On Wednesday evenings I am conducting a variety of "Worship Workshops," the past two Wednesdays devoted to "Oral Interpretation" or "The Public Reading of Scripture." The latest workshop material is presented below. Future workshops will be posted as they become available.
The Public Reading of Scripture(Oral Interpretation)
There is an important difference between oral reading and silent reading. Any person can benefit from practice in the correct way to read aloud. Just being able to pronounce the words is not good reading, and fast reading is not necessarily good reading when we are attempting to interpret the meaning of a passage for an audience. In order to read effectively the reader must feel deeply and convey the feelings through skillful use of the voice and body.
ORAL INTERPRETATION is reading aloud from the printed page with the purpose of interpreting what is read so that its meaning is conveyed to the listeners. For our purposes, Oral Interpretation and Public Reading of Scripture are used interchangeably.
Successful Oral Reading demands that the speaker know his or her material well enough that he or she can interpret fully and accurately the ideas, meanings, and beauties placed in the Scripture by the author. To do this capably, a burden of careful, almost meticulous preparation is placed on the reader. Much attention must be given to understanding what the author is saying; the reader assumes the responsibility of discovering the author’s meaning. When the reader starts to voice the author’s ideas, he or she still faces the difficult problem of imparting accurate meanings and moods by properly using his or her voice, expressions and actions. (Gail C. Hartzog, Voice and Diction Workshop, 1990)
GUIDELINES FOR PUBLIC READING OF SCRIPTURE
Preparing the Reading
1. You may want to type the reading using double spacing and leave wide margins. Another option is to mimeograph an enlarged copy of the text.
2. Read the passage silently, then read it aloud several times. This will help you get the “feel” of the passage. You will also discover any problems with pronunciation.
3. Study the emotional content, the mood of the passage. Is it joyful? Is it somber? Is it instructive? Is it written as poetry? Decide on the tone of the reading. The emotional content will dictate the tone of the reading.
4. Study the biblical meaning of the passage. Understanding of a biblical passage is essential to a proper oral reading.
5. Check the pronunciation of any word that you are not sure of. If you are not sure, look it up.
6. Let the tone of the reading dictate rate, pitch, volume.
Rate refers to the speed at which a person speaks.
Pitch refers to the tonal qualities produced in vocalization.
Volume refers to the amount of force needed in speaking for the message to be heard and for the emotional message of the reading to be conveyed. Speak naturally, but do let the tone and content of the reading dictate vocal variety.
7. Let the meaning dictate force, emphasis, and volume.
8. Mark the reading in a way that will assist you in emphasizing the tone and meaning.
9. Pay close attention to punctuation marks.
10. Let your facial expressions correlate with the meaning. Use gestures when possible; however, do not allow gestures to detract from the meaning.
The Actual Reading
1. Give a Brief Introduction
(1) Make it brief and in your own words.
(2) Include the book, chapter, verse of Scripture, and Bible translation. Including the author is also beneficial.
2. The Actual Reading
(1) Stand erect with both feet slightly apart. Do not lean on the podium or pulpit.
(2) Hold the Bible as you read. You can use your other hand to keep your place in the Bible.
(3) If you have typed your reading or mimeographed it, be sure it is firmly secured in your Bible.
(4) Be so familiar with the Scripture reading that it is practically memorized.
(5) Maintain eye contact as much as is possible during the reading. Familiarity with the Scripture reading and holding your Bible will aid you in maintaining eye contact.
For His Glory!
Pastor Joe
January 14, 2009
Monday, January 26, 2009
Sunday, January 25, 2009
Sermon Text for Sunday, February 1, 2009
The Pastor's Sunday morning series, "Christ Speaks to His Church" continues this Sunday with the message to the church in Pergamos.
Revelation 2:12-17 (NKJV)
12 “And to the angel of the church in Pergamos write,
‘These things says He who has the sharp two-edged sword: 13 “I know your works, and where you dwell, where Satan’s throne is. And you hold fast to My name, and did not deny My faith even in the days in which Antipas was My faithful martyr, who was killed among you, where Satan dwells. 14 But I have a few things against you, because you have there those who hold the doctrine of Balaam, who taught Balak to put a stumbling block before the children of Israel, to eat things sacrificed to idols, and to commit sexual immorality. 15 Thus you also have those who hold the doctrine of the Nicolaitans, which thing I hate. 16 Repent, or else I will come to you quickly and will fight against them with the sword of My mouth. 17 “He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To him who overcomes I will give some of the hidden manna to eat. And I will give him a white stone, and on the stone a new name written which no one knows except him who receives it.”’
For His Glory!
Pastor Joe
Revelation 2:12-17 (NKJV)
12 “And to the angel of the church in Pergamos write,
‘These things says He who has the sharp two-edged sword: 13 “I know your works, and where you dwell, where Satan’s throne is. And you hold fast to My name, and did not deny My faith even in the days in which Antipas was My faithful martyr, who was killed among you, where Satan dwells. 14 But I have a few things against you, because you have there those who hold the doctrine of Balaam, who taught Balak to put a stumbling block before the children of Israel, to eat things sacrificed to idols, and to commit sexual immorality. 15 Thus you also have those who hold the doctrine of the Nicolaitans, which thing I hate. 16 Repent, or else I will come to you quickly and will fight against them with the sword of My mouth. 17 “He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To him who overcomes I will give some of the hidden manna to eat. And I will give him a white stone, and on the stone a new name written which no one knows except him who receives it.”’
For His Glory!
Pastor Joe
Sunday, January 18, 2009
Sermon Text for Sunday, January 25, 2009
Sunday, January 25th I will continue a series of messages, "Christ Speaks to His Church." These messages are based on the messages that the risen Christ gave to the Seven Churches of Revelation. This week we will take a look at the message to the Church of Smyrna. Join us as we hear what the risen Christ has to say to us today.
Revelation 2:8-11 (NKJV)
8 “And to the angel of the church in Smyrna write,‘These things says the First and the Last, who was dead, and came to life: 9 “I know your works, tribulation, and poverty (but you are rich); and I know the blasphemy of those who say they are Jews and are not, but are a synagogue of Satan. 10 Do not fear any of those things which you are about to suffer. Indeed, the devil is about to throw some of you into prison, that you may be tested, and you will have tribulation ten days. Be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life. 11 “He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. He who overcomes shall not be hurt by the second death.”’
For His Glory!
Pastor Joe
Revelation 2:8-11 (NKJV)
8 “And to the angel of the church in Smyrna write,‘These things says the First and the Last, who was dead, and came to life: 9 “I know your works, tribulation, and poverty (but you are rich); and I know the blasphemy of those who say they are Jews and are not, but are a synagogue of Satan. 10 Do not fear any of those things which you are about to suffer. Indeed, the devil is about to throw some of you into prison, that you may be tested, and you will have tribulation ten days. Be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life. 11 “He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. He who overcomes shall not be hurt by the second death.”’
For His Glory!
Pastor Joe
Monday, January 12, 2009
Sermon Theme & Text for Sunday, January 18, 2009
The Presidential Inauguration is just around the corner. Now is a good time to begin to pray for our new president and his administration. God's people are called to pray for those in authority. How do we do that? What should direct our prayers for our leaders? This Sunday, January 18th, I will be preaching a message entitled, "Praying for Our President." Let's discover together how God would have us pray and serve in these times.
1 Timothy 2:1-8
1 Therefore I exhort first of all that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men, 2 for kings and all who are in authority, that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and reverence. 3 For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior, 4 who desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. 5 For there is one God and one Mediator between God and men, the Man Christ Jesus, 6 who gave Himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time, 7 for which I was appointed a preacher and an apostle—I am speaking the truth in Christ and not lying—a teacher of the Gentiles in faith and truth. 8 I desire therefore that the men pray everywhere, lifting up holy hands, without wrath and doubting.
For His Glory!
Pastor Joe
1 Timothy 2:1-8
1 Therefore I exhort first of all that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men, 2 for kings and all who are in authority, that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and reverence. 3 For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior, 4 who desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. 5 For there is one God and one Mediator between God and men, the Man Christ Jesus, 6 who gave Himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time, 7 for which I was appointed a preacher and an apostle—I am speaking the truth in Christ and not lying—a teacher of the Gentiles in faith and truth. 8 I desire therefore that the men pray everywhere, lifting up holy hands, without wrath and doubting.
For His Glory!
Pastor Joe
Monday, January 5, 2009
Sermon Text for Sunday, January 11, 2009 "Baptismal Celebration"
This Sunday, we will be observing the ordinance of baptism in both of our morning services. During this "Baptismal Celebration" I will be sharing from Mark 1:4-11, the account of Jesus' baptism. I will also be sharing the significance of baptism for us as followers of Jesus. Join us for this special time of worship!
Mark 1:4-11 (NKJV)
4 John came baptizing in the wilderness and preaching a baptism of repentance for the remission of sins. 5 Then all the land of Judea, and those from Jerusalem, went out to him and were all baptized by him in the Jordan River, confessing their sins.
6 Now John was clothed with camel’s hair and with a leather belt around his waist, and he ate locusts and wild honey. 7 And he preached, saying, “There comes One after me who is mightier than I, whose sandal strap I am not worthy to stoop down and loose. 8 I indeed baptized you with water, but He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit.”
9 It came to pass in those days that Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee, and was baptized by John in the Jordan. 10 And immediately, coming up from[a] the water, He saw the heavens parting and the Spirit descending upon Him like a dove. 11 Then a voice came from heaven, “You are My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.”
For His Glory!
Pastor Joe
Mark 1:4-11 (NKJV)
4 John came baptizing in the wilderness and preaching a baptism of repentance for the remission of sins. 5 Then all the land of Judea, and those from Jerusalem, went out to him and were all baptized by him in the Jordan River, confessing their sins.
6 Now John was clothed with camel’s hair and with a leather belt around his waist, and he ate locusts and wild honey. 7 And he preached, saying, “There comes One after me who is mightier than I, whose sandal strap I am not worthy to stoop down and loose. 8 I indeed baptized you with water, but He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit.”
9 It came to pass in those days that Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee, and was baptized by John in the Jordan. 10 And immediately, coming up from[a] the water, He saw the heavens parting and the Spirit descending upon Him like a dove. 11 Then a voice came from heaven, “You are My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.”
For His Glory!
Pastor Joe
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