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Pray. Please make sure you talk to God as you prepare for this role.
Be prepared. Set the running plan or order early (or by the deadline) and get it to those who will be playing a role in the gathering – this helps everyone to prepare well and keeps everyone on the same page.
Read and be aware of the Bible passage that is to be preached on.
From the preacher, be aware of the “big idea” or major theme that is being preached on.
Be aware of the themes (and if possible, the words) of the songs for the gathering.
Let your personality shine through. Be you, be real, be creative. Let it be known that you are excited to be there.
Throughout use the term ‘Gathering’ (rather than 'Service') as Christians are called to gather. Church is not a service put on for the sake of those who come. Church is a gathering of believers who meet around the Word of God.
Put effort and thought into introductory and linking sentences which help connect the different elements of the gathering, that is…
Drawing Together
Hearing the Word
Responding to the Word
Sending out to serve
Watch the time. Start on time. Manage the time even if it means shortening or cutting things (apart from the Bible reading and Preaching) in order to finish on or before the scheduled time.
Be mindful of the outsider (visitor or unbeliever) – acknowledge and welcome them to reinforce their legitimate place in the gathering, (but DO NOT point them out or draw attention to them!) This indirectly helps the committed members of your church to know this is a place where visitors are welcome. Remove insider jokes. Try to remove or explain any jargon. Use first and last names.
That said, a Church gathering is the meeting place for a church family, so there are necessary things members will need to talk about so don’t overdo the ‘seeker sensitive’ emphasis even though we want outsiders to join us in what we do.
In summary, a good principle is bear in mind is: Make your first words and your last words in the gathering to be about God.
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