In my recent entry of November 26, I wrote about the way we are invited into
God’s presence as we begin worship. What
is the purpose of having the Confession and the Assurance of Pardon early in
the service? Why do we have a call to
worship? For the last few weeks when
you’ve come to church, have you paid attention to how the call to worship and
the hymns or praise songs affect your heart and spirit as you begin the prayer
of confession and then receive the assurance of pardon? I hope that your mind, heart, and spirit were
cleansed as you gathered around and prepared to hear the word and meet God.
With that time of invitation and preparation, we are now opened to receiving the Word—which happens in the
next movement: “Proclaiming the Word.” We have finished with the “appetizers” (that
which enhances our appetite) and it’s on to the main course! In the Reformed tradition, “Proclaiming the
Word” could be seen as the primary reason we even come to church!
While gathering around the word
appears to be more oriented to what the congregation does, proclaiming the word seems to be what the preacher does—or is it? Let’s take a look…
In the Presbyterian Book of Order
there are many suggestions of how to Proclaim the Word, all or some of which
may be included in this movement. First,
as preparation for the reading, proclaiming, and hearing of God’s Word (and as
a bridge between gathering and proclaiming), a prayer may be spoken or sung seeking the illumination of the Holy
Spirit.
Next is the time when the Worship Leader may read the Scripture lessons suitable of the day
or the lesson may be read by the congregation responsively, antiphonally, or in
unison. Often, the Worship Leader reads
one selection and the preacher (usually the pastor) reads the one introducing
the sermon.
Psalms or anthems, and other
musical forms or artistic expression
which proclaim or interpret the Scripture lessons or their themes, may be
included with the reading lessons. A
wonderful choir, Praise team, soloists and other musicians may share in this
aspect of proclaiming the word! Have you
ever considered doing a dramatic skit or reading in order to proclaim the
word? Children can be part of this when
they hear the pastor’s children’s stories.
What other ways might the word be proclaimed in our midst? There is an
infinite variety of ways that the arts can be incorporated here in this
movement!
If none of these other elements happened, I know we would need to hear
the Word as interpreted in a sermon
preached by the pastor (or other designated preacher). The sermon may take on
forms other than the typical sermon to which we’ve become accustomed (after
being authorized by the session and the pastor). What are some of the different ways you’ve
experienced? Usually the proclamation concludes with a prayer but could also
close with a time of rejoicing and praise.
It is appropriate here to call the people to discipleship, to challenge
them to incorporate into their lives what they have just heard.
