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Taking the Drama out of Drama or How to start your own Drama Group

It’s always been my belief that God talks to us in many ways. One of my mantras I use in my Christian life is “Does God Have A Sense of Humor?” The answer is, “Of course he does—just look in the mirror!”

People hear God’s word in different ways. I’ve watched many church services in my day and see people leave with that oh-so-common “Deer in the Headlights” look. It’s sad. God’s word is for all, not the few.

My belief is simple: Take God’s word and add some humor. You will be amazed at what happens.

The following are some really simple ideas that can and will make people want to be in it.

1. Recruitment. Yeah, I know. “Go ye into all the world.” No, what you need to do is go where the people are. One of my favorite parables is the Parable of the Talents. Now, they talk of gold, but I’m talking about personal talent. Everyone has something they are good at. I am good at singing and writing. I don’t bury my talents; I use them. Now, using that premise, you need to identify a core group. You need to get them on board. Once that’s done, you have got the ball rolling.

2. Backing. One thing I’ve learned, sometimes the hard way, is that if the pastor isn’t on board, it probably isn’t going to get any traction. You have two ways to approach this. First is the DIRECT way, which is just going to the pastor and giving him your idea. The second is to have a few adults go and talk to the pastor. Either way is good so long as it’s not confrontational.

3. Commitment. This may be the hardest. I remember when I started going to youth choir. My mom said, “If you’re going to do this, then you’re going to early service!” To me, that was a no-brainer, but I understood what she was saying. If you commit, you commit totally. You can’t sing a song halfway, nor can you write a skit and not finish it. Get involved. A drama group is the best way to get people together. I did one of my skits at a school using the teachers. Some of them questioned why I wanted them. My answer was simple: It was because I knew they could do it and the people would enjoy it. And, even better, the kids would see a different side of them.

4. Finding Material. A Drama group doesn’t have to be dramatic. It’s been my experience that most churches want an active youth ministry. Now, some churches want a “be seen but not heard” type. What they need is a “seen and heard” youth ministry. It has been my experience that when the youth get directly involved in the church service, things happen. I have seen congregations that were as flat as a pancake come to life and get a new spark. Material for drama is out there, but you have to go looking.

5. Doing it. Simple is good. What I mean by that is that you don’t need sets and a stage and props and all the things that a professional company would have. What you need are basics. Work with what you have. Second, memorizing is nice, but it’s the material not the memorization that’s important. Reader’s theater, aka having a stand and reading the script, is fine. It isn’t “shoddy.” I promise you this. People will remember the material and NOT how it was delivered.

6. Involvement. Yes, I see this as a great youth thing, but I also see it as a great cross over. Get as many people involved as you can. Now, I’m not saying everyone should be an actor, but I promise you, there is more to this than meets the eye.

If I can make one thing crystal clear here, it’s that you need to be visible and vibrant. A drama ministry, be it actors, or puppets, or even a clown ministry, has to be visible. Use the drama ministry as a fund raiser for your mission trip or other worthy cause. Have a potluck dinner and a show.

If you are interested in starting a drama group, I have over 200 skits that have been done in over 3 continents. They are Christian slice-of-life and carry the message that everyone can understand. I am more than willing to offer my services to help you start, but, you have to want to do this and keep it alive. One and done just doesn’t cut it. This is a continual work in progress.

Peace.
Michael Humphrey

39 thoughts on “Taking the Drama out of Drama or How to start your own Drama Group

  1. Mirella Camilo

    would really love to see your dramas

    • Michael Humphrey

      send me an email and i’ll send you my excel with my skits

      • Robbie Heverling

        Please send me some of your scripts!!! Would love to see them i have written some of my own.

      • Agangan Lucky

        Am pasionate about acting drama. I am the drama coordinator of my church. Please , send me some of your script ..
        Thank and God bless you and increase your ministry.

      • Michael- I’m starting a troop at our church- would love to see your skits!

      • David Lindsay Jr

        Sir,this is my first time I have ever been put in a position of drama leader. I have never done anything with drama. I really have no clue where to start. The only thing I know to do is to pray and be Led by God. Could you please give me some pointers. It would be much appreciated. Thank you and have a blessed day.

  2. Virginia Lawrence

    My favorite part of being in the traditional church chior was the Christmas cantatas. I have always enjoyed drama,and wanted to be in drama ministry. Who knew God woyld call me to start one? I am so glad h
    He trains the called rather than calling those w everything already in place.Thank you for your excellent tips and guidance. Where do I find youe svripts,and how much do they cost?
    In His love,
    Luanne

    • Michael Humphrey

      All you need do is send me an email and I’ll send you a list of what I have. If you need something, just ask. Right now, I’m working on the cost end.

  3. Raymond daniel

    Am really blessed by your inspeard tips. It realy gives my dream and vision a success i have a pashion for establishing a drama ministry in my state. I keep asking my self a question how do i start? How do i begin? Please i need your councel

    • Michael Humphrey

      Ok Raymond. This may sound funny, but you have to START. Thinking about it is one thing, but Doing is another. You left a pretty big gap so I’m going to ask WHERE are you thinking of starting it? In a Church? or where? That’s the first thing. Second, put out feelers.. You can’t get people if they don’t know you exist. Third, don’t get discouraged. If one way doesn’t work, try another. Have faith and courage.

  4. Ms. Johnson

    I am a young college student and I feel so passionate about starting up a drama troop in my church. We have a decent sized group of some pretty great youth in the youth group with SO much talent but no direction. How do I get started? How do I approach them? I am open to any and all suggestions!

    • Olasupo Emmanuel

      Love This Site. . .How Can I Subscribe And How Can I Go On Well With My Drama Troop In Church

    • Michael Humphrey

      I apologize for the late response. the best way is to ask. Tell them what you are thinking. Lay out the plan, but also tell them about commitment. That will always be the stumbling block. If you can’t keep the group going and keep refreshing the group, you can do it. make EVERYONE who want to be part feel needed and appreciated. Some people may not be able to act,, but they are good at giving directions, makeing scenery, and such. Never count those folks out. my email is at the bottom. let me know more

  5. I am a young adult, who is serving in an amazing church and God is truely moving. We just started out not to long ago, we don’t do a lot of skits, spoken words or mimes. We haven’t done a drama or(play), yet. God has used us in many ways, its been great, but because we don’t do a lot with drama its like a part is missing. I’m trying to start it something and my Pastor said go for it. I’m not sure how to start, but this was helpful so thank you.

    • Michael Humphrey

      I apologize for my lack of response. Here’s the key to any drama group. Commitment. They have to have a want to do it. Second, you have to do it. YOu can’t talk about doing it. I have the kind of personality I can break ice pretty easy. I’ve always got my head on a swivel looking for people. EVERYONE has talent. You just have to find it. The best way is for you to take the bull by the horns and do, for lack of better words, a commercial at church. You can’t be a wall flower. You can’t do it as if you were reading the bulletin at church. Think on it and do it. Realiize this, you will be the pack mule and there will be times when you want to toss in the towel. Keep plugging and praying. God’s got a plan, just follow it

  6. GODGIVES C YOUNG

    my aim of been here is just to understand the right way i should take, in leading on my drama crew, Through the of ministering God’s word all around the globe.
    GODGIVES C YOUNG,MD @ A G.C.YOUNG GLOBAL SACRED FILM PRODUCTION.

    • Michael Humphrey

      I am sorry I have never responded. WOW.. The biggest problem I see is cohesion. What I mean is keeping a core group together. When you start a mission like this, people have to be committed and not just in word but in deed. You can’t have people who are wishy washy. You need to set up the idea of what you want and how you want it accomplished. You have to want to listen. You can’t be a dictator. YOu need feedback all the time. YOu always need that second set of eyes to see what you are doing

  7. Dorothy Russo

    Hello. I am researching how to start a youth drama ministry in my church and I found your information very helpful. Our church is small and I would love to talk to someone about starting a youth drama ministry. Could you please e-mail me with whom I can talk to or call me at 719-493-7300? Thank you.

    Sincerely,
    Dorothy Russo

  8. Bukola Oyesiku

    Thanks for the piece. I am Nigerian and live in Lagos. Also trying to guide some in my local church passionate about drama ministrations. Will love every assistance possible to ensure we have a well organised Drama Minstry with committed brethren. The impact visuals have cannot be underestimated and wecan maximise it. Looking forward to hearing from you Michael.

  9. Fonda Gardner

    I am interested in your scripts. How do I get them and what is the cost?

    • Michael Humphrey

      I am sorry for such a delay. All you need to is ask me and I’ll send you a list. Cost varies as to length. If you need a skit I don’t have, I can write it and we can talk cost before i get underway.

    • I love what you just said and am really instereing

  10. Korede, John Lateef

    How do i get your skits, i really need it. Thank you

    • Michael Humphrey

      I have your email and i’ll send you an excel with all of them on there. Sorry, this just came to my email… talk about snail

  11. Lavita Baldwin

    Hi, I’ve been lead by God to conduct morality plays. Are you familiar with them? Need advice. Thanks

  12. Michael Humphrey

    Yes. They can be touchy because of viewpoints. the main thing is make sure you gear it to your audience. I have done some and I take the idea of a conscience. I had a very long play that I wrote called Fork in the Road. It hit on alot of the morality style topics. unfortunately, i lost many of my skits when my laptop was stolen so I’m starting from scratch. You have to be honest but also present it as a choice/consequences. Make them think on it. DO NOT TELL. that will turn an audience off. make it easy. Make it witty but make sure you have the message, talk about it, and then come to a conclusion.

  13. Gregory Owen

    Howdy Mike!

    Thanks for the article. The admonishment to commitment and just do it are so true. For toooooo long fear and distraction has held me back. For me part of the issue has been not being open enough to accept the discipling I need in order to combat my own sinful nature (pride, glory monger, etc) I recently started doing some work in this area in my congregation and it is going really well. I would love to pick your brain. How do I get in touch with you?

  14. Darin Hampton

    Hello Mike, I would love to see a list of your skits and what you have to offer. da2hampton@gm***.com

  15. Hello Mr Mike…
    I’ll really like to see some of your skits too, cuz I’m also raising a new drama group in my local church, ND we would really appreciate your support.

  16. Ikiriza Hope

    Hello Humphrey. Thanks a lot for your inspiring article. I would love you to send me your skits.
    Thank you so much. May God continue to use you to inspire other people.

  17. Hi Mike! I’m starting a Drama Ministry at my church and I would love to see a few of your scripts. We are a small church and I’m trying to get the youth and a few of the congregational members involved. Any suggestions?

    Thank you and Happy New Year!!! GOD BLESS!!

  18. Francis Iniabasi

    Hello michael,

    I was searching for ideals on how to start a drama ministry so I can start a drama group in my church. I will be grateful if you share your scripts with me.
    Thank you.

  19. Thank you for your article, Mike. I used to be very involved in drama when I was younger. I really need to get back quickly. I would appreciate if you can share your skits with me. Hope to hear from you soon. Thank you so much.

  20. Princess Delight Arthur

    I love your article Michael. I am about to start a drama group and I would love to be coached by you.

  21. Oluwaseun

    I am a drama cordinator in my church likewise having seal of drama ministry, i will like u to send me some of ur skits for my guideline

  22. Sylvie Nahkum Bobga

    Thank you so much for the tips. I am the leader of the drama group in my church, with many things going digital this year, i want to start short skits for the ministry. Please sir, could you help to share some materials of scripts with me

  23. Would love to see your scripts, if you are willing to share!

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Taking the Drama out of Drama or How ...

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