First of all, as a drama major, one of the first things I learned was -- drama as we know it started in church but it got raunchier and raunchier until the church kicked it out. Personally, I think it's time for Christians to reclaim it. I was a drama major at a Christian college and never, ever was it taught, discussed, or even considered that one might use these gifts for the glory of God in a worship setting. In fact, it was assumed that some of us might become drama teachers but the unspoken assumption was that if you used your gifts professionally, you would be sucked into the evil world of Hollywood or Broadway. There was really no in-between. Oh, some guys use comedic skits as a ministry to teens at some of the schools, but of course girls weren't allowed to do so because that would be teaching and would be wrooooong.

Anyway, for a short period we were members of a Willow Creek-model church in Troy, MI. There, I discovered the joy of expressing my love for God through my love for acting. A well-done (VERY important words, here) drama scene can very poignantly accent the minister's point, bringing it to life and into the real world for the congregation. Skits, however, generally come across as cheesy and trite and tend to pull attention away from the sermon or the overall mood of what is trying to be said. I saw a very strong minstry consistently -- weekly -- do all of those things you mentioned above -- supporting the sermon, teaching, and communicating spiritual truths. Sometimes the drama could get a point across even better than mere words.

I will say that it is a difficult ministry to lead and sometimes to be a part of. Actors -- even Christian actors -- can be very ego-driven and sensitive. As an actor, I know it was hard to keep my mind on the fact that God was my audience, that it wasn't about me getting attention on stage, and that the Holy Spirit can take a piece I don't care for as an actor and still use it to edify the congregation.

Overall I think that GOOD drama can be a very effective tool in teaching during our corporate worship time. However, unless a congregation is an a major city and/or has a large pool of members to find talented actors and writers in, it is difficult to really get to the level needed for it not to be a distraction. At Kensington (1000+ members), we had former Broadway actors running our drama team and professional actors in the troupe (I was not one of them). We also had people who had never acted before but were very open to just being themselves on stage and following direction. I'm not saying you have to have professional actors with Broadway experience, but there is a certain level of excellence needed for it to work well. Currently we are at a smaller congregation (300-400) and it would be very difficult to get set up here at that level of commitment.

At First Colony, we have done a full blown production of Joseph and The Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat. It was more of an outreach tool than something used in Worship time. Although the entire production was a form of worship for those of us involved. We have also done some locally written and produced dessert theater events.

For Easter weekend, we used three different voices to do a dramatic reading of the events leading up to the crucifixion. It was much more powerful than just another reading of the scriptures as it brought the characters to life.

well this is my first comment, so hello Keith! :) but it is a good time to comment because we had our first drama at Canyon on Easter Sunday. and i have to admit...i was a little apprehensive when i heard the idea, because as the first commenter pointed out, i believe it needs to be really WELL DONE in order to be effective and not come across as camp-ish. well. it was *very* well done; i was in tears almost the entire service as the actors portreyed the story of Jesus from the personal perspectives of Bible characters. they were totally genuine, and displayed sincere emotion when the words they spoke touched their hearts as well. it was very clear that they were participating in an act of worship themselves, as they led the other worshippers through the story and significance of Easter.