Making the Most of Your Drama Ministry
By: Dale Phillips

"The world has yet to see what God can do through a person totally dedicated to the Lord." Forty-five plus years ago, I heard words something to that effect spoken in a skit being presented based on the challenge that God used to powerfully impact Dwight L. Moody's life and ministry. Now, all these years later, I can still see in my mind's eye part of the scene being portrayed as well as hear those words that so captured D.L. Moody. Drama is definitely a powerful and effective tool of communication.

The United States has a uniquely effective airplane in its arsenal – the stealth bomber. It has the capacity of flying past the defenses set up to detect incoming aircraft, seeking out its target, and accomplishing its mission without detection. Our nation is wise to make the very best use it possibly can of this plane.

In the business of our King, we have the possibility of utilizing a uniquely effective tool of communication – drama. It has the capacity of getting past the defenses people set up to detect anything "religious," to move into the inner person, to and unload its life-impacting truth, all without detection. In this visually oriented world, drama is a ministry worthy of our use and our using it to the max. As those indwelt by the Creator God of the universe, we as Christians should be at the cutting edge of making the most of the creative art form known as drama.

Work + Work = Our Drama Ministry Working to the Max
This formula takes the principle we find applied to our salvation in Philippians 2:12-13 and applies it to the drama ministry: Work out our drama ministry with fear and trembling for it is God who works in us to will and to act according to His good purpose (paraphrased).

To get the most from a drama ministry, we must work at it. Producing excellent drama is going to take our perspiration – there's no way around it. But we need to be aware that our work, our perspiration alone is not enough to make the most of our drama ministry. We must foundationally make sure our work is based on the work of the Lord Jesus Christ in and through us. "For this purpose I labor, striving according to His power (God's in Christ) which mightily works within me" (Colossians 1:29).

Check Our Motives
"Everyman's way is right in his own eyes but the Lord weights our motives" (Proverbs 16:2). We need to make sure we have undertaken and are maintaining our drama ministry because our Lord has led and is leading us to do so. To make the most of our drama ministry, it is important that we know we have this ministry because of our Lord's leadership, not merely because someone somewhere else is having great success with it.

It is important to develop a clear purpose statement so that those involved in the ministry will know the who, what, when, where and why of the ministry. Without a vision the people will fail to make the most of their drama ministry but those who find & keep a clear purpose statement before them will indeed make the most of it (Proverbs 29:18, paraphrased).

Think Outside of the Box
Let's not get stuck "in the box" of utilizing the same dramatic form in the same setting again and again. Instead, let's strive to use a variety of forms in a variety of settings. Drama comes in many different forms, including reader's theater, monologue, sketch/skit/play, mime/pantomime, interpretive movement, clowning, puppetry, pageant and multimedia. Be open and ready to use any and all in the process of making the most of your drama ministry. When many think of a drama ministry in a church setting, they think of it being used in a worship service to set the theme of the sermon or perhaps as part of a seasonal pageant, but we need to know there are so many other settings where drama can be of great value.

In worship, it can enliven the time of announcements, call people to worship, invite people to or give voice to prayer, share Scripture, add another dimension to the worship music, be part of a children's time and present the message, as well as set the theme for the sermon.

In education, it can be used to bring about positive student participation in the learning process or as a way of bringing the heart of truth into the heart of the students.

In evangelism, it can be used to lift up the gospel as part of an evangelistic meeting in the church or as a way to take the gospel outside the walls of the building.

In fellowship, it can be a part or the focus of a fellowship gathering, and it certainly has the potential of developing rich fellowship among those involved in the ministry.

In missions, it can help educate and challenge involvement in prayer for, giving to or going on mission, or in the presenting of the truth of Christ on the mission field.

Let's break out of any box we might have created as to where and how we use drama, and let's explore how drama might be used to positively impact communication in a wide spectrum of forms and settings. In doing so, we'll be actively moving toward making the most of our drama ministry. 

Let's be ready to acknowledge our limitations, weaknesses and ignorance and be ready and willing to reach out and accept help. By being willing to admit that we have further to travel in our journey in and toward getting the most out of our drama ministry and being willing to seek out and accept help, we are in a better position to continue accomplishing that goal. God resists the 'ME' centered drama ministries that think they don't need help but gives His unearned favor to those who are humble enough to admit their need and to seek out and attend drama conferences & workshops, have someone in to conduct an onsite workshop, or pick the brain of those involved in drama in their area (James 4:6, paraphrased). 

Work at applying proven drama techniques within your drama ministry. As with any endeavor, there are basics to a drama presentation that is done with excellence, such as stage composition and movement, projection, and character development. It is vital that these and other basics be adhered to in the drama ministry if we are going to be making the most of it.

Finding and Using Quality Material
An essential piece of the puzzle is finding quality material to work on and present that fits the form and setting we are targeting with any given project. Quality drama material will, among other things, be well-written, translate effectively from the written word to that which is presented, communicate the message intended, and develop the characters involved.

When I first became involved in drama as ministry, there was very little available that would qualify as quality Christian drama material. I'm glad to report that there is now much available in every dramatic form waiting to be discovered and used to fulfill the purpose of drama ministry. Some "fishing ponds" for such material are various Christian publishing houses and bookstores, the Internet, other drama ministries in our area, and folks gifted to write such material who might well be a part of our churches.

Assembling the Team
Recruit and develop a positive drama ministry team headed by a servant leader director(s). The size of a drama ministry team will depend on your local situation and purpose. Be aware that a team of one is not too few with which to begin. No matter the number, you are looking for people who are teachable, dependent on our Lord, and ready to work together with others on a team to accomplish the purpose of the ministry to the glory of the Lord.      

Prayer before, during, and following each project the drama ministry undertakes, no matter how big or small, is required in making the most of a drama ministry. Prayer is not something to merely be tacked onto what we are doing, but it is to permeate every piece and part of what we are about.

Our heavenly Father has gifted us with a wonderful tool with which to share the greatest good news of all time. Let's determine that we will unwrap this gift and make the most of the drama ministry God has given us.   

In the spring of 2002, Dale Phillips became convinced that the Lord desired him to move what had been a side light of his ministry to its main focus. CareActor, www.careactor.org, came into being.  He now travels wherever the Lord leads, seeking to communicate dynamic truths through the dramatic arts.
 

Product Roundup: Drama and Staging

Source Four from TLS
ETC's Source Four from TLS introduces the energy-saving power of the HPL lamp and adds a patented dichroic reflector.

• This combination puts off less heat, which translates into longer usage from gels, patterns and shutters.
• The Source Four offers crisp pattern projection and a bright, even field.

Its powerful 750-watt rating allows saturated colors to punch through. 
www.tlsinc.com

SeaChanger Color Engine
The next-generation SeaChanger Color Engine with patented "extreme green" filtering technology expands the dichroic color changer's gamut to include colors never before attainable with standard CYM color changers. SeaChanger's dichroic patterned filters allow the user to control these elements of theatrical lighting:

• Color
• Intensity
• Saturation of theatrical lighting

Remarkably robust, SeaChanger's filters will not fade, degrade or shift color with time or temperature.
www.SeaChangerOnline.com

Marquee by Entertainment Technology
The Marquee lighting control console from Entertainment Technology is extremely easy to control.  The key to the simplicity lies in the software. The Marquee features:

• A fast and familiar Graphic User Interface (GUI), much like a personal computer
• Easy configuration, allowing the programmer to set up and view all information in a comfortable layout
• Menus and dialog boxes instead of confusing character-based languages
• A help button for function-specific assistance or online technical support.

This simplified operation appeals to all performance venues, but particularly those with part-time employees or volunteer technicians. 
www.etdimming.com

VL 1000 ERS by VARI-LITE
The VARI-LITE VL1000 ERS luminaire combines the functionality of one of the most popular conventional lighting tools--the ellipsoidal reflector spotlight--with the versatility of an automated luminaire.  Acting as a spot or wash fixture, the automated functions include:

• CYM color mixing
• Rotating gobos
• Variable diffusion
• A zoom lens that ranges from 19 degrees to 36 degrees for normal imaging and a super-zoom function that ranges to 70 degrees

All VL1000 ERS models include an automated four-blade shutter mechanism that provides control of the shutter functions popular in conventional ellipsoidal reflector spotlights.
www.vari-lite.com

Costumes by Magic Makers
Magic Makers began supplying costumes to churches, schools and theater groups in 1979. During the busy Easter season, the company provides hundreds of churches with costumes for Passion productions. Some of the most popular choices for churches include:

• Roman soldiers, with helmets, armor, swords, wigs, theatrical make-up, stage blood, beards and crown of thorns
• Animal costumes for Christmas pageants and Bible school productions
• A variety of religious and secular Christmas costumes

Costumes are available for sale or rent. 
www.magicmakers.com

maXim by Applied Electronics
Available from Applied Electronics is the maXim line of intelligent light controllers from LSC Lighting Systems. The novice console user can have a basic understanding of controlling conventional and intelligent lights in minutes. The advanced user will have plenty of power at his or her fingertips as well. Each unit features:

• An easy-to-use, yet powerful, light control console
• Ability to control up to 60 intelligent fixtures
• A training video that covers all operations of the console in "easy to understand" two-to-five-minute lessons.
• A standard two-year warranty.

The maXim console range was designed with the house of worship application in mind.
www.appliednn.com

Hercul'lite Portable Stage by HMC Display
In producing the Hercul'lite stage, HMC Display doesn't use particle board, but rather  Luan Mirante, which is a semi-exotic plywood that exhibits the greatest load capacity of any wood tested. The Hercul'lite portable stage has:

• 50% greater thickness than a leading competitor, with legs that are 25% thicker
• A load rating that is 25% higher than the industry standard
• 20% lighter construction than a leading competitor 
• 10-year warranty

HMC manufactures Hercul'lite stage and sells it factory direct.  
www.hmcdisplay.com

Staging Concepts
As churches have become multi-functional, the need for flexible and portable staging in worship facilities has increased. A portable stage can be a key component for services and special events. With portable stages:

• The entire pulpit area can be multi-functional.
• Combinations of choral risers and flat speaker areas can be arranged as needed.
• An all-flat stage can be used for a theatrical performance.
• A section of the stage can be removed or elevated for an orchestra or performance.

With the right surface options and attachments, portable staging will go un-noticed by the congregation.
www.stagingconcepts.com

Transfold Choral Risers by Dallas Midwest
Dallas Midwest carries the full line of stages and risers from Midwest Folding Products, including the Transfold Choral Risers. Transfold Risers feature:

• Simple design that can be transported by one person
• Easy setup that can be done by just one person
• Pneumatic lift mechanism that pops risers into place
• Carpeting for noise dampening
• Sturdy, six-foot sections that hold 12 to 16 people.

Risers also are simple to take down.  Just push the risers flat and fold them up.
www.dallasmidwest.com

NEXERA from Wybron
The lightweight and easy-to-use NEXERA from Wybron is a compact fixture with integral CMY subtractive dichroic color mixing. Designed with churches and small theatres in mind, NEXERA offers:

• An unlimited color palette
• Smooth color integration
• Availability of both wash and profile models, with either a tungsten or CDM light source

And because the color module is convection cooled, there are no fans, no noise, and no problem.
www.wybron.com

Southern Aluminum Alulite Staging
Alulite Stages by Southern Aluminum are constructed of aircraft-grade aluminum. Alulite stages are durable, lightweight and portable.

• Each stage deck features tool free assembly and can support 250 pounds per square foot. 
• Alulite stages offer two surface options of midnight black carpet or a black textured non-skid tough surface. 

Select your combination of stage decks, steps, and handrails to create the perfect stage for your facility.
www.southernaluminum.com

Dazian
Since 1842, Dazian has been the source for innovative Fire-Resistant fabrics for theatrical and staging events. Today, their wide selection of FR fabrics includes:

• Drapery velvets and velours
• Metallics, sheers, muslins and canvases
• Linings and blackout fabrics

Dazian also has a wide variety of lighting and projection materials.
www.dazian.com

Rose Brand
Rose Brand, a leading supplier of draperies and textiles for the theatre and entertainment industry, has introduced Screen Goo.

• It is a specially formatted, highly reflective acrylic paint system.
• It allows users to create projection surfaces of virtually any size or shape, including curved and extremely large screens at significantly lower costs. 

Depending on your application, there are different products for Front or Rear Projection.
www.rosebrand.com