SEAN International
Programme Detail: How to Prepare and Lead Services
| Language of this entry | English (UK, International) |
|---|---|
| Name of Programme / Training Resource | How to Prepare and Lead Services |
| Type of Training | Other training resource |
| Reference Number | SEAN13 |
| Description | An intermediate, theoretical and practical course for members of local churches This material provides an effective and enjoyable training course which shows how to plan, prepare and lead lively, ordered and Biblical congregational worship. It develops the leadership potential in church members, and provides them with the spiritual tools for making worship meaningful and relevant for all those taking part. The course is based wholly on the Bible. Students should be full members of their local church, and nominated by the church to do this course. At the same time, the church must give the students opportunities for practical participation in leading services. How to Prepare and Lead Services includes three texts: 1) the student's study book, 2) the service handbook, and 3) the group leader's manual. All emphasise throughout the following aspects of worship: That it should be: >>> reverent and relaxed >>> orderly but flexible >>> disciplined and efficient >>> welcoming and joyful >>> directed but shared That it should manifest: >>> peace and confidence >>> faith and hope >>> authority and power >>> unity and aims >>> joy and testimony That it should include: >>> praise and adoration >>> confession and forgiveness >>> exhortation and counsel >>> admonition and ministry >>> biblical teaching and service >>> humility and respect >>> mutual acceptance and support While doing this, the course covers the areas needed to make up varied, lively, sound Bible-based worship services. These areas are like the ingredients of a cake: miss a key one out, or put in too much of another, and it doesn't come out as well as it might; it may go flat or be too frothy! The right balance is needed. The different areas covered are: >>> The introduction and opening >>> Adoration and praise (hymns/choruses, prayer) >>> Confession of sin; assurance of forgiveness >>> Testimony and creed (statement of belief) >>> Thanksgiving; offering; notices; petition >>> Bible reading and teaching >>> Final blessing and sending out into the world Special services are also covered: >>> The Lord's Supper (Holy Communion); >>> Baptisms >>> Engagements and weddings; >>> Family service in the home >>> Wakes and funerals; >>> Other services (seasonal, etc.) How to Prepare and Lead Services is not for the mere acquisition of theory/information! It is essentially very practical, and assignments are given that require the students' participation in leading sections of - or the whole - worship within the congregational situation. Its aims are to enable the students to plan, prepare and lead effective, reverent and meaningful worship that glorifies God and at the same time builds up and unites all those taking part, both leaders and congregation. As in all SEAN courses, the group leader is the key factor in the success or otherwise of the programme. For this particular course, the Leader should be mature in the faith and his spiritual standing recognised in the local church. Preferably the leader should have some previous experience and ability in leading services and at the same time be eager to incorporate others into this role. Even some church authorities (pastors and ministers) who have always exercised a one-man control of worship, perhaps would find it very useful to be students rather than group leaders initially, especially if they have found it difficult to share with others the responsibilities and joys of guiding the congregation in worship! This course should not be seen as a threat by ministers; rather it is to train a wider group of effective worship leaders. As there is no biblical principle that separates Christians into either 'performers' or 'audience', 'clergy' or 'laity', 'doers' or 'hearers', why not get more members involved? And this course will enable you to do just that! Share the load and share the blessing! |
| Keywords | Leading Services, Leading Worship |
| Languages Programme Available in | Chinese (simplified); English (UK, International); Korean; Spanish |
| Other Languages | |
| Country and region where programme is available | International (e.g. distance learning) / All international; United Kingdom / Countrywide |
| Area of Ministry and Focus | Prayer, Worship and Spiritual Gifts / Worship; Transforming Society (Leadership, Education, Government) / Leadership and Management |
| Residential/Non Residential | Non Residential |
| Full-time or Part-time | Part-time |
| Level | Certificate |
| Cost Range | Variable according to means |
| Actual Cost | Varies in each country |
| Bursaries/scholarships available | No |
| Actual Length | Varies depending on how intensively studied |
| Average hours of study per week | 0 |
| Methods of instruction | Personal study with programmed text; group meetings led by a tutor; practical application in church projects and personal work. |
| Percentage of time spent in formal learning (e.g. lectures, structured reading, work-books, etc.) | 50% |
| Percentage of time spent on non-formal skill-based learning (e.g. learning on the job and supervised practice, etc.) | 30% |
| Percentage of time spent in informal unstructured learning (e.g. prayer times, teamwork). | 20% |
| Average number of students who take the programme per year (or, if this is a new programme, the number who can be accommodated) | 0 |
| Prerequisite Programmes | None |
| Other Prerequisites | This course is for Christian believers |
| Qualifications gained | |
| Qualifications this programme is part of | |
| Programme Accredited by | ECTE (Europe) |
| Other Accrediting Bodies |
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