Notes for visiting speakers
If you are a visiting speaker, firstly thank you for agreeing to share your experience of faith with us. We appreciate the effort and time it takes to prepare what you are going to say to us.
The following are some notes which may help you in your preparation. If you have any questions while preparing your talk, the worship leader is usually the best person to talk to.
General atmosphere
We are quite relaxed. Please don’t feel that you need to dress up to speak with us.
Music
The worship leader chooses the music but if you request a particular song we will endeavour to do it. The worship leader will advise you if it is not possible (e.g. because the song is unknown to the congregation or because we don’t have a proficient team that day to carry it off).
Reading and Talk
Normally the speaker does his or her own reading and talk. We try to avoid using Christian jargon, using normal language instead, or providing explanations if you need to use jargon.
Most people in the congregation probably use the New International Version of the Bible, but we do not have an “official” version, so feel free to use whatever version you prefer.
If you wish to make use of powerpoint in your talk, you can either:
- bring along your own laptop, and we can project for you, or
- bring a CD with your powerpoint slides and we will load onto the song projection laptop. Please check with us before you do this as we are using a much older version of powerpoint on the church laptop (Powerpoint 95 would you believe!), and we may need to ensure compatability in advance.
The worship leader should be able to advise you, or put you in touch with the technically savvy.
Communion
Normally the speaker will also lead communion. The deacon on duty that day will say a prayer giving thanks for both the bread and wine before the elements are served.
Benediction
You may also be asked to finish the service with a benediction. Confirm with the worship leader at the time.