Director’s Notes: Baby Day. When the church announces that this day is coming up, I shudder. They want a drama and it’s supposed to be about little kids. Not my specialty. So, when the pastor told me his text was out of Matthew where Jesus blesses the little kids, I had a tough time coming up with something funny.
But then I remembered Peanuts! I always liked how the kids thought like adults. So, I hope you like this one đ
Note, the kids can use the script though out the drama – which is good since the parts are really for kids under 10…
Cast:
Dad: A dad
Lucas: His son
Belle: His daughter
Props:
Kids Bible
Paper
Couch
Setting:
A family room
(LIGHTS UP CENTER STAGE. Dad is sitting on the couch with the kids spread out on the floor below him, in their pajamas.)
Dad: And so, kids, to recap, let me read tonightâs passage once more⊠Then little children were brought to Jesus for him to place his hands on them and pray for them. But the disciples rebuked those who brought them. Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.” When he had placed his hands on them, he went on from there.
Dad: Okay, time for you two to go to bed.
Lucas: Donât you want to see our notes?
Dad: Notes? I thought you guys were drawing some pictures as I read.
Belle: Nope. We were taking notes.
Lucas: Yeah, we thought weâd ask you some questions about what you read tonight.
Dad: Wow. Thatâs so sweet. Sure, go ahead and ask your Dad some of your little questions.
Lucas: Okay. Well, what chapter was that in again?
Dad: Matthew. Matthew 19:13-15. Good question, Lucas!
Belle: And what does the word ârebukeâ mean?
Dad: Well, it means that the disciples were trying to tell them to go away, that Jesus shouldnât be bothered. Youâre very smart to ask that, pumpkin.
Lucas: Okay, and how many children were there exactly and what ages were they?
Dad: Heh. Well, good question. Iâm not sure. I guess there probably a lot since the people were following Jesus around and maybe they were you and your sisterâs age, pal.
Belle: Okay. What does it mean that the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these?
Dad: Um, well, I guess it means that they are innocent and trusting and that that is what God wants us to be like.
Lucas: Next. Is this still relevant in the 21st century considering what us kids have to deal with?
Dad: Uh, well, sure. I think it is still relevant. Where did you learn that word?
Lucas: Please, Dad.
Belle: Dad, do you think in todayâs post-modern world, that children, say ages 5-12, have the same faith, slash, trust abilities as those children in the year, say, 20 b.c.?
Dad: UmâŠwell, I donât think that kids have changed all that much even tho the world hasâŠ
Lucas: But, Dad, considering the socio-economic changes in both your generation and the resulting trickle-down to the generation Z kids, donât you feel that the relevance of such teachings fly in the face of current neo-thinking?
Dad: Neo-thinking?
Lucas: Come on, Dad. Get with the program.
Belle: Yeah, Dad. Youâre embarrassing me.
Dad: Look, um, I donât know about neo-thinking or generation Z. All I know is that God wants us to have the faith of little kids. Do you want to see the pictures?
Lucas: Drawings are old school, Dad.
Belle: Yeah, letâs stick with the written word, shall we?
Dad: Uh, look kids. Iâm not so sure this is the best passage for tonight. Maybe we can do the one about how God takes care of you even more than the birds of the field?
Lucas: Okay, cool. Speaking of, I have some questions about that â specifically about the interaction of birds and bees.
Dad: (stands up) BED TIME!
LIGHTS OUT FAST
END
© 2005 Dave Marsh
Hello and welcome to Stage Right, the online drama ministry of EXW. My name is Dave Marsh and there are a few things you should probably know about me. First, I’m not a âtheatre guy.’ I’ve never quoted Shakespeare (at least seriously), and I’ve never played Daddy Warbucks in Annie. Second, I received my âtraining’ in writing, directing, and acting at a church called Willow Creek (in Illinois.) Third, I’m an online games producer by trade but my real passion is found in telling others about Christ through contemporary church drama.
I have a few opinions about drama in the church as well. I think that contemporary drama is both underutilized and misunderstood. I believe it is something like 5-10 years behind contemporary worship. When many churches think about using drama, it usually involves the Passion Play or a children’s Christmas musical. Many people don’t have the opportunity to experience what are called âslice of life’ dramas. These dramas may last only 3-4 minutes long but create a powerful (and many times humorous) illustration on any given Sunday. I also believe that any church, no matter what size, can use drama effectively, giving God glory, and inspire/convict normal folks like you and I to walk closer to God
So, what’s Stage Right all about? It’s about offering you the advice and resources you need to help you create and act in contemporary Christian dramas. I’m no expert, but I’ve seen lives changed as I continue to strive for excellence in this area, constantly praying that God would use me to tell others about how to live for Him. Over the coming weeks and months, I hope to provide you with articles about creating a drama philosophy, working with your pastor, developing a team, writing short effective scripts, directing actors, and acting on stage. I also look forward to hearing from you, taking suggestions on topics that you feel should be covered
Over the last 3 years, I’ve written over 45 dramas that are easy to memorize, require few actors, and are highly humorous and relevant. These dramas are available to you for free and will be added to this site over the course of the next few months. You can currently download all of these dramas from my personal site (www.dave-marsh.com) and can contact me personally if you wish (dave).
I look forward to serving you here at EXW and want to thank Steve for asking me to jump on board.
In His hands
Dave Marsh