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An intermediate, theoretical and
practical course for members of local churches
This material provides an effective and enjoyable training course which shows
how to plan, prepare and lead lively, ordered and Biblical congregational
worship.
It develops the leadership potential in church members, and provides them with
the spiritual tools for making worship meaningful and relevant for all those
taking part. The course is based wholly on the Bible.
Students should be full members of
their local church, and nominated by the church to do this course. At the same
time, the church must give the students opportunities for practical
participation in leading services.
How to Prepare and Lead Services
includes three texts: 1) the student's study book, 2) the service handbook, and
3) the group leader's manual. All emphasise throughout the following aspects of
worship:
That it should be:
>>> reverent and relaxed
>>> orderly but flexible
>>> disciplined and efficient
>>> welcoming and joyful
>>> directed but shared
That it should manifest:
>>> peace and confidence
>>> faith and hope
>>> authority and power
>>> unity and aims
>>> joy and testimony
That it should include:
>>> praise and adoration
>>> confession and forgiveness
>>> exhortation and counsel
>>> admonition and ministry
>>> biblical teaching and service
>>> humility and respect
>>> mutual acceptance and support
While doing this, the course covers
the areas needed to make up varied, lively, sound Bible-based worship services.
These areas are like the ingredients of a cake: miss a key one out, or put in
too much of another, and it doesn't come out as well as it might; it may go flat
or be too frothy! The right balance is needed.
The different areas covered are:
>>> The introduction and opening
>>> Adoration and praise (hymns/choruses, prayer)
>>> Confession of sin; assurance of forgiveness
>>> Testimony and creed (statement of belief)
>>> Thanksgiving; offering; notices; petition
>>> Bible reading and teaching
>>> Final blessing and sending out into the world
Special services are also covered:
>>> The Lord's Supper (Holy
Communion);
>>> Baptisms
>>> Engagements and weddings;
>>> Family service in the home
>>> Wakes and funerals;
>>> Other services (seasonal, etc.)
How to Prepare and Lead Services is
not for the mere acquisition of theory/information! It is essentially very
practical, and assignments are given that require the students' participation in
leading sections of - or the whole - worship within the congregational
situation.
Its aims are to enable the students
to plan, prepare and lead effective, reverent and meaningful worship that
glorifies God and at the same time builds up and unites all those taking part,
both leaders and congregation.
As in all SEAN courses, the group
leader is the key factor in the success or otherwise of the programme. For this
particular course, the Leader should be mature in the faith and his spiritual
standing recognised in the local church.
Preferably the leader should have
some previous experience and ability in leading services and at the same time be
eager to incorporate others into this role. Even some church authorities
(pastors and ministers) who have always exercised a one-man control of worship,
perhaps would find it very useful to be students rather than group leaders
initially, especially if they have found it difficult to share with others the
responsibilities and joys of guiding the congregation in worship! This course
should not be seen as a threat by ministers; rather it is to train a wider group
of effective worship leaders.
As there is no biblical principle
that separates Christians into either 'performers' or 'audience', 'clergy' or
'laity', 'doers' or 'hearers', why not get more members involved? And this
course will enable you to do just that!
Share the load and share the
blessing! |
