As sir82 said it is hard to enforce the counting time rules, but that doesn’t stop them. I have known of 3 regular pioneers that had their time called into question because they rarely worked with the group and worked on their own due to several circumstances, the congregation did not have a meeting for field service on the weekdays they could go out, certain “brothers or sisters” had their own arrangements and would not include others, few went out evenings when these people had bible studies or established return visits, made arrangements with one sister/brother and they would cancel or poop out after 1 hour. Or the brother who left his car at home and went out on his bicycle checking out nearby territories. All were cornered by 2 elders who demanded “proof” they had been in the door to door. All 3 proved it by taking the elders to their bible studies and rvs and asking when they came by. But elders who went out by themselves or only with family members, would count time doing errands Saturday morning, leaving the group in the hands of the MS.
*** km 12/12 p. 5 Our Official Web Site—Use It in Your Ministry ***
Send an Article or a Publication to Someone You Know: Attach a downloaded PDF or an EPUB to an e-mail. Or download an audio version of a publication onto a CD. Each time you give someone who is not baptized a complete electronic book, brochure, or magazine, you may count it as a placement
*** km 4/11 p. 2 Question Box ***
It is best to continue studying with a progressive Bible student until he has completed two publications—What Does the Bible Really Teach? and “Keep Yourselves in God’s Love.” This is true even if the student gets baptized before finishing both books. After his baptism we may continue to report the time, the return visits, and the study. If a publisher accompanies us and participates in the study, he may also count the time.—See the March 2009 Our Kingdom Ministry, page 2.
*** km 6/11 p. 3 “How Much Time Should I Count?” ***
“How Much Time Should I Count?”
Have you ever asked that question? General guidelines are found on pages 86-87 of the Organized book. Additional direction is occasionally provided, such as in the Question Box of the September 2008 Our Kingdom Ministry. Since circumstances vary, we have not been given a long list of rules. Therefore, it would not be appropriate for elders or others to set forth additional guidelines.
If a question arises and there is no published direction on it, each publisher can consider: Was the time spent in the ministry? Or was it spent doing something else that is not actually part of that work? What we write on our personal field service report each month should give us joy and not pangs of conscience. (Acts 23:1) Of course, our primary concern is, not how to count time, but how to make our time count by being industrious in the ministry.—Heb. 6:11.
*** km 1/08 p. 7 Question Box ***
If the student qualifies for baptism before completing both books, the study should continue until the second book is finished. Even though the student is baptized, the conductor may count the time, the return visit, and the Bible study. A publisher who accompanies the conductor and participates may also count the time.
*** km 6/99 p. 4 Make Your Time Count ***
Make Your Time Count
1 Everyone has the same amount of time at his disposal each week. The portion that we devote to spreading the good news is especially valuable because it is time spent in a life-saving work. (Rom. 1:16) We show our appreciation for this by preparing well for the service planned, arriving at meetings for service on time, and leaving promptly for the territory. We would rather be preaching than waiting. Since Jehovah has taught us that “for everything there is an appointed time,” we need to make the time that we have set aside for the ministry really count.—Eccl. 3:1.
2 Manage Your Time Wisely: Many blessings come to us when we steadfastly hold to a schedule that allows for regular participation in the field ministry. Naturally, the good results that we achieve in the ministry should be proportionate to the amount of time spent in the service. With some slight adjustments to our routine, could we devote more time to the field service? For example, after magazine activity on Saturday, could we take some additional time to make a few return visits? If we have been in the field ministry for a while on Sunday, could we spend some time also making return visits or conducting a Bible study? Would it be possible to supplement our house-to-house activity with some street witnessing? In these or other ways, we may be able to improve in our service.
3 When we are out in the ministry, we can lose valuable time if we are not careful. Of course, when weather conditions are severe, a short break will refresh us and help us to keep going. Be balanced, however, since such breaks may not always be necessary.
4 In recent years it has become increasingly difficult to find people at home. To cope with this situation, many publishers do their door-to-door witnessing at a different time of day. Why not try witnessing in the late afternoon or early evening?
5 It is better if we do not visit with one another while engaging in street work. Instead, stand apart from one another and approach the people so as to start conversations with them. Thus time will be managed more effectively and greater joy will be derived from the work.
6 Seize Opportunities to Witness: When a householder said that she was not interested, a Witness asked if there was anyone else in the house with whom she might talk. This led to a conversation with the man of the house, who had been ill for many years and was largely confined to bed. The hope set out in God’s Word renewed his interest in life. He was soon out of bed, attending meetings at the Kingdom Hall, and sharing his newfound hope with others!
7 A teenage sister applied the suggestion to engage in field service during the hour before the Congregation Book Study. At her first door, she met a 13-year-old girl who listened intently and took literature. The next day at school, the young sister saw this same girl. Soon thereafter, she offered to study the Bible with her, and the girl accepted.
8 Make It Quality Time: Having a regular share in field service helps us develop our skills in presenting the good news. Can you improve your ability to start a conversation at the door by using a more effective introduction? Could you become a more skillful teacher when conducting a home Bible study? By doing so, you can truly make your time in the service count and make your ministry more productive.—1 Tim. 4:16.
9 Since “the time left is reduced,” our lives should be filled with Christian works. (1 Cor. 7:29) Allotting time for the preaching activity should be high on our list of priorities. Let us have a healthy, zealous share in the ministry. Time is a wonderful asset that Jehovah has given us. Always use it wisely and make it count.
[Box on page 4]
Consider These Suggestions:
▪ Arrive at meetings for service on time.
▪ Within reason, keep witnessing groups small.
▪ Avoid delays in getting to the territory.
▪ Work territory when most people are at home.
▪ Work alone at times if it is safe to do so.
▪ Make return visits nearest to the door-to-door territory.
▪ Keep busy in service when others in the group are delayed at a door.
▪ Whenever possible, depending on circumstances, stay out longer than an hour.
*** km 10/98 p. 8 par. 8 “Sowing Kingdom Seed” on Magazine Routes ***
Do not forget that each time you deliver the magazines to a person who is on your magazine route, a return visit may be counted. And above all, remember that our goal is to develop these calls into home Bible studies.
*** km 8/93 p. 4 pars. 4-5 Be Whole-Souled in Your Service ***
Giving Our Best: When we share in field service and turn in our report, is the report accurate? The Our Ministry book, page 104, states: “Your field service time should start when you begin your witness work and end when you finish your last call in each witnessing period. Time taken for refreshments or meals during a period of field service is not to be counted.” Good planning and effort are needed to accomplish the most during the time we are in field service.
5 Giving our best means that we do as much as we can when we share in service. One who is whole-souled would not purposely limit his preaching to occasional attempts at informal witnessing rather than sharing in the door-to-door work.
*** km 9/92 p. 7 Announcements ***
On pages 103-4 of Organized to Accomplish Our Ministry, direction is given as to what may be included in reporting hours of field service. Some have wondered whether a publisher who interprets for a speaker giving a public talk may count the time. Yes, both speaker and interpreter may include in their field service reports the time thus spent.
*** km 9/88 p. 3 Report Field Service Accurately ***
WHAT TO REPORT
3 Only whole hours should be reported to the congregation. An incomplete hour can be carried over by the publisher and be included in his report the following month. For the sake of accuracy, it is best to write down the time spent, literature placed, and the number of return visits made each time we go out in the field service. Then by simply totaling these figures at the end of the month, we will not have to estimate what was accomplished. The Field Service Report slip furnished by the congregation makes this record easy to keep.
4 Do not forget that a return visit should be counted each time you conduct a Bible study. At the end of the month, a Study Report slip for each Bible study conducted should be filled out and turned in along with your Field Service Report slip. After filling out each Study Report slip completely and accurately, the total number of different Bible studies conducted during the month should be written in the appropriate box at the lower right-hand corner of the Field Service Report slip.
5 It seems appropriate to include a reminder that your field service time should start when you begin your witness work and end when you finish your last call in each witnessing period. Thus, time taken for refreshments or meals during a break from field service would not be counted as field service activity. Those giving public talks may count the time actually spent delivering these. (See Our Ministry, page 104, paragraph 1.) By being conscientious in reporting our field service, we will all contribute to the accurate report that is published in the Yearbook.
6 Since the secretary has to send the congregation’s field service report to the Society by the sixth of the following month, it can easily be seen why it is important for each publisher to turn in his field service report promptly at the end of the month. Out of consideration for this arrangement, each publisher will want to follow this direction carefully. The secretary has only six days in which to gather all the reports together, total them, and mail the congregation’s report so that the Society receives it in time to include it with the field service activity of over 8,000 other congregations in this country.
7 Each publisher who willingly cooperates with the above organizational arrangements can have the satisfaction of knowing that he has contributed to making an accurate report on the worldwide activity of Jehovah’s Witnesses. (Compare Ezekiel 9:11.) May all of us turn in field service reports that are accurate and on time!
*** km 4/87 p. 4 Question Box ***
Question Box
● When can a new Bible study be reported, and with whom may studies be counted?
A new home Bible study may be reported as such when it has been conducted two times after the call on which the study arrangement was demonstrated and there is reason to believe that the study will continue. A Study Report form should be made out and turned in each month.
A return visit and the time spent are counted each time a home Bible study is conducted. If circumstances require that another publisher accompany the one who conducts the study, and if both share in the study in a meaningful way, both may count the time. However, only the conductor of the study will report the return visit and the Bible study. Ordinarily it should not be necessary for more than two publishers to be involved in teaching at a home Bible study.
Home Bible studies should be continued with new persons until they have completed studying the two books that will establish them in the truth, such as You Can Live Forever in Paradise on Earth and United in Worship of the Only True God. The study, return visits, and service time may be reported until completion of these two publications even if the person gets baptized before finishing both books.
At times an elder on the Congregation Service Committee may request a publisher to conduct a home Bible study with someone who is already baptized but who has become inactive. This is in keeping with the Society’s arrangement to build up such ones who desire help. In such a case, the study may be reported along with the related return visits and field service time.—Note om pp. 103-4.
Parents are responsible before Jehovah to instruct and train their own children in right worship. (Deut. 4:9; Eph. 6:4) A regularly conducted family Bible study is most beneficial in this regard. A family head or parent may report a regularly conducted family Bible study if nonbaptized members are included. Up to one hour of service time and a return visit may also be counted each week that the study is conducted.—See km 6/83 p. 4.
*** km 3/84 p. 5 Magazines Point the Way to Life ***
STREET WITNESSING IS EFFECTIVE
25 I saw three publishers standing on a busy street corner outside the entrance to a restaurant, talking to one another, holding their magazines in the air out in front of them, while scores of people passed right by them,” observed one circuit overseer. Were those publishers effective in street witnessing? Did it seem that they were interested in people, or in just counting their field service time? In some locations and with some publishers, standing still with the magazines exposed has produced good results. But for the majority of publishers, standing in one spot is not the best way to make use of our magazine witnessing time. More than three decades ago the Society offered advice that is still timely:
“Do not stand like a signpost merely holding up the magazines, but walk about the street, offering the magazines to those standing at the curb and to persons in parked cars, also to those walking down the street. Smile, look directly at the person and speak.”
26 Publishers who cluster in groups, either on the street corner or while walking down the street, may find that separating and approaching people, while the other publishers are busy close by, improves their magazine witnessing. Few strangers will approach a group of people, but many strangers will stop and listen briefly if they are approached by only one person.
*** km 2/82 p. 2 par. 5 Benefit Fully from the Circuit Overseer’s Visit ***
When the circuit overseer visits the congregation, it may be that he will want to sit in on some of the studies that are being conducted with those who have been inactive. If a sister has been assigned to conduct the study, it would be appropriate for the circuit overseer to conduct it on this occasion since it is being held with an inactive sister. Both would report the time spent on the study and the return visit would be counted by the publisher who regularly conducts the study.
*** km 8/81 p. 3 Part I—Contributing Toward an Accurate Report ***
WHAT YOU CAN DO
4 However, it is important not only that we each report what we have done each month, but also that the report is accurate. How can we be sure that it will be accurate? In this regard it would be good for each Kingdom publisher to review the guidelines set down in the Organization book on pages 126 and 127. It would not be appropriate for traveling overseers, elders or anyone else to set down rules or regulations about counting or reporting field service activity beyond what has been published by the Society. The Society is interested in knowing how much time is spent in proclaiming God’s truths to those who are not dedicated, baptized Witnesses. So time spent in shepherding or other calls made on those who are not strong spiritually and those who have not associated for some time should not be counted if the individual is a baptized Witness. It is a labor of love. The only exception would be where a newly baptized person has not finished studying two of the Society’s publications.
*** km 9/81 p. 3 Part II—Contributing Toward an Accurate Report ***
Part II—Contributing Toward an Accurate Report
1 Counting the time we spend in field service is important but it is not our primary objective. However, it is important to report our field service time accurately. Time spent getting ready for service, attending the meeting for service, and the travel time involved in getting from home to the territory, and so forth, is really not time spent in preaching and teaching, is it? It is understandable that after one gets into the territory and the preaching work has gotten under way, there will be time spent walking or traveling between homes and such can reasonably be counted as time in field service. While the conscience of each publisher is involved in counting time, each should be careful to maintain a good conscience in this regard.
HELP NEWER ONES TO BE ACCURATE
2 Often it is noted that newer ones need help to understand how to report their activity accurately. If they conduct a Bible study several times during the month, they may wrongly report several Bible studies instead of just one. A Bible study conducted with an individual or a family should be counted as only one Bible study even though it may have been conducted three, four or more times during the month. However, a return visit should be counted for each time the study is conducted and the time should be counted. Some have also improperly reported several return visits because there may have been several interested persons present. However, it is the number of return visits that should be counted and not the number of persons visited.
3 Accurate reporting is very helpful to the Society in determining which part of the country or the world may need help in getting the good news preached. It also gives a good picture of the work accomplished. And these reports, posted on the publisher’s record card, help the elders locally in determining how best to assist individuals in the congregation.
4 Paul could report that the good news in his day “was preached in all creation that is under heaven.” How encouraging! By your zealous preaching and accurate reporting you are contributing to the same encouraging report in our day.—Col. 1:23; Matt. 24:14.
*** km 7/77 pp. 1-2 A Full Day in Field Service ***
A Full Day in Field Service
1 It takes effort as well as planning to share in the field service. There are work schedules, the home, family and similar details of life that need attention. Our territory for witnessing may be widespread, involving considerable time and expense in travel. With all that is involved we want to keep in mind the words of Paul: “Therefore, the way I am running is not uncertainly; the way I am directing my blows is so as not to be striking the air.” (1 Cor. 9:26) So, once out, why not stay out in the field.
2 A number of things can be done to get the most out of the effort put forth. For example, meetings for field service can be kept brief and on time. Although some may not have arrived, the one taking the lead could begin the discussion with those on hand at the scheduled time, usually spending no more than ten to fifteen minutes, then leaving immediately after the prayer. Some leave a note so that latecomers can find the group in the territory. If meetings for field service are held following a meeting in the Kingdom Hall, they can be especially brief.
3 When you make a special effort to reach distant parts of your territory, give particular thought to making the time count. Try to line up the groups so that when the territory is reached, all will be able to stay for about the same length of time rather than having the whole group return because one person has to come home early. Those whose time is more limited could witness in closer territory. It may be appropriate to take a lunch along so that a maximum amount of time may be spent in this distant territory.
4 Making return visits requires careful thought too. Groups should be kept as small as practical and those with calls in the same area could be in the same car. Making return visits on the way to and from the territory will save time. Another time-saver is making personal field service arrangements with those in similar circumstances. These private arrangements give us the flexibility we need in order to fit our personal situation.
5 With all the planning and effort involved in preparing for the public witnessing work, why not stay out as long as possible? When the weather and other circumstances are favorable, take advantage of the situation to do more than usual. The more time we spend in talking the truth to others, the more opportunities we will have for finding honest-hearted ones. Thus, more praise goes to Jehovah and we will experience greater joy from our sacred service.
*** km 4/74 p. 2 Your Service Meetings ***
Reporting Our Field Service. Distribute a Publisher’s Field Service Report slip and a Bible Study Report slip to each one in attendance. Remind them that this is the time to turn in their reports for the month. Discuss problems that have been observed locally in the use of these report slips. (For example, even literature that is left at a not-at-home is to be counted; save fractions of hours until there is a full hour to report; include time used in informal witnessing; what to count as a return visit; how to report home Bible studies.) Comment briefly on why we turn in reports.
*** km 10/74 p. 2 Your Service Meetings ***
Reporting Field Service. A talk. Questions have been raised about reporting time in the field service. Some ask if it is proper to count time spent taking “coffee breaks” or eating lunch. Is it all right to start counting time at a call near home and then travel a long distance to your territory? Can we start counting time by writing letters at home and then continue to count time thereafter while going to meet with a group for service? Other similar inquiries have been made.
An attempt to lay down rules is not practical, since circumstances vary in every case. All can be guided by the instruction to report “time spent in the activity of Kingdom-preaching and disciple-making, proclaiming God’s truths to those who are not dedicated, baptized Witnesses.” (Organization book, p. 126) After we get started, we may include time in getting from one house to another as we make our calls, and we may count the time whether householders are at home and willing to listen or not; our reason for calling is to preach. When some question arises, ask yourself: Has this time been spent in the preaching activity? Or has it been spent doing something else that is not actually part of that work? Report all the time you conscientiously feel was used in the preaching work. The amount you report in comparison with others is not important. (Gal. 6:4) The important thing is that the love in your heart has moved you to share your faith with others. (Luke 6:45) What we report should give us joy and not pangs of conscience. Our concern should be about results accomplished and not reports made about it. Our giving should come from a cheerful heart and not just a sense of obligation. (2 Cor. 9:7) With each one being guided by his own conscience and a balanced viewpoint of the Scriptures, reports made to the congregation will reflect, not “acts of eyeservice,” but good works motivated by a sincere heart.—Col. 3:22.
*** km 9/72 p. 2 Your Service Meetings ***
(3 min.) Proper View of Reports. Talk based on “Organization” book, pp. 127, 128. Highlight reasons for reporting as well as benefits from reporting.
(12 min.) Audience discussion on following points based on “Organization” book, pp. 126, 127: (1) When are reports to be turned in? (2) What should be reported relative to hours in field service? (For example, witnessing done during the noon hour at place of secular employment, witnessing to relatives, to neighbors, etc. Show that it is not a matter of our keeping track of these things so as to get “credit” for them, but it is simply that the Society would very much appreciate having a full report.) (3) What may be reported as return visits? (Include such things as the writing of letters to give a witness, making phone calls to give a witness or to make an appointment for a Bible study or to take a newly interested one to a congregation meeting, delivering a magazine, etc.) (4) What magazine placements may be reported? (In addition to those distributed on the street, from house to house, etc., encourage the brothers to include back issues that are given away free, perhaps being left in the door when someone is not at home. At the present time some of our brothers seem to have the idea that it is not right to count some of these things, but it would be appreciated if they would include them all so that our reports will be complete.) (5) How and when are Bible studies to be counted?
