Do You Use a Liturgist in Worship?

I think it depends on the Congregation. In the churches I have served we haven't used one, but that's mostly because it's hard to get people to speak from the front. We do try and get members of the congregation to read Scripture or lead some of our responsive readings. We also ask members of our worship team to lead some parts of the service. 

It is nice to have other voices present during the leading of the worship service. It really emphasizes the priesthood of all believers.

We do have a liturgist who creates the liturgy and then as part of a worship team leads the congregation in worship.  This system was already in place and a well oiled machine when I began ministry here, three years ago.  I find it a great help in the formation of the worship service.  I find the nuances that the liturgist brings out amplifies some of my points in the sermon, and vice versa.  The liturgist's perspective sometimes helps me find the key problem or grace that my sermon needs to share. On the flip side, I miss being able to formulate my own liturgies and lead the different parts of the service.  I am trying to discern whether this is a legitimate reservation, or just my pride getting in the way of sharing this role.

Training liturgists is an act of fellowship and discipleship as well.  I am called out of my study to community and discipling others.  For example, sometimes I need to remind them to use Scripture, not just summaries of Scripture.  Sometimes we reflect on how to lead in worship through our facial expression and tone of voice, that we are worshipful (even if not a giddy happiness).  This all takes time, but I find it is worth it.  As my worship professor, John Witvileit, was wont to say, "Wise is the congregation [fill in the blank]." So in his honor, I would say, "Wise is the congregation that continues to do the hard work of communal preparation and leading of worship, knowing that discipleship is worth the effort."

Those are my reflections!