-it starts from a relationship with God thru Christ and the truth about God and the world we live in. Inevitably our convictions shape the stories we tell.
-so it’s important to abide in Christ and build our convictions on Biblical truth.
-this is why we are a fellowship, not a writers’ guild.
Outline:
What?—what kind of scripts can I write?
Why?—what am I trying to achieve?
Where?—what resources can I use?
How?—how exactly should I go about it?
When?—what are upcoming events?
What?
Many forms of theatre:
u the radio play e.g. “The Man Born To Be King”
u readers theatre
u chorus/recitation e.g. “Crowded Christmas”
u dialogue/cross-talk (like xiangsheng) e.g. “Christmas Jesus/Easter Jesus”
u dramatised reading e.g. any Bible reading
u skit/sketch e.g. “Telling It Like It Is”
u narrated/mimed illustration e.g. “The Window Washer Mime”, “Hands”, “Work Eat Sleep”
u play e.g. “Murder in the Cathedral”, “Jeremiah”
u musical e.g. “The Promise”, “Love Above All”
Why?
Two clear objectives:
1. to evangelise
a) illustrate the gospel in simple terms to e.g. children or on mission trips where language might be a barrier. e.g. The Door, Hands
b) challenge and provoke thought. Question worldviews and assumptions. E.g. films from the Parable Project, Work Eat Sleep
2. to edify
a) comfort—remind people about God’s love & kingdom & purposes
b) affirm—the truth about the Bible—statements and incidents
c) illustrate/teach/explain—drive home a point, as what happened in 2 Samuel 12. Or put parables and teachings in context to avoid misinterpretation/clear up the misconceptions people have.
POINTS TO NOTE
l Every story ought to link back to the cross of Christ; it should be central esp. if it’s evangelistic.
l In everything as with this work—it’s not our own wit or talent that does it, it’s God’s enabling. So we should depend on Him at every step.
l Do not assume listeners are Christian even if it’s held in church. Some children may not yet have put their faith in Christ; some non-Christians can be visiting or seeking to know more, and even Christians can get annoyed if we are insensitive in our portrayal of people or issues. Gentleness and respect.
l Make sure all assumptions and worldviews are based firmly on the Bible, not our cultural influence. For instance, is Christmas all about opening presents in a warm glow of light?
l If we are going to write about serious/major life events—like death, marriage, cancer and being orphaned— make sure it’s realistic and sensitive. There will be people in the audience who have experienced these things, and they will probably not be impressed by shallow, stereotypical portrayals. If one has to write of such things, try reading memoirs or talking to someone who has gone through it (and doesn’t mind discussing the subject lah). Fortunately for us, they say the most significant life event that could happen is believing in Christ and knowing God! (can anyone tell me the Scriptural basis for that statement?)
Where? (Sources)
l Existing scripts—Christian and secular (library and internet, and our own script pool if we can compile it)
When you find a script, ask yourself—
What is the message?
Is the message Biblical? Will it edify/evangelise? What is the take-home message? Does it build people up in Christ? E.g. the dialogue: Elijah and the prophets of Baal
Is the presentation good/interesting? If not, can I take the idea and adapt it?
l Books—Christian books/biographies/memoirs/studies give us background info and context and understanding of issues and people.
l Sermons and messages—you know how sometimes pastors use illustrations and stories in their sermons? Online messages like those from Ravi Zacharias Ministries can help in illuminating the issues too.
l THE BIBLE!! And commentaries/study guides can be useful because they help us understand the passage and apply it.
l Personal lessons/funny or sad or meaningful experiences/dilemmas
How? (to prepare :P)
1. What is the subject/theme/event? (Mooncake Festival Puppet show? Children’s Item? Outreach for youths?)
2. Target audience (Children? Adults? Christian? Non-Christian? Skeptics?)
3. time available (for preparation and actual performance time)
4. cast/resources available (gospel recounts tend to need more guys in the cast, lighting and stage), costumes/props…
When? Upcoming events
Sunday sermon Children’s Item! Upcoming: (need not be on the sermon topic)
26 Oct (Daniel 4-5)
30 Nov (Daniel 12, The End Times)
21 Dec (year end sermon)
Tuition min—School-term Fridays 8ish pm
BB/GB min has storytelling time every Saturday at 9am.
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