The Methodist Church - Leeds (North East) Circuit

Preacher Development

CLPD Meeting ' Needs of Congregations'

Held at Trinity United Thurs Oct 9th 2008 7:30pm

Seven preachers met; two sent apologies.

The meeting was opened with prayer.

One said he thought the most important 'need' was that the Preacher turned up ! This led onto thoughts that prior to services stewards and congregations should be aware of the need for prayer for the Preacher during the week before they led worship.

It was felt that Congregations should feel comfortable with the order of service as this instilled confidence allowing them to participate in worship without worrying what was going to happen next. It was felt important to respect the 'Customs and Practices' of a congregation.

Choosing hymns and tunes that the Congregation know is important to help worship be relevant. One shared that at one service he led in Advent, the organist played two different tunes in alternating verses to ' Christians Awake' ! It was thought important to speak to someone at the church who is musical and can help to decide on the appropriate tunes to be played, this may not be a steward is some cases.

It was thought that 'Challenge and Direction ' were important aspects to addressing the 'Needs of Congregations. Making preaching relevant to the congregation and worship to be meaningful not just through the sermon but throughout the worship by having meaningful prayers , hymns and relevant passages of scripture. It was thought to be unacceptable to read Bible passages and then to ignore them completely and preach on something entirely different.

Difficulties were expressed in preaching to a wide diversity within congregations through differing ages, intelligence, ethnic and other considerations such as those who are elderly and infirm , unable to move around the worship area; those who can't see the video projector of OHP; those who can't hear the preacher; in fact the growing needs of elderly congregations in particular in all these respects. How can we help all to worship ?

In the past, for a CLPD study, the congregations in our church circuit were asked in a census what they wanted from the preachers. For our next meeting we are to look at whether these requests were fulfilled
by studying the results that were obtained at that time.

The Date of our next meeting is Thursday November 13th, 7:30pm at Trinity United. Please feel free to join us if you wish.

The meeting closed with the Grace at 9pm.

AJ

 

Contact Us | ©2008 Leeds (North East) Circuit Local Preachers' Meeting