Lectors serve during worship services to proclaim the Word of God. The following outline is used at St. John’s to prepare anyone who would like to read Scripture in worship.
Lector Training: 2022
St. John’s Episcopal Church
Introduction
Components of familiar Sunday worship:
o The Word of God
§ Opening, Song of Praise, and the Collect of the Day
§ The Lessons
§ Sermon; Nicene Creed; Prayers of the People; Confession; Peace
o The Holy Communion
A Reading from Luke 4:16-21
Ministry goal is to proclaim Holy Scripture in congregation as Jesus did
Honored task: experience & portray the inherent dignity
Preparing to proclaim God’s Word
Pray for openness to God’s Word – for ourselves & those listening
Prepare all readings for the day
Practice out loud
Consult Biblical Pronunciation Guide if there are any uncertainties
Natural pauses allow listeners to process reading
How we read conveys the special attention due Scripture as the Word of God
Proclaiming the living Word of God vs. recitation/reading/announcement
Communicate the meaning of the passage as fully as possible
o Loud (without shouting)
o Clear diction
o Confidence of pronunciation as well as meaning
o Pace geared to understanding without listeners reading the words
o Phrasing and inflection are intentional - e.g. quotation within a reading
o Speech pattern reflects message’s intent (e.g. lists reflect purpose vs. monotoned)
o No unnecessary emphasis or affectation
Movement and presentation within the ministry
Approaching the lectern & introducing the reading
Concluding the reading & leaving the lectern
Practice Passages
Genesis
Proverbs
Psalm
Paul’s Epistles (Letters)