by M.J. 49 Replies latest watchtower beliefs
I guess the local KH is doing a special field service outing today, which my wife will be a part of...on Christmas morning.
I think this is intrusive and disrespectful.
Did any of you do FS on Christmas?
Is this a common thing among JWs? Are there some JWs that feel it's a bit over-the-top? How about the householder's reaction?
I never did. But I remember others going in field service on Christmas. One family actually came into the "truth" in our congregation as a result of a Christmas day visit--that was several years ago and now the family is only partly in the "truth." One time, when I was pioneering, I went out on New Years Day. We didn't start until 10 a.m. and we knocked lightly--hoping to find people home who had not been out celebrating and who would appreciate a visit. I was still apprehensive about it and decided never to do it again.
It has been a long time since I went in service, but if Christmas fell on a Saturday we would be out there. I'm sure there were and are witlesses who view Christmas Day as a perfect opportunity to go find some "lost sheep." There are a lot of lonely people around who would welcome a knock at their door on Christmas from anybody.
They need to do this to fulfill the prophesy about 'being persecuted for righteousness sake'. And sure enough people get very mad at them, knocking on their doors Christmas morning!
Works also on New Year's Morning, Memorial Day at the gravesites, etc., etc.
They just gotta be the 'True Religion'!
Outaservice
I never did. But I remember once the CO came the week after christmas and said how great the cong the week before had been and that most of the went out on hristmas day and that we had to compete with then for new year's day. Of course the cong had to do better. I always thought it was ridiculous but what can you do.
JWs have been going out on Christmas Day (and New Year's Day) since before I was born. They think people will be more receptive since for at least one day out of 364 they will be thinking about Christ.
*** km 8/99 p. 7 Announcements ***
In every community at various times during the year, there are secular holidays for which children are excused from school and employees are given time off from work. These are excellent opportunities for the congregation to have an increased share in the field ministry. The elders should plan ahead for these occasions and notify the congregation well in advance of the arrangements that are being made for group witnessing during holiday periods.
Pity the poor brother that gets stuck "taking the group out." Many brothers just show up, consider the day's text, make car group and territory assignments and go home.
And push those books:
*** km 12/99 p. 2 Service Meeting Schedule ***
If the congregation has copies of the GreatestMan or GreatTeacher books in stock, show how they can be used to good advantage in the ministry during the Christmas holidays.
*** km 12/86 p. 8 Presenting the Good News—During the Holidays ***
During this time of year many people are desperately trying to enjoy some happiness amid the cares of this world. Have you ever felt a negative attitude about trying to witness to such people during this period of obvious preoccupation? Despite the abuses and excesses prevalent during the holiday season, the minds of many are turned to God as they hear the oft-repeated phrase "Peace on earth, goodwill toward men."
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We will no doubt meet many people who are genuinely busy during the holidays. This will require consideration on our part. When Jesus was on earth, he not only recognized the feelings of others and felt pity for them but also recognized their need and endeavored to help them. God-fearing people today have the same need for the Kingdom message.—Matt. 9:36, 37.3
When a householder comes to the door, try to be aware of the circumstances in the home and to be considerate. Is he busy entertaining guests or in the midst of elaborate preparations? Then it may be best to make your presentation brief. However, in another case you may discern that a person is not really busy, and by showing kindness and a sincere personal interest in the individual, you may be able to proceed tactfully with a witness.
WHAT
COULDYOUSAY?4
After a friendly introduction, you might say: "Much is being said these days about peace on earth and goodwill toward men. Have you ever wondered if real peace on earth will come, and if so, how it will be brought about?" Allow householder to reply, and then proceed with the current Topic for Conversation and the literature offer.5
If you sense that a briefer presentation would be appropriate, you might say: "At this time of year, we find many people thinking about the birth of Jesus. That was a most important event. May I show you what the Bible says about another very important event—the coming of God’s Kingdom? It was Jesus himself who said . . . [Read Matthew 6:33.]." Then offer the householder the current offer, featuring a point about the Kingdom.
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If people wish us a happy holiday, there is no need to make an issue over their holiday greetings. Rather, we can briefly thank them for their kindness and time in listening to us. Of course, if they specifically ask us how we feel about the holidays, we will answer truthfully and respectfully. The Reasoning book provides some excellent information on pages 176-8 that will help you.SHOW
CONSIDERATION7
On Christmas Day and New Year’s Day we can show consideration by not calling too early. Instead of disturbing those who want to sleep late on those days, it may be more appropriate for us to begin our house-to-house activity a little later than usual. Or we could start our service by making some return visits on those we know are in a position to receive us. We appreciate the wisdom of the apostle Paul’s counsel: "In every way we recommend ourselves as God’s ministers."—2 Cor. 6:4.
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Many good experiences have resulted from sharing in holiday witnessing (what is a good experience?). However, there will be a need for all of us to be tactful and to present the message of truth in a way that appeals to the heart and mind of the householder. Remember Paul’s counsel at Colossians 4:6, and "let your utterance be always with graciousness, seasoned with salt." This fine counsel is especially appropriate during the holidays.
My house has a big red x on it I think, and my many signs will keep them away. But, if they came this Christmas morning I think I would invite them in to sit on the couch and offer them some coffee then tell them we would be finished up here soon and let them watch us open our presents and exclamations of 'oh how beautiful, you shouldn't have, I can't believe you remembered, I love it!'
Thanks Blonde and Merry Christmas to you and yours.
One day out of 364 people think of Christ.
When are JW's going to start, they even reject him on the day of his death.
We usually went on Christmas Day. Actually it was one of the only days of the year when people were pretty nice to us. They didn't listen, but were nice.
I've always wanted to go to some other town on christmas day where nobody knew me and answer the door when a dub called. I'd tell ya what I would have said to them, but I'd get kicked off the forum.
I was an elder and I never went out on christmas day because I knew people would be with their families and would be celebrating christmas.....and the LAST thing people want at their doors is a stupidass Jehovahs Witness with their magazines denouncing christmas.
I think they should lock up every Jehovahs Witness who has the gall to invade people privacy on a day as special as this.
Gumby
