Evangelism Dramas:
For Inviting Guests and Sharing Faith

General Notes on using drama in worship:

Direction: As you block (planning where the actors will move) the skit, there are several things to keep in mind. First, think in pictures. Directing is really putting together a series of pictures that communicate the skit. Remember to keep the actors open to or facing the audience, while relating to each other. Use lots of movement. Make sure that your actors have hand props. This gives them something to do with their hands.

Acting: Impress upon the actors the importance of knowing their lines, remembering the blocking (movements on stage) and projecting loudly enough to be heard by the entire congregation. If necessary, use wireless lapel microphones so that all actors may be heard by the audience.


Evangelism Drama for Rally Day/Fall Kick-Off Sunday

A Little Child Shall Lead Them

by Carl Billings

We are in one corner of a coffee shop in a local restaurant. It is in the early evening hours when local neighbors would come in for a special treat. Dad and Keisha have gone out for dessert. The drama begins with their conversation.

Server: All right, we have an apple pie for Dad, and a double hot fudge sundae for the little girl. Is there anything else?

Dad: No, sounds good. That will take care of our sweet tooth!

Server: I will be back in a minute to refill your coffee.

Dad: Thank you.

(Server leaves. Dad starts to take a bite of his pie. He gets the spoon halfway to his mouth and Keisha speaks up.)

Keisha: Dad, wait! We haven't prayed.

Dad: (Puts the fork down) That's okay, Keisha, this is just dessert. (Starts the fork toward his mouth) We don't have to pray again.

Keisha: But Ms.Griffin tells us we should be thankful for all of God's gifts.

Dad: Who's Ms. Griffin?

Keisha: You know her, Dad. She's my teacher!

Dad: I thought they weren't supposed to teach religion in public schools.

Keisha: No, Daddy, my Sunday School teacher!

Dad: Oh, oh yeah, yeah, Ms. Griffin. Well, she didn't mean we had to pray every time. We can be thankful without saying a formal prayer.

Keisha: Every time, Daddy.

Dad: (Starting to feel very uncomfortable) Well, this is different. This a public place. There are people around.

Keisha: Ms. Griffin said every time.

Dad: All right, all right, we'll pray. (quickly) Dear Lord, thank you for this food. Amen.

Keisha: Lord, thank you for my Dad, and a chance to be together. Thank you for Mom and Baby Jerome, and for Ms. Griffin and the restaurant and the cook and the server and the busstaff and this really delicious looking dessert. In Jesus' name, Amen.

(While Keisha has been praying the server has walked up to refill the coffee. She waits patiently while Keisha finishes her prayer. As they finish, Dad looks up and sees the Server and is very embarrassed.)

Dad: We were praying.

Server: (Neutral) I noticed.

Dad: It was my daughter's idea.

Server: (Still neutral) Oh.

Dad: She learned it in Sunday School.

Server: Sounds like a good place to learn how to pray.

Keisha: (To server) Do you pray?

Dad: Keisha!

Keisha: I was just asking!

Dad: (Dad pushes his fork off the table) Oh! I dropped my fork. (To server) Excuse me, could you get me another fork?

Server: Oh sure, I'll be back in a minute.

Dad: (In a tense whisper) Keisha, it's not polite to ask other people about their religion.

Keisha: Why not?

Dad: (Whispering) It might embarrass someone.

Keisha: Oh Daddy, I'm sorry I didn't mean to embarrass you.

Dad: (Louder) Not me, (Back to whisper) her!

Keisha: Who?

Dad: The server!

Keisha: She didn't seem embarrassed.

Dad: Well, she might have been.

Keisha: I don't understand Daddy, Ms. Griffin said that we shouldn't be ashamed of our faith.

Dad: (Becoming agitated) I am not ashamed of my faith.

Keisha: Then why shouldn't we pray in certain places or talk to certain people about prayer?

Dad: (Practically sputtering) Well, it's just that. . . It's hard to explain, but . . . Well because, (Coming up with an idea) thou shalt not boast about religion.

Keisha: (Awed) Gee Daddy, is that in the Bible?

Dad: (Not able to lie to his daughter) I don't think so, but it should be.

Server: Here's a new fork.

Keisha: I'm sorry. My Dad said I embarrassed you and I shouldn't talk to you about prayer.

Dad: (Almost in pain) Keisha!

Server: (Seeing Dad's obvious discomfort.) It's all right. I don't mind it, sir. You've got a very cute little girl. How old are you, Keisha?

Keisha: I'm 8 years old.

Server: I have a little boy about your age.

Keisha: Really? What's his name?

Server: Ronald.

Keisha: (Getting an idea) Hey, he could come to my Sunday School class! (Looking at Dad) Well, if he wants to come.

Dad: They probably already have a church, sweetheart.

Server: Actually, no. But, I've been thinking it's time we start going to church.

Keisha: That would be great! It's really neat! We have a lot of fun in Sunday School! We make things and we do plays and all sorts of other things. Ms. Griffin teaches us all sorts of neat stuff. Doesn't she, Dad?

Dad: (Almost to himself) I'm beginning to find that out.

Keisha: And you can come to church with us, too. Couldn't she, Dad?

Dad: (Still miserable) Yeah, I guess so.

Server: Are you sure Ronald and I would be welcomed?

Dad: (Realizing that his embarrassment might seem like he didn't want them to come) Oh sure, you would be welcome. We really do try to be friendly. I am just a little shy about my faith in public places, that's all. I'm sorry if I gave you the feeling that you wouldn't be welcome.

Keisha: Say, I've got an idea. We could pick you and Ronald up and bring you to church. Couldn't we, Dad?

Dad: I don't know about that. With your Mom and baby brother our car gets pretty full. (Starting to pick up his daughters enthusiasm.) But you know, we could swing by and you could follow us to church. Do you live in this area?

Server: Just off 12th Street north of Washington Avenue.

Dad: That's not too far from us. What about it? We would be delighted to do it!

Server: Sure, I guess I could.

Dad: Great! Sunday School starts at 9:15. We'll come by your place around 9:00. Why don't you jot down your address for us on this napkin.

Server: Okay! (To both of them) Uh, thanks for inviting me.

Dad: Don't thank me. It was Keisha who did the inviting! I just followed along. You know, the Pastor is always quoting a Bible verse about the way children lead. Let me think. Yeah that's it, "A little child shall lead them."

Keisha: (Quoting) "And the wolf shall live with the lamb, the leopard shall lie down with the kid, the calf and the lion and the fatling together, and a little child shall lead them." Isaiah 11:6

Dad: (Dad and server are both awed) Where did you learn that?

Dad and Keisha: (Together) Ms. Griffin!

Keisha: Ms. Griffin taught us that Bible verse.

Dad: Why am I not surprised.

Server: Well thank you, Keisha, for inviting me. Ronald and I will see you on Sunday morning!

Dad: Well, we prayed. We invited the server to church. (Almost a whine) Now can I eat my apple pie?

Keisha: Oh, Daddy, you're so silly!

The End


Notes on performing the play

Production: Keep the set as simple as possible. Engage the audience's imagination. A card table and two chairs can be the coffee shop table. Simply take a moment before the skit to describe the scene and set the stage.

Direction: See the general direction and acting notes on page 2 of this drama resource packet. Please note that the skit starts and ends with Dad and Keisha already on stage and seated at their table. Consider using extras within this skit. Have another group of people come into the coffee shop and sit at a table upstage and on the opposite side of where Keisha and Dad are seated. Another server could then serve that group. If choosing this option, be careful not to distract from the skit's main action. One way of preventing distraction from the main actors is to seat the additional restaurant patrons with their backs to the audience. At times when Dad is very agitated, these extra patrons can turn around and notice what is going on.

Casting: If you have a very precocious child, you might want to cast her in the role of Keisha. If not, use a young looking teenager or young looking adult. Again, ask the audience to use their imagination.



Advent/Christmas Evangelism Drama:
Still Real, Still Relevant

On Gifts and Wrapping Paper

by Carl Billings

(We are in a bedroom. It is late at night moving toward morning. There is a person collapsed on a bed: Steve West. Suddenly two people dressed in black with dark sunglasses appear. They are, Donner and Blitzen, agents of the Saint Nicholas Division, Gift Giving section, on their last stop of the night.) This is the sequel to a skit published in 1998 by the ELCA Division for Congregational Ministries, Education and Evangelism Team, as a part of the 1998 ELCA Evangelism Packet, Sharing Faith. The first skit, "A Gift Worth Sharing", was written to be used on a Sunday prior to Christmas, as a motivational tool for members to invite their unchurched friends, relatives and neighbors to church for Christmas services. To order the first skit, call 800/328-4648, and order A Guide for Planning a Christmas Friendship Cele- bration: Still Real, Still Relevant, code 69-7885, 6-0000-9996-7. This drama, "On Gifts and Wrapping Paper," may be used as a sequel to share the story of Christmas with people unfamiliar to it. Additional Christmas evangelism campaign materials may be ordered from: Sipos Marketing Services, Inc.,#326, 1685 S. Colorado Blvd. Unit S, Denver, CO,80222-4040. Phone: 303/920-2668, FAX 303/920-2669, E-mail: http://www.siposmarketing.com.

Blitzen: Here we are, our final subject for the night.

Donner: Are you sure this is the guy? John Cross's friend?

Blitzen: Yes, Steve West: divorced, 34, one child, nine years old. She lives with her mother. He has been in church three times since childhood. All three times were weddings. Since being divorced, Steve has reverted back to bachelor ways.

Donner: (Gingerly picking up a dirty T-shirt that is on the floor) Yeah, that sounds like our man.

Blitzen: He's the one John will invite to church. Steve has been having some serious questions about life and its meaning, in particular, if there is more to life than material gain and creature comforts.

Donner: Let's do it. (Drops T-shirt and starts to walk over to wake him up)

Blitzen: Wait, wait, wait. Let's make sure we have everything.

Donner: Do we have to run through it all again? We've made 15 contacts over the past 6 hours, and every time (Mimicking Blitzen) "Holographic projector...check, picture ID...check, picture of us with the Big Guy...check, hats...check. Check, check, check." Come on! It's getting late. We don't have to go through all the preliminaries again.

Blitzen: You know the rulebook. Section 3234, paragraph D, subparagraph 2c. (Quoting) "Each agent team shall, before making contact, check that they are properly equipped and are ready for said contact."

Donner: Yeah, I know the rule, but can't we just...

Blitzen: Either we do it by the book or we don't do it!

Donner: All right, (Sounding like Blitzen quoting the rule book) Let's check that we are properly equipped and ready for said contact.

Blitzen: Holographic projector?

Donner: Check.

Blitzen: Picture ID's?

Donner: Check.

Blitzen: Check, picture of us with the Big Guy?

Donner: (Goes to the pocket with picture. It's not there. Starts searching, first calmly, then frantically) Uhm, huh, it a . . . Let me see. . . .

Blitzen: Picture of us with the Big Guy?

Donner: It's got to be here somewhere!

Blitzen: You've forgotten your Santa Claus picture!

Donner: Go on, go on, we'll come back to that.

Blitzen: Elf hats?

Donner: Check.

Blitzen: (Doggedly) Picture of us with the Big Guy?

Donner: (Embarrassed) It must have fallen out of my pocket onto the seat of the sled.

Blitzen: You lost your picture?

Donner: I didn't lose my picture! It just fell out of my pocket.

Blitzen: (Dragging Donner down stage away from Steve's bed) You're going to have to go to the sled and get the picture.

(During Blitzen's and Donner's dialogue, Steve slowly begins to wake. He notices the two of them arguing, kind of shakes his head as if he doesn't believe it and looks again. He gets up goes over and tries to get their attention.)

Donner: (Whispering) We don't have time. It's getting late.

Blitzen: (Whispering) We can't make first contact now. We are not properly equipped.

Donner: (Tentatively barely above a whisper) Excuse me. (Donner and Blitzen don't hear him.)

Donner: We can just skip directly to the hats. The picture and the ID's seldom work anyway.

Steve: Excuse me.

Blitzen: (Still not hearing or seeing Steve) I guess we could. I don't know; it's highly unusual. I still prefer to come back tomorrow night.

Donner: You know we can't do that. Our schedule is just too tight between now and the Big Day.

Blitzen: You're right. It's just not according to the...

Steve: (Loud) Hey!

Blitzen: Attention! (Blitzen and Donner snap to attention and remove sunglasses)

Steve: What are you two doing in my bedroom?

Donner: (Trying to get back to normal) Steven West?

Steve: Yeah.

Donner: Age 34, divorced?

Steve: Yeah?

Blitzen: We would like a word with you.

Steve: (Aside to himself) Man, I am having some weird dreams. I have got to stop eating those gourmet garlic pizzas just before bed. (Back to the elves) Who are you two?

Blitzen: We are agents of the Saint Nicholas Division, Gift-Giving section.

Steve: Saint Nicholas? You mean like Santa Claus, Father Christmas?

Blitzen: That's correct.

Steve: Are you saying you're elves?

Donner: The proper title is Angels, Elvin Class, but essentially you are correct.

Steve: No more late night pizza.

Blitzen: You don't believe we're elves?

Steve: Are you kidding? You two are just a piece of garlic pizza. I knew I shouldn't have eaten right before I went to bed. I am getting too old for that kind of stuff.

Blitzen: I guess we'll have to prove it to him.

Donner: We have no other choice.

Steve: (Looking nervously as their hands reach inside their jacket flaps) What do you mean "prove it?"

Blitzen: Ready?

Donner: Ready.

Steve: Hey, this dream is getting way too weird!

Blitzen: Set?

Donner: Set.

Blitzen: Start!

(Donner and Blitzen pull out Santa Claus hats, Steve ducks, Donner and Blitzen put the hats on their heads and start singing:)

Donner and Blitzen: "We wish you a merry Christmas, we wish you a merry Christmas. We wish you a merry Christmas, and a happy new year!"

Steve: Well, if you're elves, you are certainly not the singing variety. (Walking away) I tell you what though; I'm never again going to order gourmet garlic pizza.

Donner: It didn't work. He doesn't believe us.

Blitzen: This is highly unusual.

Donner: What do we do now?

Blitzen: (Quickly pulling out the book and checking) According to the book, section 1712, paragraph J, sub paragraph 6a "If the subject doesn't respond to the first carol, repeat the process with a second carol." Ready?

Donner: Ready.

(Donner and Blitzen start singing again.)

Donner and Blitzen: "Jingle bells, jingle bells, jingle all the..."

Steve: That's okay, that's okay. I believe you!

Donner: (Taking off the hat and putting it away) That was a close call.

Blitzen: (Taking off the hat and putting it away) Mr. West, I am Agent Blitzen. This is Agent Donner. We would like a few words with you regarding the meaning of Christmas.

Steve: The meaning of Christmas?

Donner: Yes. We have a few questions to ask you regarding the true meaning of Christmas.

Steve: You two have gone to a lot of trouble to take a poll. I mean, couldn't you have just called me on the phone?

Blitzen: This is not a poll, Mr. West.

Donner: These questions are directed to you personally, and they have to do with your own destiny.

Steve: Destiny? You're sounding kind of serious.

Blitzen: These are very important questions.

Donner: Very important.

Steve: Okay, I'll try to answer them as best I can.

Donner: What is the meaning of Christmas to you?

Steve: Well, I'm no Scrooge. I enjoy Christmas. The parties, the Christmas carols, (Gesturing to them)... well most of the time...the decorations and lights, the cookies, the parties.

Blitzen: According to our records, during the past couple weeks you have been doing anything but enjoying Christmas.

Steve: I don't know what you're talking about.

Blitzen: Use the holographic projector.

Donner: Mr. West, please direct your attention over to that dirty pile of clothes in the corner. (Donner takes out the holographic projector and turns it on) This happened last week at the office Christmas party.

Steve: (Looking out over the audience's head) Hey! That's my office, and that's Laura, one of my co-workers. Where's she going? Hey! That's me.

Laura: (Over the holographic projector) Steve, what are doing sulking back here in your office? You should come join the party.

Steve: (Over the holographic projector) I'm just not in the Christmas mood, Laura. I just wish Christmas was over and we could get back to work.

Blitzen: That is what we are talking about, Mr. West.

Steve: Okay, okay, so every once in a while, I am kind of a Scrooge about Christmas. Big deal. I mean, what do you want from me?

Donner: What is the meaning of Christmas to you?

Steve: I guess Christmas is about love and gifts.

Blitzen: The holographic projector.

Donner: This was two days ago on the telephone, Mr. West.

Steve: (Over the holographic projector, very angry) Listen, Sylvia, I don't care if it is the Christmas season. I am not going to do it and that's final! No Sylvia. GOOD BYE! (We hear the receiver being slammed down.)

Steve: Okay, I got in a fight with my ex-wife.

Donner: What is the meaning of Christmas to you?

Steve: Well, I guess Christmas is all about kids and presents.

Blitzen: Use the Holo...

Steve: NO! Please don't show that scene with my daughter. I couldn't take it. All right, all right, I don't know the true meaning of Christmas.

Blitzen: (Blitzen and Donner look at each other then back to Steve) Good, that's a beginning.

Steve: What do you mean "good?"

Donner: When you admit that you don't know, then you are ready to learn.

Blitzen: Can you remember the Christmas story, Steven?

Steve: You mean the one about the snowman who can dance and then starts to melt?

Blitzen: No, that's not the one.

Steve: Oh, oh, I know...the Christmas story is about a rabbit that goes all around the world and leaves eggs for kids to hunt the next morning....wait a minute, is that bunny in a sleigh?

Donner: No, that's not the one.

Steve: Is it the one about a baby, Jesus, born in a stable? You know, with a bunch of angels and shepherds in bathrobes ...and some wise guys.

Blitzen: Yes, that's the story...well, sort of.

Steve: Sure, I learned it when I was kid. But, what does that have to do with my life and me?

Blitzen: It has everything to do with you, Steven.

Donner: You see Jesus is the real gift of Christmas. All the things that you mentioned earlier are just the wrapping paper of Christmas.

Blitzen: There is more to the Christmas story than just shepherds and angels, stables and wise men. The Christmas story is about God sending his Son into the world to show love to the whole world and to every individual in it, including you, Steven.

Donner: The Bible says that time and time again, in every portion of the New Testament. John 3:16 and 17, Matthew 1:22, Luke 2:11 and 12. My favorite is: Galatians 4:4 and 5. Paul talks about the gift of Christmas in this way, "When the fullness of time had come, God sent his Son, born of a woman, so that we might receive adoption as children." That gift is offered to you, Steven.

Steve: I never heard that before now!

Blitzen: I think you have, Steven. But you never listened until now!

Steve: Well, in any case, I'd like to know more.

Donner: Great! Your friend, John Cross, as one of his presents to you this Christmas is going to invite you to come with him to church.

Steve: Sure, why not. Being invited to church has got to be a lot better than most of gifts he's given me. Of course, I did kind of like that spilt coke can gag gift.

Blitzen: We know all about Mr. Cross's gifts (Rolls his eyes).

Donner: But, this is the real gift of Christmas; all the rest is just wrapping paper.

Steve: Okay, I'll go to church when John asks me.

Blitzen: Good! Our job here is finished.

Donner: (Pointing the holographic projector at Steven) Go back to sleep, Mr. West. You will remember this as a vivid dream.

Steve: Wait! Don't do that. I want to...(Said in a trance-like voice) I am never going to eat gourmet garlic pizza again. No more pizza, no more pizza, no more pizzzzzzzz.

(Sound of jingling bells)

Blitzen: There is the sled now. We'd better get going.

Donner: Say, you're not going to report my dropping the picture, are you?

Blitzen: Well, the book states in section 2334, paragraph D, sub paragraph 3k, that any abnormalities during a contact shall be reported on Form 22a. But then this is not the book that counts! It's rather that book you quoted from earlier...the one which says we should have mercy because God is a God of mercy. So, no, I am not going to report it. Merry Christmas, Donner.

Donner: Merry Christmas, Blitzen.

(Together they exit toward the sled)

The End


Notes on performing the play

Production: Keep the set as simple as possible. Engage the audience's imagination. The bed can be made simply by putting together three chairs on a diagonal on the right side of the stage. Take a few moments before the skit begins to describe the scene and set the stage. This skit should be used on a Sunday during the Advent or Christmas season when members are likely to invite their friends to church with them. On a prior Sunday, you may want to introduce the characters on Donner and Blitzen in another skit, "A Gift Worth Sharing." It is meant as a motivational drama to encourage members to invite their friends to church. To order this additional skit, call 800/328-4648, and order A Guide for Planning a Christmas Friendship Celebration: Still Real, Still Relevant, code #69-7885, 6-0000-9996-7.

The scenes that happen on the holographic projector can be done by making a audio tape of Steve's and Laura's lines. At the appropriate time in the skit, the tape may then be played through the congregational sound system or a boom box. Be sure the person cuing the tape is ready at the appropriate time.

Hand props: The hand props may be easily suggested by using everyday items. The holographic laser projector may be a laser pointer or TV remote, or even a large pen. The ID's can be driver's licenses. Elf hats or Santa hats can be found at most stores selling Christmas decorations. In addition to the props mentioned in the play, both Donner and Blitzen should have a small spiral pad. Steve can use his blanket or a pillow as a hand prop.

Costumes: Keep it simple. Donner and Blitzen should dress in conservative business suits: black, brown or blue. John can wear sweats or gym shorts. All characters may be played by a combination of actors including women, men or youth. John's name can be changed to Jean or Joan, with the script slightly altered in content, if the actor for the part is a woman or a girl.

Acting: It's important that Donner and Blitzen be played very straight and low-key. The one exception is when they sing, "We wish you a merry Christmas" and "Jingle bells." Those songs should be sung like stereotypical elves. For additional suggestions on acting and directions, see the introductory comments on page 2.

Lent/Easter Evangelism Drama:
Real Hope for Real Life

by Carl Billings

We are on the bridge of a Spaceship. On stage left are two consoles. On stage right is a large chair which is the Chief Mentor's chair. Next to the chair is a third console with additional switches and lights. Over the audience is a large view screen. To set the stage, ask the audience to use their imagination to see a variety of lights and other forms of technology. Chief Mentor Gaelin in seated in the chair as the play starts. (Note: This drama may be used in support of a congregational evangelism campaign during the Lent and Easter seasons focused on motivating congregational members to invite their friends, relatives, associates and neighbors to church. For additional external evangelism campaign materials, contact: Sipos Marketing Services, Inc., #326, 1685 S. Colorado Blvd. Unit S, Denver, CO, 80222-4040. Phone: 303/920-2668, FAX 303/920-2669. E-mail:ssipos@siposmarketing.com. Web-site: http://www.siposmarketing.com.

Gaelin: Tutor Ship 23 to Mother World.

Voice: This is Mother World.

Gaelin: The space time continuum will be unfolding in 85 short time segments. We will be out of communication range for 79 planet rotations.

Voice: Understood. Grace and hope to you and your new students, Chief Mentor Gaelin.

Gaelin: Through grace and hope, I will return with two new skilled and wise leaders. They will be ready to serve the Great Creator, the One who loves and helps us.

Voice: May God, the Great Creator of all leaders, go with you, Chief Mentor Gaelin.

Gaelin: May God, the Great Creator, stay with you, Mother World (Special effects and sound). Space and time are unfolding. I am entering visible creation. Student Voc and Student Listra, please enter the teaching deck.

Voc: Student Voc entering the teaching deck; reporting to Chief Mentor Gaelin.

Listra: Student Listra entering the teaching deck; reporting to Chief Mentor Gaelin.

Gaelin: Good, Good. Voc and Listra, we are at Galaxy Prime; site alpha Prime. Please go to your consoles and tell me what you observe.

Listra: We are in a fairly large solar system on the edge of a spiral galaxy.

Voc: The star is a yellow star of average to small size.

Listra: The solar system itself consists of several gas giants, and several other planets that seem to support an atmosphere of some kind.

Voc: There seems to be only one planet that is truly habitable, according to our standards for life. It is the third planet from the star.

Gaelin: Excellent. Now focus your monitors on that third planet.

Listra: Oh, what a beautiful blue and white planet! Wait, Chief Mentor Gaelin, there seems to be a problem with my monitor. I am unable to bring the planet into a tight focus.

Voc: It must be a system-wide problem, for I am experiencing the same trouble.

Gaelin: Interesting. Transfer your attention to the main terminal screen.

Listra: That's the planet!

Voc: But it still seems out of focus.

Listra: But, even out of focus, it is the most beautiful planet I have ever seen!

Gaelin: Voc, give me a hypothesis for why a planet would seem to be out of focus.

Voc: It can be one of two things, Chief Mentor Gaelin. Either we have a system-wide problem with the monitoring subsystem, or...

Gaelin: Let us test that hypothesis, Voc. Set your monitors on the sixth planet in the solar system, the gas giant encircled by rings of debris and rock.

Voc: It seems to be a fairly standard planet.

Listra: Nothing unusual or out of the ordinary.

Voc: We have studied hundreds of such planets.

Gaelin: Yes, but is this planet in tight focus on your monitors?

Listra: Why, yes.

Gaelin: As you can see, the main terminal screen is also in focus. Now focus your monitors on the fourth planet. The small reddish planet with large polar ice caps.

Listra: Again, I can see it clearly.

Voc: As can I.

Gaelin: I can, also. Now let us return to the third planet.

Voc: It's still fuzzy and out of focus. Our system seems to be working except on this one planet.

Listra: I hesitate to say it, but the problem seems to be with the planet itself.

Gaelin: Indeed you are correct, Listra. This one planet is out of phase with the rest of the creation.

Voc: Out of phase? What could have caused such a massive change in that planet's atmosphere?

Gaelin: That is what I am waiting for you to tell me, Students Voc and Listra.

Voc: Ahhh, Chief Mentor Gaelin, is this one of the planets that we have studied? The one that rebelled against God, the Great Creator? Is it the planet called "Earth?"

Gaelin: You are correct. However, it was not the planet itself that rebelled, but rather the knowing creatures. They call themselves "humans."

Listra: How can creatures living on such a beautiful planet rebel against God, the Great Creator?

Gaelin: It does seem hard to believe, but the symptoms are there to be seen. Direct your attention to the main terminal screen. Just a casual look at earth shows that humans hurt and mistreat each other in all sorts of ways: pollution, constant wars, widespread hunger, homelessness, crime, murder, abandonment...

Listra: Chief Mentor Gaelin, please stop! It hurts to see such scenes of horror.

Gaelin: As well it should, Listra, as well it should. It is enough to say that the selfishness of the Rebellion against God has shown itself in all sorts of aberrations.

Voc: There must be something we can do!

Listra: Yes, there must be!

Gaelin: You know The Rule! We are not here to interfere, but only to study and to learn.

Voc: (Under his breath) It doesn't make any sense!

Gaelin: Voc, you question The Rule?

Voc: No, Chief Mentor Gaelin. But, if there would be an exception to The Rule, it would be this planet. We could stop the hurt and the rebellion.

Gaelin: And how would you go about doing that, Voc?

Voc: We have the technology. We should use it! We could stop the wars! We could grow enough food to distribute and stop the hunger! We have the power even in this small mentor ship. We could force people to be generous. We could make the humans on this planet abandon selfishness and serve the Great Creator and care for each other!

Gaelin: Then, what you propose is not to solve the problem, but to transform the earth into a large biochemical machine controlled by technology?

Voc: A biochemical machine?

Gaelin: Your technological plan would simply turn the humans into machines... machines made out of biochemical material. They would be no different than our monitors or our computers or the navigational subsystems of the ship. It's true they would be highly complex machines, but machines nonetheless.

Voc: Well, they would be in a happier and more peaceful existence.

Gaelin: I don't know. Can a monitor or a computer be happy? Can they exist? A machine is a machine, no matter what material forms it.

Listra: But why has God, the Great Creator, abandoned this portion of the creation?

Voc: Yes, why doesn't the Great Creator do something?

Gaelin: Oh, but God has done something! This planet was God's special project.

Listra: What do you mean?

Gaelin: Remember your studies, Listra. God, the Great Creator, came to this planet in human form. God took on physical form in visible creation. God became "flesh and blood", as the humans call it, on this planet! God showed and made love real in the person of Jesus Christ.

Voc: Here? On this planet?

Gaelin: Yes, here on this planet. The Great Creator of the universe revealed Itself to humanity. God ate with them and walked with them and showed them complete love.

Listra: The humans must have rejoiced to come face to face with that Love!

Gaelin: No, one would have thought they would have done that. Instead, they crucified him.

Listra: (Not understanding) Crucified?

Gaelin: Crucifixion nan ancient form of death where a person is nailed to a wooden instrument called a cross. It is an ancient form of torture and murder in which ...

Voc & Listra: (Both said at the same time) Torture!

Listra: Murder!

Gaelin: Yes, they nailed Jesus Christ to a tree and let him die.

Listra: How, how...

Voc: Horrible!

Gaelin: God knew that would be their response, but it was a part of making love real. Jesus took all of their anger, all of their hatred, all their selfishness and rebellion into the very heart of Great Creator. God absorbed it all.

Listra: But murder? Death? Did it have to happen that way?

Gaelin: Listra, death is part of creation and there is nothing in this creation that can hold or stop the Great Creator. Even such a horrible death did not hold Jesus. He came back to life after three days. It was a resurrection accomplished from the depths of a sealed tomb.

Listra: The Great Creator made that happen? Wow, God must love them very deeply.

Gaelin: Indeed, the Great Creator does. The cross and the resurrection is humanity's real hope. Through these things, the Great Creator offers forgiveness and pardon to each and every human. God offers healing and help to people as they struggle through the hurt and pain the rebellion has caused. God longs to claim each one as a child of God. That is what the cross and resurrection means to not only to the residents of earth, but the whole universe. No, Voc, technology, no matter how sophisticated is not this world's hope. Power, no matter for how noble a purpose, is not this world's hope. Neither power nor technology can help make one in harmony with the Great Creator. No, humanity's real hope lies in love, in the real love of God, the Great Creator. It is offered to each and every person by believing and trusting in the crucified and resurrected Jesus.

Voc: But how will it end?

Gaelin: In the short term, we do not know. These humans have the potential for so much harm and so much good! We can only pray that they will trust in the love of God shown in Jesus. In the short term, we do not know. But finally, Voc, you know how it will end. So do you, Listra.

Voc: What do you mean?

Gaelin: The same promise that has been given to the rest of creation has been given to this planet.

Voice: Which promise?

Listra: That all creation will come and worship their Creator, God. It is summed up in the words of one of Jesus' servants. A human by the name of Paul wrote, "At the name of Jesus, every knee should bend, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father." Come, we must prepare to go to our next learning site. We will return to observe and study (pause) and Hope.

The End


Notes on performing the play

Production: Keep the set as simple as possible. Invite the audience to use their imagination. The consoles can be suggested by using a couple of music stands. Gaelin's console or the main terminal view screen can be a combination of a music stand, a small table and a portable stereo. If your church is equipped with a multimedia screen toward the front of the sanctuary, consider projecting images of Saturn, Mars, and the Earth (out of focus), street violence, war images, hunger pictures. This multimedia screen will help draw the audience into the skit. If you choose this option, be sure that the actors focus on an imaginary view screen over the heads of the audience, so that their backs are not turned away from the audience. Take a few moments before the skit begins to describe the scene and set the stage.

Special sound effects: The skit has several places where special sound effects may be helpful. In the opening dialogue between Gaelin and the Mother World, the stereo can contain a tape that has the lines of Mother World on it. This same tape can have the special sound effect used as the ship enters visible creation. This allows the actor playing Gaelin to have control over that first scene before Voc and Listra enter. It will also be helpful for Gaelins' voice to sound as if it is coming over an intercom when s/he calls Voc and Listra to the teaching deck.

Costumes: Keep it simple. Voc and Listra should be dressed in similar colored clothes, indicating their status in training. Gaelin's costume may be similar to the other two actors, with some type of badge or symbol of rank indicating her/his role as a Chief Mentor. For example, all three actors could dress in black pants and white turtlenecks, with Gaelin wearing a red or blue sash to indicate her/his rank. All three actors may be played by any combination of women, men or youth.

Direction and Acting: See notes on direction and acting on page 2 of this resource.



Evangelism Drama for Everyday Witnessing

Blest to Receive

by Carl Billings

We are in a library or book store, not one of those ultra quiet ones, but rather one where conversation can happen without someone staring down their spectacles and whispering "quiet." There's a couch and a couple of easy chairs. A woman comes in with a book. She chooses one of the chairs and begins reading. Around her neck hangs a beautiful cross. In a couple of seconds she is followed by a man who sits down on the couch. As he is sitting down, he glances at the woman, looks down, then looks back. He stares at her for a couple seconds. She finally looks up. Their eyes meet, she smiles, the man smiles and looks down. She smiles to herself, then goes back to her book. A couple seconds pass, the man looks up and begins to stare again. She looks up, he goes immediately to his book. She goes back to her reading, smiling to herself. A couple seconds pass. This time the man tries to stare at her by positioning his book so he can look at the woman and still look like he is reading. She looks up again. He quickly changes his position. The woman stands, walks over to the couch and sits down.

Mary: I couldn't help notice that you were staring at me.

Lawrence: Uh, well, uhm, I uhm. (Getting up to walk to other side of the area)

Mary: I'm Mary Postol.

Lawrence: Lawrence Leadbetter. I wasn't staring at you. Well I was. Your cross... it's so beautiful.

Mary: Yes, I knew you were looking at the cross.

Lawrence: I've never seen anything quite like it, and believe me I have seen a lot of jewelry.

Mary: Would you like to look at it closer.

Lawrence: Would you mind? (Mary takes the cross off and hands it to Lawrence.) This is amazing craftsmanship. It is so simple, yet striking. The gem in the middle. It seems to change with the light. (He takes out a jewelers glass and begins to look at it.) It looks like a ruby, but I have never seen anything quite like it.

Mary: You seem aquatinted with fine jewelry.

Lawrence: Oh, yes, but this piece baffles me. It is truly one-of-a-kind.

Mary: Would you like it?

Lawrence: Very much, but I don't think I could afford it. How much are you asking?

Mary: I am not asking anything. It's yours, for free.

Lawrence: What?

Mary: I want to give it to you. I only ask that you wear it.

Lawrence: I can't just take this. It's too valuable!

Mary: I consider it priceless in one sense, that is why I want to give it to you.

Lawrence: It is indeed valuable. As you probably guessed, I'm a jeweler. I work mostly in rare and antique jewelry. You know, it's hard to find stuff. If you desire no longer to have the cross, I would be happy to get it appraised and find a buyer for it. I take a small percentage. Something as beautiful as this cross would be easily sold and for a considerable sum.

Mary: The cross is not for sale, for any price.

Lawrence: I don't understand. (Looks puzzled) You are willing to give it away, but you don't want to sell.

Mary: That's right, as long as you agree to wear it.

Lawrence: What are you trying to pull?

Mary: Nothing. I want to give you the cross. I only ask that you wear it on a regular basis.

Lawrence: Is the cross stolen?

Mary: No, it is mine. I can prove it.

Lawrence: Are you trying to get me in trouble?

Mary: No, no. It is simply a gift.

Lawrence: That cross belongs in a museum, not around my neck. It would just get in the way of my work.

Mary: But you are jeweler.

Lawrence: Just stop it. I don't want it. (Looks at his watch) Gosh, look at the time. I've got to go. (He runs out, bumping into a well-dressed woman, heavy makeup and with lots of jewelry. She is carrying several books, and drops them in the brief collision.) Excuse me.

(Mary goes over to the woman and helps her pick up the books)

Sally: (While picking up the books.) What train did he miss?

Mary: I am sorry. It's partially my fault. I think he was trying to get away from me.

Sally: (Steps back and looks at Mary approvingly) Honey, why would any man want to walk away from you, much less run. I think he should have been moving the other way.

Mary: Well, not me actually. I think he was running away from this cross (Shows cross around her neck).

Sally: Why? He couldn't be a vampire. It's day light out.

Mary: (Laughing) No, he wasn't a vampire. He was just a jeweler looking for a book.

Sally: Did you try to hit him over the head with it?

Mary: (Still chuckling) No, I just tried to give the cross to him.

Sally: A beautiful woman tries to give a jeweler an expensive looking cross and he ends up running away from her. Honey, I don't know. Either you're the worst sales person on God's green earth or that jeweler needs to have his head examined!

Mary: I don't think either one. I think he was afraid of the cross.

Sally: What's there to be afraid of? It's a beautiful cross.

Mary: Would you like to try it on?

Sally: Honey, I said it was beautiful. I didn't say I wanted it.

Mary: I can tell that you like jewelry.

Sally: This isn't my type of jewelry. It is too heavy and bulky. It's too big! I like smaller things that I can control. I couldn't control that cross!

Mary: Control?

Sally: If I started wearing that cross it would take over my entire appearance. It would change everything about me. I would have to wear different clothes. I couldn't wear the jewelry I am wearing now. I would have to change my makeup!

Mary: That's true. But, it would change more than just your external appearance.

(A man enters and sits down reading a paper)

Sally: You're right! When you start dressing differently, you start thinking differently! It would start to change the way I think about myself! People would start looking at me differently. It would affect every relationship I have. That is too high a price... even if you do want to give it away.

Mary: It's worth it. The same was true for me! It changed everything about me, but it was worth it.

Sally: That cross is you. I am just not the right type.

Mary: Yes, you are...or could be. Please, just try it on.

Sally: Thanks, honey. But that cross is best hanging around your neck! You're real sweet...take care.

(Mary sighs goes back to her book which is in the chair next to the man reading the newspaper.)

Tom: If you say one word to me, I am reporting you to security.

Mary: I'm sorry?

Tom: I said, if you say another word to me, I am reporting you to security. You have a lot of nerve just pushing yourself on other people!

Mary: I don't mean to push people. They just asked about...

Tom: I know you con-types. You start by giving something away that seems too good to be true, and it is. Pretty soon, you're hanging around asking for money for this or needing help with that or demanding time doing this, or suggesting help for some special cause! I know your type! You're just out to con me and others! I'm too smart for you, sister! That cross isn't a free gift. It's just a way to get into my pocketbook! I just want you to leave me alone. LEAVE... ME... ALONE!

Mary: Okay.

Tom: Not another...What did you say?

Mary: Okay, I'll leave you alone.

Sarah: Humph. (Tom folds up his paper and exits quickly)

(Mary goes back to reading. Another woman enters and starts reading. After a couple of seconds, the woman looks up thinking about what she has just read. The cross catches her eye. She looks at it. Mary looks up and makes eye contact with the woman.)

Sarah: I'm sorry I was staring. Your cross...it is so beautiful.

Mary: Yes, I know.

Sarah: Where did you get it?

Mary: It was a gift.

Sarah: Someone must love you very much to give a gift like that.

Mary: Yes, someone does. Would you like to look at it?

Sarah: Oh, yes. (Mary takes it off and puts it in Sarah's hand) It's lovely!

Mary: Would you like to try it on?

Sarah: Oh, I'm not the person to wear a cross like this.

Mary: What do you mean?

Sarah: I've done things to myself and other people. I'm ashamed even to think of them.

Mary: That doesn't matter to the cross.

Sarah: But you don't even know what I have done.

Mary: Not specifically, but generally I could guess.

Sarah: How could you?

Mary: Because I once felt like you.

Sarah: You?

Mary: (Encouraging her) Go ahead and try it on.

Sarah: I couldn't! It's too valuable! I don't feel worthy to wear something so valuable.

Mary: That is what I said when I first tried it on.

Sarah: (Starts to put it over her head and stops) Are you sure it's all right?

Mary: Yes, I am sure.

Sarah: (Again starts to put it over her head. She pauses and brings the cross in front of her.) This is no ordinary piece of jewelry.

Mary: You are very perceptive.

Sarah: If I put this on, I have a feeling that my life will change.

Mary: It did for me, for the better.

Sarah: (Puts on the cross.) No fireworks, no loud music. I am still here. It feels a lot lighter around my neck than it looks or even than it felt in my hand.

Mary: It's yours. (Sarah starts to protest.) I can't take it back. It's yours. The change will happen not on the outside, at first, but on the inside.

Sarah: Thank you.

Mary: You're welcome. (Sarah starts to leave) Oh, there will come a time that people will start to ask you about the cross.

Sarah: What should I do?

Mary: You'll know what to do when it happens.

(Sarah smiles and leaves. Mary looks after her for a couple of seconds. She then reaches into her pocket and pulls out another cross and puts it around her neck. She sits down and starts to read. A man enters, sits down and sees the cross. He stares and then says)

Man: Pardon me, your cross...it's so extraordinary!

Mary: Lovely, isn't it?

(Lights slowly fade to black as the play ends)

The End


Notes on performing the play

Production: Keep the set as simple as possible. Use the audience's imagination. The setting may be suggested by using several chairs placed side-by-side to suggest a couch. Several other chairs may be placed opposite this "couch" to suggest a conversation area. Take a few moments before the skit begins to describe the scene and set the stage. You may also want to have light music playing softly throughout the skit. Do not choose music that would be too distracting.

Direction: This skit is a modern day parable with several different layers of meaning. Read the skit through three or four times before choosing actors, designing a set or blocking it. See additional notes about direction and acting on page 2 of this resource.



Scriptwriter: Carl Billings
Editor: Marta Poling-Goldenne
Design: Sharon Schuster

Copyright © 1999 by the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, 8765 West Higgins Road, Chicago, IL 60631. 800/638-3522. Produced by the Division for Congregational Ministries.

Permission is granted for congregations of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America to reproduce this resource for local use.