Theologies, Philosophies & Practices of Worship
Responsive Reading of Scripture
This article calls for vibrant congregational responsive reading that can be achieved through congregational rehearsal and creative adaptation of the biblical text. Several examples of the authors’ work appear in the next chapter of this volume.
Ways of Proclaiming Scripture Dramatically
Here are some helpful guidelines to enliven Scripture readings and thus communicate the Word of God more clearly. Six ways of rendering Scripture dramatically are presented, along with a variety of practical suggestions for preparing dramatic readings for use in worship services.
Guidelines for Reading Scripture Effectively
The public reading of Scripture is a skill that can be developed with experience and practice. Becoming sensitive to the nature of the scriptural text and the way in which listeners hear public reading is also an important aspect of this skill development. This chapter prescribes a series of helpful approaches to Scripture reading and gives several examples for how a given passage may be brought to life through public reading.
An Appropriate Style for Scripture Proclamation
Reading Scripture effectively can bring the text to life. This article argues that the best way to do that is through a typical conversational tone of voice. Scripture readers are encouraged to carefully study and rehearse each passage they are to read.
Involving Children in Drama for Worship
Involving children in a drama ministry provides an appropriate way to use their unique gifts in the life of the congregation, encourages their spiritual growth, and makes an important contribution to common worship. These and other benefits of a children’s drama ministry are described here.
Drama and Preaching
Drama and preaching are both means for communicating biblical truths. Yet they are fundamentally different in their most typical forms, with preaching presenting a message and drama representing a narrative. This article gives helpful historical perspectives to the use of drama in worship, as well as guidelines for the appropriate relationship of preaching and drama in worship today.
Readers’ Theater in the Church
Readers’ theater is a form of drama well-suited to the church. It attempts to present a text rather than to represent or portray an event. It minimizes the staging that may be difficult in some worship spaces. This article describes both the history of readers’ theater and gives suggestions for its use in the church.