Tips for the Public Reading of Scripture at Bethel Church of the Nazarene
Each week the congregation gathers in worship. Several elements comprise the corporate act of Christian worship, including prayer, Scripture, songs, collection of offering, sermon, Eucharist, and others. Our attention here is the public reading of Scripture.
Scripture records the stories the people of God told one another about the amazing and wondrous events they believed God to be doing in the world. Today the reading of Scripture should reflect that same immediacy and belief. In fact, the reading should be like telling a friend an important and exciting development in your life. Unfortunately there is a tendency to regard Scripture as distant, dry and boring. The public reading of Scripture should bring the stories of God to life for contemporary listeners.
GETTING COMFORTABLE WITH THE SCRIPTURE TEXT
Perhaps the tendency to regard Scripture as distant, dry and boring is because too many of us have listened to others read Scripture as if it didn’t matter to them. Cold and lifeless readings abound. It is imperative that the reader has entered into the Scripture text they will read publicly.
How might one select a translation for public reading? There are numerous factors to consider when deciding on a particular translation of Scripture. Some editions lose the melodic rhythm of poetry in translation. Some convey the spirit of the translation in very contemporary language. Some retain important word choices retrieved from the Hebrew or Greek texts. Each translation is already an interpretation of the original texts. Thus, the first step is to consider the passage of Scripture. A second step is to consult with the scheduled preacher for further guidance and confirmation of your translation decision. This should be done early in the week so as to insure appropriate time to prepare your reading.
How might one interpret the Scripture for public reading? Ask questions of the text. Is there humor or irony in the text? What inflection will best convey that to the listener? Is there a prevailing emotion or intention to the passage? How can your voice convey that sense? Try some different possibilities until you are comfortable that you have entered the Scripture reading and can help other enter into the reading. (Also, try to end your sentences when looking at the congregation. This helps your reading feel conversational and intimate.)
How might one enter a Scripture reading? Read through the text a number of times prior to Sunday morning. Study the text. Listen to the text. These activities will help you to find the appropriate rhythm of the text and will give you a sense of how to read the text. Your study and engagement of the text will help you understand where to pause and which words to emphasize as you read the Scripture text publicly. As a reader of Scripture in the context of worship your responsibility is to help those gathered to hear the Scripture lesson as if they’ve never heard it before. In doing so, you are helping the congregation enter the story.
How might one practice reading Scripture? A good place to practice is in front of a mirror. The more you see yourself in the mirror, the more often you will be making eye contact with the congregation. The reader’s eye contact engages the listener and keeps their attention. This is very important for conveying a sense of conversational intimacy. You are telling a very important story — God’s story!
GETTING COMFORTABLE WITH YOUR VOICE AND YOUR ATTIRE
Morning voices need a work out before reading in public. You should read the text aloud a couple times on Sunday morning. Massaging your throat and cheeks loosens your voice as well. Even though all this sounds extreme for a few minutes of reading it is important. (Also, it can also help to stretch your shoulders if you think you may tense up.)
Walking to the pulpit will draw attention to you naturally. This requires that the reader pay special attention to their attire and appearance. Because the public reading of Scripture is a sacred act in Christian worship the reader’s attire should reflect the sacredness of the task. This is NOT the place for shorts and hats or torn jeans and tight shirts. At the same time Bethel is NOT a place of suits and ties or elegant dresses and blouses. A good suggestion for thinking about attire is “professional casual.” While Bethel is casual there is something sacred about our gathering for Christian worship. This cannot be lost on the one entrusted with reading the Church’s sacred text.
GETTING COMFORTABLE IN THE PULPIT SPACE
Please visit the pulpit area prior to reading on Sunday to find a good fit. Sit toward the front of the sanctuary. This will allow you to enter and exit the pulpit area quickly and reverently. When you step behind the pulpit to read:
1. Situate yourself and your Bible. Holding the Bible about halfway between the pulpit and your face allows you to see both text and congregation. In this position you will be able to make eye contact with the listeners. If it is helpful you might produce the text in a larger font for reading purposes.
2. Wait for everyone to settle down to hear the reading. There is often disruptive movement between corporate acts of worship. There is no rush to begin the reading. Wait until everyone quiets down before you introduce the reading. Take a deep breath and then begin the reading. Your first words might be “A reading from . . .”
READING CONSIDERATIONS:
1. Slow is better! There is a natural tendency to speak quickly when speaking in public. This can only be undone with repeated practice. People need to hear everything you say, so go slower than you think you need to.
2. Pause occasionally. Pausing lets people catch up with what you are reading. This adds drama, and lets you collect yourself, too.
3. Offer a clear introduce to the text. Before you begin reading the Scripture text introduce the passage with a phrase like “a reading from [cite chapter and verse]”
4. Close the reading. Pause at the end of the Scripture reading and then say “The word of the Lord.” The congregation will respond “Thanks be to God!”