Book: Nine Steps to Becoming a Better Lector

Ron Rienstra

Nick Wagner. San Jose, Calif.: Resource Publications, Inc. 2000. 96 pp. Paper $10.95. 1-888-273-7782; www.rpinet.com.

Protestants can learn much from Roman Catholics about reading Scripture with care, taking time to prepare thoroughly. Though written from a very specifically Roman Catholic perspective (references to "approaching the ambo" abound), this small book offers good advice for all worship leaders on how better to read Scripture. "Pray," says Wagner. "Find the most important phrase. Project. Vary your pace and style." These are all good reminders, written with style and practical good sense.

Rev. Dr. Ron Rienstra has been a regular contributor to Reformed Worship over the years. He is the director of worship life and professor of preaching and worship arts at Western Theological Seminary in Holland, Michigan. He is an ordained minister in the Reformed Church in America , author of Church at Church, and coauthor with his wife, Debra, of Worship Words: Discipling Language for Faithful Ministry. Together they have three grown children, a multiplicity of living-room instruments, and a tame backyard they are slowly rewilding.