“There is more happiness in giving than in receiving” (ACTS 20:35).
1. How did the apostle Paul feel about ministerial servants?
The apostle Paul deeply appreciated ministerial servants. When he wrote to the Philippian Christians, he specifically saluted the ministerial servants along with the elders, demonstrating the value and importance he placed on these loyal men in the congregation.
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
Pablo had a great appreciation for them. It was because these brothers were doing very important work. That is why when in Philippians 1:1, he greets all the brothers, he also greets the ministerial servants specifically.
2. What does Luis think about his responsibility as a ministerial servant?
Luis believes that being a ministerial servant is a great honor. He highlights that what he values most is the love and support he has received from the congregation, which motivates him to fulfill his responsibility with joy and gratitude.
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
Luis thinks it is a great honor to work as a ministerial servant, especially when he thinks about how much love the congregation has shown him.
Whether young or old, everyone enjoys the work they do in the congregation, because they are very useful. Whether it is an 18-year-old young man or a 50-year-old brother, we see that the main thing is that they feel proud of helping the congregation.
3. What questions will we answer in this article?
In this article we will answer the following questions:
1. Could a baptized man set the goal of being a ministerial servant?
2. What should be the motivation for setting this goal?
3. What biblical requirements would it have to meet?
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
One of them is that if one is a baptized man and is not yet a ministerial servant, could he set it as a goal?
You may also ask yourself: What should be your motivation for proposing it?
Another question would be: What are the biblical requirements that should be met?
WHAT IS THE FUNCTION OF A MINISTERIAL SERVANT?
4. What is the function of a ministerial servant? (See also the image).
Ministerial servants are baptized men appointed by the Holy Spirit to support the elders in various practical tasks in the congregation. These include ensuring that there are sufficient territories and publications for preaching, assisting in the cleaning and maintenance of the Kingdom Hall, acting as ushers, and operating audio and video equipment during meetings.
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
The ministerial servants mainly take care of matters in the congregation, such as publications, territories so that the brothers always have what is necessary for preaching. There are also brothers who are dedicated to cleaning and maintaining the Kingdom Hall.
They carry out responsibilities within the congregation, but above all they are spiritual men, who love Jehovah very much and live by second standards and according to requirements.
They also sacrifice during the meetings so that everyone can enjoy them, for example, playing the audio, video, serving as ushers, and they do all of this during the meeting and so we can enjoy the meetings.
In the image we can see the different ways in which ministerial servants support the congregation. Serving the brothers, whether in the literature, cleaning. As you can see there, a brother who is welcoming the others, and those who work in audio and video. The interesting thing is that they are of different ages, whether they are young or a little older, although they are different activities, something distinguishes them is their love for Jehovah and their brothers.
This practical help they offer to the congregation requires some sacrifice, for example, they may have to arrive first and leave last. But they do all this because of what it says in Matthew 22:37-39, love for Jehovah and for their brothers.
Many of these tasks are not seen. For example, in the first photo the brother goes early to get the publications or has to take inventory, or the usher who arrives early. Many of us do not realize it, but in reality, as the paragraph says, they help the elders to attend to various practical matters in the congregation and thanks to that, in the end, the congregations function well.
ILLUSTRATION
Images of ministerial servants helping in the congregation: 1. A brother places the publications. 2. Another cleans the toilet. 3. Another receives those who arrive at the meeting. 4. Another manages the audio and video equipment at the Kingdom Hall.
Ministerial servants imitate Jesus by serving others in different ways. (See paragraph 4).
5. How can the goal of being a ministerial servant be achieved?
To achieve the goal of being a ministerial servant, it is essential to study and strive to meet the biblical requirements established in 1 Timothy 3:8-10, 12, 13.
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
By studying the biblical requirements found in the letter to Timothy and then striving to fulfill them.
The main thing is to study the biblical requirements and try to put them into practice. As the first letter of Timothy 3:8-10 says, every ministerial servant must be serious, not double-tongued, not drink much wine, and not covet dishonest gain. On the contrary, hold on to the sacred secret of faith, with a clear conscience. But, first his capacity must be proven and there must be no accusations.
Something very important is to examine what motivates us to be a ministerial servant.
WHAT SHOULD YOUR MOTIVATION BE?
6. What should be the reason to humbly serve the brothers? (Matthew 20:28; see also image).
The motive for humbly serving one's brothers must be love. Like Jesus Christ, who was motivated by love for his father and people, we must do our best and perform humble tasks on behalf of others. If our motivation is love, Jehovah will bless us and help us achieve the goal of being ministerial servants.
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
1 Corinthians 16:14 says that we must do everything out of love, in fact Jesus loved his father and others very much. That is why, as it says in Matthew 20:28, he came to the point of giving his life for us.
On many occasions Jesus performed humble tasks on behalf of others, as shown in John 13:5, when he washed the feet of his disciples.
If what motivates us is love, Jehovah will bless our goal of being a ministerial servant.
The image shows how Jesus washed the feet of his disciples, this shows us that we must be humble to carry out tasks in favor of others. Jesus taught his disciples that the most important thing is humility, love and service for others.
Maybe we are used to the fact that in the world people who do important things are hung with medals and are very proud to wear them on their chest. But that is something that should not motivate a ministerial servant, his position is not hierarchical, it is one of service, it is to serve others. Therefore, the reasons must be deeply examined.
ILLUSTRATION
Jesus washes the feet of one of his apostles while the others watch in surprise.
By his example, Jesus teaches his apostles to humbly serve others instead of trying to excel. (See paragraph 6).
7. Why should a brother avoid selfish ambition?
A brother should avoid selfish ambition because in Jehovah's organization, unlike the world, he does not admire those who promote themselves. Someone motivated by love, like Jesus, does not seek power, authority or status. If an ambitious person received an appointment, he might reject humble tasks necessary to care for Jehovah's sheep, thinking that these tasks degrade him.
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
Jehovah will not bless the goal of being a ministerial servant if our motivation is selfish, and since it is an incorrect motivation, the task of being a ministerial servant will not be fulfilled correctly. You may refuse to do some tasks because you think they demean or demean you.
The world tends to admire people who promote themselves or who reach positions of authority. But, Jesus taught us that whoever wants to be above his brothers must first be their slave.
The worker who does not own the sheep abandons them when they are in danger. We have to keep in mind that the sheep are Jehovah's, that will motivate us to carry out the necessary tasks, no matter how humble they may seem.
8. What did Jesus say to his apostles?
Jesus told his apostles that true leadership is based on service to others. When James and John asked for special positions in his Kingdom, Jesus taught them that “whoever wants to become great among you must serve others and whoever wants to be first among you must be slave to all.” Brothers who seek responsibilities with the right motive, that is, to serve others, will be a blessing within the congregation.
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
On one occasion two of the apostles, James and John, wanted responsibilities but for the wrong reason. Since they asked Jesus behind the others' backs to grant them a special position in his Kingdom, to sit on his right and left. It is on that occasion when Jesus mentioned to him what Mark 10:43,44 says, that whoever wants to become great among you must serve others and whoever wants to be first among you must be a slave to all. We see that even though James and John were spiritual people and already enjoyed privileges, such as being part of the twelve apostles, on this occasion they had the wrong motive.
The fact that the brothers who have the goal of being ministerial servants have the right motivation will become a blessing and at the same time a good example for the congregation.
HOW CAN YOU FEED YOUR DESIRE TO SERVE OTHERS?
9. How can you feed your desire to serve others?
To fuel your desire to serve others, you can reflect on the joy that comes from serving your brothers. As Jesus said, “It is more blessed to give than to receive” (Acts 20:35). By following this principle, Jesus found true happiness in serving others, and you too can experience that same joy by doing more for the congregation.
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
We could think about the joy we get from serving others. Jesus said: There is more happiness in giving than in receiving, in the same way the brothers who want to become ministerial servants have to be guided by this principle.
Acts 20:35 says that he had shown them that you had to work that hard to help those who are weak, and when you work so hard for the congregation and give everything you can, in the end you receive much more than you can give.
The text of Acts 20:35 is a guarantee signed by Jesus Christ. In a world where everyone seeks happiness and it is difficult to find it, we have the secret to being happy, which is to serve others.
10. How did Jesus demonstrate that serving others made him happy? (Mark 6:31-34).
Jesus showed that serving others brought him joy when, despite being tired and not having time to even eat, he ministered to a crowd that sought him out to hear his teachings. Instead of quickly dismissing them or limiting his teaching, “he began to teach them many things” because he was deeply moved by their spiritual need. This example reflects that the love that motivates him gave him satisfaction by putting the interests of others above his own.
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
When a crowd went to the place where Jesus and the apostles were going to rest, to listen to his teachings. Jesus could have refused or taught them a truth or two and then left. However, as we read in Mark 6:34, he was deeply moved, he saw them as sheep without a shepherd, and it gave Jesus great joy to help others, he wanted to teach that great crowd because he loved them.
When we enjoy something, we lose track of time. This story tells us that when Jesus realized it was already late, there were so many things that he was teaching them. This teaches us that Jesus was happy to serve others, especially taking into account how exhausted they were, that they did not even have time to eat. Thus we see that his driving force was always sincere and genuine love for others.
We see that Jesus did not do it because he was forced, but because he was motivated by love for people.
We see that his disciples told him that it was too late and that they had to leave, but Jesus still stayed to teach that crowd because what motivated him was love.
It is a good lesson for all of us, since when we are preaching or doing studies, in the end we would have to ask ourselves: Did I enjoy what I did? Have I done what Jehovah likes, using my time to benefit other people who want to learn more about Him? It would be good, and then we would enjoy preaching and be happier.
Jesus was deeply moved when he saw the spiritual need of the people. We are also moved by the spiritual and physical need that people have and we want to help satisfy that need that people have to learn more about Jehovah.
11. In what practical ways did Jesus help his listeners? (See also the image).
Jesus not only taught the crowds, but also cared for their physical needs in practical ways. On one occasion, he miraculously multiplied the food so that the apostles could distribute it to the crowd. In this way, he taught them the importance of helping others, not only in spiritual aspects, but also in material needs.
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
We see that Jesus not only taught the multitudes, but also cared for their physical needs in a practical way. So it was that when he saw the need for food in that crowd, he miraculously multiplied the food, so that the apostles could distribute it among the crowd.
We also see that not only did he do it on that occasion, he dedicated his entire life on earth to serving his neighbor. In Matthew 4:23 we see how Jesus went throughout Galilee, teaching and preaching and also curing people of all kinds of diseases. In Matthew 8:16 we are shown that even at dusk, that is, when after an exhausting day he continued helping others. So this shows us that just as Jesus enjoyed doing things for others, so do ministerial servants, because when they help, they feel the joy that comes from caring for them and they can also reflect such beautiful qualities as patience and love.
Jesus was aware of their need for physical food. The apostles suggested that they send the people away so that they could go buy food, but Jesus was genuinely interested in the physical needs of others. So Jesus met the food needs of the crowd, but not only did he meet them, but they were even satisfied.
It gave Jesus enormous satisfaction to teach others and humbly attend to their needs. We want to imitate his example, in this way we will also be humble and have satisfaction when we provide our service in helping others.
In the image on the left, we see Jesus in a humble attitude, crouching down at the height of that woman to listen to her, know what she needs and give her the help she needs. Today ministerial servants can imitate Jesus when they are also willing to serve humbly. In the image on the right he is helping an older brother of the congregation to go out to preach, he is willing to serve him, and we see that the result is that the older brother, as well as the younger one, are truly happy.
Don't be discouraged, you surely have qualities that can be useful in the congregation. Do not be discouraged because you are useful to the congregation.
ILLUSTRATION
Series of images: 1. Jesus comforts a woman and speaks to her compassionately. 2. A young ministerial servant accompanies an older brother in a wheelchair in preaching.
If you love Jehovah and desire to serve others, you will do whatever is necessary to help within the congregation. (See paragraph 11).
12. Why shouldn't we believe that we have nothing to offer the congregation?
It is normal for some people to think that they have no special skills to offer the congregation, but that is not true. Everyone has something valuable to contribute. As the apostle Paul explains in 1 Corinthians 12:12-30, each member of the congregation has a unique and necessary role, regardless of the abilities we think we have.
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
In 1 Corinthians 12:1, the comparison is made with the human body, that all parts are useful, they are necessary no matter how small they are. In this same way, any servant of Jehovah, in a greater or lesser way, is useful to the congregation. Although you do not have the qualifications to be a ministerial servant right now, there are many other activities that can be carried out without this appointment.
Romans 12:6 says that each of us has different gifts, so if a brother thinks that he does not yet have the requirements to be a ministerial servant, it is better to focus on what he can do. And concentrate on doing everything you can for Jehovah and your brothers, because Jehovah continues to value you.
1 Corinthians 12:18 says, it is Jehovah who has appointed all the members. So, if we are members of the congregation, we are here, thanks to what Jehovah has placed us. Therefore, we should not back down, we will always be useful in the congregation, because Jehovah feels that way.
13. What should we remember about the requirements to receive an appointment?
We must remember that most of the requirements for being a ministerial servant are qualities that all Christians should strive to fulfill, such as drawing closer to Jehovah, experiencing the joy of giving to others, and being good examples of Christian living. However, a man who wants to receive more responsibilities must focus on meeting certain additional specific requirements.
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
The function is to serve others, although we are many we form a single body in union with Christ, but individually we are members who belong to each other.
We can all meet the requirements to be ministerial servants. If you think that you are not fulfilling them, do not be discouraged. So strive to fulfill them to help the congregation and be good examples for the brothers.
POINTS WHICH SHOULD BE WORKED ON
14. What does “be serious” mean? (1 Timothy 3:8-10, 12).
“Being serious” means being respectable, dignified and honorable. This means taking all responsibilities very seriously and earning a reputation as trustworthy people. Although it does not mean that they cannot laugh or have a sense of humor, ministerial servants must exhibit behavior that inspires respect and trust throughout the congregation.
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
This expression can also be translated as respectable, dignified and honorable, of course, this does not mean that one cannot laugh and have a sense of humor. What the word “be serious” means is that we must take our responsibilities, precisely with that, seriously and most importantly we must earn fame and be trustworthy people. If we do it this way, we will surely earn the respect of the entire congregation.
The words of Ecclesiastes 3:1 talk about how there is a certain time for everything, for every activity that one does. When it is time to work and show seriousness, it is time to do it. And as Ecclesiastes 3:4 also says, there can also be a time to laugh, and at that moment it is to display the sense of humor that one may have, but all in its time.
15. What does it mean that they “should not be double-tongued” or “covet dishonest gain”?
The expression “they should not be double-tongued” implies that ministerial servants should be sincere, honest, and trustworthy, without deceiving or acting hypocritically. On the other hand, “they should not covet dishonest gain” means that they should be upright in financial matters, both in business and in managing the resources of the congregation. Furthermore, they should not take advantage of their relationship with fellow Christians for personal financial gain.
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
What it means is that they have to be sincere, honest, trustworthy, they don't have to be cunning, devious and trustworthy in money matters.
They should not be double-tongued as Proverbs 3:32 says, because Jehovah hates twisted people, but has a close friendship with those who are upright.
It is also mentioned that they must be honest in business matters and with the congregation's money. When they can be assigned a department related to the congregation's accounts, it is specified that they must be honest. Nor take advantage of the relationships with their siblings, perhaps they may have a good relationship with some siblings, but that does not mean that you have to take advantage of them for financial matters.
16. a) What does it mean that “they should not [...] drink much wine”?
This means that ministerial servants should not binge drink or be known as alcohol abusers. Their self-control in this regard is vital so that they can fulfill their responsibilities and maintain the respect of the congregation.
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
That they should not go overboard with alcohol, nor have a reputation as drinkers.
16. b) What does it mean to have “a clear conscience”?
Having “a clear conscience” means living in harmony with Jehovah's standards and striving to maintain a close relationship with Him. Although no one is perfect, ministerial servants can enjoy the peace of mind that comes from knowing that they are doing their best to please God and act according to his will.
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
It means that one has to live according to Jehovah's standards. Although it is true that we are not perfect, we can enjoy the peace that comes from having a good relationship with Jehovah.
17. How is a brother's ability tested? (1 Timothy 3:10; see also image).
The “first test your ability” requirement means that brothers interested in becoming ministerial servants must demonstrate, before receiving an appointment, that they are responsible and trustworthy. This is evidenced when they carry out tasks assigned by the elders, striving to follow the organization's instructions and guidelines carefully while ensuring they fully understand the task and deadlines.
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
A brother who has the goal of being a ministerial servant must carefully strive to follow the instructions and guidelines of the organization. You also have to be clear about what that task entails and you must also complete the tasks assigned to you on the set date.
When you ask someone to perform a task in the congregation, give them clear instructions that they understand. Also, what you need to do is tell them what all the instructions you are giving them entail. And although it is true that each one has their own initiative and it is not necessary to do things exactly as they are told, but those guidelines must be respected, because they are guidelines that do not come only from the body of elders, they also come from the organization. So when you see that all of this is fulfilled, that brother is fulfilling this requirement.
What elders can also do is see in their congregation which brothers are baptized, get to know them, see what their spiritual routine is, if they preach, if they prepare their assignments well. And so by getting to know the brothers, they see what potential they have, and see what tasks they can be assigned. In this way they are put to the test, so to speak, so that they later acquire other responsibilities.
In the image you can see a very young boy. For this to happen, the elderly must have been trained at a very early age. So, that is the importance of the elderly being attentive to help and train the younger ones.
So both the young people and perhaps those other brothers in the congregation who are baptized and want to aspire to be ministerial servants. The paragraph says it clearly, you must have personal study habits, comment at meetings, and participate in preaching regularly. These are the requirements to be able to begin collaborating with the elders in small tasks of the congregation, which will then give rise to being able to serve as ministerial servants.
ILLUSTRATION
A young brother holds the microphone for another to comment at the meeting.
Elders can test the abilities of baptized brothers by giving them different tasks. (See paragraph 17).
18. What does it mean to be “free from accusation”?
The requirement to “be free from accusation” implies that ministerial servants must not give valid reasons for being accused of committing serious sins. Although Christians may face false accusations, as Jesus did, their clean and exemplary conduct ensures that they will maintain a good reputation within the congregation.
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
Being free from accusation means maintaining a clear conscience and not giving grounds for an accusation of serious sin. It is true that there may be false accusations, as happened to Jesus, who accused him of being a glutton, a drinker, and hanging out with worshipers. Their own actions and actions will speak for them, and that will help them have a good relationship in the congregation.
That doesn't mean there can't be a false accusation. What there cannot be is a valid reason for him to lose his good reputation in the congregation.
19. What does being “husbands of one wife” encompass?
Being “husbands of one wife” means that married ministerial servants must respect marriage between a man and a woman, avoid sexual immorality, and be loyal to their wives, without giving undue attention to other women.
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
Respect Jehovah's rule that marriage is the unique union between a man and a woman.
That includes, as Job did, making a covenant with his eyes not to give undue interest in another woman.
20. How does a man run his house well?
A ministerial servant runs his household well by taking his responsibilities as head of the household seriously. This includes leading family worship weekly, participating in the preaching work with all members of your household as often as possible, and helping your children cultivate a friendship with Jehovah. By caring for your family in this way, you show that you can also care for the congregation,
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
Taking those responsibilities as Jehovah sees them, for example, doing family worship on a regular basis, also participating as much as they can with their family members in the preaching work. All of this will ensure that over time the children can also have a good relationship with Jehovah and become a stable family.
If a man takes good care of his family, as Timothy 3:5 says, if he knows how to take care of his home, he will be able to take good care of the congregation.
21. What can you do if you are not yet a ministerial servant?
If you are not already a ministerial servant, pray to Jehovah and carefully study the requirements discussed in this article. Strive to fulfill them, thinking about how much you love Jehovah and your fellow Christians. Strengthen your desire to serve them, following the advice of 1 Peter 4:8,10. In this way, you will be able to experience the happiness of serving your spiritual family.
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
Pray to Jehovah, study the information in this study article about the requirements for being a ministerial servant, and strive to meet those requirements.
Strive to meet the requirements, and above all, as it says in 1 Peter 4:8, so above all have love for one another, just as Jesus did.
We must be convinced that Jehovah does not ask more of anyone than he can give. So we have the opportunity to qualify and serve as ministerial servants.
As Philippians 2:13 says, Jehovah will give them the desire and energy to be able to achieve their goal. If they really want to serve Jehovah and be ministerial servants, they will make an effort and Jehovah will bless them.
WHAT DO WE LEARN FROM...
... Mateo 20:28?
We learn that true leadership is based on service to others. Jesus taught that “whoever wants to become great among you must serve others and whoever wants to be first among you must be the slave of all.” This shows us that the correct motivation for assuming responsibilities in the congregation is the desire to serve others.
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
We learn that the motivation for being a ministerial servant must be love for Jehovah and also for the brothers in the congregation. This will mean that any task assigned to them will be considered equally important, whatever it may be.
... Marcos 6:31-34?
We learn that Jesus found great joy in serving others, even when he was tired. Despite his exhaustion, he taught the crowd and tended to their physical needs, showing that serving others gave him enormous satisfaction. This teaches us that we can find happiness by working for the well-being of our brothers.
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
We learn that like Jesus, we have to put the interests of our brothers in need before our own. In the same way, do it in the field ministry, which is what Jesus did.
Jesus taught us that true happiness lies in working for the well-being of our dear brothers. Jesus did not do things because he had to do them, but because he wanted to from his heart and was motivated by his love for Jehovah and for those in need.
... 1 Timothy 3:8-10, 12?
We learn the specific requirements for being a ministerial servant, such as being serious, not being double-tongued, not coveting dishonest gain, not drinking much wine, having a clear conscience, and being free from accusation. Additionally, the importance of testing a brother's ability before assigning him responsibilities is highlighted. Making sure it is reliable and capable of accomplishing its tasks.
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
We learn that among many things, ministerial servants must be serious, responsible, dignified, must not covet dishonest gains, and must be honest in matters of money.
We learn that a ministerial servant should not drink a lot of wine, he should be very careful with his alcohol consumption. That way he will continue to be a good example for the congregation.
We learn that ministerial servants must be husbands of one wife, which means they should never be guilty of sexual immorality. And also respect Jehovah's original rule regarding marriage, which is that it is only formed by a man and a woman.
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