What I’ve learned from three years as a travelling preacher
Three years ago now, I stepped out of a pulpit that I knew well. After 21 years, I had the pulpit height, where my glass of water went, the right hymn book and a psalter… everything was set just the way I liked it. And then, I became a“traveling preacher” and discovered a whole new world. I thought I’d share a few observations of my experiences so far. I mean no disrespect to any of the places where I have visited - I’m simply offering a glimpse at the worshipping practices of the PCC as I have the privilege of being out and about most Sundays throughout the year and many of you are likely worshipping in the same place (like I did) for many years.
The travelling selfies of Rev. John Borthwick
I need to start with a little cautionary note / finger wag / encouragement for clarity. And this connects very closely to our“Virtual Front Porches” Initiative. I am scheduled to lead worship at a congregation. I want to get there on time for worship. I often double check where I’m going and what time worship starts by using a Google search… and you would not believe how many times I either can’t find the time of the service or there are multiple conflicting times in different places around the site. And, let me emphasize, I want to get there - I have to get there ON TIME… May this be a reminder to check out your congregations website as a visitor to ensure that everything a visitor might need is current and easily available.
Now, if you think that Presbyterians worship using the same order everywhere, you’d be mistaken. Each one is slightly different. I don’t think I’ve experienced two churches yet that had the exact same order of worship. In some contexts, you all are doing a whole lot of praying… I’ve never had to say “And let us continue in prayer… “ so many times during the holy hour as we prayed, and then, prayed again, and one more time, prayed. Nothing wrong with prayer - it has just been a different experience for me. The obvious one, The Lord’s Prayer is different so often that now I simply ask the congregation before we pray: “Are you sinners, trespassers, or debtors?” It often creates an amusing response. [I will note that many congregations don’t let visitors know what side of the Lord’s Prayer their daily bread is buttered… and as a visitor in most of the places I go… it would be nice to know.] But there are also some congregations that don’t say The Lord’s Prayer at all… no judgement, but that was just new for me. Some places add one of the Creeds and others have a selection from Living Faith. All this to say, as a guest preacher, you are keeping me on my toes.
Another curiosity that I have experienced in most congregations is the evolution of “Children’s Time” into a time of sharing with the congregation as a whole as, in many of our congregations, there are no children present. Perhaps not a popular opinion, but I’m not a fan. That is probably the preacher-centred person in me wanting a few extra minutes for my sermon expressing itself. I guess I wouldn’t mind as much if it wasn’t still called “The Children’s Time” - perhaps it needs a re-branding.
Now this one has really stunned me… the use of “Go Now In Peace” as a sung commissioning. I thought it was just the congregation that I served… but no. If I visit 10 churches 9 will be singing it. And if I was good with statistics I’d say it is likely more like 9.9 churches out of 10 all across Canada. I really hope that Don Besig and Nancy Price are getting royalties for this little comforting piece written in 1988. It is so prevalent!
(And quick addition… when did we start remaining seated for the Postlude - music to leave by - and applauding at the end?! I thought it was just something that happened at my former congregation but no… that happens almost everywhere as well!)
The last thing I find interesting - again as a visitor (who happens to be leading worship) - is that it isn’t always clear if there is a “coffee hour” or “fellowship time” and in some places the physical plant is so large that one doesn’t even know where it is held… if there is one. If I don’t know where to go… how does any other visitor even have a chance?
Again, I am simply sharing as a way of connecting you all with the practices of your sibling PCC congregations and perhaps gently encouraging you to consider how visitor sensitive your congregation might be both online and in-person. And certainly I am pointing out some of our PCC quirks that I bet I’d find in UCC and ACC congregations too. I feel a bit like The Mystery Worshipper from the UK who visits churches on their travels and creates a report of their experience.
I love that I get to visit various worshipping communities across Canada… and look forward to visiting your context in my travels someday.