PLATFORM CHAIR/MODERATOR

FOR WORSHIP SERVICE

The Platform Chair/Moderator is the individual who will be in charge of the service overall, and responsible for keeping things going in an orderly and timely fashion.

Arrive at least twenty minutes to half an hour before the service starts to set up and take care of any unforeseen details. You will also be responsible for the duties of the Greeter/Usher if one has not been scheduled for that service.

An 'Order of Service' for the day will need to be printed.

Responsibilities of the Platform Chair/Moderator:

• Check all equipment, such as microphones, to make sure everything is in good working order.

• Place hymnals on the Podium chairs for workers.

• Decide on an Invocation. These can be found in the Spiritualist’s Manual or you can write your own.

• Make sure the Candles are lit.

• Be sure that water is available for yourself and podium workers.

• Make sure the offering plate is accessible. Pre-select (before the service) an individual to take the offering.

• Have all your announcements in order so they may be presented in a brief and interesting manner.

• Get credentials and accomplishments of the Speaker/Medium who will be giving the inspirational talk/lecture. This information will be part of your introduction. Are they AFSC students? What certifications do they have? Are they a Missionary? Are they affiliated with a specific church? Camp?

• Ask the Speaker/Medium if they would like to give the Benediction at the end of the service.

• If the Speaker/Medium is new to your church then spend a few minutes going over any details about the service that may be beneficial. Re: The layout of the service, continuity of life readings, what is acceptable, what is not (we do not give past life readings, we do not diagnose) etc.

• Check over the sanctuary before leaving. Make sure the lights and any microphones are off, the candles are out, all cups, glasses, trash, etc. are removed. Make sure that all items such as hymnals, cushions, and podium materials have been put away.

Etiquette and Best Practice for the Platform Chair/Moderator:

• If there is a visiting dignitary, who is part of the congregation and not part of the service, acknowledge the person’s office and name during the announcements. Such as…. Rev. Earl Noble pastor of the _____ church is in our congregation. Welcome. It is not necessary to invite that person to the platform.

• Use the word “congregation” instead of “audience”.

• Use the word “offering” instead of “collection”.

• The title “Reverend” is only used with the person’s full name. For example: The “Reverend Betty Brown is our guest speaker today” is correct. “Good morning, Ms Brown is correct when addressing the individual directly.

• The time allowed for the message portion of the service should be evenly divided between the mediums if more than one medium is serving. Cue the medium by quietly saying, “One more, please”. This lets the medium know that their message time is ending and it helps keep the service on schedule.

• The Platform Chair/Moderator should be the LEAST heard. Prayers, introductions, announcements, etc. should be brief. The Platform Chairperson/Moderator should not read poems, or “give a lecture”, this is to be done by the speaker.

• A good Platform Chair/Moderator is a facilitator who keeps the sequence and timing of the service moving in proper order. Make sure that each worker knows the order of the service, and the time allowed within that framework for the inspirational talk/lecture or messages.

• If compliments are in order, give them to your workers after the service. Always remember to say “thank you” for their help and participation.

• “Thanks for coming” should be included in the welcome given at the opening of the service. It is redundant and unnecessary to have this repeated from the platform at any other time. If they wish, members should express this to individuals either before, or after the service.

• Notify the Pastor or the President of the church as soon as possible if you have an emergency that prevents you from being the Platform Chair/Moderator. Do not switch with other workers or make arrangements without consulting the Pastor/President.