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The purpose of the Textbook

The revised edition of "Pay Attention to Yourselves and to All the Flock" is presented as a practical and convenient handbook for congregation elders and traveling overseers to use in caring for responsibilities as shepherds of the flock of God.‹Acts 20:28; I Pet. 5:2.

As appointed elders and Christian overseers, you have been given the responsi- bility to ensure that the flock is well fed. (Compare John 21:15-17.) Among other things, this calls for teaching the congregation as a whole through instructive meetings. It also involves appropriate teaching on a personal basis to enlighten, give counsel, exhort, and reprove. Improving your ability as teachers is given special consideration in this publication.

Another important part of an overseer's work involves taking the lead in field service. Therefore, emphasis is placed on your regular participation in the public ministry and on how you can help others to have a meaningful share.

With so many outside pressures bearing on the brothers, you are often faced with matters involving counsel and judgment. How can you be sure that you are viewing matters from Jehovah's standpoint? When judging cases that come to your attention, how can you be balanced in showing loving concern for the brothers involved while making sure that Jehovah's righteousness is upheld? This publication gives these matters careful consideration.

Material from the three original segments of "Pay Attention to Yourselves and to All the Flock, " published in 1977, 1979, and 1981, has been combined and updated. The outline presentation of the information has been retained. This facilitates locating particular points that you may need to find quickly. Thus the book will continue to serve as a handbook to be used in connection with elders' meetings, judicial matters, and the periodically conducted Kingdom Ministry School.

The wide margins and other blank spaces and pages have been provided so that you can make appropriate notes for your personal use and can add references as related information is published or otherwise brought to your attention. If it should become necessary to make substantial revisions at a future dale, the Society will issue revised information on individual pages that can be conveniently inserted, thus keeping the information in the book up-to-date.

We are confident that you greatly appreciate your privilege of serving Jehovah's people as undershepherds of God's flock. Your life is filled with many responsibili- ties; you are also subject to many pressures. On the other hand, you receive many blessings and much joy. May you find the information in this handbook to be helpful in caring for your assigned duties. And may your faithful service continue to bring refreshment and strength to the flock of God, your brothers.‹Isa. 32:2.