Why We Report Our Field Service

Do you sometimes forget to turn in your field service report? No doubt all of us need occasional reminders. But if we cultivate the right attitude toward reporting our field ministry and if we understand why doing so is important, it may become easier for us to remember to report our field service properly.

Some have asked: “Since Jehovah knows what I am doing in his service, why do I need to put in a report to the congregation?” True, Jehovah knows what we are doing, and he is able to judge whether our service is whole-souled or just a token of what we are really able to do. Remember, however, that Jehovah recorded the number of days that Noah spent in the ark and the number of years that the Israelites journeyed in the wilderness. God kept account of the number of those who were faithful as well as those who disobeyed. He recorded the progressive conquest of the land of Canaan and the accomplishments of the faithful judges of Israel. Yes, he recorded many details regarding the deeds and accomplishments of his servants. He inspired this written record of what took place, making clear to us his view of keeping accurate records.

Historical events recorded in the Bible demonstrate the exactness of reports and records kept by Jehovah’s name people. In many cases, the full impact of the Bible account could not be conveyed without reporting the specific numbers. Consider the following examples: Genesis 46:27 and Exodus 12:37; Judges 7:7; 2 Kings 19:35; 2 Chronicles 14:9-13; John 6:10; 21:11; Acts 2:41; 19:19.

There are a number of reasons why we report our field service today. Although these reports obviously do not include all that we do in serving Jehovah, what is reported serves a practical purpose in helping all within Jehovah’s organization, including the local elders.

At times, reports may indicate that particular attention needs to be given to certain aspects of our ministry. The figures may show that there has been progress in some activities but that publisher increase or growth in other areas has slowed down. It could be that encouragement is needed or that there are problems to be resolved. Responsible overseers will take note of reports and endeavor to rectify any condition that may be hindering the progress of individuals or of the congregation as a whole.

Also, reports are beneficial organizationally in determining just where there is a greater need for workers in the field. What areas are more productive? Where is little progress being made? What publications are needed to help people learn the truth? Reports enable the organization to project literature needs for different areas of the world and then to keep ahead of the need so that there is not a shortage of Bibles or Bible literature for use in the preaching work.

For most of us, reports mean encouragement. Are we not thrilled when we hear about the work our brothers are doing in preaching the good news worldwide? Reports of increases in the number of publishers help us to get an overall view of the expansion of Jehovah’s organization. Individual experiences warm our hearts and fill us with zeal, moving us to have a fuller share in the preaching work. (Acts 15:3) So our cooperation with the congregation in turning in field service reports is important and shows our concern for the brothers everywhere. In this small way, we demonstrate our submission to Jehovah’s organizational arrangement.​—Matt. 24:45-47.