A passage from either the Old Testament or the New Testament through Historical Recitation
)Choose a passage from either the Old Testament or the New Testament and create a physical act of remembering either through Historical Recitation or Dramatic Reenactment. (see Webber pp 48-55) It can be a verbal expression through liturgy, creed, or song, or some way to physically engage the congregation in reenacting God’s actions in the passage you choose and answer the following 9 questions
Question 1: What is the truth about God you want to communicate from the Scripture you chose? (Indicate passage)
Question 2:What parts of the congregation will be involved in this expression?[1] (Is this for everyone or a select group? Ex. Youth group, senior adult context, ladies or men’s group, children, etc.)
[1] The word “expression” will be used as a general term for either historical recitations or dramatic reenactments.
Question3: Would this expression need to be done in a specific location? (ex. Sanctuary, Fellowship Hall, Sunday School Room, private home, outside, etc.) If so, explain why.
Question4: What type of individuals would be needed to lead this expression. What would their roles be?
Question5:What type of giftedness would the leaders need to effectively guide the expression? Illustrate and discuss how that gift contributes to the expression.
Question6: What resources would be needed for this expression?
Question7: Give a detailed description of how this act of “remembering” will be enacted.
Question8:What do you want accomplish in the lives of the participants through this expression? In other words, what do you want them to do, feel, believe as a result of having participated in the expression.
Question9:In your current church (or one with which your are familiar), would you anticipate any resistance to engaging in this act of remember? If so, what would that be? How would you respond to those individuals?
Sample Solution
Act of Remembering: The Feeding of the Five Thousand (New Testament)
Passage: John 6:5-14
Truth about God: God's abundant provision and his ability to use even the smallest offering to meet our needs.
Question 1: This passage tells the story of Jesus miraculously feeding a multitude of people with five loaves of bread and two fish. Through this miracle, we witness God's overflowing generosity and his ability to work through seemingly insignificant means.
Question 2: This expression is designed for a broad audience and can involve the entire congregation, including children, youth, and adults.
Full Answer Section
Question 3: This expression can be performed in the church sanctuary or a large hall. An open space allows for audience participation and movement. Question 4:- Narrator:Leads the storytelling, guiding the congregation through the passage.
- Distributors:Several volunteers will play the role of disciples, distributing props (bread and fish) to the congregation.
- Congregation:Participates actively, receiving and holding onto the props (bread and fish).
- Narrator:Clear and engaging communication skills are essential to captivate the audience and effectively relay the scripture.
- Distributors:Enthusiasm and a spirit of service are important to portray the supportive role of the disciples.
- Baskets or containers for prop bread and fish (can be foam or felt cutouts)
- Scripture passage (John 6:5-14) for the narrator
- The narrator begins by setting the scene, describing the large crowd gathering to hear Jesus.
- The narrator highlights Jesus' concern for the hungry people and asks the disciples a question: "Where are we to get bread for these people to eat?"
- Philip responds with the seemingly insurmountable challenge: "Eight months' wages would not buy enough for each of them to have a bite!"
- Another disciple, Andrew, points out a young boy with "five barley loaves and two fish, but what is that for so many?"
- Jesus instructs the disciples to have the people sit down on the grass. (The congregation finds seating)
- The narrator describes Jesus taking the five loaves and two fish, looking up to heaven, and giving thanks.
- At this point, the distributors, acting as the disciples, begin walking throughout the congregation, handing out props (bread and fish) to each participant.
- The narrator continues, explaining that Jesus broke the loaves and gave the pieces to the disciples, who then distributed them to the people. (The congregation holds onto the props)
- The narrator emphasizes that everyone had enough to eat, and there were even leftovers gathered in baskets.
- Increase faith:By participating in this reenactment, the congregation can experience a sense of God's abundance and miraculous provision.
- Promote gratitude:Reflecting on how Jesus multiplied a small amount of food to feed many can inspire thankfulness for God's blessings.
- Community building:Sharing props (bread and fish) fosters a sense of connection and shared experience within the congregation.
- Explain the purpose:Highlight the educational and spiritual benefits of reenacting the story.
- Offer an opt-out option:Assure participants that they are welcome to simply observe if they are uncomfortable participating actively.
- Focus on the message:Emphasize that the goal is to reflect on God's miraculous provision, not on individual performance.