Congregational Participation

The Speaking Congregation

The spoken word is likewise a legitimate vehicle for the congregation to express itself in worship. The reciting of one of the creeds is a weekly practice in some churches; this repetition can (though need not) become rote, so most non-liturgical churches have eschewed the practice. But the mere fact that it is not done regularly may make it an effective element to use on occasion. Certainly the theology of the great creeds are solid, deep, and comprehensive. Their relative unfamiliarity in free churches can lend to their being used as effective doctrinal confessions and expressions of worship. The Te Deum may likewise be used; also some devotional writings may lend themselves to being read in unison or responsively.

Of course, the Word of God is the richest resource for congregational recitation in worship. Some churches with pew Bibles or with a single-translation tradition like to read Scripture passages out loud together; others confine themselves to the responsive readings found in the book of most hymnals.

It is well worth the effort to put together "original" responsive readings which incorporate a variety of Scripture texts. This is a wonderful way to help develop a theme in worship. For example, a responsive reading including Psalm 2:1-3; Isaiah 40:23-24,15; Psalm 2:10-11; 47:8; 46:10 can add a healthy biblical perspective on God's sovereignty over the nations to a patriotically oriented service (Independence Day, etc.). And a responsive reading is a great way to pull together many related texts (Genesis 2:7; Job 10:10-11; Isaiah 44:24; Psalms 139:13-16; 119:7) to instruct and encourage God's people on Sanctity of Human Life Sunday.

Such readings are not too difficult to develop with the use of a concordance (especially a computer concordance which allows for searches of pairings of specific words).

The standard back-and-forth between leader and congregation in responsive readings is usually adequate; for it is the content which is of paramount importance. However, sometimes a little variety may be incorporated by giving lines to men and women, to the left side and right side, or by using the choir as a third group alternating with the leader and the congregation.

Conclusion

It is imperative that the members of our congregations leave, not just having attended a worship service, but having worshiped. It is worth all the creativity and effort we can muster in an attempt to lovingly draw the people of God into meaningful participation in expressing praise to the God of their salvation.