Theocratic Ministry School Schedule for 1997
Instructions
During 1997 the following will be the arrangements when conducting the Theocratic Ministry School.
TEXTBOOKS: The New World Translation of the Holy Scriptures [bi12], Jehovah’s Witnesses—Proclaimers of God’s Kingdom [jv], “All Scripture Is Inspired of God and Beneficial” (1990 Edition) [si], Knowledge That Leads to Everlasting Life [kl], and Insight on the Scriptures Vol. 1 [it-1] will be the basis for assignments.
The school should begin ON TIME with song, prayer, and remarks of welcome and then proceed as follows:
ASSIGNMENT NO. 1: 15 minutes. This should be handled by an elder or a ministerial servant, and it will be based on Jehovah’s Witnesses—Proclaimers of God’s Kingdom or “All Scripture Is Inspired of God and Beneficial.” When based on the Proclaimers book, this assignment should be delivered as a 15-minute instruction talk with no oral review; when based on the “All Scripture” book, it should be delivered as a 10- to 12-minute instruction talk with a 3- to 5-minute oral review following, using the printed questions in the publication. The objective should be not just to cover the material but to focus attention on the practical value of the information being discussed, highlighting what will be most helpful to the congregation. The theme shown should be used. Illustrations, photographs, and charts found in the Proclaimers book may be commented on by the speaker and used as teaching aids.
The brothers assigned this talk should be careful to keep within the time limit. Private counsel may be given if necessary or if requested by the speaker.
HIGHLIGHTS FROM BIBLE READING: 6 minutes. This should be handled by an elder or a ministerial servant who will effectively apply the material to local needs. This should not be just a summary of the assigned reading. A 30- to 60-second overall review of the assigned chapters may be included. The principal objective, however, is to help the audience to appreciate why and how the information is of value to us. The students will then be dismissed to their various classrooms by the school overseer.
ASSIGNMENT NO. 2: 5 minutes. This is a Bible reading of the assigned material to be given by a brother. This will apply in the main school as well as in the auxiliary groups. The reading assignments are usually short enough to permit the student to present brief explanatory information in the opening and concluding remarks. Historical background, prophetic or doctrinal significance, and application of principles may be included. All the assigned verses should be read without a break. Of course, where the verses to be read are not consecutive, the student may cite the verse where the reading continues.
ASSIGNMENT NO. 3: 5 minutes. This will be assigned to a sister. The subject for this presentation will be based on Knowledge That Leads to Everlasting Life. The setting may be an informal witness, a return visit, or a home Bible study, and the participants may be either seated or standing. The school overseer will be particularly interested in the way the student helps the householder to reason on and understand the material and in how the scriptures are applied. The student assigned this part should know how to read. One assistant will be scheduled by the school overseer, but an additional assistant may be used. The student may determine whether or not to have the householder read certain paragraphs in the book. Not the setting but the effective use of the material should be given prime consideration.
ASSIGNMENT NO. 4: 5 minutes. This will be assigned to a brother or a sister. It will be based on a Bible character. For each assignment the name of a Bible character and a theme are set forth in the schedule. Information about the Bible character can be found in Insight on the Scriptures, Volume 1, under his name. The student should study Scriptural references in the material in order to get a clear picture of the Bible character—the events of his life, as well as his personality, traits, and attitude. Thereafter, the student should develop the assigned theme of the talk and select appropriate scriptures to be used. Additional scriptures that highlight Bible principles that tie in with the theme may be included. The purpose of the talk is to show what can be learned from the example of the Bible character under consideration. Acts of faithfulness, courage, humility, and unselfishness furnish good examples to be followed; unfaithful acts, as well as undesirable traits, stand as strong warnings to turn Christians away from an improper course. When assigned to a brother, this talk should be given with the Kingdom Hall audience in mind. When a sister is given this part, it should be presented as outlined for Assignment No. 3.
COUNSEL AND REMARKS: After each student presentation, the school overseer will give specific counsel, not necessarily following the program of progressive counsel outlined on the Speech Counsel slip. Rather, he should concentrate on those areas where the student needs to improve. If the student merits solely a “G” and there is no other speech quality marked “I” or “W,” then the counselor should circle the box, where the “G,” “I,” or “W” would normally appear, of the speech quality that the student should work on next. He will advise the student of this that evening as well as show this speech quality on the student’s next Theocratic Ministry School Assignment slip (S-89). Those on the program should sit toward the front of the hall. This will save time and enable the school overseer to give his counsel directly to each student. As time allows after the giving of necessary oral counsel, comments may be given by the counselor on informative and practical points not covered by the students. The school overseer should use no more than a total of two minutes for counsel and any other brief remarks after each student presentation. If the brother who handles the Bible highlights assignment needs counsel, this may be given privately.
PREPARING ASSIGNMENTS: Before preparing an assigned part, the student should carefully read the School Guidebook material dealing with the speech quality to be worked on. Students given Assignment No. 2 may choose a theme appropriate to the portion of the Bible that is to be read. Other assignments are to be developed in line with the theme shown on the printed schedule.
TIMING: No one should go overtime, nor should the counsel and remarks of the counselor. Assignments No. 2 through 4 should tactfully be stopped when the time is up. The one designated to give the stop signal should do so promptly. When brothers handling Assignment No. 1 and Bible highlights go overtime, they should be given private counsel. Total program: 45 minutes, excluding song and prayer.
WRITTEN REVIEW: Periodically a written review will be given. In preparation, review the assigned material and complete the scheduled Bible reading. Only the Bible may be used during this 25-minute review. The balance of the time will be devoted to a discussion of the questions and answers. Each student will check his own paper. The school overseer will consider with the audience the answers to the review questions and concentrate on the more difficult ones, helping all to understand the answers clearly. If local circumstances make it necessary, the written review may be given a week later than what is shown on the schedule.
SCHEDULE
Jan. 6 Bible reading: Zechariah 1 to 5
No. 1: Introduction to Zechariah (si pp. 168-9 pars. 1-7)
No. 2: Zechariah 2:1-13
No. 3: Man Was Not Made to Die (kl p. 53 pars. 1–3)
No. 4: Eve—Theme: Do Not Ignore Theocratic Headship
Jan. 13 Bible reading: Zechariah 6 to 9
No. 1: How the Kingdom Work Is Financed (jv p. 340 par. 1–p. 343 par. 3)
No. 2: Zechariah 7:1-14
No. 3: A Sinister Plot (kl pp. 55-6 pars. 4-7)
No. 4: Ezekiel—Theme: How to Keep Free From Bloodguilt
Jan. 20 Bible reading: Zechariah 10 to 14
No. 1: Zechariah—Why Beneficial (si pp. 171-2 pars. 23-7)
No. 2: Zechariah 12:1-14
No. 3: How Satan Carried Out His Plot (kl pp. 56-8 pars. 8-12)
No. 4: Ezra (an Aaronic priest)—Theme: Be Zealous for Pure Worship
Jan. 27 Bible reading: Malachi 1 to 4
No. 1: Introduction to Malachi and Why Beneficial (si pp. 172-5 pars. 1-6, 13-17)
No. 2: Malachi 1:6-14
No. 3: How Sin and Death Spread (kl pp. 58-9 pars. 13-15)
No. 4: Felix—Theme: Whether Corrupt or Just, the Superior Authorities Are to Be Respected
Feb. 3 Bible reading: Matthew 1 to 3
No. 1: Introduction to Matthew (si pp. 175-7 pars. 1-10)
No. 2: Matthew 2:1-15
No. 3: Beware of Satan’s Tactics (kl pp. 59-60 pars. 16-18)
No. 4: Festus—Theme: The Effects of a Bold Witness
Feb. 10 Bible reading: Matthew 4 and 5
No. 1: Financing Meeting Places and Expansion of Bethel Facilities (jv p. 343 par. 4–p. 347 par. 1; may refer to examples on pp. 352-401)
No. 2: Matthew 4:1-17
No. 3: Have Faith and Be Prepared for Opposition (kl pp. 60-1 pars. 19-21)
No. 4: Gabriel—Theme: Faithfully Deliver God’s Messages
Feb. 17 Bible reading: Matthew 6 and 7
No. 1: The Kingdom Work Is Not Commercial (jv p. 347 par. 2–p. 351 par. 6)
No. 2: Matthew 7:1-14
No. 3: God’s Means of Saving Mankind (kl pp. 62-3 pars. 1-5)
No. 4: Gedaliah (son of Ahikam)—Theme: When a Warning Is Given, Take Precautions
Feb. 24 Bible reading: Matthew 8 and 9
No. 1: Witnesses to the Most Distant Part of the Earth (jv p. 404 par. 1–p. 408 par. 3)
No. 2: Matthew 8:1-17
No. 3: Why the Messiah Would Die (kl pp. 63-5 pars. 6-11)
No. 4: Gehazi—Theme: Keep Your Heart Free of Greed and Deceit
March 3 Bible reading: Matthew 10 and 11
No. 1: Appreciation Moved Them to Speak (jv p. 409 par. 1–p. 414 par. 3)
No. 2: Matthew 11:1-15
No. 3: How the Ransom Was Paid (kl pp. 65-8 pars. 12-16)
No. 4: Gideon—Theme: God Approves the Faithful and Modest Ones
Mar. 10 Bible reading: Matthew 12 and 13
No. 1: The Light of Truth Shines Worldwide (jv p. 414 par. 4–p. 422 par. 3; may include summary on p. 422)
No. 2: Matthew 12:22-37
No. 3: Christ’s Ransom and You (kl pp. 68-9 pars. 17-20)
No. 4: Goliath—Theme: Trust Jehovah, Not Your Own Strength
Mar. 17 Bible reading: Matthew 14 and 15
No. 1: The Dark Years of World War I and Then Renewed Life (jv p. 423 par. 1–p. 427 par. 2)
No. 2: Matthew 14:1-22
No. 3: Is God Responsible for Human Suffering? (kl pp. 70-1 pars. 1-5)
No. 4: Hagar—Theme: A Slave Girl and Her Prophetic Role
Mar. 24 Bible reading: Matthew 16 and 17
No. 1: Zealous Ministers Share Precious Bible Truths (jv p. 427 par. 3–p. 433 par. 1)
No. 2: Matthew 17:14-27
No. 3: A Perfect Beginning and a Malicious Challenge (kl pp. 72-3 pars. 6-10)
No. 4: Haggai—Theme: Persevere in Doing God’s Will
Mar. 31 Bible reading: Matthew 18 and 19
No. 1: Spiritual Light Shines in African, Spanish, and Portuguese Fields (jv p. 433 par. 2–p. 439 par. 1)
No. 2: Matthew 19:16-30
No. 3: The Real Issues and Jehovah’s Way of Settling Them (kl pp. 74-6 pars. 11-15)
No. 4: Ham—Theme: Disrespect Can Bring Dire Consequences
Apr. 7 Bible reading: Matthew 20 and 21
No. 1: Reaching People in Remote Areas and Obeying God in the Face of Opposition (jv p. 439 par. 2–p. 443 par. 2; may include summary on p. 443)
No. 2: Matthew 20:1-16
No. 3: What God’s Permission of Wickedness Has Proved (kl pp. 76-7 pars. 16-19)
No. 4: Haman—Theme: Pride and Hatred Are Characteristics of the Devil’s Children
Apr. 14 Bible reading: Matthew 22 and 23
No. 1: Intensely Occupied With Preaching the Good News (jv p. 444 par. 1–p. 448 par. 2)
No. 2: Matthew 23:1-15
No. 3: On Whose Side Do You Stand? (kl pp. 78-9 pars. 20-3)
No. 4: Hannah—Theme: Unselfish Devotion Brings Blessings
Apr. 21 Bible reading: Matthew 24 and 25
No. 1: Preaching in Europe in the Face of Wartime Persecution (jv p. 448 par. 3–p. 454 par. 2; as time permits, include brief comments on faithful Witnesses, pp. 451-3)
No. 2: Matthew 24:32-44
No. 3: What Happens to Our Dead Loved Ones? (kl pp. 80-1 pars. 1-6)
No. 4: Hanun (son of Nahash)—Theme: Be Careful About Judging Another’s Motives
Apr. 28 Written Review. Complete Zechariah 1-14; Mal 1-4 to Matthew 1-25
May 5 Bible reading: Matthew 26
No. 1: Progress Despite Hardships During War Years (jv p. 455 par. 1–p. 461 par. 2; may include summary on p. 461)
No. 2: Matthew 26:31-35, 69-75
No. 3: What Returning to Dust Really Means (kl pp. 82-3 pars. 7-10)
No. 4: Hazael—Theme: A Ruthless Oppressor Fulfills Bible Prophecy
May 12 Bible reading: Matthew 27 and 28
No. 1: Matthew—Why Beneficial (si pp. 180-1 pars. 29-33)
No. 2: Matthew 27:11-26
No. 3: What Is the Condition of the Dead? (kl pp. 83-4 pars. 11-14)
No. 4: Herod the Great—Theme: A Man’s Works Reveal Whom He Serves
May 19 Bible reading: Mark 1 and 2
No. 1: Introduction to Mark (si pp. 181-3 pars. 1-11)
No. 2: Mark 1:12-28
No. 3: All Those in Jehovah’s Memory Will Be Resurrected (kl pp. 85-7 pars. 15-18)
No. 4: Herod Antipas—Theme: The Consequences of Ungodly Ambition
May 26 Bible reading: Mark 3 and 4
No. 1: Searching Thoroughly for Sheeplike Ones (jv p. 462 par. 1–p. 466 par. 2)
No. 2: Mark 3:1-15
No. 3: Resurrection to Where? (kl pp. 88-9 pars. 19-22)
No. 4: Herod Agrippa I—Theme: Hypocrisy and Pride Lead to Death
June 2 Bible reading: Mark 5 and 6
No. 1: Promoting Education for Life (jv p. 466 par. 3–p. 470 par. 2)
No. 2: Mark 5:21-24, 35-43
No. 3: God’s Kingdom and Its Purpose (kl pp. 90-1 pars. 1-5)
No. 4: Herod Agrippa II—Theme: God’s Favor Requires More Than Intellectual Curiosity
June 9 Bible reading: Mark 7 and 8
No. 1: Preaching in the Pacific Islands Despite Opposition (jv p. 470 par. 3–p. 474 par. 4)
No. 2: Mark 7:24-37
No. 3: God’s Kingdom Is a Government (kl pp. 91-2 pars. 6-7)
No. 4: Herod Philip and Philip the Tetrarch—Theme: Family Intrigue and Worldly Position Are Vanity
June 16 Bible reading: Mark 9 and 10
No. 1: A Great River of Truth Flows in Africa (jv p. 475 par. 1–p. 481 par. 1)
No. 2: Mark 9:14-29
No. 3: How We Know That God’s Kingdom Is Real (kl pp. 92-3 pars. 8-11)
No. 4: Herodias—Theme: The Folly of Pursuing Prominence
June 23 Bible reading: Mark 11 and 12
No. 1: Identifying the Real Sheep (jv p. 481 par. 2–p. 484 par. 4)
No. 2: Mark 11:12-25
No. 3: Why God’s Kingdom Is Mankind’s Only Hope (kl pp. 94-5 pars. 12-13)
No. 4: Hezekiah (king of Judah)—Theme: Faith and Zeal Are Not Hereditary
June 30 Bible reading: Mark 13 and 14
No. 1: More Workers Share in the Harvest (jv p. 484 par. 5–p. 488 par. 1)
No. 2: Mark 14:12-26
No. 3: Why Jesus Did Not Begin to Rule Immediately After His Ascension to Heaven (kl pp. 95-6 pars. 14-15)
No. 4: Hiram (king of Tyre)—Theme: Friendly Neighbors Can Be Helpful
July 7 Bible reading: Mark 15 and 16
No. 1: Mark—Why Beneficial (si p. 186 pars. 31-3)
No. 2: Mark 15:16-32
No. 3: When Did the Appointed Times of the Nations Begin and End? (kl pp. 96-7 pars. 16-18)
No. 4: Hobab—Theme: Making a Decision to Serve Jehovah
July 14 Bible reading: Luke 1
No. 1: Introduction to Luke (si pp. 187-8 pars. 1-9)
No. 2: Luke 1:5-17
No. 3: These Are the Last Days (kl pp. 98-9 pars. 1-4)
No. 4: Hophni—Theme: A Privileged Position Is No License for Ungodly Conduct
July 21 Bible reading: Luke 2 and 3
No. 1: The Orient and Europe Produce More Praisers of Jehovah (jv p. 488 par. 2–p. 495 par. 2)
No. 2: Luke 2:1-14
No. 3: What Are Some Features of the Last Days? (kl pp. 99-103 pars. 5-7)
No. 4: Huldah—Theme: Jehovah Inspired a Fearless Prophetess
July 28 Bible reading: Luke 4 and 5
No. 1: How More People Were Reached With the Good News (jv p. 495 par. 3–p. 500 par. 4; may include summary on p. 501)
No. 2: Luke 4:31-44
No. 3: Debased Human Behavior Foretold for Last Days (kl pp. 103-4 pars. 8-12)
No. 4: Hushai—Theme: A Loyal Friend Speaks Up
Aug. 4 Bible reading: Luke 6 and 7
No. 1: Large Conventions and Christian Conduct Give a Witness (jv p. 502 par. 1–p. 507 par. 4)
No. 2: Luke 6:37-49
No. 3: Two Unique Features of the Last Days (kl p. 105 pars. 13-14)
No. 4: Hymenaeus—Theme: Beware of Apostates!
Aug. 11 Bible reading: Luke 8 and 9
No. 1: The Fields Are White for Harvesting (jv p. 508 par. 1–p. 513 par. 1)
No. 2: Luke 9:23-36
No. 3: Respond to the Evidence That These Are the Last Days (kl pp. 106-7 pars. 15-17)
No. 4: Isaac—Theme: Obedience Reveals the Quality of Faith
Aug. 18 Bible reading: Luke 10 and 11
No. 1: Witness to People Wherever and Whenever Possible (jv p. 513 par. 2–p. 517 par. 1)
No. 2: Luke 11:37-51
No. 3: Wicked Spirits Do Exist! (kl p. 108 pars. 1-3)
No. 4: Isaiah—Theme: Cultivate a “Send Me” Attitude
Aug. 25 Written Review. Complete Matthew 26-28; Mr 1-16 to Luke 1-11
Sept. 1 Bible reading: Luke 12 and 13
No. 1: Jehovah Is Speeding Up the Work (jv p. 517 par. 2–p. 520 par. 2; may include summary on p. 520)
No. 2: Luke 13:1-17
No. 3: Wicked Angels Take Sides With Satan (kl p. 109 pars. 4-5)
No. 4: Ish-bosheth—Theme: A Fearful but Righteous Man
Sept. 8 Bible reading: Luke 14 to 16
No. 1: Zealous Missionaries and the Role of Gilead School (jv p. 521 par. 1–p. 524 par. 3)
No. 2: Luke 14:1-14
No. 3: Reject All Forms of Spiritism (kl p. 111 pars. 6-8)
No. 4: Ishmael (son of Abraham)—Theme: Blessed by God but Not as Abraham’s Heir
Sept. 15 Bible reading: Luke 17 and 18
No. 1: How Gilead Missionaries Were Different (jv p. 525 par. 1–p. 531 par. 4)
No. 2: Luke 17:22-37
No. 3: Why the Bible Condemns Spiritism (kl pp. 112-13 pars. 9-11)
No. 4: Ittai—Theme: Be Loyal to Those Taking the Lead
Sept. 22 Bible reading: Luke 19 and 20
No. 1: Learning a New Language and Opening New Fields (jv p. 532 par. 1–p. 537 par. 3)
No. 2: Luke 19:11-27
No. 3: The Bible Reveals How Wicked Spirits Operate (kl pp. 113-14 pars. 12-13)
No. 4: Jacob (son of Isaac)—Theme: Be Blameless and Pursue Spiritual Goals
Sept. 29 Bible reading: Luke 21 and 22
No. 1: How the Love and Zeal of Missionaries Have Advanced Kingdom Work (jv p. 537 par. 4–p. 541 par. 3)
No. 2: Luke 22:24-38
No. 3: How to Resist Wicked Spirits (kl pp. 114-15 pars. 14-15)
No. 4: Jael—Theme: Courageous and Decisive Action Fulfilled Prophecy
Oct. 6 Bible reading: Luke 23 and 24
No. 1: Luke—Why Beneficial (si pp. 192-3 pars. 30-5)
No. 2: Luke 23:32-49
No. 3: How to Strengthen Your Faith (kl pp. 115-16 pars. 16-17)
No. 4: Jairus—Theme: Exercise Faith in Jesus Christ
Oct. 13 Bible reading: John 1 to 3
No. 1: Introduction to John (si pp. 193-5 pars. 1-9)
No. 2: John 1:19-34
No. 3: Keep Up Your Fight Against Wicked Spirits (kl pp. 116-17 pars. 18-20)
No. 4: James (son of Zebedee)—Theme: Be a Zealous Follower of Christ
Oct. 20 Bible reading: John 4 and 5
No. 1: Equipped to Serve Jehovah Despite Opposition (jv p. 541 par. 4–p. 546 par. 6)
No. 2: John 4:39-54
No. 3: Living a Godly Life Brings Happiness (kl pp. 118-19 pars. 1-4)
No. 4: James (son of Joseph and Mary)—Theme: Never Give Up on Family Members
Oct. 27 Bible reading: John 6 and 7
No. 1: The Power Behind the Good News (jv p. 547 par. 1–p. 551 par. 1)
No. 2: John 6:52-71
No. 3: Honesty Results in Happiness (kl pp. 119-20 pars. 5-6)
No. 4: Japheth—Theme: Respectful Actions Bring Blessings
Nov. 3 Bible reading: John 8 and 9
No. 1: Reaching ‘Inaccessible Territories’ With the Good News (jv p. 551 par. 2–p. 553 par. 4)
No. 2: John 9:18-34
No. 3: Generosity Brings Happiness (kl p. 120 pars. 7-8)
No. 4: Jeduthun (a Levitical musician)—Theme: Praise Jehovah With Music
Nov. 10 Bible reading: John 10 and 11
No. 1: Preaching Publicly and From House to House (jv p. 556 par. 1–p. 560 par. 3)
No. 2: John 10:22-39
No. 3: Guard Your Thinking Abilities and Avoid What Is Bad (kl p. 121 pars. 9-10)
No. 4: Jehoash (king of Judah)—Theme: Respect All of Jehovah’s Faithful Servants
Nov. 17 Bible reading: John 12 and 13
No. 1: How the Responsibility to Witness Was Carried Out (jv p. 561 par. 1–p. 565 par. 2)
No. 2: John 12:1-16
No. 3: Faithfulness to One’s Mate Brings Happiness in Marriage (kl pp. 122-3 pars. 11-13)
No. 4: Jehoash (king of Israel)—Theme: Jehovah Does Not Favor Halfheartedness
Nov. 24 Bible reading: John 14 to 16
No. 1: Witnessing in Public Places and Learning to Explain Our Faith (jv p. 565 par. 3–p. 570 par. 1)
No. 2: John 16:1-16
No. 3: Be No Part of the World (kl pp. 123-5 pars. 14-15)
No. 4: Jehoiachin—Theme: Jehovah’s Word Never Fails
Dec. 1 Bible reading: John 17 and 18
No. 1: An Identifying Mark of God’s True Witnesses (jv p. 570 par. 2–p. 574 par. 4)
No. 2: John 18:1-14
No. 3: Why True Christians Do Not Celebrate Christmas or Birthdays (kl p. 126 pars. 16-17)
No. 4: Jehoiada (high priest)—Theme: Promote True Worship With Wisdom and Courage
Dec. 8 Bible reading: John 19 to 21
No. 1: John—Why Beneficial (si pp. 198-9 pars. 30-5)
No. 2: John 19:25-37
No. 3: Keep On Observing the Lord’s Evening Meal (kl p. 127 par. 18)
No. 4: Jehoiakim—Theme: Nothing Can Stop the Fulfillment of God’s Word
Dec. 15 Bible reading: Acts 1 to 3
No. 1: Introduction to Acts (si pp. 199-200 pars. 1-8)
No. 2: Acts 1:1-14
No. 3: How Bible Principles Apply to Work and Recreation (kl pp. 127-8 pars. 19-20)
No. 4: Jehonadab (son of Rechab)—Theme: Loyally Support Those Taking the Lead in Jehovah’s Worship
Dec. 22 Bible reading: Acts 4 to 6
No. 1: Producing Bible Literature for Use in the Ministry (jv p. 575 par. 1–p. 579 par. 3)
No. 2: Acts 5:27-42
No. 3: Show Respect for Life and Blood (kl pp. 128-9 pars. 21-3)
No. 4: Jehoram (son of Ahab)—Theme: Faithless Men Cannot Expect God’s Blessing
Dec. 29 Written Review. Complete Luke 12-24; Joh 1-21 to Acts 1-6