Apply Yourself to the Field Ministry for the Week of April 26–May 2, 2027

Making Disciples

In this two-minute talk by the meeting chairman, we briefly review Enjoy Life Forever!, lesson 12, “Frankness,” point 3: “Help your student set and reach goals.” Let us consider how to apply this advice when conducting a Bible study.

When we help someone learn from the Bible, we want that person to be able to put into practice what he or she is studying. But the person may not know where to begin. It is not enough to point out that he or she needs to make progress; we can help the person identify a specific step that is within reach.

A goal needs a plan. Saying that we want to improve is a good start, but it is helpful to think about what we will do to achieve it. The Bible highlights the importance of planning and working hard instead of acting hastily. Let us note what Proverbs 21:5 says.

Proverbs 21:5 — The plans of the diligent surely lead to success, But all who are hasty surely head for poverty.

This principle can guide us when helping a student. Instead of suggesting many changes at once, we could ask what he or she would like to put into practice from what has been learned. Listening to the answer will help us know what the student understands, what he or she wants to do, and what difficulty the student is facing.

For example, if the student wants to read the Bible more regularly, we could help him or her choose a suitable time and a portion that can be read. In this way, a general intention becomes a specific step. The idea is not to decide for the student but to help the person get organized.

Afterward, let us show interest in how things went. If the student did not reach the goal, before insisting, it is wise to listen to what happened. Perhaps the plan needs to be adjusted. If the student took a step forward, we can sincerely acknowledge that effort and encourage the person to continue.

The lesson’s picture shows Jesus speaking kindly to a man. Let us keep that manner in mind when offering help. Being frank about what the student needs to improve does not require speaking harshly or turning every conversation into a review of the student’s mistakes.

As we prepare for the next study, let us think of a useful goal for that student and how to help him or her reach it. This is not merely a matter of telling the student where to go but of patiently accompanying the person while taking the next steps.

Making Disciples

Publisher: Do you have a moment for the review, or do you have to leave now?

Householder: Yes, we can finish. Afterward I am going to buy a few things; my sister is coming for lunch on Saturday.

Publisher: Then let us review. The summary highlights that talking about the good news makes us happy and that getting started may be easier than we imagine. What might motivate you to preach the good news?

Householder: Wanting other people to learn what I am studying. I think of my sister, but I find it hard to imagine how to start without making things awkward.

Publisher: We also have the commission Jesus gave. That gives us an important reason to speak about what we learn. I am going to read Matthew 28:19.

Publisher: Matthew 28:19 — Go, therefore, and make disciples of people of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the holy spirit, Jesus wanted his disciples to help other people become disciples too. It was not just a matter of learning for oneself. Let us move to the second question: How can you do this respectfully?

Householder: By listening and not insisting if they do not want to talk. My sister knows that I study the Bible, but I do not want her to think I invited her over to give her a lesson.

Publisher: Of course, we need to respect the other person. And the last question is: How can you overcome nervousness?

Householder: By praying, like the woman in the picture before speaking with someone in the park. It would also help me to have a simple sentence prepared, because when I am nervous, my mind goes blank.

Publisher: Good. “Try This” asks you to think of a person, what to say, how to say it, and when to do it. You can make that your goal for this week.

Householder: The person would be my sister. Could we think together about what to say? The opportunity might come up on Saturday, but I do not know how to bring up the subject.

Publisher: I am sure you will think of something while you are talking. The important thing is to take courage. We have finished the review; next time we will begin the next lesson.

Publisher: Since you know your sister well, you will know best what might interest her. We do not need to spend more time preparing that conversation.

Householder: But if she asks why I am studying, I would like to explain it without going around in circles. Sometimes I give so many details that I lose my train of thought. That is why I wanted to practice with you.

Householder: Well . . . I will think about it, although I still do not know how to start. If the subject does not come up, I will probably leave it for another day.

Making Disciples

Householder: Tomorrow I am working with Rosa. I can spend half an hour talking with her about plants, but when I think about telling her that I study the Bible, my mind goes blank. And we get along well.

Publisher: Are you more concerned about how to begin or about what she might think of you afterward?

Householder: The second. I do not want her to think that every break will now turn into a religious conversation. I would not like someone to keep insisting on something to me either.

Publisher: Of course, you want to protect your friendship. That fits well with the review. The summary says that talking about the good news makes us happy and that getting started may be easier than we imagine. What would motivate you to try?

Householder: I like what I am learning and would like to share it with her. Also, I want to do what Jesus taught. But wanting to do something is one thing; finding the words when someone is in front of me is another.

Publisher: Yes, and Jesus not only gave an assignment; he also assured his disciples that he would support them. To consider those two ideas together, I am going to read Matthew 28:19, 20. Notice especially how it ends.

Publisher: Matthew 28:19-20 — Go, therefore, and make disciples of people of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the holy spirit, teaching them to observe all the things I have commanded you. And look! I am with you all the days until the conclusion of the system of things.” Jesus commanded them to teach, but he did not leave them alone with that responsibility. Thinking about what concerns you, how does remembering that promise help you?

Householder: It encourages me to know that they have his support. Although teaching seems like a lot for me. If Rosa asks me something I do not know, I might not know what to say.

Publisher: You do not need to know everything to tell her something you have already learned. And if a difficult question comes up, you can acknowledge that you need to research it. Returning to your initial concern, how could you speak to her respectfully?

Householder: By choosing a quiet time, not when we are filling orders. And by letting her speak too. If I notice that she does not want to continue, I would not change the subject again to return to the Bible.

Publisher: That way you respect her decision. We have the third review question left: How can you overcome nervousness? It may not disappear before you begin.

Householder: I could pray beforehand, like the student shown in the picture in the park. And prepare something simple. If I try to remember an entire speech, I will surely become even more nervous.

Publisher: Then let us make the “Try This” section specific: whom you will speak to, what you will say, how, and when. You have already thought of Rosa. Is there something from your conversations that would let you begin without forcing the subject?

Householder: Sometimes she asks me what I do after closing. I could tell her that I study the Bible one day a week. That would be more natural than showing up tomorrow and suddenly giving her an explanation.

Publisher: Yes. And what could you add so that it is not just a fact about your schedule but an opportunity to share something you value?

Householder: That I am enjoying discovering what Jesus taught. Then I could ask her whether she has ever read anything about his teachings. But I do not know whether that would sound too prepared.

Publisher: You can say it in your own words and listen to her response. You do not have to ask the question if it does not fit. Preparing means having a starting point, not forcing yourself to follow a script.

Householder: Then I will try to mention it tomorrow during the break, if things are quiet. If there is a lot of work, I will wait for another time this week. I would rather not do it while worrying that a customer will come in.

Publisher: That seems like a specific and flexible goal. What would help you remember it when the time comes?

Householder: I will write her name and the opening idea here. Before the break I can review it and pray. I will not try to explain the entire lesson to her; I will just open the door to a conversation.

Publisher: Next time you can tell me how it went. If the opportunity did not arise or you lacked courage, we can see what needs adjusting. The idea is to help you progress, not to put you under pressure.

Householder: That makes me feel able to try. I am still a little embarrassed, but now I know where to start and I do not feel that I have to get Rosa to accept everything.

Making Disciples

Householder: While sorting a box belonging to my grandfather, I found something that reminded me of this lesson. It is a pendant he wore for protection. I set it aside because I did not know what to do.

Publisher: Is what makes you hesitate the purpose for which your grandfather used it, or is it hard for you to think about letting go of a memento of him?

Householder: Both. I do not wear it, and I do not believe it protects me. But he gave it to me with great affection. I would not want to treat it as if it meant nothing.

Publisher: To you it represents your grandfather, not merely an object. Let us keep that in mind as we review. The first question is: What do faithful angels do to help people learn about Jehovah?

Householder: They help people learn about Jehovah. The picture of the two Witnesses preaching, with an angel behind them, helped me remember that angels support this work.

Publisher: Yes, faithful angels help us. But the lesson also discusses other spirit creatures. Who are Satan and his demons?

Householder: They are enemies of Jehovah. And they use occultism to deceive people. That is why not everything presented as spiritual help is good.

Publisher: That brings us to the last review question: Why would it not be wise for you to turn to any form of occultism?

Householder: Because I do not want to be deceived by them. I want to draw close to Jehovah. I understand that; my question is whether keeping something out of affection is the same as using it.

Publisher: I understand the distinction you are making. You are not saying that you want to practice occultism. To think about what to do with something connected with it, let us consider a decision recorded in the Bible. I am going to read Acts 19:19.

Publisher: Acts 19:19 — Indeed, quite a number of those who practiced magical arts brought their books together and burned them up before everybody. And they calculated their value and found them worth 50,000 pieces of silver. Those people did not merely stop practicing magic; they also got rid of the books connected with it. What stands out to you about their decision?

Householder: That they lost a lot of money. They could have kept the books without using them. But in my case the value is not financial. Although the pendant is worth almost nothing, it is hard for me.

Publisher: Of course, losing a keepsake can be harder than losing money. The account helps us think about what we are willing to leave behind in order to keep away from occultism. I do not want to decide for you.

Householder: That reassures me. If you told me to throw it away right now, I would probably do so out of obligation, but I would still feel that I had done something wrong with a gift from my grandfather.

Publisher: And what we want is for you to make a decision based on your own convictions. What does the “Try This” section suggest for someone who has an object that might be connected with occultism?

Householder: To consider whether I have such an object and ask Jehovah for wisdom to decide what to do. I have already identified one, but I have not yet prayed specifically about it.

Publisher: So what goal could you set for yourself this week in order to move forward instead of leaving the question unresolved indefinitely?

Householder: I could pray about the matter and reread this account calmly. I also want to think about what is really difficult for me: letting go of the pendant or feeling that I am forgetting my grandfather.

Publisher: That distinction may help you. Do you have other keepsakes of his that are not related to the use he made of the pendant?

Householder: Yes, letters and many photos. I even have a picture of the two of us when he taught me to ride a bicycle. That memory says much more about our relationship than the pendant does.

Publisher: Getting rid of that object would not erase what you experienced with him. When could you set aside some time to pray and review what we have read?

Householder: Sunday afternoon will be quiet. I will write it down here. I cannot promise that it will be easy, but I will think about it seriously and ask Jehovah for help.

Publisher: If you would like, next study you can tell me how it went and what you decided. And if something still concerns you, we can review it together.

Householder: There is another thing that concerns me: What if someone in my family asks about the pendant? I would not want them to think that I am rejecting my grandfather.

Publisher: You can explain your reasons without judging him. One thing is to talk about what you have learned and another is to criticize what he believed. How could you express it?

Householder: I could say: “I still love Grandpa very much, but I have learned why to avoid amulets. I would rather remember him through our photos and his letters.”

Publisher: That sounds loving and clear. On Sunday you could also think about how to explain your decision in your own words without turning the conversation into an argument.

Householder: Yes, I would rather do it that way. It is no longer just a matter of setting the pendant aside and avoiding the subject. I have something specific to do before we study again.

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