Making it Clear: Learning to Read Scripture Out Loud in Public

By Jeffrey W. Frymire

Ezra stood before the people of Israel, who had gathered for one purpose. As the dawn broke, Ezra began to read to them the Scriptures. He read from daybreak till noon. The result? The people were weeping as they listened to the Law being read.

When was the last time you wept at the mere reading of scripture? Nehemiah 8:8 says that the Levites followed up Ezra’s morning sharing by gathering together smaller groups and reading to them the Scriptures in such a way that they were “making it clear.” How can you read the text of scripture out loud in a public worship service and make it clear? What tools do you need to know how to read the Bible in such a way that it becomes understandable to the listener?

Wednesday afternoon, in Fine Arts room 168, from 3:00 to 4:30, Dr. Jeffrey W. Frymire will share his insights gained from having spent the last two years at Princeton Theological Seminary teaching students how to read scripture aloud. In addition to a training session on how to read scripture, Dr. Frymire will be providing attendees with a list of materials they can use to help prepare them to read scripture in a worship service. An outline of how to develop a clear reading of a biblical text will also be provided. The ultimate goal of the conference is to provide pastors, associates, worship leaders, and lay leaders with the tools and abilities necessary to go back to their local churches and form groups that can be taught how to read scripture in public.

Please come with a pencil or pen, your Bible, and an open mind.