Gospel mimes to ‘preach’ at Detroit gathering
BY ORALANDAR BRAND-WILLIAMS / THE DETROIT NEWS
Detroit — When James Hayes began performing mime in churches more than a decade ago, some congregations turned him away, saying the art form "was not of God."
But now, the artistry of silent film actor Charlie Chaplin and French mime artist Marcel Marceau has given way to an increasingly popular art form being used to preach the Gospel in pulpits across the country.
"We want to take the songs and bring them to life," said Hayes, founder and chief executive officer of Run the Race Performing Arts Ministry, which teaches mime to churches.
Hayes, a Detroit resident, is organizing a conference called the Gathering of the Mimes in the city, bringing together more than 200 performers and an estimated 1,000 observers.
(Source)Unfortunately, the Gathering of the Mimes has passed for 2012.
The more "gospel mime" YouTube videos I searched, the more convinced I became that "mime ministry" appears to be an excuse to get up on stage and dance. Of course, it is quite possible that the deeper meaning of this activity is escaping me, or is being hindered by the silliness of it all.
The above-quoted article from the Detroit News continued with an interesting observation from gospel mime James Hayes:
"In the past, churches were like, 'What is it?'" said 31-year-old Hayes, a member of Second Canaan Missionary Baptist Church on the city's east side. "But now you can't go into a church without mimes being there. They're everywhere." (Source)Speaking for myself, I can honestly say that with all of the churches I've attended and visited in my life, including several megachurches from various parts of the country, I have never seen a mime performing. However, I can think of a few megachurch pastors who may want to try miming their sermon one week. After all, they do say silence is golden.
HT: Suspicious Berean
weird, from what I see, they look like they are doing human videos but just dressed up specifically as mimes. I used to do human videos when I was in youth group and they were used very frequently on mission trips to minister to people. I can only speak to human videos though. If they are just dancing on stage, that's another story. What do you think about praise dancing?
ReplyDeleteI'm not familiar with 'human videos,' so I can't offer any input. As for praise dancing...
DeleteI've had limited exposure to it, and quite honestly I'm thankful for that. My opinion (and this is purely personal opinion) is that it's distracting and unhelpful. I don't really see a point in it. I suppose if that's your thing, there is a time and a place, but I definitely don't feel that the Sunday service is that time or place.
Thanks for your reply. Human videos and Praise Dance was the popular thing when I was in youth group years ago. I'm thinking Christian Mime is the in thing now, who knows.
DeleteI saw a mime perform "on stage" at a Willow Creek church service over 20 years ago. That's right, Willow Creek...as in Bill Hybels, Barrington Illinois. Just to clarify, it wasn't Bill that did the mime (LOL), it was someone else. So this Detroit group has a lot of catching up to do. :-)
ReplyDeleteI support creative expression coupled with faith, as long as it’s done in a respectful and modest way for the glory of God.
Unfortunately, the church today has become full of outlandish attention seekers. Wild antics from pastors and church musicians have replaced solid, scriptural teaching and fruit of the Spirit. Carol
It may be helpful if Bill Hybels would try miming his gospel. Then maybe folks would better understand that his is a false social gospel of works.
Delete"I support creative expression coupled with faith, as long as it’s done in a respectful and modest way for the glory of God."
Totally agree, Carol.
Catching up with Willow Crass Center they indeed do for now Willow has none else "preaching" but... comedians. Yes, I kid you not. Just went on their "teaching" and here we have "comedian Ken Davis shares insights from his life and his most recent book"... Note "his life" and "his book". Check it out yourself: http://media.willowcreek.org
DeleteIt is all about emotions and humanism sprinkled with Christian lingo and terms.
Just another way to avoid "preaching the gospel"
ReplyDeleteWell, just think how entertaining it must be to watch them "preach" the seeker-driven favorite line, "you can't put God in a box." :)
DeleteI've never ever heard of this "miming the gospel"... This is a form of mockery to me. It's not clear and solid truth that is unassailable but ambiguous language that causes a breakdown and double-thinking in people's minds. Anyone can look at miming and draw hundreds of different meanings from it but God's word is preserved with one meaning-the one the author intends. Words written down are what God has intended for all generations...
ReplyDeletePsa 12:6"And the words of the LORD are flawless, like silver refined in a furnace of clay, purified seven times.
And in case anyone wants to present the argument of people being deaf, then go to sign language.. We had some kids who were from South America who were "deaf and dumb".. They could read and they knew sign language..
They did a Christian song in sign language which was very touching and moving to say the least.
There's just no point or meaning to me in mimes except to overtake and replace the word of God with visual poignant brainwashing dummy down of emotions and feelings rather than being rooted in the truth...
Linda's posts usually have me echoing an "Amen" somewhere off in the background. Entertain me, tickle my ears, and tell me "smooth" things ...
DeleteOR -
Mark 2:2 and he preached the word unto them.
Acts 8:4 They that were scattered went every where preaching the word.
Acts 8:25 when they had testified and preached the word of the Lord
Acts 13:5 they preached the word
Acts 14:25 And when they had preached the word
Acts 15:35 teaching and preaching the word of the Lord
2 Timothy 4:2 Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season;
OK. That's enough.
Jesus said 'Preach the Gospel..' not 'mime the Gospel'. Sheesh! What won't the DAMAGENT church do to twist Christ's commands
ReplyDeleteHe also did not say "comedy the Gospel" but Willow Creek knows better.
DeleteYou know we came across this very thing when we covered that Justice Conference 2012 gathering in Oregon earlier this year.
ReplyDeleteSMG