The word service focuses on the preaching of the word. No sacraments are dis­ pensed in a word service.

Word services are intended to serve or provide pastoral care to certain circles or for special occasions.

If a priestly minister is unavailable for regular divine services, Deacons can con­ duct word services within the scope of their authority to conduct word services (including the dispensation of the Trinitarian benediction). Prior consultation with the Apostle is required.

In the event that the priestly minister who has been scheduled to conduct the divine service fails to arrive, a Deacon should conduct a word service.

Apostles and priestly ministers can perform acts of blessing in a word service. Although a Deacon can dispense the benediction, he or she does not perform any further acts of blessing such as a wedding, for example.

In a word service there are no communion chalices on the altar. The officiant assumes his or her position behind the altar during the opening hymn.

A word service has the following sequence:

• opening hymn
• Trinitarian formula
• opening prayer
• reading of the Bible text
• musical contribution
• sermon based on the Divine Service Guide
• assisting ministers (optional)
• musical contribution when calling ministers to assist
• musical contribution following the sermon part (optional)
• introductory words prior to the Lord’s Prayer
• collectively spoken Lord’s Prayer
• cosing prayer
• benediction
• threefold “Amen” sung by congregation
• final musical contribution (optional)

A word service should not last longer than 45 minutes.