The Spoken Word In Worship Theology Religion Essay Example
The Spoken Word In Worship Theology Religion Essay Example

The Spoken Word In Worship Theology Religion Essay Example

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  • Pages: 3 (759 words)
  • Published: October 4, 2017
  • Type: Essay
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Charles L. Bartow has authored two mandatory books for this course: "Effective Speech Communication in Leading Worship" and another unnamed book. The former explores the significance of worship leaders effectively communicating with their audience, highlighting that church leaders extend beyond just the pastor and choir members. Bartow argues against making excuses for ineffective communication, emphasizing both the flow of the service and the delivery of readings as crucial considerations.

According to Bartow, clear communication starts with fully comprehending the message being conveyed to the audience. Even when faced with unfamiliar text, readers can refer to his book's preparation steps to read it as if they were present during its initial recitation. Mental preparation is key according to Bartow's teachings; when mentally prepared, we can successfully convey emotions and sentiments of an event to our listeners.

To ef

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fectively communicate these elements to our audience, Bartow suggests focusing our minds on what is being said and immersing ourselves in the emotional context surrounding the text. He highly values prayer and meditation for maintaining focus during tasks such as public speaking or worship services.It is crucial to mentally prepare oneself before participating in activities that involve speaking in front of an audience, especially if one is not accustomed to it. Speaking in front of a large crowd requires practice and should not be rushed. Bartow emphasizes the significance of preparing leaders for worship in his book, highlighting that worship demands effort.

Often, we hastily put together plans without considering how our disheveled appearance affects the message conveyed to the congregation. Communication involves more than just spoken words; it encompasses the language perceived by our senses. When getting ready for a Sunday

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morning worship service without a specific order of worship, sufficient time is needed to connect appropriate anthem choices, Bible passages, and sermons for that particular day.

Thorough preparation is essential for worship services. This does not imply constantly feeling nervous or worrying about worship but ensuring that everything has purpose and is intentionally expressed. Well-selected anthems, colors, streamers, screens, and even tone of voice should all reflect worship. The time taken to assemble these elements should not be limited to just one hour before the service.

In our southern culture, we are taught from a young age that church is not a place for play. Parents instill in their children the understanding that any movement during worship while the speaker stands on the podium will result in severe punishment either at home or even within church.
In today's society, the approach to worship has become lazy and God has been disregarded, diminishing the importance of worship and its various services. As a result, many people casually read and recite the Bible without genuine belief. Our ancestors' religious beliefs have been forgotten and replaced with a rush through worship. This leads to little emphasis on the words in the Bible. Bartow demonstrates how to emphasize specific words in order to remember them during sermons and potentially soften hearts. It is important to mention that discipline can be dangerous when it comes to worship, as one classmate with military experience learned firsthand. The discipline taught in those circumstances made the reader rigid and severe. Therefore, it is essential not to speak with a scowl or lack facial expression while worshipping. Worship should be an immersive experience involving all participants -

readers and listeners - as well as welcoming the Holy Spirit into our services. The incorporation of imagination into worship is crucial but traditionally not taught in church. However, as worshippers, we should engage our minds and visualize the messages being conveyed. Unfortunately, dramatizing the word has been neglected in artistry of worship. I agree with Bartow's stance on "appropriate behavior" because leaders are often not in the right mindset to worship and serve God.
If readers lack confidence in delivering the written word, their tone will remain flat and biblical messages may not be fully understood by listeners. Bartow emphasizes the importance of a complete worship experience systematically. Unfortunately, our obsession with political correctness has made us overly sensitive to language even in common conversations, which has also affected our worship services. Instead of internalizing creeds or sacraments, we read them like a book. Bartow aims to change this perception throughout his book by illustrating how language is portrayed in all aspects of worship – from reading the Bible to reciting creeds and hymns, singing anthems, and responding to calls for worship. By following his straightforward examples, readers can enjoy demonstrating these techniques to their families and those in charge.

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