What does an MS do?

deemoo

Right... so I've hung around on JWN for a while now, but I simply can't figure out where an Ministerial Servant stands in the hierarchy scheme of the WTS.

There's the R&F or Rank & File.

Then there seems to be the Microphone Handlers, Sound Checkers, Donation Bin Watchers, Index Card for Territory Managers, Person who is in charge of the Books, etc.

Then there are Elders

Circuit Overseers

Bethelites

and so on and so forth.

Who/what is a Ministerial Servant? What sort of job does he/she have in the grand scheme of things. It seems to be an important position, but so far, I haven't been able to figure out just what an MS does.

Please explain.

Thanks!

BurnTheShips

KISS ASS.

yknot

Elder's Lackey.....

Finally-Free

deemoo

Hahaha... okay... seriously?

undercover

Then there seems to be the Microphone Handlers, Sound Checkers, Donation Bin Watchers, Index Card for Territory Managers, Person who is in charge of the Books, etc.

Most of those jobs are what the MSs do. Magazine and literature servants, accounts servants, attendants (seating nazis), territory servant, sound servant, etc etc etc ad nauseum. You don't have to be an MS to be a mike handler but MSs help there as well. They also lead the field service groups and lead certain meeting parts. They can give public talks in some instances.

The other answers, "elder lackey", "ass kisser", "brown noser" can apply as well. Most MSs kiss ass hoping to make elder...not because they're always spiritual men, mind you, but because they're tired of doing all the menial tasks.

LockedChaos

Nuff Said.............................

yknot

From the "OD Book" page 54-58 http://www.watchtower.cc/ODBook.pdf

MINISTERIAL SERVANTS RENDER VALUABLE SERVICE

To the congregation at Philippi, the apostle Paul wrote: "Paul and Timothy, slaves of Christ Jesus, to all the holy ones in union with Christ Jesus who are in Philippi, along with overseers and ministerial servants." (Phil. 1:1) Note that in his salutation, he made mention of the ministerial servants. These men evidently fulfilled an important role in assisting the elders in the congregation back then. The same is true in our time. Ministerial servants render a number of services that help the overseers and that contribute to the good order of the congregation.

Have you become acquainted with the ministerial servants in your congregation? Are you aware of the many fine services they perform for your benefit and for the benefit of the entire congregation? The apostle specifically mentions them and states: "The men who minister in a fine manner are acquiring for themselves a fine standing and great freeness of speech in the faith in connection with Christ Jesus."?1 Tim. 3:13.

SCRIPTURAL REQUIREMENTS FOR MINISTERIAL SERVANTS
Ministerial servants are expected to lead a wholesome Christian life, be responsible men, and give proof that they are able to care for assignments properly. This becomes obvious when we consider what Paul had to say in his letter to Timothy about the qualifications of ministerial servants:
"Ministerial servants should likewise be serious, not doubletongued, not giving themselves to a lot of wine, not greedy of dishonest gain, holding the sacred secret of the faith with a clean conscience. Also, let these be tested as to fitness first, then let them serve as ministers, as they are free from accusation. Let ministerial servants be husbands of one wife, presiding in a fine manner over children and their own households. For the men who minister in a fine manner are acquiring for themselves a fine standing and great free-ness of speech in the faith in connection with Christ Jesus."? Tim. 3:8-10,12,13.

The work of ministerial servants generally involves nonteaching responsibilities. By their hard work and exemplary Christian life, they not only perform vital services for the congregation but also set an example to be imitated by others.?1Tim. 4:11,12.

The specific Scriptural requirements for ministerial servants mentioned by Paul in his first letter to Timothy indicate that a high standard is set for men who are used in this capacity. Holding to such a standard serves to protect the congregation from any legitimate accusation as to the kind of men to whom it entrusts special responsibilities. Whether younger or older in years, ministerial servants are expected to be active in the ministry each month, setting a fine example. They should be exemplary in their dress, grooming, speech, attitude, and conduct. Such a pattern of living with soundness of mind gains the respect of others and reflects the seriousness with which ministerial servants view their relationship with Jehovah and their privileges of service in the congregation.?Titus 2:2, 6-8.

These are men who have been "tested as to fitness." Even before receiving their appointment, they proved to be truly dedicated men, whose faith has been made manifest in carrying on zealous Kingdom service and in helping others to be made firm in the faith. In their response to the good news, they have demonstrated that they put Kingdom interests first in their life and are reaching out for whatever service privileges may be open to them. They are indeed examples for others in the congregation to imitate. ?1 Tim.3:10.

yknot

HOW THEY SERVE
Ministerial servants render a variety of practical services in behalf of their brothers and sisters. In doing so, they are helpful to the overseers, relieving them of detailed work, thus leaving them free to care for teaching and shepherding responsibilities. In making the service assignments, the elders take into account the number of appointed ministerial servants in the congregation as well as their individual abilities.

Just consider some of the services they perform. One ministerial servant may be assigned to take care of the congregation literature, making it convenient for us to obtain the literature we need for our personal use and for the field ministry. Another may care for the magazines. Others are assigned to keep records, such as for congregation accounts or for territory, or they are assigned to handle microphones, to operate sound equipment, to look after the platform, or perhaps to help the elders in other ways. There is much work to be done in maintaining the Kingdom
Hall and keeping it clean, so ministerial servants are often called upon to assist in caring for these responsibilities. Ministerial servants are also assigned to serve as attendants, to welcome new ones, and to help maintain order at congregation meetings.

In some congregations, there may be enough ministerial servants for a different one to be assigned to each of these duties. Elsewhere, a ministerial servant may care for several assignments. In some instances, it is beneficial to have more than one person assigned to do certain work. If there are not enough ministerial servants to care for some of these responsibilities, the body of elders may arrange for other exemplary baptized brothers to care for some of this necessary work. Thus they would gain experience that would be useful later when they, in turn, become qualified to be appointed as ministerial servants. Or if brothers are not available, certain sisters who show godly humility and devotion to Jehovah could be asked to assist with some things even though, of course, they would not be appointed as ministerial servants.

Periodically, if there is good reason, elders may find it beneficial to change some assignments from one ministerial servant to another. However, there is great advantage in having brothers continue to handle the same assignments in order to become more proficient and to gain experience. How the elders work out these assignments handled by ministerial servants would be according to the congregation’s needs.

Depending on local circumstances, there may be other services that can be assigned to ministerial servants who are doing as the apostle Paul encouraged young Timothy, ’making their spiritual advancement manifest.’ (1 Tim. 4:15) If there are not enough elders to conduct the Congregation Book Studies, some of the more qualified ministerial servants may be used as Congregation Book Study servants to care for assigned groups. They may be assigned to handle parts in the Service Meeting and on the Theocratic Ministry School and to deliver public talks in the local congregation. Other privileges may be extended to some of the ministerial servants when there is a particular need and if they meet the requirements for the assignment.?1 Pet. 4:10.

yknot

In assisting the elders, ministerial servants should give of themselves willingly, demonstrating that they have a sense of responsibility and are working for the advancement of Kingdom interests and for the benefit of everyone in the congregation. By taking the lead in the field service, ministerial servants can set a good example for others and reap great satisfaction themselves in a work well-done.

Though their work differs from that of the elders, it is no less a part of sacred service to God and is important to the smooth functioning of the congregation. In time, if ministerial servants discharge their obligations well and also become qualified to serve as shepherds and teachers, they may be recommended to serve as elders.

If you have not done so already, why not make a special effort to get acquainted with the ministerial servants in your congregation? You can show your appreciation for their hard work by cooperating with them as they care for their assigned duties. In this way, you will also be showing appreciation for Jehovah’s provision for maintaining an orderly household. (Gal. 6:10) The ministerial servants are appointed by holy spirit for your good.

What does an MS do?

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