Lectors

The reading of Scripture In worship is a ministry of speaking the lessons in a way that allows the assembled congregation to hear together the lessons for the day. The Lector reads the lessons from the Hebrew Covenant (Old Testament) and/or the New Covenant (New Testament) at weekly and/or special liturgies. The Lector is responsible for reading the Word of God at public worship in such a way that the people can hear and comprehend each passage of Scripture, preparing for the Gospel and the sermon to follow. While not a performance, all care should be taken to ensure effective communication. To support your ministry as a Lector, these guidelines and instructions are offered.

No License is required. Training is required.

Before the Service

• Prepare ahead of time by reading aloud the appointed lessons. (It is helpful to know how to use the Lectionary* from the Book of Common Prayer or the Revised Common Lessons] Such preparation avoids stumbling over unfamiliar names; in addition, the more familiar one is with the scripture passages, the better one will read it.
  
• Check to see that the reading book open to the correct page prior to the service.
  

During the Service

• Begin the readings by saying "A reading from the Book of Genesis," or "A reading from the Acts of the Apostles." Do not use "Our first lesson is from ... " Citing chapter and verse is optional according to the rubrics* of the Book of Common Prayer.
  
• At the conclusion of the reading, pause for a brief moment and then say "The Word of the Lord".
  
• Wait for the congregational response of "Thanks be to God" before moving away from the lectern.
  
• The Lector must project his voice to the rear of the nave or church, and he must speak slowly and clearly. This may feel stilted at first, but people hear more slowly than most of us speak, so a slower speech pattern when reading will help others hear and
  comprehend the passage(s). If available, microphones may be helpful with volume.
• Look up at, but avoid making direct eye contact with the congregation while reading, while keeping your place with a finger or small piece of paper (another reason to practice beforehand).