namahatta.org - Congregational Development Ministry

Continuing to look at the focus of book distribution, I want to talk a bit about organization structure.

Firstl there needs to be a desire to start or expand a center's support, qualified individuals.

We notice when we listen to Srila Prahupada that on several occasions, when the desire to set up a temple or center was there, he would ask a senior devotee, who had been under his instruction, with simple words to go help this person. This has to be firstly our mood; if not, then our efforts will be of waste.

Now again I am going to approach things as done when I was a regular pioneer within the Jehovah's Witnesses; not that I am suggesting we adopt this system, but to highlight that we need to focus on the end results, the making of devotees, not the start, which is the book (we cannot deny the power of these books which carry the eternal knowledge of Krishna).

Firstly House-to-House Ministry Organization

This is usually done in groups of two (preferably two women together for safety), but also for training, as an individual new to the preaching work can work along side a senior person to learn. Where this was not possible due to numbers, senior individuals would usually work on their own, and was usually a male; only under exceptional circumstances, i.e., no one to work along side would a female work on her own.

When a house bible study is established or taken up, where possible a senior person of the same sex is chosen along with a new individual to learn the skills needed. This would usually already be established during the initial follow up, where a person of the same sex would be introduced.

Tuesday House Bible Study

It will be of a similar format to the bible study groups that meet in individual homes, usually on Tuesday nights; this would however be flexible in order to answer persons' individual questions and concerns. There is no fixed time for this, but the aim is to one day invite them to the bible study group to meet more people and see how the discussion can be more widely enhanced; as they are already familiar with the way things are done this transition is easier to do.

Sunday Meeting

This is the next step, again it has a simple format, a take on a subject chosen by the society given by one of the Elders, followed by a study which is found within the Watchtower magazine, which has a question & answer format. Again, this eases persons into becoming part of the congregation, as it follows the pattern of the previous two undertakings; At this point the individual will be encouraged to join us in house-to-house ministry work.

Theocratic Ministry School

This is usually covered on Thursday or Friday nights, but is made into two parts; those who are enrolled in the school are given a Bible based subject or one of the societie's books being studied at the time. We would also have a skill to learn (repetition for emphasis); we would be given advice on both if a crucial point was missed or if the skill was needing more work.

The second part would continue with the theme of instructing how best to present the societie's books, start a home Bible study, and develop relationships with those we meet.

Baptism

The final stage and recognition as a full member of the society, this is a study of one book (name I can't remember, it's been so long). Again simple question and answer to show understanding of biblical truths.

It is of note that the books studied in the house groups and meeting halls are set by the society; so no matter where you travel in the world, the same books will be being studied, at the same places in the books.

When new countries are being evangelized (I use this term loosely), a team is sent out by the Watchtower Bible and Track Society to establish a Kingdom Hall, fully supported.

In ISKCON

Within ISKCON were the emphasis is less on book scores and more on making a vibrant devotee community, we see that simple tactics work well.

Book distribution with an invite to the center, this includes not a personal to general contact for the center itself (it is always best not to give out personal details). If we work in the same location for a while, we can start to develop personal relationships needed to make devotees.

The center will have a set regular night when a small program will be incorporated, using our ace in the pack, namely Krishna prasadam along with either a music night with small discussion or Krishna prasadam with yoga. Relationships are further established along with trust.

Over time an invite to see our visiting spiritual masters, who will give inspirational talks on bhakti yoga and devotional life, and the need to read and understand Srila Prabhupada's books, followed by an invite to a nice light discussion of Bhagavad-gita and vedic philosophy, along with more Krishna prasadam. Then we also introduce the four regulative principles, slowly, as this usually freaks people out—especially, I've noticed, the no-sex part.

Using the skills an individual has, engage them in devotional service: "You know, I noticed you love cooking; I see how nicely you play the guitar. So you're good at it; you know, it would be nice if you could help us, we would be so happy if you could do this." No demand, not "we require," but that the person feels that they are valued, there skills are needed, and that they are doing what comes naturally helping a friend.

Work towards initiation, and yes, sankirtan!

We value the individual, that they not only need the book, but that they need to read the book; they need association and lots of lovely prasadam. And most important, a nice, happy smiling face, someone who they feel cares for them, listens to them, understands them, who is their friend.

Far better we make devotees, and then we can see the true amazing value of the books as over time each person returns home, back to Godhead.