thoughts on the use of 'drama' for midweek lent

[tagyourit]

Last week, our pastor had three men from the congregation to sit inside the rail while he goes through the story of the prodigal son. An older man sits highest on the chancel, while two other men sit lower in front of him.

One represents the son who stayed home, and another, a younger boy, representing the prodigal son.

They don't really "do" anything, but make the occasional gesture, make an odd face, or change their posture to go with the parable as the Pastor is speaking through it.

Thinking about my previous church background, drama or skit is the only way I know to describe this.

Does this seem o.k. with ya'll? Is this normal for a midweek ( what about Sunday? ) service? Does anyone else attend or know about other LCMS churches that do this?

 

[alexnbethmom]

uh - i've never heard of that, and never seen that happen....whether it's "right" or not, i have no idea, but it seems like it would be a bit distracting, trying to listen to what pastor is trying to say. the only "drama" (and i use that term loosely) that i've heard of during Lenten services is during Good Friday service - i have heard of some pastors who will have someone bang on a piece of wood with a hammer to make it sound like nails being driven in, and then of course, the lights going dimmer until it gets dark in the sanctuary, followed by the strepitus.

 

[DaRev]

It's not unheard of for a midweek service to have more than one person involved in the message, either reading parts or portraying roles. Some of the midweek service materials have this option. To many, however, this can be a distraction from the message. I don't personally agree with dramatic license when it comes to Scripture proclamation during a worship service.

Having said that, there is an option in the LSB Agenda for the Passion narrative to be read on Passion Sunday, where different people read the different parts of the crucifixion account. I've never done this (I prefer to observe Palm Sunday) but I have seen it done at my home church many years ago.

 

[MNKeith]

We have "skit's" all the time. Especially during Advent and Lenten midweek and special services. They do not take the place of the sermon, or scripture readings. They are in addition to the service.

I have even been involved with parts, although reluctantly. I still have mixed feelings, I question is this "entertainment" or teaching.

However, we never do anything inside the railing near the alter.