Torch, Spring 1997

I l biblical truth to life without sacrificing recognized, basic principles of well-written drama (compelling conflict, interesting story, believable characters, realistic dialogue, etc.). Understanding the needs of children, teens, and adults today begins not with popular culture, but with an understanding of God's Word. The timelessness of the principles contained in Scripture provides the framework and material we need to program effective, relevant drama presentations. When we write or select drama to use in the church, our purpose is not to seek a platform for our own "private agenda" but to communicate biblical revelation in such a way that people are motivated to love God more deeply and obey Him more completely. How do puppet teams a minister? The Master's Puppets use puppetry and other creative teaching methods to O minister to elementary age children. Each program teaches one biblical principle and includes a Bible story, songs, games, and a memory verse. The theme of this year's puppet ministry has been "Investigating the Master's Mission." This program helps children learn what God wants them to do in simple terms. In order to control the content and quality of the scripts and their supporting elements (for example, music), we write and produce our own children's programs. Each program involves: 1. Introduction and development of a problem/conflict 2. Presentation of the problem's solution from God's Word (Bible story) 3. Resolution of the problem/conflict by the application of God's Word 0 Tell us about The Lifeline Players. Lifeline uses drama sketches to minister to teens and adults. The family program is designed for the 0 general church family, and this year's theme centers on The Beatitudes. The teen program is based on the concept of biblical acceptance. The team presents this program in a variety of settings, including youth rallies and special events . The response to the teen program this year has been tremendous-many young people have been saved or have rededicated their lives to Christ. We write some of the sketches and take others from published material. Unfortunately, we have found we must read through many scripts before finding one that is appropriate to our chosen theme and our audience. What response have you received from O your audiences? 0 One pastor wrote, "The ministry of The Master's Puppets is dynamic and effective in reaching kids with God's Word in a way that even adults will enjoy! Using puppets as a teaching tool, the team captivates the children's attention and guides them into learning and applying Biblical truth." Another pastor commented about The Lifeline Players, "I believe the program reached children right up through adults. We all laughed, and yet were convicted as we were exposed to biblical truth. As I said to our people afterwards, 'It was kinda like taking a trip to the woodshed and loving every minute of it."' .IJ B randon Waltz graduated from Cedarville College in 1987 with a B.A. in Bible, Preseminary. While a student at Cedarville, he was involved with a puppet ministry. He attended Dallas Theological Seminary for one year before returning to Cedarville to direct the puppet ministry teams in the Division of Christian Ministries. Brandon and his wife, Crystal, are expecting their first child in August.