Lay Reader Training

Planning and Leading the Training Session

There are any number of ways to conduct training, depending on how often you have the group meet and how long each session will run. You might begin with a session just to learn the “basics”: where to find your assigned passage, which translation to use and which printed version, who to consult for questions or problems, how to use the microphone, how to introduce the reading and end it, and how to read slowly, with reverence and confidence. Here are some other matters to consider:

1. Who is responsible for assigning the readings for each lector? Where will the readings be made available? Will they appear in an email or be posted in the church office? The passages should be made available to each reader at least a week ahead of time, if not sooner.

2. Discuss the translation to use and the text version you want them to use: the lectionary, their own Bible? When you read Scripture aloud, your Bible represents the authority of God, right there in your hands. But the most preferred format is a large-print manuscript formatted with clues to your interpretation. Above all, never, never use a small sheet of paper with the text in small font. The best text to use is a personally formatted copy tucked inside your Bible. More about this coming up... 

3. Explain the importance of being “word perfect”. Readers should make every effort to pronounce words clearly. They should also avoid switching words or using “better” words or straying from the text in any way.

4. Walk everyone through procedures for approaching the lecturn or microphone. Conduct a practice session for proper use of the microphone (or lavalier mic), positioning the mic and achieving good quality sound. Approach the lecturn and facing the alter, bow your head for a moment of prayer. Standing at the lecturn:  

• Stand upright with good posture and your head up. 
• Make eye contact with the congregation and pause for a moment.
• Hold your Bible open with your manuscript copy inserted
• Begin with the bulletin introduction only, or simply cite the book title and chapter
• Project your voice; don’t rely on the microphone (it’s only electronic and can fail!)
• Allow yourself to react physically (but subtly!)

5. Introduce the reading with at least the book title and chapter (also the verses if appropriate). In some cases, you might add an explanatory remark, i.e. “The first reading is taken from Psalm 97. We are to offer praises to our sovereign Lord” Then be sure to pause / / / before beginning the lesson. After the passage, pause again, /// and end the reading with, i.e. “This is the word of the Lord.”

6.  Thorough training in vocal expressiveness, based on the instruction in The Sound of Scripture, will do much to improve vocal expressiveness and clarity. But just for a starter, give the group a very basic introduction to reading aloud that covers the following points:

• Pray for right understanding as you read the passage several times 
• Consult a commentary or study Bible to gain clear understanding of its meaning
• Identify its purpose, theme and meaning.  What is its central point? Before reading a passage of Scripture in public, you must clearly understand its meaning.  Study the passage as if you were going to explain it to someone else. Who is speaking? What is he/she saying exactly? Is it a story? A poem? Prophecy? Instruction?