How to Serve as a Bible Reader

Role: Read the bible clearly and audibly for the congregation
Who to ask: Darryl Soh (9am) Ian Halbisch(10:30am) Bec Chan (6pm)
Hours required: You need to spend time before Sunday preparing the set passage and arrive early (before church) for the Sunday you are on, to join in prayer at 10:10am/5:40pm and talk to the leader of the meeting.
Why this ministry matters: On Sunday, nothing is more important than the Bible reading - we are hearing the very words of God!
When you read aloud (whether the passage is long or short) you are making a vital contribution to the life of our church community.

Job description: There is a training for Bible reading at DPC. This is simply a checklist for those that have already been trained.

PRAYER AT 10:10AM / 5:40PM
Everyone involved "up front" in the meeting needs to meet for prayer before church. Either at 10:10am or at 5:40pm please assemble in the musos area.

Being prepared
Because the reading of the Bible is important, it is important that it is done well. When you read the Bible in church your aim should be to communicate the Word of God, as clearly as possible. The way it is read, should help people to understand it. And to read it that well, means you will have to prepare. There is no substitute for preparation. When a reader is not prepared it is obvious and benefits no one.

What to do when you are reading in church...
1. Have your Bible out and the page marked. Know the page number in the church Bible.
2. Calm yourself before reading, check your breathing.
3. Come right out the front to the microphone.
4. Announce the reading (start & finish verse) and give the page number in the church Bibles.
5. Allow plenty of time to find it (unchurched people may not be able to find Zephaniah as speedily as you can)
6. Announce the reading again as you start.
7. Read it.
8. Sit down.

HELPFUL HINTS
1. Make sure you read and prepare from the NIV.
2. Make sure you know where the reading finishes. If you have read it through a few times beforehand, this will not
be a problem.
3. Practice and you will not stumble, but if you do, just keep on going. You don't need to stop and apologise.
4. Don't rush it. Its always the temptation for people self-conscious about being up the front. Read slower than you
normally would read
5. You don?t need to look up.
6. Be natural! No weird minister's voices please! Use your own voice. There are enough weird ministers - we don't
need any more.
7. Remember - you are serving the Lord and His people, not parading your competence.
8. Pray that God will help you read it so what He says is clear.

Know the Passage
1. What is the main point (Mark 10:35-45).
2. Style of writing (Galatians 1:6-9) & (Psalm 147)
3. Any repeating words or opposites (Luke 15:1-10)
4. Direct Speech, Asides, Explanations, etc. (Mark 7:1-4, Mark 7:5-8)

add comment