Dear Beloved,
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On behalf of Bethany Lutheran Church and its worship planning team, I invite you to consider joining our team of worship leaders. There are various positions each with its own gifts and skills. Worship is what we do together. As the whole people of God, it is our “duty and delight” to use our various gifts for the life of the worshiping community and the world. It is important that laypeople use their gifts not only on the church council or in committees, not only in ministries of service or advocacy or hospitality – but in worship. This is where God comes to us with the good news and nourishes us in our mission. The following is a list of the lay Worship Leader Roles here at Bethany. 

As you can see there are many roles for laypeople in leading worship – greeter, usher, acolyte, assisting minister, reader, altar guild, choir member, musician – depending on what best fits your gifts. Why do people say yes to these important roles? Why might you say yes?
 
People involved in the ministry of lay worship leadership have said:
  • My faith and worship are strengthened by being a lay minister.
  • It’s deeply rewarding. It places you at the center of the life of the church.
  • It is a grand and glorious experience to be so intimately involved in worship.
  • The lay worship leader is a connection between the worshiping community and the work of God in the assembly.
  • Leading worship makes me more invested in the service and the word, enhancing my overall experience and what I take from the service.
  • I like leading worship because it helps me to really focus on whatever the message is that I’m reading, and I also like the feeling of being involved in the community.
 
Using our gifts in leading worship helps the whole assembly hear God’s good news and to be fed richly, then set out to bring life and God’s love to all of God’s creation.  Listen well to yourself as you as you ponder serving in lay worship ministry. If you find yourself saying Yes! to this ministry, I pray that you find joy as you become a part of it “for the building up the body of Christ,” and for the glory of God.
 
Blessings and prayers as you discern what God is calling you to do.

Pastor Sandy Jones​