Guidelines To Enlivening The Service Of The Word

As this article indicates, the liveliness of the Service of the Word depends on the full and conscious participation of every person in the dialogue of worship.

Because the nature of the Service of the Word is instructive, it, more than any other part of worship, is subject to cerebral overkill. The following guidelines will help a congregation break through the impasse of a passive, noninvolved approach to the Service of the Word. 1. As the Service of the Word is planned, recognize that its pattern is proclamation and response. 2. Introduce the reading of Scripture in such a way that people will be encouraged to listen attentively. 3. Establish a form of response to the Scripture reading. 4. Find new ways to communicate Scripture (drama, readers' theater, storytelling). 5. Increase the use of the psalms, said or sung. 6. Include acclamations at appropriate places (e.g., "Thanks be to God"). 7. Develop a conscious response to the sermon (talk-back sermon). 8. Develop a form of prayer that returns prayer to the people (e.g., bidding prayers). 9. Find ways to enhance the text through the arts. 10. Encourage the Passing of Peace as a joyous occasion. Each local church may have its own way of eliciting response. By following the above guidelines and employing a form of response familiar to the people, the Service of the Word will fulfill the pattern of God speaking and the people responding.