A comprehensive article by Jeffrey Arthurs, Professor of Preaching and Communication and Dean of the Chapel at Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary in South Hamilton, Massachusetts.
Five arguments which Arthurs expands and elaborates.
Argument #1: We are commanded to read the Bible publicly.
Argument #2: When we read the Bible publicly, we do what the people of God always have done.
Argument #3: God transforms us through the Word.
Argument #4: The Bible was meant to be read aloud.
Argument #5: Hearing the Word is different than reading it silently.
Some practical suggestions, which are expanded upon to conclude the essay.
Stop treating Scripture reading as only a preliminary to the sermon.
When preaching a book study, read the previous weeks’ passages that lead up to this week’s passage.
Form a team of lay readers. Train them in the art of public reading, demonstrating how oral interpretation is an exegetical act.
Let Scripture pervade the entire service: the call to worship, invocation, prayer and benediction. Try praying the psalms during the pastoral prayer.
Have the reader provide a brief introduction before reading.
Comment briefly on the text as you read it.
Leverage the power of proxemics, the use of spatial relations for communication.
Employ creativity.
Here’s the website’s first page (of five) link.
Here’s the whole article printer friendly link.
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