Worship Arts July August September 2022

stage the Setting Tips for starting a drama ministry in your congregation by Pamela Abbey I f you’re of a certain age, or if you watch old movies, you may remember the old Judy person who makes sure that all the gears are working. This doesn’t have to be the most talented,

yourself in the second category, here are a few suggestions about how to turn up the flame and stir the pot. Look for the leadership If there is one thing that keeps congregations from having a vibrant drama ministry, it’s lack of leadership. You have to have someone who serves as the producer. Many tasks in drama ministry can be shared. You may have several folks able to direct. The reading of potential scripts can be done by a wide variety of people. Some can help with costumes when needed, while others can work with sound. That’s the good news. But there has to be a “go-to”

trained, or creative individual. It just needs to be someone who has a passion to see drama happen in the congregation and can rally the troops and keep communication lines open. If you’re reading this, maybe it’s you! Learn how to work with your pastor If you are planning to develop a drama ministry that focuses on drama in Sunday worship, this is paramount. Difficulty in working with the pastor is probably the complaint I’ve heard the most. Ideally, your pastor is supportive of drama ministry and plans worship far enough in advance that you can develop material that fits. If your pastor is skeptical of

Garland and Mickey Rooney film in which someone yelled, “Hey, let’s put on a show!” Before you could blink, a polished, entertaining play was being put on in a barn by a bunch of amateurs! If only it was that easy to develop a drama ministry. Drama ministry is not rocket science. Most models of drama ministry don’t require big budget numbers. But it is a rather complex creature. I’m sure there are some drama ministries out there that started almost spontaneously, but generally it requires some thoughtfulness and planning. Some of you reading this may already have an active drama ministry in your congregation. Others may be scratching your heads, wondering how to get started. If you find

Photo: Daniel Craig

___________________________________________________________________________________________________ 8 July-August-September 2022 • WorshipArts • umfellowship.org