Public Reading of Scripture: A Handbook

by Clayton J. Schmit

The reading of Scripture holds a central place in Christian worship. Every week the Word of God becomes flesh again as the words of the biblical text are read aloud. Those who take on the responsibility of reading Scripture in public do so knowing its importance, but rarely having the chance to train in how to do it better. Most readers have never been given the opportunity to consider how each act of public reading of Scripture is an interpretation of the text, nor have they been given the tools for an effective and faithful reading performance. These are the tools that Clay Schmit seeks to offer in this practical guide to the public reading of Scripture. He begins with a brief overview of the meaning and importance of the spoken word in worship. He then goes on to provide practical, detailed instructions on how to understand the text for reading, practice reading it aloud with proper emphasis, and deliver it in such a way that it becomes alive to the congregation. The book concludes with several appendices, including a pronunciation guide for biblical words and an annotated bibliography that will point the reader in the direction of further study.

116 pages, Paperback

First published April 1, 2002

Reviews

[Neil R. Coulter · Rating 4 out of 5]

I like Clayton Schmit's approach to Scripture reading as part of corporate worship, and particularly his emphasis on the fact that it is a calling, not just "something to volunteer to do." I've listened to a lot of people reading Scripture publicly who would have benefited from the guidelines and exercises in this book—even just the seemingly commonsense rule that if you're going to read in public, you should practice beforehand.

I'd like to be called to this ministry, but my voice is boring and monotonous. This book helped me let go of my silly yearnings to be a more interesting, useful person than I am. I know exactly what it's like when a congregation loves hearing someone's voice reading publicly and responds with enthusiasm, and so I'm well aware of how far short of that standard I fall. Years of prayer and desperate hope have not made me the kind of person I'd most like to be, so it's time to move on.