“That is why I am sending Timothy to you, because he is my beloved and faithful child in the Lord. He will remind you of my methods.” — 1 Corinthians 4:17 (NWT)

The congregation buzzed with anticipation. A new brother had just been appointed, and as he stepped onto the platform for his first assignment, there was excitement—yes—but also a quiet wondering: What will change now?

That question hangs in the air more often than we realize.

A newly appointed elder or ministerial servant may feel the weight of that moment pressing in, as though his appointment carries an expectation to blaze a trail, to leave a mark, to improve something now. But what if the real strength lies not in change—but in continuity?

The apostle Paul understood that.

When he sent Timothy to the congregation in Corinth, he didn’t introduce him as a reformer, or as someone with bold new ideas. No—he called him “my beloved and faithful child in the Lord.” And what was Timothy’s assignment?

“He will remind you of my methods.”

Not reinvent. Not overturn. Not disrupt.

But remind.

Because true spiritual progress is never about ego—it’s about harmony with Jehovah’s direction and care for His people.

That’s why the counsel to new appointees is both simple and wise: don’t feel pressured to change things just because you’re new. The need for change doesn’t come from personal desire. It comes from the needs of the congregation—and more importantly, from the direction of Jehovah’s organization.

So if you’ve recently been entrusted with a role of responsibility, take a breath. Look around. See what is already working—what has been built with prayer, scripture, and years of faith. Learn the rhythms of your congregation. Honor the experience of those who’ve gone before you. Their Bible-based methods are not just routines—they are legacies.

And legacy matters.

That doesn’t mean change will never come. In fact, Jesus said:

“The one who exercises faith in me will also do the works that I do; and he will do works greater than these.” — John 14:12 (NWT)

Yes—greater works. Not in authority, but in reach. Not in ambition, but in fulfillment of Jehovah’s progressive purpose.

So the time will come. As you grow, so will your influence. And when the congregation needs something new, your voice may be the one Jehovah uses to guide it forward. But the foundation you build on must be firm, faithful, and familiar.

Just like Timothy.

Just like Paul.

Just like Christ.

So what about us?

Whether we’re newly appointed or long serving, whether we’re training others or just learning the ropes—methods matter. Because behind every “how” is a “why.” And when those methods are rooted in scripture, seasoned with humility, and shaped by the example of Christ—they bless everyone.

“He will remind you of my methods.” — 1 Corinthians 4:17

May we be known, not for rushing to change, but for being faithful learners—gentle builders—patient shepherds.

Because that’s how trust grows.

That’s how unity is preserved.

And that’s how Jehovah moves His people—forward, together.