Summary: A pastor invites members of the congregation to give some of themselves to Jesus. Keywords: Commitment
Style: Dramatic. Duration: 5 minutes
Actors: 1M, 2M/F+
Characters:
Speaking roles: pastor, Singer/music leader, Member of the congregation. (Additional others could serve as part of the service. )
Script
(The pastor is addressing the congregation at the close of a service. The music leader is standing by)
Pastor: If there is a stirring in your heart this morning, know that God’s Holy Spirit is speaking to you. Please, don’t ignore it. As we stand and Brother/Sister Wilson leads us, step out – come forward to this altar of prayer. Jesus will meet you here. There will be people here that will be glad to talk with you, glad to pray with you and answer any questions you may have. Lead us, Brother Wilson.
Music Leader: (to the tune of I Surrender All)
Some to Jesus, I surrender
Some to Thee I freely give
I will mostly love and trust Him
In His presence, often live
I surrender some
I surrender some
Some to Jesus, I surrender
I surrender some
(As the song is sung, the Congregation Member obviously puzzled)
Pastor: (speaks as music continues to play softly) God is here with us. If you’re waiting for someone to take the first step, it’s already happened. Don’t delay – listen to your heart and step forward. Surrender some of your life to Jesus today.
Member: Excuse me, Pastor?
(The pastor is surprised by the interruption, looks toward speaker)
Member: I surrender some? Isn’t it supposed to be I surrender all?
Pastor: Please, young man/woman, don’t interfere with the work God is doing at this moment. (he gestures toward those praying)
Member: But isn’t the song supposed to be –
Pastor: (cutting him off) Listen… son, if you have questions, come forward, or wait for me after the service. This is not the time to question. You are disrupting the work of God’s Holy Spirit.
Member: But it is supposed to be I surrender all to Jesus.
Pastor: Now you listen to me, young man/woman. I don’t know who you are, but what you are doing right now is inappropriate.
Member: But I just know that –
Pastor: (cutting him off again) You know what? This is the 21st century.
I know quite well that God does not change, but the times, the people do. Do you have any idea what it’s like trying to lead a congregation in this day and age?
Member: Well, regardless of that –
Pastor: No, stop. The church has got to roll with the punches, change with the times. If I can convince people to begin by surrendering some of their lives, some of the control, it is the beginning of God doing a work in them. Who are you to question that? To interrupt this?
Member: Aren’t those who are called to be Christ-followers asked to give all? To give their whole lives? Not merely -
Pastor: Sit down and be silent. If you continue to speak, I will have our ushers escort you outside of these walls. (turns to the music person) Please continue, Brother Wilson.
(Music minister begins to sing the same chorus, as the lights slowly fade. Member continues to stand and look about, shaking his head in bewilderment)
Black out
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© Copyright Peggy Barnell, all rights reserved. The script may not be reproduced, translated or copied in any medium, including books, CDs and on the Internet, without written permission of the author.
This play may be performed free of charge, on the condition that copies are not sold for profit in any medium, nor any entrance fee charged. In exchange for free performance, the author would appreciate being notified of when and for what purpose the play is performed. She may be contacted via her website, www.peggybarnell.com