Christian Formation for Servers

 

“And here we offer and present unto Thee, O Lord, our selves, our souls and bodies, to be a reasonable, holy, and living sacrifice unto thee”. -The Book of Common Prayer, pg. 81.

Introduction

Today we recognize three Orders of Ministers: Bishop, Priest, and Deacon. In the ancient Church, however, there were four additional “Minor” Orders: Porter (doorkeeper), Exorcist, Lector (Reader), and Acolyte (server at the Altar). These positions were usually held by those who were preparing for the priesthood. Although we no longer ordain Acolytes and Lay Readers, these positions continue to be held in high esteem in the Church.

By serving in the public worship of God’s people, Acolytes, Crucifers, and Lay Readers have a special responsibility to live according to the commandments of God and walk in His holy ways. The below material is designed to assist you in this formation.

Note:

  • At Christ the King Anglican Church, the term “Server” specifically refers to Acolytes and Crucifers. Since Lay Readers also have a critical role in public worship, they too, should have an intentional Christian formation and so are included here under the title “Server.”

  • All Servers are expected to follow the Christ the King Anglican Server’s Manual and participate in all trainings.

Catechesis

The foundation for the Christian formation of Servers is full participation in existing parish Catechesis:

  • Formal Catechesis

    • Servers should already be Confirmed members of the Anglican Church, or enrolled and participating in the Catechumen Class

    • Adult Catechesis

      • All Servers are expected to watch the weekly Catechesis video, and are encouraged to participate in the weekly online discussions

      • Servers are expected to attend other Formal Catechesis opportunities as they are developed

    • Children’s Catechesis

      • Child Crucifers are expected to participate in Children’s Catechesis

  • Non-formal Catechesis

    • Sunday Liturgy – All Sundays are Days of Obligation for all Christians

    • Cell Groups – Servers are expected to actively participate in an assigned Cell Group

    • Men’s Fellowship - Servers are encouraged to actively participate

    • Young Adult Fellowship – Servers in this ages range are encouraged to actively participate

  • Home Catechesis

    • Daily Offices – Servers are expected to use the Prayer Book for daily devotions

    • Keeping the Sabbath – Servers are expected to “Keep holy the Sabbath-day”

    • Observing the Church Calendar - Servers are encouraged to increase familiarity with the Church’s seasons, feasts, and fasts

Rule of Life

Servers are expected to live according to a Rule (pattern or model) of Life. The traditional Rule is the Daily Offices, Holy Communion, and Private Prayer. This “Rule” (singular) is not a set of legalistic rules (plural). Rule is voluntarily embraced, and provides a framework for the steady advancement in holiness. Additional components of a personal Rule can be added, which can be done with the assistance of a spiritual Director. The traditional Rule can be modified for child Crucifers, but should include, at a minimum, Sunday attendance at Church and daily prayer and Scripture reading (or a Bible story book).

Spiritual Direction

Spiritual Direction is the religious application of an everyday principle: “In very little are we really self-taught.” Servers are expected to participate regularly in spiritual direction. You are free to approach any Christian you have confidence in to provide you with godly counsel. The frequency of direction and content will vary from person to person.

Vocational Discernment

It is God, through His Church, who “calls” men into the Sacred Ministry. Your role is to determine whether you are so “inwardly moved.” The experience of serving as an Acolyte, Crucifer, or Reader can help with the discernment process. If you want more information, please see a member of the Clergy.

Prior to Holy Communion – Spiritual Preparation

  • Fr. Louis Tarsitano suggests the following approach: “Ask God to open your heart, your soul, and your mind to the Spirit of prayer, to his Word, and to his Will. Ask him to guide and illuminate his minister who have been appointed to lead the service.”

  • You may also use the following prayer from the Book of Common Prayer:

“O God, who makes us glad with the weekly remembrance of the glorious resurrection of thy Son our Lord: Vouchsafe us this day such blessing through our worship of thee, that the days to come may be spent in thy service; through the same Jesus Chris our Lord. Amen.

  • The following Psalms are suitable as preparation for Holy Communion: 23; 25; 26: 36:5ff; 41; 43; 46; 83; 84; 83; 122; 130; 133; 139.

During Holy Communion – Attention and Fervency

  • Fr. Tarsitano advises as follows: “Once the service begins, focus all of your attention on it. Listen for what God may be telling through his Word and worship.”

  • If you find you mind and heart drifting, you can pray as follows:

“O Almighty God, who pourest out on all who desire it, the spirit of grace and of supplication; Deliver us, when we draw nigh to thee, from coldness of heart and wanderings of mind, that with stedfast thoughts and kindled affections, we may worship thee in spirit and in truth; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.”

  • As Servers, you are to set an example for others, and rightly so. Visitors from non-Anglican churches may be uncertain about when to sit, kneel, or stand. They are more likely to look to you rather than the Clergy to know what to do and when to do it.

After Holy Communion – Thanksgiving and Grace

  • The following prayer is suitable for giving thanks and requesting additional grace:

“Grant, we beseech the, Almighty God, that the words which we have heard this day with our outward ears, may, through thy grace, be so grafted inwardly in our hearts, that they may bring forth in us the fruit of good living, to the honour and praise of thy Name; through Jesus Christ our Lord.”

  • The following Psalms are suitable as thanksgiving after Holy Communion: 8; 15; 18:1-20; 19; 27; 29; 30; 34; 100; 110; 103; 118; 145; 150.

Additional Lay Reader Responsibilities

  • Lead Matins once per week or as needed (at CTK)

  • Lead the Morning Prayer portion of the Liturgy each week

All Servers are expected to participate in regular (monthly or quarterly) meetings for Training and discipleship.

Conclusion

This material has been provided to assist you in formation specific to your role as a Server. Being a Server in God’s One, Holy, Catholic, and Apostolic Church, however, is not something that can be “turned on” on Sunday mornings. Consider what St. John Cassian says about prayer:

“…We must be such before the time of prayer as we wish to be found while at our prayers. For we cannot avoid our minds being molded at the time of our prayer by what we have been in the time preceding.”

May God grant that our formation as Servers serves our larger formation in the image of Christ (Rom. 8:29).