Episcopal Church Foundation Vestry Papers - for leading congregations

Liturgy, Music, and Leadership

When recent converts are asked why they chose to join an Episcopal Church, many share they were drawn by the beauty of the liturgy. As Episcopalians we gather regularly to participate in liturgies that back to the 16th century. Week after week, year after year, we join our voices – in song and in prayer – in faithful celebration of Jesus’ sacrifice for us all.

But is the liturgy meant to be a place where lay people learn to lead? At the end of the Holy Eucharist the congregation is dismissed with a call to discipleship and leadership, “Go in peace to love and serve the Lord.” For our November and December ECF Vital Practices’ Vestry Papers we have reached out across our church to find leaders who are using liturgy, music, and the Bible to inspire and empower people to live into their baptismal covenant. We hope their stories inspire you.

Our November content includes:

• “Follow Me” by Donald Schell of All Saints Company, San Francisco shares the story of how his daughter’s regular presence at “Sunday liturgy (sometimes reluctantly)“ led her to unexpectedly claim a leadership role during John Paul II’s 1987 Mass at Candlestick Park.
• “The Bible Challenge” by Marek Zabriske, founder of the Center for Biblical Studies, introduces an accessible way for congregations “to form Christians who are deeply rooted in the Bible and possess a well-formed and contagious faith that leads them to Christian service.”
• “Finding Our Voices” by Ana Hernandez, a well known composer/arranger and workshop and retreat leader explores how moving outside our comfort zone and trying something new can open us up to a fuller understanding of what God is calling us to do in the world.
• “Las Posadas: Hospitality & Evangelism” by Bob Williams, canon for community relations in the Diocese of Los Angeles, introduces this traditional Latino evening and celebration to people unfamiliar with the practice of reenacting Mary and Joseph’s search for shelter for the imminent birth of Jesus.

Following each article is a list of resources offering additional information and/or practical tools.

I invite you to add to this content by sharing the ways your congregation uses liturgy and music to help lay people learn to lead. Post your stories, tips, and resources in the Your Turn section and in the comments box at the end of each article, blog post, or resource.