About 25 people attended the 4th worship leaders’ training day, organised by the Coast Mission Partnership, but open to all churches in the Northern Synod.

Retired broadcaster Revd Peter Moth led the day on the theme of communications, with jocular reference to Matthew 13 “You will hear and hear, but never understand; you will look and look, but never see.”  There was a mixture of practical advice, examples, and a chance to try for ourselves.

We learned to be aware of the building’s acoustics, and to speak slowly and loudly enough to be heard.  Microphones should be positioned so we can keep our heads up and see the congregation.  Breathing was encouraged!

Writing for speaking is different from writing for reading, and we should try to make our use of language clear, direct and natural, avoiding ‘kneejerk liturgy’.

We agreed that it was important to have some form of spoken address in church services, although not necessarily a traditional sermon.  Explanation of Bible readings was increasingly valuable.

We remembered that communications can also be nonverbal…

and there is even a place for silence.

It was a successful and worthwhile day, with the usual ample lunch provided.