Pulpit Etiquette

[Prophetessd]

We want to start this important session on Pulpit Etiquette. Come and share some of your experiences and note some important things that will help our fellow Sisters in Ministry.

[Integrity]

GRACE & PEACE

This is a good subject to discuss. Am looking forward to hearing the input of others as well.

What came to me when I read "Pulpit Etiquette" was that, when you stand to minister before God's people, the vessel must reflect God's Character & Nautre in bringing forth The Word and ministering to His people.

In order to do this, one of the principle points of preperation is to be full of His Word and Prayer before ministering. Doing this for days, being shut up in communion with The Lord is truly amazing. Also, what I have found to be true is that if you walk and live the Word and Prayer, the impact is astounding. Living and Preaching/Teaching The Word becomes in deomonstration of The Spirit and of Power and with Authority.

When you are invited to speak, what becomes a great Blessing is, when the leader expresses his/her desire that God have free course in you to move and speak. God really rejoices in this because He will do exceedingly, abundantly above all that we ask and pray for the meeting.

As you stand bringing forth The Word, stay in tune with The Holy Spirit, dont add to nor remove what He desires to say. On how to say it, wait upon Him and He will fill your mouth. Be careful as to not get carried away or get off track from the flow of the Holy Spirit, this usually happens when making comments. Cause you will sense a lull or drop in your spirit. Stick to His Word and Revelations coming forth. Stay fixed and focused in your spirit to the message God wants to bring to His people. I am not saying to be rigid, but to flow gracefully and melodically with The Holy Spirit.

What I have shared thus far is what I have personally learned while ministering before God's people. Each and every time you do, you learn more and more of how God moves and what He wants during these times.

Some bloopers: Oh yes, LOL, try to avoid fumbling around with so much paper, your notes. I recall one time, I was fidgiting with my notes that I lost my page amongst the pages, and well the gaze of the people was something to behold. They watch you attentively. Also avoid, sticking to your notes as to rushing to speak all that you have studied, this can really quench the Holy Spirit.
Also another time, I recall I was fidgiting with my watch because of the heat, and so I laid it on the pulpit and one wrong move bam, it went on the floor and stopped working. It was a gift too, such a beautiful watch. So wear things that are comfortable, avoid embarassing moments and being the obstacle of distractions.

What Jesus does with me after is take the quiet time to be with Him. And like a student, He starts showing me like a rerun of the service and begins to teach me what I did right, what I did wrong, what was of Him and not, why He moved this way, why He said this and that and so much more. In doing this, He is teaching me to be more sensitive and in-tune with His Spirit and His movings and ways.

It really is a tremendous experience flowing in God's Spirit. We are forever learning in this walk, no matter what we do for Him. Looking forward to hearing the input and experiences from you all.

In His Love & Service

[ProphetessD]

Some bloopers: Oh yes, LOL, try to avoid fumbling around with so much paper, your notes. I recall one time, I was fidgiting with my notes that I lost my page amongst the pages, and well the gaze of the people was something to behold. They watch you attentively. Also avoid, sticking to your notes as to rushing to speak all that you have studied, this can really quench the Holy Spirit.
Also another time, I recall I was fidgiting with my watch because of the heat, and so I laid it on the pulpit and one wrong move bam, it went on the floor and stopped working. It was a gift too, such a beautiful watch. So wear things that are comfortable, avoid embarassing moments and being the obstacle of distractions.


I have experienced some bloppers myself- was preaching in a Women's Prison and had some many pages and there was a fan they decided or had on. I tell you I opened up my books to keep up with the sermons and the fan blew all my papers, they were just flipping. I was so shocked at it ..that I just went into a hard preach...laughing, I had no choice but to walk it! Yes I had a split in my skirt that was crazy...and I couldn't even function in the pulpit , it was hard to move around. I really learned from just those things. Boy the way we learn things is something else!

[Integrity]

Grace & Peace

ProphetessD, I really enjoyed your blooper moments LOL. It's amazing what happens at times. The fan, oh my, when I was reading it I was picturing this happening, LOL. I can imagine the eyes went big or just a blank stare, right? A moment which one would not forget. And the split, oh my! Thank God, He didnt cause you to jump or run in the spirit, LOL, oh God!

In moments such as these, we truly do learn many things! Life is truly the stage of learning.

[Preachgirl]

I have learned that when it comes to pulpit etiquette, not to let myself get worried about frivolous things such as the size of the congregation (or lack thereof). I have to be fully focused on God so that I can minister effectively. I normally don't preach with notes but I've found it helpful on the occasions that I do use notes to put them in a 3-ring binder so that I don't have to worry about getting pages out of order. Another thing that I've tried is placing small post-it notes inside my Bible to remind me of a key word or main idea that I want to share with the congregation.

Something that I used to overlook was the importance of my appearance when I go to minister. I have learned from watching various men and women of God that the way a message is presented can affect how it is received. If someone is preaching to you with poor hygeine, no eye contact, and doesn't seem excited about the message being preached, how would you receive it? I had to learn the hard way that the way I look when I present the Word plays an important role in how people will receive it.

I have a question regarding pulpit etiquette. I've noticed that some ministers will not come into the sanctuary until a few moments before it's time to preach and/or they will be escorted out of the sanctuary and into the pastor's study by an entourage of armorbearers immediately after the service ends. I understand that some ministers have hectic schedules and they may arrive late or leave early to head to another preaching engagement but in this instance, I'm referring to ministers who weren't going anywhere after service. It seems rude to me that someone would not take advantage of the opportunity to fellowship with the congregation or at least receive a friendly, "God bless you" from a parishoner. Is it considered rude not to greet the congregation for even a moment after service?

[Prophetessd]

What are Distractions in the Pulpit?

What should we Avoid?

Avoid powerful perfumes
Keep breath mints, sprays , mouth wash
Good hygiene- wash hands before and after ministering.
Avoid Flashy outfits, hair do's - wear conservative colors

Avoid loud make up - red lip stick or odd colors
Avoid tight skirt ( don't want to see your pantie line) and shirts too tight.
Don't wear bras that are too small for you( top of your breast will stand up in clothes)
Avoid running eye products and oily foundations( preacher was ministering and her foundation was flowing like she has a mask of plastic melting down her face***) bad
Avoid seamed stockings( some of these are seductive)
Avoid long splits or anything exterme- be modest in your apparel and appearance.

You don't want to take attention from God, drawing attention to yourself. Most people will pay attention to what you are wearing , than what you are saying.

Don't be a crowd pleaser, be aware of your audience
Use Wisdom and ask God for direction even in your appearance.....Don't forget we are to do HIS SERVICE!!!

Just a little something...something! We want to hear from you on this!!!!!!

[Prophetess Tammy Alexander]

Everything you said is extremely important. As you said it is important to consult The Lord even about what we should wear, because sometimes the colors we wear are prophetic and can be a part of setting the tone for the service. Also with me their are times The Lord has me to wear robes and usually it is for a purpose that I find out once I get to or through the service. However, we should always present excellence. It okay to be a "Anointed pretty girl packing power (smile)"

Awesome words of wisdom prophetess!! Keep them coming.

God bless

[Prophetessd]

:)Prophetess you are right! I myself wear robes, cassocks that God has instructed me Some outer wear are not profitable for ministry. I found , that if I have to get down on the floor, or bend over I was covered. God will show us just how to, if we desire to know. It is important to acknowledge HIM in ALL our ways and the word says.....and He Shall Direct Thy Path.
The women of God are beautiful, and should show forth the Beauty of Holiness. We are women of Standard, a royal priesthood, queens! ADORN TO GIVE HIM GLORY

Remember it's not just the outward...it's the inward. Because what's inside will show outside! Do you want to please Him...or is it about you?

[Prophetessd]

[Preachgirl]

I have to preach on Sunday and I will keep everyone's suggestions in mind.

[Integrity]

GRACE & PEACE TO ALL!

This subject is truly an interesting one, and a hot one of for discussion. The wisdom drawn from each post is truly a blessing! Am enjoying it greatly.

Preachgirl, God Bless you sister! Prayers are with you as you stand to minister Sunday. God's anointing be upon you and His revelation flow thru you imparting life unto the hearers. Am looking forward to hearing your further experiences on "Pulpit Etiquette" experienced Sunday.

[Preachgirl]

I am glad to say that God touched some lives last Sunday but Sunday led me to another question on pulpit etiquette. I was asked for a manuscript of the sermon (it was a university chapel service and the chaplain is publishing a book of all the sermons that were preached this year) but I normally don't preach with a manuscript, just an outline. Should I have a manuscript prepared each time I preach somewhere? Also, is it acceptable for the person who is preaching to serve in other capacities in the same service (i.e. singing, invocation, etc.)?

[Integrity]

GRACE & PEACE

Preachgirl, rejoicing with you on your new experiences Sunday passed in the University Chapel. God's Word shall not return unto Him void, but shall accomplish that which He pleases, Glorryyy!!!

As to your questions, I will share from my heart what comes to me. I am sure there are other members here who can add more insights and understandings to help you.

It's a first I hear that someone wants a manuscript of what you preached. Cause I believe the norm is many ministers use outlines or simply from memory to preach. But I do understand that the Chaplin desires to write a book. You have the choice of writing from memory what you preached. Preaching from a manuscript is rare, lest it be a teaching on a particular subject which is usually in an outline form with scripture verses and points hightlighted. Each person flows differently and uses methods which they flow easily with.

As to serving in other capacities such as singing, etc. The Anointing of God is always ready to flow in whatever capacity is needed for a particular people and location. Since it was a Chapel, I can understand your question, as this would occur. I personally encourage you to flow in whatever capacity God desires for you to flow. This way you can release the potentials of God within you and expand your spirit to flow in greater dimensions of God. This becomes very exciting and truly a great joy.

So my dear sister, flow, flow, flow and grow, grow, grow in the flow of The Holy Ghost experiencing the heights, depths, breadths, and widths of The Spirit of God that lives within you.

Father, I ask that You would open more opportunities for her to minister in whatever capacity that You have designed and taylor made for her. That she may know the riches in Glory of Your inheritance that resides within her and cause her to manifest this in all it's beauty and fullness. That her life be rich and full to Your Honor and Glory. In Jesus name. Amen

[PastorZ]

This subject has often been discussed and there are excellent tools for learning, the best of course is experience.

I am listing some elementary approaches that may sound elementary but is still needed to follow:
1. Never approach the pulpit with invitation
2. Always respect the Leadership/Pastor
of the house, at least the mantle he/she has
3. Be able to discern when God is re-directing your sermon and flow with God
4. Be able to discern when closure is needed
5. Preach with passion, purpose and power
6. Be aware that your life is open before the people
7. Be careful not to become judgemental or critical
8. Don't preach pet peeves
9. Know when to lay hands on and when to simply lift them up
10. If you cut them up, be sure to apply ER attention
11. Remember God is your audience
12. Flow in the Spirit of God

This advice came to by experience but not without cost.

[Prophetessd]

PastorZ,
I thank God for your words of wisdom and experience. This is what we needed and I am truely blessed by your input. Keep them coming, this is some good stuff...FYI.

Prophetess D.