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Drama works. "It helps people drop their defenses, and it tears down walls for both Christians and non Christians," says Steve Pederson, director of drama at Willow Creek Community Church in South Barrington, Illinois. His church is a leader today in showing how to use drama in worship.

You don't have to be a megachurch to use drama, however. Each year the 75-member Arvada Church of the Nazarene in Colorado puts on a large Christmas production complete with lights, sets, and costumes. "It is a great bonding time for our people," says Cindy Price. "And it's an effective ministry that brings people from all over Denver to see a show. Otherwise they might not come to church."

Price wrote last year's drama, which involved 15-20 people and included a winter wonderland set complete with snowman, sleighs that glided down the aisle, and a snowball fight in the sanctuary.

When you start a drama program, keep it simple, Price suggests. "A couple of actors with no costumes and just a couple of props can do a seven- or eight-minute sketch," she says. Total costs for Arvada Church's drama were $500. Prop and costume materials were borrowed or donated from thrift stores. All the actors were recruited from the congregation.

Pederson's book Drama Ministry (Zondervan, $20) is helpful for starting a program. It includes a list of re sources and a CD that demonstrates directing techniques.

You don't need much space to do drama. Willow Creek reduces its 50-foot stage down to a 12-by-12-foot space in which to do sketches. You could move your pulpit to clear enough space.

Portable stage equipment would also work. Steeldeck (877-60-STAGE) offers a modular staging and riser system. The same units can create flat stages, ramps, and seating risers. A basic 4-by-8-foot unit costs $495.

Staging Concepts (800-337-5339) manufactures portable stage equipment that includes stages, seating risers, ADA accessible seating, pit fillers, custom applications, and raised flooring. Costs vary depending on size and function.

If you're looking for scripts, you might try:

• Drama for Worship, by Curt Cloninger (Standard Publishing, 800-543-1353, $20). Each volume has eight reproducible scripts (4-8 minutes each) that involve one to seven characters. Longer scripts are available. Call 770-622-0334 or try www.curtcloninger.com.
• Sunday Morning Live from Willow Creek Church comes in several volumes, each containing six sketches. For longer sketches, try www.willowcreek.org. Royalty fees apply.
• Lilleanas Publishing (800-877-0700) offers scripts.
• The Return to the Corral, a musical comedy that reaches out to people who no longer attend church, is available from Christ the King Church of Riverbank, California (209-869-1075), for $25, which includes a reproducible script and video.
• Networking. Exchange scripts or drama equipment with other churches through Christians in Theater Arts (864-271-2116). The national organization equips and supports Christians in the theater arts.

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