APPLY YOURSELF TO THE FIELD MINISTRY: October 14-20, 2024, Sense of Commitment: Imitate Jesus. Audience discussion based on the booklet A Labor of Love lesson 10 points 3-5 and “See Also.” Prepared Assignment.
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Sense of Commitment: Imitate Jesus (8 mins.) Audience discussion based on the booklet A Labor of Love lesson 10 points 3-5 and “See Also.”
Imitate Jesus
3. Conduct the Bible course at a time and place that is convenient for your student.
Does he or she prefer a particular day or time? Where will he or she feel most comfortable: at work, at home, or in a public place? Whenever possible, accommodate your schedule to your student's.
Show consideration and empathy: Adapting to the student's schedule and preferences reflects that you really care about their well-being and comfort. This builds trust and a more relaxed environment for learning. When students perceive that their needs and circumstances are respected, they are more likely to feel motivated and engaged with the course.
Create a comfortable learning environment: Different people feel comfortable in different environments. Some prefer to study at home because it is a familiar and private environment, while others may choose to study in a public place or at work. By offering options, you allow the student to choose the environment in which they feel most secure, relaxed, and willing to focus on Bible teaching.
Strengthens the teacher-student relationship: When the teacher is flexible and willing to adapt, the personal relationship between the two is strengthened. The student feels valued, which can help him or her feel more comfortable asking questions and opening up about his or her spiritual concerns.
Facilitates continuity of study: By choosing a time that is convenient for the student, he is more likely to be able to continue attending regularly. If study times do not fit into his routine, it may be difficult for him to attend regularly or pay the necessary attention, which affects his spiritual progress.
Reflect on Jesus’ example: Jesus adapted his teaching to the needs and circumstances of the people. Sometimes he preached in the synagogue, sometimes in people’s homes, and often outdoors. This flexible, people-centered approach meant that his message reached many people. By following this example, we demonstrate the same willingness and love for those we teach.
Strengthens the teacher-student relationship: When the teacher is flexible and willing to adapt, the personal relationship between the two is strengthened. The student feels valued, which can help him or her feel more comfortable asking questions and opening up about his or her spiritual concerns.
4. Make sure your student does not miss classes.
If you are not going to be there, do not cancel the class. Have you thought about these options?
Conduct the course at another time of the week.
Study by phone or video conference.
Ask another publisher to lead the course.
Maintains student interest and routine: Regularity is key for the student to maintain their interest and commitment to the course. If classes are frequently interrupted or postponed, the student may lose their rhythm, which could affect their motivation and spiritual progress.
Flexibility to meet circumstances: Offering options such as rescheduling the class for another time, studying by phone or video conference, or even asking another publisher to fill in, ensures that progress is not lost. This flexibility shows that the teacher is willing to find solutions to keep teaching consistent, adapting to the circumstances of both the student and the teacher.
Reinforces the teacher's commitment: By seeking solutions rather than cancelling, the teacher demonstrates a high level of commitment to the student and to the work of disciple-making. This example of dedication can motivate the student to adopt a similar attitude toward his or her own spiritual growth.
It reflects the value we place on the course: By not cancelling the class, even if unforeseen events arise, it shows that the Bible course is a priority. This sends the message that both teacher and student value the study and that mutual commitment is important.
Avoid unnecessary interruptions: Instead of cancelling a class, these alternatives allow the study to continue, despite any obstacles that may arise. Frequent or prolonged interruptions can cause the student to lose connection with the lessons or the sequence of the study, which can slow down their learning and understanding.
Facilitates collaboration within the congregation: Asking another publisher to lead the class instead of canceling it promotes cooperation within the congregation and ensures that the student receives uninterrupted instruction. It also allows the student to meet other publishers, which strengthens their Christian integration.
5. Pray to have the right attitude.
Ask Jehovah to strengthen your sense of commitment to your student. This is especially important if the student is not studying regularly or is having trouble putting into practice what he or she is learning. —Phil. 2:13. Ask Jehovah to help you focus on the wonderful qualities of your student. He or she surely has many!
Strengthens our motivation and patience: Teaching someone the Bible can be challenging, especially when the student doesn't study regularly or has a hard time putting what he or she learns into practice. When we pray, we ask Jehovah to help us maintain a positive attitude and not become discouraged. Philippians 2:13 reminds us that it is Jehovah who gives us both the desire and the strength to carry out his will. This includes the patience and commitment needed to continue helping the student, even in difficult times.
Maintains our humility and dependence on Jehovah: When we pray, we acknowledge that we need Jehovah’s help to be effective teachers. We do not rely solely on our abilities or efforts, but rather we seek divine guidance in fulfilling the responsibility of making disciples. This keeps us humble and aware that it is Jehovah who touches hearts and facilitates spiritual growth.
It helps us see the positive qualities of the student: Instead of focusing on difficulties or lack of progress, praying to focus on the good qualities of the student allows us to see him from Jehovah’s perspective. Each person has virtues and abilities that can flourish with proper guidance. Seeing the positive in the student reinforces our love for him and motivates us to continue helping him.
Strengthens the spiritual bond with the student: When we pray for our student, we create a stronger spiritual bond with them. We feel more involved in their well-being, not just as teachers, but as people who genuinely care about their spiritual progress. This loving and empathetic attitude can be reflected in our teaching, making the student feel supported and valued.
SEE ALSO
Prov. 3:27.
Do not withhold what is good: The verse urges us not to withhold from doing good when we have the opportunity. In the context of disciple-making, it means that if we have the knowledge and resources to teach someone Bible truth, we have a responsibility to share it with love and diligence. Commitment involves taking advantage of every opportunity to help others come to know Jehovah.
Help when it is within our power to do so: This highlights the importance of acting when it is within our power to help someone. In the work of making disciples, we may feel that progress is slow at times or that the person is not ready, but if it is within our power to continue teaching or supporting, we should do so. This commitment to the student demonstrates love and concern for his or her spiritual well-being.
Acts 20:35.
Making disciples is not always easy. It requires constant effort, dedication, and sometimes patience. Paul's example of working hard to help others teaches us that commitment to this work requires giving our best. In preaching and teaching, it is necessary to invest time, energy, and resources to lead people to a deeper understanding of biblical truth.
Paul mentions that part of that effort is helping the weak, which can be applied in the work of making disciples. Not all students progress at the same pace; some may need more support, understanding, and encouragement. The sense of commitment is reflected in our willingness to help them, whether it is clarifying doubts, encouraging them to continue, or simply being patient with their progress. Thus, we commit to helping them spiritually no matter what difficulties they may face.
2 Cor. 12:15.
Paul expresses his willingness to spend all he has, both in resources and energy, to help others. In the context of disciple-making, this teaches us that true commitment involves giving of ourselves generously. This includes time, effort, and sometimes even personal sacrifices. When we are committed to the work of disciple-making, we spare no resources to help people come to know Jehovah better.
Paul was not only willing to give of his resources, but also to wear himself out completely. In the work of making disciples, this means that we do not give up easily. The process may be exhausting at times, especially when we face challenges or when progress is slow, but commitment drives us to keep going, even when the work is hard. This willingness to wear himself out shows how much we value the spiritual well-being of others.
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