love Jehovah and live by his righteous standards. Additionally, they have a deep love for their fellow Christians (Matt. 22:37-39). What does a baptized man have to do to be a ministerial servant?
ILLUSTRATION
Images of ministerial servants helping in the congregation: 1. A brother places the publications. 2. Another cleans the toilet. 3. Another receives those who arrive at the meeting. 4. Another manages the audio and video equipment at the Kingdom Hall. Ministerial servants imitate Jesus by serving others in different ways. (See paragraph 4).
5. How can the goal of being a ministerial servant be achieved?
5 The requirements for being appointed a ministerial servant are indicated in the Bible (1 Tim. 3:8-10, 12, 13). How can you achieve this goal? Studying these biblical requirements and then striving to fulfill them. Now, first of all, you should examine what your motives are.
WHAT SHOULD YOUR MOTIVATION BE?
6. What should be the reason to humbly serve the brothers? (Matthew 20:28; see also image).
6 Let's think about our best example, Jesus Christ. He was motivated by love: love for his Father and love for people. And that love drove him to do his best and to carry out humble tasks for others. (see Matthew 20:28; John 13:5, 14, 15). If you too are motivated by love, Jehovah will bless you and help you achieve your goal of becoming a ministerial servant. (1 Cor. 16:14; 1 Ped. 5:5).
ILLUSTRATION
Jesus washes the feet of one of his apostles while the others watch in surprise. By his example, Jesus teaches his apostles to humbly serve others instead of trying to excel. (See paragraph 6).
7. Why should a brother avoid selfish ambition?
7 The world often admires people who promote themselves. But this is not the case in Jehovah's organization. The brother who, like Jesus, is motivated by love does not crave power, authority over others, or status. If such an ambitious person received an appointment in the congregation, he would probably refuse to perform some of the menial tasks needed to care for Jehovah's valuable sheep. You might think that these tasks put you down (John 10:12). Jehovah will never bless the efforts of people who are motivated by pride or selfish ambition. (1 Cor. 10:24, 33; 13:4, 5)
8. What did Jesus say to his apostles?
8 Sometimes even Jesus' close friends strived for certain responsibilities for the wrong reasons. That was what happened with two apostles of Jesus: James and John. They asked Jesus to grant them a special position in his Kingdom. But, instead of congratulating them for their ambition, Jesus told the 12 apostles: “Whoever wants to become great among you must serve others, and whoever wants to be first among you must be the slave of all” (Mark 10:35-37, 43, 44). Brothers who strive to have responsibilities for the right reason, that is, to serve others, will be a blessing within the congregation (1 Thes. 2:8).
HOW CAN YOU FEED YOUR DESIRE TO SERVE OTHERS?
9. How can you feed your desire to serve others?
9 There is no doubt that you love Jehovah and want to serve your brothers. Even so, you may not have the desire to take on the workload of a ministerial servant. How can you fuel your desire to do more for the congregation? You might think about the joy that comes from serving your brothers. It's like Jesus said: “It is more blessed to give than to receive” (Acts 20:35). Since he was always guided by this principle, he was truly happy serving others. And the same can happen to you.
10. How did Jesus demonstrate that serving others made him happy? (Mark 6:31-34).
10 Let's remember an example that shows how happy Jesus was serving others (read Mark 6:31-34). Once, when Jesus and his apostles were very tired, they went to a secluded place to rest. But a crowd went ahead of them because they wanted to hear Jesus' teachings. He could have refused. After all, he and his companions “didn't even have time to eat.” Jesus could also have taught them a truth or two and then sent them away. But, since he was motivated by love, “he began to teach them many things.” And, before he realized it, “it was already late” (Mark 6:35). He did it not because he was forced, but because “he was deeply moved.” I wanted to teach them because I loved them. Yes, serving others gave him great joy.
11. In what practical ways did Jesus help his listeners? (See also the image).
11 Jesus' ministry on behalf of the multitude was not limited to teaching. He also tended to her physical needs. He miraculously multiplied the food and then had his disciples distribute it (Mark 6:41). In this way he taught them what it means to serve others. In addition, he showed them that helping in a practical way, as ministerial servants do, is also important. Imagine how happy the apostles felt! They had been able to collaborate with Jesus in the miraculous distribution of food until “everyone ate and was satisfied” (Mark 6:42). Of course, this was not the only time Jesus put the well-being of others before his own. He dedicated his entire life on Earth to serving others (Matt. 4:23; 8:16). It gave Jesus enormous satisfaction to teach others and humbly attend to their needs. In your case it may be the same: you will also be very happy if you are willing to work for others as a ministerial servant.
ILLUSTRATION
Series of images: 1. Jesus comforts a woman and speaks to her compassionately. 2. A young ministerial servant accompanies an older brother in a wheelchair in preaching. If you love Jehovah and desire to serve others, you will do whatever is necessary to help within the congregation. (See paragraph 11).
12. Why shouldn't we believe that we have nothing to offer the congregation?
12 What if you think you don't have any notable abilities? Don't be discouraged. I'm sure you have qualities that can be useful in the congregation. Something that will help you is to pray and then read 1 Corinthians 12:12-30. There Paul makes it clear that you, like any other servant of Jehovah, fulfill a very valuable and necessary role within the congregation. So don't give up if you don't yet qualify to be a ministerial servant. Focus on doing all you can for Jehovah and your brothers. The elders will take into account your abilities before assigning you any task (Rom. 12:4-8).
13. What should we remember about the requirements to receive an appointment?
13 Something else that will encourage you to strive to be a ministerial servant is to remember that all Christians must meet most of the requirements. That's right, all Christians should draw closer to Jehovah, experience the joy of giving to others, and be good examples of Christian living. But what specific things should a man who wants to receive more responsibilities focus on?
POINTS WHICH SHOULD BE WORKED ON
14. What does “be serious” mean? (1 Timothy 3:8-10, 12).
14 Let's now look at some requirements listed in 1 Timothy 3:8-10, 12 (read it). Ministerial servants must “be serious.” This expression can also be translated as “respectable”, “worthy” and “honorable”. Of course, this does not mean that they cannot laugh or have a sense of humor (Eccl. 3:1, 4). But they must take all their responsibilities very seriously and earn a reputation as trustworthy people. And thus they will have the respect of the entire congregation.
15. What does it mean that they “should not be double-tongued” or “covet dishonest gain”?
15 “They should not be double-tongued.” This means they have to be sincere, honest and trustworthy. They must be men of their word and not deceive anyone (Prov. 3:32). “They should not [...] covet dishonest gains.” That is, they must be honest in business matters and with the congregation's money. And they should not take advantage of relationships with their fellow Christians to make money.
16. a) What does it mean that “they should not [...] drink much wine”? b) What does it mean to have “a clear conscience”?
16 “You should not [...] drink much wine.” In other words, they should not excessively drink alcohol or have a reputation as drinkers. Additionally, they must have “a clear conscience” because they live according to Jehovah’s standards. It is true that no one is perfect, but you can enjoy the peace that comes from having a good relationship with God.
17. How is a brother's ability tested? (1 Timothy 3:10; see also image).
17 Another requirement is that “their ability is first tested.” This means that they must have already demonstrated that they can be trusted with responsibilities. Therefore, when entrusted with a task by elders, they should carefully strive to follow their instructions and the organization's guidelines. They must be clear about everything the task entails and when they must finish it. If you make an effort to perform your tasks well, the other brothers in the congregation will notice and see that you are making progress. Elders, look for baptized brothers you could train (read 1 Timothy 3:10). For example, are there baptized brothers in your congregation who are in their early teens or even younger? Do they have good personal study habits? Do they regularly comment at meetings and participate in preaching? In that case, they can assign them tasks appropriate to their age and circumstances. In this way, they will be testing the abilities of these young people. Thus, by the time they reach their late teens, they will probably already qualify for appointment as ministerial servants.
ILLUSTRATION
A young brother holds the microphone for another to comment at the meeting. Elders can test the abilities of baptized brothers by giving them different tasks. (See paragraph 17).
18. What does it mean to be “free from accusation”?
18 Ministerial servants must also “be free from accusation.” In other words, there should be no valid reasons to accuse them of any serious sin. Sure, Christians can be victims of false accusations. It happened to Jesus himself and he predicted that the same thing would happen to his followers (John 15:20). Even so, brothers who maintain clean conduct, as Jesus did, will have a good reputation within the congregation (Matt. 11:19).
19. What does being “husbands of one wife” encompass?
19 Those who desire to be ministerial servants and are married must be “husbands of one wife.” They must respect the standard that Jehovah originally established: marriage must consist of one man and one woman. (Matt. 19:3-9) Of course, the Christian should never be guilty of sexual immorality (Heb. 13:4). But the Christian husband must do something more. He must be loyal to his wife and not give undue attention to other women (Job 31:1).
20. How does a man run his house well?
20 Ministerial servants are also expected to “lead their children and their own families well.” Those who are heads of households must take their responsibilities very seriously. They will lead family worship every week. They will participate in the preaching work with all members of their household as often as they can. And they will help their children to cultivate friendship with Jehovah (Eph. 6:4). The man who takes good care of his family shows that he can take good care of the congregation (compare 1 Timothy 3:5).
21. What can you do if you are not yet a ministerial servant?
21 If you are not yet a ministerial servant, we encourage you to pray to Jehovah and study the information in this article. Review the requirements for ministerial servants and strive to meet them. Think about how much you love Jehovah and your fellow Christians. Strengthen your desire to serve them (1 Pet. 4:8, 10). This way you will experience the joy of serving your spiritual family. May Jehovah bless your efforts to become a ministerial servant! (Philipp. 2:13).
WHAT DO WE LEARN FROM...
... Mateo 20:28?
We learn from the example of Jesus, to be humble and serve others, and not be served. He was motivated by love: love for his Father and love for people. And that love drove him to do his best and perform humble tasks for others.
... Marcos 6:31-34?
We learn that Jesus and his apostles were very tired, they went to a secluded place to rest. But a crowd went ahead of them because they wanted to hear Jesus' teachings. He could have refused. After all, he and his companions “didn't even have time to eat.” Jesus could also have taught them a truth or two and then sent them away. But, since he was motivated by love, “he began to teach them many things.” And, before he realized it, “it was already late.”
... 1 Timothy 3:8-10, 12?
We learn that ministerial servants must:
“Be serious.” This expression can also be translated as “respectable”, “worthy” and “honorable”.
“They should not be double-tongued.” This means they have to be sincere, honest and trustworthy. They have to be men of their word and not deceive anyone.
“You should not covet dishonest gains.” That is, they must be honest in business matters and with the congregation's money.
“They should not drink much wine.” In other words, they should not excessively drink alcohol or have a reputation as drinkers.
Additionally, they must have “a clear conscience” because they live according to Jehovah’s standards.
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