How to Write a Drama for a Church Service

Drama is becoming more and more popular these days for it is a visual teaching tool that is very effective in sharing a message. Getting scripts that fit your congregation, actors available, ages of actors, message topic, etc. can be difficult at times. Sometimes writing your own drama is necessary. This is a fun and creative way to be involved in drama. Do you know who the writers are in your church? What a wonderful way to use their spiritual gift for God.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:

• Bible
• Paper or computer

1. Give yourself enough time to write a script. Sometimes it takes an afternoon (or early morning), and sometimes it takes days to get a script written. Find out from your pastor the topics and scripture verses they will be using for a service at least a month away.
2. Pray for guidance on how God wants to use the drama in telling the message. The drama doesn’t always have to give the answer, in fact, sometimes it’s better to leave the answer out and let the pastor give the answer through their message.
3. A script for a church service normally is about five to seven minutes long. This is about two to three pages of typewritten script. Plan on just one location (for example, the scene could be in the kitchen), use no more than a few actors. Keep it simple.
4. Meditate on the scripture. Think about the possible scenarios that go with what the pastor will be talking about in their sermon. Write out all the possibilities that come to mind. Choose the scenario that seems to fit best. Now you are ready to expand and write the scene.
5. Write out the scenario imagined making sure there is a conflict that has to be solved either by the drama or by the pastor’s message. Write out everything that comes to mind including movement, dialogue, and actors, whatever comes to mind not worrying yet about length--just get it on the paper.
6. Once it is all out on paper, go back through it at a slower pace and see what parts are needed and not needed. Is a sentence really necessary for the drama…if not, take it out. Always ask the question, “What is the purpose of this line?” Also, think through and write out the blocking (movement) that needs to happen in the drama. What props are needed? Do the lines flow in the story? What should the characters where? What will the sound needs be when performing the drama? A tech person working with the drama team is a plus. What emotions are touched in the drama? You want the congregation to be involved, so they need to relate to the scene.

Tips & Warnings

• When the drama is finished, let the pastor review it to make sure it will work with the message given that Sunday.

Who Can Help:

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