Service Leader

Guide people’s hearts to exalt and fear God on Sundays
so they care genuinely, grow spiritually, and pray earnestly

Speak clearly to be heard, using the microphone if its in use
Lead all the parts of the service except where it says ‘the priest…’
Prepare yourself and others, so we hardly notice what’s holding things together. Get to know the flow of the particular service.
Arrive at least 15 minutes early. There’s always plenty to get organised!
Know who is responsible for each part of the service. Music, prayer, readings, kids’ church... Are they ready?
If possible, convey the one big idea from the scripture we’re focussing on. Get this ‘big idea’ from the preacher.

Towards the start, include

words from the Bible as your first ones (usually these are scripted for you)
a welcome to visitors, and answering questions they might have like:
- 'what kind of gathering is this?' (Communion? Why are we here? Anything special today?)
- 'where are the toilets?'
- 'can I take my kids out if they lose the plot!?'
- 'do I need any paperwork, or will it all be on the screen?'
your name and names of key people. Eg ‘Later on, Angela will lead us in prayer, and Peggy will be taking the children out for kids’ church.’
If there are children present, make it clear that we love having them and don’t mind disruptions

Aim to make things flow:

Flow practically - ensure other up-front people are ready, and fill in if they're absent
Flow between the parts of the service -
- you might script simple transitions between parts of the service
- if you know the prayers will be open to everyone, get them thinking about it in advance by including that info in the welcome, for example 'later on you'll have the chance to pray aloud your requests to God'
When the rostered person brings up the collection, pray the prayer of thanks and place it to the side.

Take a moment right now and pray that we’ll have visitors and that our public gathering will bring glory to God!

All