Strangers & Aliens

I don't expect there are many Christians who say that we don't need to read the Bible in our meetings. Duh? Yet, there are actually lots of questions and issues surrounding Bible reading which are worth mentioning, if only to get the grey matters going. Here are some thoughts:

1. Although I find lectionaries too constraining, there is something to be said for regular reading of the Bible, including passages other than those being preached in church. Model here what you hope people are doing at home. Sometimes a comment or two is warranted (though take care to avoid preaching a second sermon without first discussing it with leaders - they have asked you to lead the meeting, not to preach).

2. If you are going to ask others to read, rehearse with them. This will give them confidence in the passage and help them over words which might make them stumble. I remember hearing about a lady who substituted every difficult word with the place name "Kings Langley" (where she lived). It simply became a running joke and made the public reading of the Scriptures into a Monty Python joke. If people are not confident enough to read, don't make them.

3. Read carefully and clearly, but don't avoid long passages for the sake of it. There's nothing worse than hearing a leader say something like "our passage is _____, but we've only time to read a few short verses, starting at verse 15." What? Think how it sounds and what confidence you are giving people in God's word.

4. Immerse yourselves in the Scriptures yourself. Seems obvious, but people will spot if you do not. No hypocrisy here.

5. A strange request. Check the preacher is happy for you to read his passage. I am usually not. I delight that we read the Scriptures and that others get involved, but as a rule, I like to read my own passage. That is because (a) I read a passage and preach on it together - I don't like to divorce the reading and preaching as though they are separate and unconnected; (b) I've had people give the wrong emphasis to a passage where a simple tone of voice is unhelful and needs to be corrected (for example, someone putting a whining whinging voice to God's words which I wanted to show were a careful yet serious exhortation - disaster!); (c) because I often comment on a passage as I go, meaning that I move some exegesis from the sermon to the reading.

6. Use the Scriptures to introduce songs, prayers and ideas. Years ago, hymn books used to have a Bible verse above each hymn. Perhaps we don't need to return to that exact practice, but the sentiment is bang on. A song sung in response to the Scriptures has added poignancy, rather than just "and now let's sing....."

7. Read the Scriptures together. This is great for passages like the Psalms. We normally say "it doesn't matter what version you have, or what language, it is good for us to encourage one another as we read aloud together."

8. Let people find the passage in their own Bibles. Page numbers can be helpful (though don't forget the actual reference!). I ask people to look up when they have found the passage; that way, I have people's attention and I know I have not left a new Christian who can't find Mark, for example, behind.