Tuesday, February 15, 2011

Passionate Worship - Monroe County, MS DNow

One of my favorite things about what I do is standing backstage listening to the crowd worship. There’s something powerful about a room full of voices exalting their risen Savior. This was the scene a few weeks ago at the Monroe County Disciple Now in Amory, MS—I was supposed to follow the last worship song with the final installment of Stella’s story (from “Grace’s CafĂ©”) but when the band finished the song the students kept singing. They kept singing and they didn’t stop. So persistent were they in their worship that the band picked up where the students were leading and continued to play. I was on my knees behind the curtain worshiping with them, in awe of our great God.

After the message the band led the students in worship again. Their passion was so focused on Christ that the room sparked with electricity. As I approached the stage to continue worship through the sketch “Worthy of Glory” I simply prayed that God would be glorified through my offering and that these students would be captivated by the Truth of the scriptures that would be spoken over them. During the sketch I began to recount the worthiness of God from creation to the birth, life, crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus Christ. At the apex of the sketch the students began to cheer so loudly that I simply could not say another word. At the mention of His victory over the grave students began to cheer, clap, praise, shout and jump up and down! When the room was finally quiet enough to finish the last few lines of the sketch I was once again drowned out in a wave of praise unto the Lord!

It is nights like this that fuel my passion for the arts in worship. Drama can be an incredible tool for connecting an individual to Christ. Combining creative elements like music and drama for worship creates an experience with which everyone, no matter where they are in their walk with Christ, can identify. I am passionate about worshiping Christ, and I believe He has instilled in me this gift so that I can help lead others in passionate worship of the One who has paid our debt.

Students of Monroe County, MS—thank you for an unforgettable weekend of Christ centered worship. It was an honor to worship with you, and I pray you spread your passion to the schools, workplaces and neighbors around you.

Thursday, January 13, 2011

Is "Drama" a dirty word?

Is “drama” a dirty word in your church? So many churches have a hard time incorporating dramatic works into their services or events simply because drama has, overall, been poorly presented for quite some time. While there have been some gifted writers, actors, and producers who have successfully brought dramatic art to life, many struggle with how to, or even if they should, use drama in church.

One thing that Dramatic Encounter is passionate about is elevating the level of excellence in art within the church. I personally believe Christians should bring excellence to their art (or whatever it is that you’ve been called to do) simply because Jesus deserves the sacrifice of our very best. Moreover, if we are to be a light in a dark world and an encouragement to the body then we must be competitive to what the world offers.

Are you using drama in your church services or events? How would you encourage others to incorporate effective dramatic pieces within their worship services?