The Sound of Scripture: Lay Reader Workshops

Reading Scripture aloud is a blessing to those who read and those who hear! My goal is to help lay readers express the meaning of each passage.

Sound of Scripture workshops are free of charge, requiring only that each reader purchase a copy of “The Sound of Scripture” (available from Lutheran University Press or Amazon.com)

Your workshop would vary a bit depending on the number of readers, but basically it involves a brief lecture, followed by one-to-one coaching.

The lecture material includes the following...

What Holy Scripture tells us about reading aloud
Understanding the meaning of Biblical texts
Steps in preparing the lesson for reading aloud
Vocal expressiveness exercises and practice reading selected Biblical passages
One-to-one practice and comment/feedback for each reader

The workshop includes a slide presentation, if you have projection equipment. If not, we can work without it as well.

Whether you are starting a new lay reader program, adding volunteers to an established group, or in need of basic training for established readers, this workshop and the accompanying book will help.

Please let me know how I can help your readers clarify and articulate God’s great story for your congregation.

Barbara Laughlin Adler, PhD
Sound of Scripture Workshops
Ann Arbor, Michigan
barb.adler@cuaa.edu
734-663-8489

comments on The Sound of Scripture: Reading the Bible Aloud

"This volume comes from an experienced and respected lay professional who is familiar with the principles of public speaking but who also clearly understands the purpose of Christian worship. Dr. Adler offers a sensitive and fresh approach which should certainly be extremely helpful for pastors, vicars, lay readers, Sunday School teachers, or any who are called upon to read the Bible in public."

(Rev. Dr. Howard W. Kramer, President Emeritus, Concordia Lutheran Theological Seminary, St. Catharines, Ontario)

"Dr. Adler provided excellent instruction for our lectors. She grounded them in reverence for the Sacred Text and for the holy task of the public reading of Scripture. Her balanced approach aimed us squarely at communicating the Word to draw the hearers’ attention to its meaning. She provided simple practical tips which will have a significant impact on the effectiveness of our lectors’ efforts.”

(Pastor Charles R. Schulz, St. Thomas Lutheran Church, Ann Arbor)

"after 2l years on the Seminary faculty and many more years of listening to seminary field workers and young pastors reading the Scriptures and portions of the liturgy in worship services, I've often wished we could do a better job of helping pastors as well as lay readers read more effectively."

(Rev. Dr. Ralph Bohlmann, President Emeritus, Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod)

“I greatly appreciate the Scriptural premise and examples laid out in each section. Some of the references and practical advice take me back to Dr. Adler’s classroom, as with the encouragement to "get out of the way" of the text... The summaries provide a wonderful quick reference...and practical exercises.”

(Rev. Christopher Fairbairn, Associate Pastor, St. Paul Lutheran Church, Northville, Michigan)

The Sound of Scripture

Pages

Lay Reader Workshops

About Me