Christian Walk

Details: Garth von Buchholz; Scripts Since 2007; 12 October 2024

Summary: The apostle John had such a fiery and zealous temperament that Jesus nicknamed him and his brother James “Sons of Boanerges”, meaning “sons of thunder.” Contrasting this is John’s own gospel and epistles, for which he later became known to the church as “the Apostle of Love” and “John the Evangelist.” John played a significant role in the early church. According to early church tradition, John would frequently repeat this exhortation to his congregation: “Little children, love one another”, a message that was central to his teachings from Jesus. This short drama reconciles the two sides of John and how his beloved Saviour taught him the power of love and mercy.

Style: Dramatic monologue

Duration: 20 mins

Scripture: Mark 3:17, Luke 9:54, John, 13:34-35, 1 John 1:1-3, 5-7, 1 John 4:7

Setting: A church around the year 85-90 AD, before John was exiled to the island of Patmos.

Characters: John the Apostle

Details: Garth von Buchholz; Scripts Since 2007; 20 July 2024

Summary: This drama portrays an imagining of the apostle Paul’s last moments before he is executed in Rome. He has a vision that he is speaking with Jesus again and Jesus helps him recall the many defining moments of his life. In the end he goes from fear and to peace and confidence because he knows he has eternal life through Christ. The last scene, after Paul’s execution, is a foreshadowing of how his evangelism and his martyrdom will help many people become Christians in the years ahead.

Style: One act play with 6 or more characters

Duration: 45 mins

Scripture: Acts 1-28, many of Paul’s epistles

Setting: A cell in a Roman prison where the apostle Paul is awaiting execution. As this is not a historical play in the pure sense, both costumes and set need not have any historical authenticity. Costumes may be historically neutral or may be contemporary versions of the character’s role in the play (e.g. Claudia/Claudius can be played by a man or a woman wearing a contemporary judge’s robe). The set should have a minimal amount of details and props so as not to distract the audience with a naturalistic set design. The voices and the crowd should, ideally, be a balanced mixture of men and women. Instrumental music is very important for scene transitions. Original music was composed for the first run of the play. Lighting is crucial for establishing the mood, context, and focus of the scenes.

Characters:

Paul, also known as “Saul” and “Paulus, Apostle of Christ
Jesus, also known as “Y’shua”, the resurrected Lord
Claudia/Claudius, a prominent Roman magistrate and aristocrat
Stephen, an apostle of Christ and the first Christian martyr
The Executioner
The voices of Saul’s companions
The people in a Damascus synagogue
The Gaoler

Note: At the beginning of scene 1, the wooden cross is no longer around Paul’s neck. The cross reappears later, when Jesus begins carving it out of a piece of wood. At the end of Scene 2, Jesus places it around Paul’s neck, and it is present again at the beginning of Scene 3.

Scene 1

As the lights come up on the execution chamber, the Gaoler violently drags Paul behind him and removes the chains, muttering angrily. Paul is wearing a large wooden cross around his neck and his hands are bound behind his back with rope. Following close behind is Claudia, who is carrying a briefcase filled with judicial documents. As Paul, who appears to have been beaten and starved, is forced to his knees by the Gaoler, Claudia approaches and removes some documents from her briefcase, the Gaoler steps back behind Paul to stand guard.

Details: Garth von Buchholz; Scripts Since 2007; 20 July 2024

Summary: The dialogue in this script was adapted from the original Song of Songs in the Bible. A woman (the Beloved) is emaciated from a terminal illness and is close to death. She interacts with Jesus (the Lover), who is unseen to the two nurses that attend to her. They treat her kindly as they believe she is delirious.

Style: One act play with 6 or more characters

Duration: 30 mins

Scripture: Song of Songs 1-8

Setting: The hospital room of a terminally ill woman

Characters: The Beloved, the Lover, two nurses, two orderlies/security guards

Scene: In the Beloved’s hospital room, the only constant props throughout the play are the bed and other items such as an IV bag on a post, electronic monitors and the like. The periphery of the set should remain in shadows to represent the patient’s tenuous contact with material reality and her very real contact with “the other side”. From where Jesus appears as the “Lover” to her “Beloved.” An unobtrusive plaque on the wall reads “Jerusalem Hospital.” As the play opens, two nurses are attending the terminally ill woman who is apparently enduring a considerable amount of pain. They deliver an injection into her arm, a painkiller such as morphine, while they speak to her.

Details: Garth von Buchholz; Scripts Since 2007; 08 July 2024

The Two Sisters

Summary: Mary and Martha from Bethany are depicted in this vignette as older women in their sixties. They are preparing a meal for their brother Lazarus and a guest of honour, the apostle John.

Style: Dramatic

Duration: 10 mins

Scripture: John 11:38-57, Luke 10:38-42, John 12:1-11

Setting: Late afternoon in a “modern”, well-equipped kitchen in Bethany in the AD 70s, several years after the siege of Jerusalem. Bethany is small village on the eastern slopes of the Mount of Olives just outside Jerusalem, situated in the West Bank.

Characters:

Mary, a woman in her sixties
Martha, her sister, also in her sixties, a couple of years older than Mary

Scene: When the scene opens, we see the two sisters, Mary and Martha, working in the kitchen, preparing a meal for their guest, the apostle John and their brother, Lazarus, who is expected to arrive later. At first the audience should have no idea of what year this is happening, nor who the women are. The women only refer to Lazarus as “our brother” and to one another as “sister” in the beginning. They also refer to Jesus as “the Teacher” at first, because that is how they first knew him. They are preparing a meal to celebrate John’s arrival in Bethany so it might include the following items on the menu:

goat, lamb, fish
nuts, spices, bitter herbs
cheese, yogurt
bean stew, fish sauce,
unleavened bread, dates
aromatized wine

When the scene opens, Mary is working in the kitchen and Martha enters.

Details: Administrator; Scripts Since 2007; 13 June 2022

Summary: Sometimes we are think our love might be genuine, but is it really reflected in our attitudes to other people? A 're-jig' of one of my previous dramas, in order to suit the needs of a morning family service cum baptism. A woman is phoning a “friend” to check whether she is going to a baptism service at church the next morning. A narrator keeps stepping in to remind us what St Paul has to say about love in Chapter 13, of the first letter to the Corinthians.

(Note: The conversation mimics the style of a character that might be seen in the TV series “Coronation Street”.

Style: Dramatic. Duration: 7min
Actors: 1F, 1M/F

Details: Sheila Hamil; Scripts Since 2007; 13 June 2022

Summary: How easily we can be prevented from making the most important decision of our lives, to be lit up for God in this dark world. In this drama, the devil tries to prevent people from lighting a candle. (An update of an old drama, for use in our high school Carol service.)

Style: Dramatic. Duration: 7min
Actors: 6M/F

Details: Sheila Hamil; Scripts Since 2007; 13 June 2022

Summary: A monologue in which the devil asks his demons to come up with the best scheme to stop ordinary people seeking God. [Author’s note: I don't know where this drama came from originally. It's not mine, but I have embellished it a little, for a baptism preparation service. Hope the real author doesn't mind!]
Style: Dramatic. Duration: 5min

Actors: 1M/F

Details: Sheila Hamil; Scripts Since 2007; 30 May 2022

Summary: “And they all one by one made excuses”. In the style of ten little Indians, each Christian bows out and there is no real commitment at all.
Style: Drama (with light touches). Duration: 4min
Scripture: Luke 14 Verses 15-24
Actors: 1N, 10M/F

Details: Michael Hurn; Scripts Since 2007; 27 August 2021

Summary: A sequel to a previous "lockdown"-inspired poem, which can be found at http://www.dramatix.org.nz/scripts/christian-walk/670-church-lockdown-a-prayer

‘… You, Lord, are a shield for me,
my glory, and the lifter up of my head’ Psalm 33.
‘… when the enemy comes in like a flood,
the Spirit of the Lord will raise up
a standard against him!’ Isaiah 59:19
‘For God, has not given us a spirit of fear …’ 2 Tim. 1:7

Who is like unto You, O Lord,
as, bowed in Your presence,
and perhaps out of some despair,
we offer You our grateful
praise and thanksgiving,
for answering Your peoples’ prayer;
that in Your wisdom and purpose,
You have granted us
a means of relief,
a lively hope of release,
and a positive sense of peace
from this deadly viral disease:
Your church has drunk
from a strange cup of uncertainty
when separated, distanced, bubbled,
masked and muffled up,
but You have indeed risen up,
and have intervened for our protection
against our restraints and isolation,
transforming our fear and doubtinto a trustful, thankful, shout.
By inspiring and providing
this timely vaccine shield,
this screen for a suffering world
and Your faithful church,
have You not stretched out
Your strong arm,
and driven the enemy from his proud perch
and given us a revived faith and hope,
that from this terrible infectious scourge,
we will, in Your time, emerge?

When the Children of Israel were slaves
under Pharaoh’s domination
You heard the desperate cry and
brought about their liberation,
and when the apostle Peter
was securely locked up in prison,
Your believing people
prayed without ceasing for him,
and in Your great mercy,
You miraculously released him.
When the adversary invades
like a tormented sea,
with wave upon spreading wave,
is Your arm shortened
that it cannot save?
Father, in Christ’s name,
and from Your heavenly seat,
we believe that the work You begun,
You will surely complete.

Heavenly Father, it is to You we look and intercede,
help us then to race to Zion’s Hill
for comfort and for hope,
in this time of special need.

Amen

....................................................................................

© Copyright Michael Hurn, all rights reserved. This poem may not be reproduced, translated or copied in any medium, including books, CDs and on the Internet, without written permission of the author.
This poem may be used free of charge, on the condition that copies are not sold for profit in any medium, nor any entrance fee charged. In exchange, the author would appreciate being notified of when and for what purpose the play is performed. He may be contacted at: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Details: Sauni Rinehart; Scripts Since 2007; 11 November 2020

Summary: How would people act if Jesus came to church?
Style: Dramatic. Duration: 3-4 minutes
Actors: Readers’ theater with four Readers

Details: Sauni Rinehart; Scripts Since 2007; 05 November 2020

Summary: A long-time Christian woman, struggling with putting on a good front, admits her fears.
Style: Dramatic. Duration: 2-3 minutes
Actors: 1F

Details: Michael Hurn; Scripts Since 2007; 03 November 2020

In this prayer/poem, the author uses Old Testament imagery to convey the message for Christians to call upon God in this difficult time.

Details: Christina Parker; Scripts Since 2007; 14 September 2019

Summary: The Wager is about the spiritual dimension. Based on Ephesians 6:12 - “For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the spiritual realm.” (NIV) An angel and a demon make a wager that good can overcome evil in their present situation, on board a bus with passengers.
Style: Dramatic, with light touches. Duration: 10-12min
Actors: 3M, 3F, 3M/F

Details: Norwin Simms; Scripts Since 2007; 14 September 2019

Summary: The waiter in a prayer café tries to help his customers, on behalf of the chef.
Style: Dramatic, with light touches. Duration: 6min
Actors: 1M/F, 4M, 2F (can be swapped)

Details: Greg & Sue Walton; Scripts Since 2007; 14 September 2019

Summary: A monologue asking if Christians can put aside their differences.
Style: Dramatic, but with irony. Duration: 5min
Actors: 1F

20230301013629 Friends and Followers.docx [48.39Kb]

Uploaded Wednesday, 01 March 2023 by Chris

Details: Greg & Sue Walton; Scripts Since 2007; 14 September 2019

Summary: A sketch about self-interest and the amazing patience of Jesus with His flawed disciples.
Style: Dramatic. Duration: 6min
Actors: 10M

Details: Greg & Sue Walton; Scripts Since 2007; 14 September 2019

Summary: A sketch about maturity (or lack of) as God's children. The leader introduces the cast, which consists of one couple, the female half taking the part of mother, wife and daughter.
Style: Dramatic. Duration: 6min
Actors: 2F, 1M, 1C

Details: David Lee; Scripts Since 2007; 12 October 2018

Summary: A tale about four demons that have a meeting to decide how to discourage people in a church.
Style: Dramatic. Duration: 8min

Actors: 4 M/F

Details: David Lee; Scripts Since 2007; 12 October 2018

Summary: Three people who attend a prayer meeting find out that God is going to go on strike unless the church they attend starts to take living the Christian life seriously.
Style: Dramatic. Duration: 7min
Actors: 3M/F, 1Voice

Characters
Mary
Jane
Sue.
God (off stage)

Details: Heribert & Kathryn Westerveld; Scripts Since 2007; 14 May 2018

Summary: In this court trial, Prosecution and Defence attempt to establish whether the accused is a Christian.
Style: Dramatic. Duration: 30-40mins
Actors: 2M, 1F, 6M/F (the audience/congregation are the jury).

A copy of the full script may be downloaded by clicking on the link below.

If you were accused of being a Christian.docx [20.38Kb]

Uploaded Wednesday, 01 March 2023 by Chris

Details: Sheila Hamil; Scripts Since 2007; 03 July 2017

Summary: Dramatisation of an old Korean folk tale, in which people choose whether they live in heaven or hell, depending on how they co-operate with each other. This drama invites people to take their place in responsible giving.
Style: Dramatic. Duration: 4min
Actors: 1M, 1N, + 5-6V

Details: Sheila Hamil; Scripts Since 2007; 03 July 2017

Summary: A narrated mime about the unity, co-operation, love and understanding, which make us truly one in Christ.
Style: Dramatic. Duration: 2min
Scripture: 1 Corinthians 12 Verses 12-27
Actors: 6M/F

Details: Beth Myers; Scripts Since 2007; 22 March 2017

Summary: A monologue in which a high school student is struggling to hear from God. In the midst of asking questions and trying to figure everything out, he/she hears a whisper and it’s from God, but doesn't understand how to handle it.
Style: Dramatic. Duration: 4min
Actors: 1M/F
Scripture: John 13:7

Details: James Burnet; Scripts Since 2007; 14 January 2016

Summary: Shoppers are brought to reflect on the fact that Christians are “clothed in the righteousness of Christ”. In spite of our feelings of unworthiness, God imputes the righteousness of Jesus, who was sinless, to believers. The challenge then is to conform to the image of Christ so that we may let His light shine through our lives.
Style: Dramatic. Duration: 7 minutes
Actors: 5, with at least one M
Scriptures: Is 61:10 Mat 5:16 Gal 3:27, 4:19 Eph 4:24 Rom 8:29, 10:4, 13:14 2 Cor 5:19-21

Details: Blaine Dueck; Scripts Since 2007; 14 January 2016

Summary: The book of Jude warns against a faith that isn’t backed up by right living. In this script, Jude learns the importance of seeking to live a live worthy of the grace he has received. Salvation isn’t just a destination, but rather also a lifestyle.
Style: Dramatic. Duration: 5min
Actors: 2M

Details: Jim Hatherly; Scripts Since 2007; 17 October 2014

Summary: Sal (Salt) and Lumiere (Light) discuss which of them is more important.
Style: Light-hearted. Duration: 10min
Scripture: Matthew 5: 13-20
Actors: 1M, 1F

Details: Jim Hatherly; Scripts Since 2007; 17 October 2014

Summary: (With help from a popular ‘Personality Type Sorter’), this is a useful light, insightful drama for churches to have conversations around group power dynamics, diversity of gifts, decision-making processes and creating respectful environments. It could be considered for early in the church’s year, as part of a ‘visioning exercise’, on a retreat, as committees are beginning their work, at an annual meeting or with youth.
Style: Dramatic. Duration: 10min
Scripture: 1 Corinthians 12
Actors: 1N, 4M/F

Details: John McNeil; Scripts Since 2007; 10 October 2014

Psalm 23 is a psalm of recovery!! Though frequently read at funerals, it is not about death – it is all about life! It is a psalm of victory for those who, like me, have struggled with addictive issues in their life – a great song of praise to the God who restores.

Details: Jim Hatherly; Scripts Since 2007; 03 October 2014

Summary: A dramatic narrative poem in two voices, expressing the despair of one person over the state of the world and the persistent voice of God, offering hope. There are many scriptural references in this text, offered by the God-voice. This could be a good conversation starter for worship or a study or retreat. What blocks us from listening?
Style: Dramatic. Duration: 10min
Actors: 1M/F, 1VO

Details: Jim Hatherly; Scripts Since 2007; 02 October 2014

Summary: A monologue by a newcomer to church, thinking about what's going on around him, and what he's heard.
Style: Dramatic. Duration: 12min
Scripture: Mark 1: 14-20
Actors: 1M/F

Details: Claudia Rudolph; Scripts Since 2007; 13 September 2014

Summary: This is a series of 5 skits revolving around a day in the life of a Christian woman, Beth, who is seeking God's will in her daily life. In every situation, she attempts to do God's will but feels inadequate. In the end, God's plans for her are revealed, teaching her to trust God in all things and showing everyone that God's plans are perfect. Could be used as a series, or combined as one item.
Style: Dramatic. Duration: 5 x 2-7min
Actors: 7F, 1M (VO)

Details: John Wayne Samples; Scripts Since 2007; 31 July 2014

Summary: A "solid" bible-study leader has a problem practicing what he preaches. Written to set-up a sermon on Romans 12 dealing with hypocrisy. Key words: Hypocrisy • Marriage • Encouragement • Honesty
Style: Dramatic. Duration: 10min
Actors: 2M, 2F, 1C +VO

Details: John Wayne Samples; Scripts Since 2007; 21 July 2014

Summary: A man needing attention struggles to get past the paperwork and hypocrisy of the admitting nurse. (Written for the first service of a new church to help answer the question "Why another church?" Should make people evaluate why they are in a church, and what they expect for, and from, new attendees.)
Key words: Acceptance • Hospital • Heart • Pain • Hypocrisy
Style: Light-hearted. Duration: 10min.
Actors: 1M, 1F

Details: John Wayne Samples; Scripts Since 2007; 21 July 2014

Summary: A cute little ditty about how our good intentions seem to go astray. Intended to get people to see how our commitments change over the course of a few months. Recommended for use either at the beginning of a new year, or a new cycle of services, such as a new program in the fall. This was written for a specific audience and will need to be customized for your specific audience. It is printed here in its original version, more or less.
Key words: Hypocrisy, Church, Commitment, New Start, Faithfulness, Witnessing, Excuses, Resolutions
Style: Dramatic. Duration: 8min.
Actors: 4M/F

Details: John Wayne Samples; Scripts Since 2007; 21 July 2014

Summary: Two kids playing the "who do you like best" game get stuck on an important question.
Style: Dramatic. Duration: 4min
Actors: 1M, 1F

Details: Ian Wallis; Scripts Since 2007; 14 June 2014

Summary: A sketch exploring the qualities that God looks for in people, compared with what we often look for.
Style: Dramatic. Duration: 7min
Actors: 1VO, 7M
Scripture: 1 Samuel 16

Details: Claudia Rudolph; Scripts Since 2007; 29 April 2014

Summary: Carol is sorting items to donate for a Mission garage sale. She keeps the best for herself and gives the rest to God.
Style: Dramatic. Duration: 6min
Actors: 2F
Scripture: Matthew 6:21 “Where your treasure is, there will your heart be also”.

Details: Claudia Rudolph; Scripts Since 2007; 29 April 2014

Summary: We often feel in the spotlight when we pray publicly but God wants us to come to Him without reservation. Our thoughts often interfere with our prayers. Pre-recorded “thoughts” are interspersed with live action to reveal what each person is thinking.
Style: Dramatic. Duration: 5min
Actors: 6F
Scripture: Ephesians 6:18 (“And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people.”)

Details: Claudia Rudolph; Scripts Since 2007; 29 April 2014

Summary: The setting is in church on a very busy night. Jenny has committed to do several different types of service and doesn’t get any one thing completed appropriately. She is cheerful and bubbly throughout the drama, happy to be in the service of the King, but oblivious to her short-comings.
Style: Dramatic with a light touch. Duration: 8min
Actors: 4F
Scripture: Colossians 3:23 “Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men”.

Details: Claudia Rudolph; Scripts Since 2007; 29 April 2014

Summary: Giving is not just about money. There are many ways in which we can give to God - and to those around us.
Style: Dramatic. Duration: 4min
Actors: 2M/F
Scripture: Hebrews 13:16 “Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God.”

Details: Joseph Beggs; Scripts Since 2007; 09 April 2014

Summary: Done in the style of the TV show Shark Tank (also known in some countries as Dragon's Den). Three people come before the sharks seeking investment in their ideas. (This was written for a stewardship drive.)
Style: Dramatic. Duration: 12min
Actors: 1N, 3M, 3M/F

Details: David Lee; Scripts Since 2007; 05 April 2014

Summary: Four people (a young person, mother, businessman and Christian) receive phone calls, but find it hard to believe God is on the other end.
Style: Dramatic. Duration: 7min
Actors: 1F, 3M/F, 1VO

Details: John Beavers; Scripts Since 2007; 27 March 2014

Summary: Three contestants in a spelling bee are given wildly different levels of words to spell. Is the contest rigged?
Style: Dramatic. Duration: 6min
Actors: 3M/F, 1VO
Scripture: Romans 12:3 "For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the faith God has distributed to each of you."

Details: Stacy Legg; Scripts Since 2007; 12 March 2014

Summary: Written for a women's retreat, the theme is "walk this way". It is a loose take on the Cinderella story!
Style: Light-hearted. Duration: 5min
Actors: 6F
Scripture: Ephesians 2:10

Details: Ann Baldridge; Scripts Since 2007; 23 February 2014

Summary: Kailtyn is a normal American teen. She wakes up to acne, has “nothing” to wear, goes to school just to get lunch spilt all over her and loses her best friend. To make matters worse, it is picture day. She finds herself in angry tears later that night in her room. She lashes out at God asking that question at the back of everyone’s mind. If there is a loving God who loves us more than we can even imagine, why does He let us hurt? Why does He let bad things happen to us?
That night, she goes back in time to the life of Christ. She goes through some highlight moments in His life from the nativity, to the finding in the temple, to the last supper, to the crucifixion. Through this, she sees first hand just what sacrifices Christ has made for us and how much love He has in His heart. The dreams are made up of all four Gospel readings.
[The author assures this play is easier to perform than it appears. It can be viewed at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=77mj8ZO9JD0]
Style: Dramatic Duration: 40-50min
Actors: 15-40 teens (see below)

Details: Linus Scope; Scripts Since 2007; 06 December 2013

Summary: A lonely man (or woman) questions his life and God.
Style: Heavy Duration: 5min
Actors: 1M/F

Details: Jill Gresham; Scripts Since 2007; 18 October 2013

Summary: This script was created to help teens see a practical application of a familiar bible story, the story of Jonah. This skit isn’t intended to be funny, but when the kids brainstormed the bullying and the dream sequence, it turned out that way.
Style: Dramatic Duration: 12min
Actors: 1M/F, 7+Teens

Details: Heather Adams; Scripts Since 2007; 08 August 2013

Summary: Facing an uncertain health situation, a woman wrestles with having trust in God.
Style: dramatic Duration: 5min
Actors: 1F

Details: Sheila Hamil; Scripts Since 2007; 29 January 2013

Summary: Sometimes we are think our love might be genuine, but is it really reflected in our attitudes to other people? Written to suit the needs of a morning family service-cum-baptism. As a woman talks with her “friend”, a narrator keeps stepping in to remind us what St Paul has to say about love in Chapter 13 of the first letter to the Corinthians.
Style: Dramatic. Duration: 8min
Actors: 1N, 1F

Details: John Wayne Samples; Scripts Since 2007; 11 January 2013

Summary: Shaun sees that a friend shuts others out from helping, but refuses to see the same problem in his own life.
Style: Dramatic. Duration: 4min
Actors: 2M

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