40. From this study what conclusion is drawn, and what is next to be considered?

⁴⁰ As can be seen from this article, Jehovah’s witnesses do take their ministry seriously. They are keenly interested in it, realizing it is a most vital part of true worship. (Matt. 7:21, NW) Having discussed how Jehovah’s witnesses organize their affairs to minister and their view of the ministry, in the next article we shall see how overseers qualify for congregation responsibilities and how they view their ministerial appointment.

Overseers of the Ministry

“If any man is reaching out for an office of overseer, he is desirous of a right kind of work.”—1 Tim. 3:1, NW.

 1, 2. (a) Is it Scripturally right to desire an appointment as overseer? (b) What is a basic requirement to qualify?

KINGDOM publishers who properly understand their ministry have a progressive view. They are not content to stand still. They want to become mature, well-qualified servants of Jehovah, using fully whatever capabilities they have to advance new-world interests.

² Being desirous of having additional privileges of service, it is Scripturally right for a brother to seek to advance his ministry toward the goal of becoming an overseer or servant in the congregation. “That statement is trustworthy,” as we read at 1 Timothy 3:1 (NW). “If any man is reaching out for an office of overseer, he is desirous of a right kind of work.” Therefore, one does not hang around Jehovah’s organization for years without taking progressive steps. He wants to grow up spiritually and take on added privileges of service. As soon as possible, with proper understanding, he takes the all-important step of symbolizing his dedication to Jehovah by water baptism, knowing this is a basic requirement if he hopes to live in the new world. But he does not stop there. He uses whatever capabilities he has in an effort to reach out and expand his ministerial privileges.

 3. How are natural abilities used, and upon being appointed what costly mistake should one avoid?

³ His natural abilities are put to good theocratic use. No longer is he interested in utilizing all of his time and ability toward the goal of becoming what is deemed or termed a success in the world. That would be foolish, he knows, for the Bible plainly says there is absolutely no future in this old system of things. The only