success a d rama t i zed evening service regularly to present the truth of the Word. In that drama is so forceful, it readily sets the proper atmosphere and attention for worship, creates a sense of the presence of God, and can cause the observer to look inward, investigating his attitudes and motives. 2. The education program pro vides limitless d ram a t i c occa sions. The classroom, the youth program, the club program, to name but a few, give you frequent openings to use some members of the group, as well as many, in a dramatic presentation. Because drama stimulates interest, par ticipation, and readiness to learn, it is most valuable to the teacher. Not only will it make facts clear and vital, but also it has the pow er to touch the heart, thereby af fecting the attitudes and convic tions of the learned. It then be comes a vital tool to help change lives. 3. Recreation programming of fers a latitude of choice in the use of drama. If “ a merry heart doth good like a medicine,” the relaxation and refreshment of skits and stunts, amusing plays, and short vignettes are worth our consideration. Fellowship and co operation and the opportunity to be creative are to be found in the use of drama in the church’s rec reational program. Where can I get help? There are numbers o f sources for those who seriously consider using the most effective tool. To begin, learn to scour your printed curriculum materials. Though they may not include playlets, there are fre quent illustrations, testimonies, biographies, and interesting life situations that provide a starting point for a good presentation. Many curriculum companies do have small plays as a part of their materials. Do not overlook many o f the Christian fictional material that will give you an interesting plot and real char acters responding to Biblical prin ciples. continued on next page
T he play ' s th e th in g . . church has avoided one of the most potent mediums of present ing Biblical truth available. Due to the influence of the film in dustry, the stage, and various weak attempts at religious drama on the part o f those who would seek to present a weakened moral position, the church has felt safe in avoiding the use of drama in its various forms. It has, how ever, ventured out with the tradi tional Christmas pageant or pro gram, feeling satisfied that it has touched to some degree this art form. Why use drama in the Church? There are several reasons why the church should consider the use of drama in its program. Careful examination o f the Bible reveals frequent use of many dramatic forms. The feasts and festivals, the drama of the prophets, the worship abou t the Tabernacle, and even the ordinances estab lished by the Lord are dramatic forms used to their greatest ad vantage. The school has found great educational value in the use of drama in the classroom and in mass meetings or assemblies. Its recreational and educational value has made drama a valuable tool of the teacher. I f we have may be true among some groups, but traditionally the
the responsibility o f presenting the claims of Christ and the truth of Scriptures and if our task is primarily educational and also to develop the spirit and skill o f wor ship, this medium has the ability to make truths concrete, affords maximum participation, develops a person’s ability to express him self, and makes Biblical truths relevant bringing about positive reaction. This art form is especially val uable in that it develops the par ticipant, is powerful to move the observer, and assists the director in serving both congregation and the participants. Where can drama he used in the church? The church’s activities are grouped about three major areas of endeavor. Drama can be used most effectively in each of these areas with a little effort. 1. Worship affords many oppor tunities for the use of drama. A hymn can be dramatized as a part o f the opening exercises of the Sunday school. Devotional periods of the auxiliary organization pro vide excellent times and materials f o r dramatic p resen ta t ion . Though some churches may be limited in their facilities, the eve ning worship service occasionally could be used. There are a num ber of churches across the coun try which have used with great
APRIL, 1969
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