The Lectionary As A Guide To Planning Music For Worship

One type of tool that pastors often use to select Scripture readings for a service is known as a lectionary. Although not well known to church musicians in some traditions, this tool can be very helpful in assisting the church musician to select music that is appropriate for a given service. The following article suggests why this is so and then lists resources that can assist church musicians in working with the lectionary. Imagine yourself as the minister of music. The previous pastor has relocated to another church and the new preacher has just arrived. Often these are periods of transition and confusion. You worked well with the previous person, and both understood each other. However, the new leader has announced that his or her sermons will be based on the lectionary. The pastor urges you to likewise observe the lectionary in selecting the music for worship. While you have heard the term once or twice before, you are not at all clear what a lectionary is or how it can assist yo…