VOLUNTEER TRAINING
Reading Scripture So People Listen
The following content is adapted from the work of Dale G. Durie, D. Min., Bethel University
"Until I come, devote yourself to the public reading of Scripture ... "
Paul writing to Timothy in 1 Timothy 4: 13
When a person stands to read Scripture at a special service like the Christmas Eve Service, we expect something special to happen. We expect to be caught-up by the passage. We expect to be inspired. We expect a "moment."
Such expectations, however, should not be reserved only for special occasions. All public reading of Scripture should paint the images of a passage on the canvas of our imaginations because, when done well, the public reading of Scripture serves as a commercial for the Bible, encouraging people to read it for themselves! On the other hand, when done poorly, we communicate that the Scriptures are ancient and boring!
While the public reading of Scripture is an art, and like all art, the quality of the product will be directly proportionate to the talent of the reader, even the less talented can learn to read Scripture so people listen. With much perspiration, we too can see a "moment" happen.
The goal of our reading of Scripture, then, is to express a passage in such a way as to inspire the audience/congregation with the meaning of the passage. To accomplish this goal, we must internalize the text so as to offer an incarnational reading.
MAKING THE READING OF A TEXT INCARNATIONAL
1. Select A Passage/Translation
(This has usually been done for you by one of the pastors.)
Select a passage that is meaningful to you.
Select a literary unit. If selecting a story (narrative) it should move from calm, to conflict, to resolution. If reading a Psalm, it should be considered a single unit unless a clear shift in focus can be discerned. In the Epistles, a paragraph is usually a thought unit, though more than one paragraph can address the same subject.
Select the translation that you feel most captures the heart of the passage.
Select a passage that fits in the 3-5 minute time requirement.
2. Study The Passage for Reading
What comes before and after the passage?
Notice the placement and types of punctuation in the passage.
What are the chief ideas? You won’t be able to give every word, sentence, or idea equal stress.
Are there keywords that need to be orally highlighted?
In a story, highlight the narration in one color and the dialogue in another.
What is the overall mood of the text?
What is the tension in the text?
3. Internalize the Passage
Divide it up into thoughts—slow down and take in each thought, meditate on each thought.
Read it aloud slowly—allow the text to speak to you.
Read it multiple times—a minimum of 4 times to yourself and 4 times out loud. The more you know the passage, the better you’ll read it and the more eye contact you can have with the audience.
Act it out—play the verbs and express the emotions with gestures.
4. Recreate the Passage as You Read
Maintain eye contact with the audience as much as possible so the audience can experience the passage through your eyes and facial expressions.
Introduce the passage—say, “Today’s Scripture reading is [book, chapter, verse].” In some cases, the passage may need some background information; the pastor will coach you on that if necessary.
After your introduction, pause long enough to create a sense of expectancy. Remember, what feels like a long pause to a speaker seems like a short pause to the listener. So make your pause painfully long for you!
As you read, read slowly enough that you can see each image and feel each emotion in the passage. Reading too fast is the most common mistake in Scripture readings.
Vocal techniques (changes in pace, pitch, and volume) and gestures will come naturally because of your knowledge of and familiarity with the text.
After you read the last word, pause. Say, “This is the Word of God.” Then, stand perfectly still, look over the audience, and let the words of the passage sink in for the audience, then go and sit down.