Ideas for Your Church: Bible Reading Contest

The public reading of the Word of God must not be abandoned in our church services. (Responsive Bible readings have their place too, but that is for another post.) We have all sat through stumbling renditions of the Word that are difficult to follow, and capture little of the impact. Conversely, there have been times when I at least have felt God speaking directly to me through a thoughtful reading. Clarity of diction, appropriate pauses and expression can make a passage come alive.

What about having a Bible reading contest? Select a passage (and a Bible version) to be used. (Acts 19:23-41 gives plenty of opportunity for dramatic expression.) If you will be having various ages involved, you might want to have a simpler, or shorter, passage for the younger ones. Give some basic tips, and encourage as many as possible to participate. Select those who will be judges of the event. If many are going to take part, you may wish to have some preliminary rounds to choose the top few. The final readings should be done before the congregation. You can consider offering suitable prizes–perhaps a Bible, or another good Christian book.

Yes, folks will be hearing the same passage read several times. (The downside of this is…?) Those who participate will learn a valuable skill. And because they will be reading, rather than speaking extemporaneously, most will not find this too difficult. The end result could be that you will be able to identify a number who can assist ably in reading God’s Word in the services.