April 22, 2012
TO ALL BODIES OF ELDERS
Re: Reading scriptures at the Watchtower Study
Dear Brothers:
In January 2008, all bodies of elders were provided direction on how to handle the reading
of texts marked “read” when conducting the Watchtower Study. At this time, we are pleased to reissue
that direction for the benefit of those not familiar with it.
Should texts marked “read” be read by the assigned paragraph reader, or may someone
else from the audience read such scriptures? This decision is left to the judgment of the Watchtower
Study conductor. Nevertheless, texts marked “read” should be read by someone who reads well.
When should texts marked “read” be read? For the most part, this is being left to the discretion
of the Watchtower Study conductor. At times, texts marked “read” will be cited at the very beginning
of a paragraph, such as in a verse-by-verse consideration of a Bible passage. In that case,
the texts should be read before the reading of the paragraph. However, other texts marked “read”
might be read before the question is asked, particularly if the answer to the question is found in the
scripture. Still other texts marked “read” may be read at some point during the general discussion of
the material when other cited verses are considered. Please note that whereas in our audio recordings
of The Watchtower texts marked “read” are read at the point that they are cited in the paragraph,
this is not a pattern to be followed in the congregation Watchtower Study. At our congregation
meetings, paragraph reading should be uninterrupted.
It will be advantageous for bodies of elders to review periodically the direction in the Shepherding
textbook, chapter 2, paragraphs 24 and 25. In view of the foregoing, each elder should
make the notation “See letter dated April 22, 2012, to all bodies of elders regarding reading scriptures
at the Watchtower Study” next to the fifth bullet point of paragraph 25 in chapter 2 of the
Shepherding textbook. For the meaning of the word “compare” when used before a cited scripture
text, please refer back to The Watchtower of January 15, 2008, page 3, paragraph 4.
Please be assured of our appreciation for the fine work of Watchtower Study conductors in
helping congregations get the sense of the spiritual food being supplied at the proper time.
We send
our warm Christian love and best wishes.