How to Motivate, Train and Nurture
Acolytes
FIVE WORKSHOPS
AND OTHER RESOURCES
Copyright © 2001 by Robert Eaton and Rhoda Votaw
All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise, without prior permission of the publisher.
Morehouse Publishing
4775 Linglestown Road
Harrisburg, PA 17112
ISBN: 978-0-8192-0003-7
Printed in the United States of America
Table of Contents
The Training Team
The Workshop Approach
The Beginning and End of Each Workshop
Workshop A–Introduction to the Acolyte Ministry
Workshop B–Introduction to Liturgies
Workshop D–For Intermediate Acolytes
Workshop E–For Advanced Acolytes
Responsibilities Before and After the Service
Foreword
Acolyte training is a dynamic, ongoing process that evolves as acolytes enter and grow in their ministry. This book was written in response to a need for a manual that will help adults who work with acolytes discover creative ways to teach skills, encourage teamwork, and provide a strong spiritual foundation. It is not intended to be a handbook for acolytes, because they generally need more support and guidance than they would get from reading on their own. The book's intent is to suggest a flexible and responsive program, based on the premise that there is no one “best way” to work with acolytes, because they have to be prepared to serve within the wide variety of traditions and practices found among churches and clergy and across denominations
Drawn on experience from many parishes, diocesan acolyte gatherings, and various training workshops, this book is offered as a working tool. It presents concepts that will be helpful to people working with acolytes, and ideas for workshop-type training sessions that can be used as the foundation for acolyte training in any congregation. The sessions will work for any size group and are appropriate for trainers with varying levels of skill and experience. Although this manual is focused primarily on the needs and styles of adolescent acolytes, girls and boys and men and women of all ages are interested in the acolyte ministry, so suggestions can easily be adapted as needed.
We hope you find this manual helpful. Revisions will be made from time-to-time, so we would welcome your ideas and observations as you use the book in your acolyte training program. For your convenience several “tools” can be found in the Appendices, including a basic glossary, and a form for prayer and reflection that we suggest acolytes use regularly as they prepare to serve. Trainers also might find it enriching.
Although the book is written from the perspective of the Episcopal Church, the ideas and concepts can easily be translated to meet the requirements of other traditions. However, because of its Episcopal focus, you will see occasional references to material in The Book of Common Prayer (BCP).
An interesting road lies ahead. Good luck as you traverse it, and have fun!
THE ACOLYTE MINISTRY
The acolyte ministry is one of service. The theology and significance of this ministry should be reinforced through all phases of training. Acolytes of all ages and experience levels will benefit by constant encouragement about the value of their personal ministry in the Lord's service. Acolytes, along with other lay ministers in the Episcopal Church, are responsible for carrying out their ministry according to the questions and answers found in the Catechism on page 855 in the BCP.
Enthusiastic participation in the acolyte group and committed involvement to the acolyte ministry should be a primary goal of the program since it is key to the program's success. Efforts to establish that enthusiastic spirit should begin when a boy, girl, man, or woman first expresses interest in serving.
Clergy and acolyte directors often wonder about the best way to involve a new acolyte. Leaders should be clear that a regular training program, which will provide a level of comfort and security, will be part of the ministry. Then the acolyte can be introduced to service in whatever way is appropriate for your situation.
Example: a new acolyte might be assigned a simple task and shepherded by an experienced peer, or could be scheduled for several sequential Sundays as a vested observer with an advanced acolyte as a mentor.
However you decide to encourage initial participation, it should be understood as a first step, leading to training that will enable the new acolyte to feel confident and secure in the work and service that lies ahead.
Motivation and Commitment
This