The Main Course: Proclaiming the Word

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.

Wow—how do we respond to all this?  That is what we will look at in the next installment!