I have a pastor friend who said on one occasion as he stood to preach: “The Word of God is the most important proclamation you'll hear today. Everything else is just commentary.” It's worth thinking about, isn't it?
As “people of the Word,” it's also worth thinking about how much of the scripture is actually included in our corporate worship experiences. If we really took time to analyze it, it just might be less than we think. There are, of course, references and allusions to the Bible in the songs we sing, and maybe in the prayers we pray. But the unfiltered reading and proclamation of the Word of God has power … power to comfort, to assure, to challenge, to convict, and to lead us to repentance.
So, how do we do this creatively, with the most impact? Here are four ideas:
- As an interlude in a congregational song. We recently included the hymn, Grace Greater Than Our Sin, in one of our worship sets. After a couple of verses and choruses, two readers came forward and read significant passages of scripture that were “grace” themed as our pianist played quietly under them. Then we sang the chorus one more time.
- As an introductory set-up to a choir piece. You may have to alter, adapt or expand the introduction to a choir anthem, but when that selection is based on, or strongly refers to, a scripture text, hearing the passage read before the choir sings really helps reinforce the message.
- As a responsive reading. Models for these type readings are easily found in most hymnals, or with a little effort, you can create your own. These can be dialogs between Choir and Congregation, Leader and Congregation, Men and Women, or any combination of these. [Hint: the larger the group that's speaking, the shorter their part should be.]
- Spontaneous participation. Simply ask people to stand and quote (or read) a significant verse or passage of scripture. A prompt from the worship leader as to the theme is the best way to handle this: God's promises, faithfulness, love, etc. are good starting points. You might want to introduce this idea at the beginning of the service and actually incorporate it several minutes later, or just do it “spur of the moment.”
There's an undeniable comfort and assurance that's derived when our folks realize that what we're doing isn't based on our personal preferences or on popular opinion, but on the time-tested, unfailing Word of God. So, however you choose to do it, incorporate scripture regularly, and as creatively as possible in the worship services you help plan and implement. After all, God's Word will never return to Him void. And that's a promise you can count on!
