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jamiedoyle Special user Lafayette, IN 619 Posts |
Friends: We can do better than this: http://www.jamiedoyle.com/?p=977
If you use Gospel Magic, then I am calling you to action to do a better job if "marrying" the method AND message. |
FatherWilliam57 New user Beaver, PA 73 Posts |
I use magic primarily in children's sermons during worship. A very important way I use to gauge how effective I have "married the method to the message" is the children themselves. We have a fellowship hour following worship in my congregation, and I make it a point to "chat up" the kids during this time. They will usually bring up the children's message, especially the trick I did. It is the perfect opportunity for me to find out if they "got the point" or were simply enamored with the trick itself. There is nothing like "instant feedback" to improve my future endeavors. It also helps me to improve when the adults wish to discuss the point further, rather than asking "How did you do that?". On-going critique and evaluation like that is priceless to what I am trying to accomplish. Of course, depending on the setting in which you perform Gospel ministry, your mileage may vary!
The Rev. William B. Henry, Jr.
"If this be magic, let it be an art..." - Leontes (Winter's Tale, Act 5, Scene 3) |
jamiedoyle Special user Lafayette, IN 619 Posts |
Father Williams - you make a good point.
I believe we need to do all we can prepare ahead of time, making sure we do our part to "marry" the message and method. But there will be times that we won't know it's effectiveness until we actually get in front of an audience and see the reaction. |
FatherWilliam57 New user Beaver, PA 73 Posts |
Absolutely! That's why I love the saying, "Life is what happens after you've made your plans..."
The Rev. William B. Henry, Jr.
"If this be magic, let it be an art..." - Leontes (Winter's Tale, Act 5, Scene 3) |
themagiciansapprentice Inner circle Essex, UK 1381 Posts |
Thought provoking
Have wand will travel! Performing children's magic in the UK for Winter 2014 and Spring 2015.
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jamiedoyle Special user Lafayette, IN 619 Posts |
It was meant to be thought provoking
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Craig Logan Special user Michigan 541 Posts |
Consider my thoughts provoked. I have always had trouble with the appearance and reputation of gospel magic. That's probably why I shied away from incorporating magic into my Sunday school ( I teach teenagers). recently, however, I prayerfully made the decision to create routines and messages that do what gospel magic should do; draw others closer to Christ. Thanks for this gut check post.
"A wizard is not to be made in a day." -Professor Hoffmann (Modern Magic)
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jamiedoyle Special user Lafayette, IN 619 Posts |
Mediocre,
I've always subscribed to the idea that we shouldn't create a gospel magic routine just to fill the time... or because there's an obligation to add another routine to the program. But if you have a message in your heart... and you've found an effective way to illustrate it... it will be more effective than just trying to shove a magic trick an add a superficial application. I may blog about that later: "HOW to effectively marry the method and the message." |
Craig Logan Special user Michigan 541 Posts |
I agree wholeheartedly, and I refuse to cut and suture a message with a trick just because I love magic. It boils down to whether or not God is in it. We ought to prayerfully consider any and all lessons, sermons, or studies we embark upon regardless of whether or not magic is in it.
Quote:
On Nov 20, 2014, jamiedoyle wrote: That would be a read I would look forward to. In His Service, Craig (Mediocre)
"A wizard is not to be made in a day." -Professor Hoffmann (Modern Magic)
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Vlad_77 Inner circle The Netherlands 5829 Posts |
Quote:
On Nov 19, 2014, FatherWilliam57 wrote: Hi Father, The line is from a song called "Beautiful Boy" by John Lennon. It is a lullaby he wrote when his son Sean was a baby. The actual line reads, "Life is what happens when you're busy making other plans." I do not frequent this part of the forum as much at least as a contributor but I do follow it rather closely. I do not perform gospel magic because I am not a priest and I do not feel/believe I am at all qualified to teach in the same manner as a priest or bishop. That said, I am at times amazed at the insights of people here and it makes me happy that these people here are glorifying our Lord by using their gifts to spread the Good News. In my faith, one does not say "God bless you" to a deacon, priest, or bishop. But, I can say and DO mean: +God grant you many years.+ +In Christ, Vlad |
FatherWilliam57 New user Beaver, PA 73 Posts |
Vlad, I've always liked the saying and really don't remember when or how I picked it up...I simply know from experience that it is true! For example: I was doing a card trick today during the children's sermon (Do As I Do) to explain to the children that we are to grow into the full stature of Christ, that we are to treat others as Christ would have us treat them, as he himself treated others. I don't know how many times I have done this trick, but the little girl who was helping horribly mangled her shuffling of the deck (cards face up and face down) and then forgot what card she had selected. This was not going according to plan! However, as we started over, it gave me an additional opportunity to point out that as we go through life, we often think we "have a better idea" when we go off on our own and pay no attention to Christ's leading, to Christ's teaching to "do as I do." At times like that, life can become a real mess (just like the mis-shuffled cards which lay before us). However, I also pointed out that we are permitted "do-overs" in life through the gift of forgiveness...I didn't want her to go away sad! So, I guess life really IS what happens when you're busy making other plans.
The other reason I like the saying is that pastors are prone to say "Ministry happens in the interruptions." I can plan to do some project in my study for the rest of the day, but when that phone rings and a parishioner has been taken to the emergency room, THAT is the real ministry that needs to be done (paperwork can always wait). + The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you always!
The Rev. William B. Henry, Jr.
"If this be magic, let it be an art..." - Leontes (Winter's Tale, Act 5, Scene 3) |
John Long Inner circle New Jersey 2826 Posts |
Jamie:
I think the answer greatly depends on the venue, objective (often related to the venue), and how God uses you. Your initial post and the link seem to assume the context of performing magic with a gospel message at a church or church function. I've done that, but that is not my main motivation. For myself, I've used something interesting (like a very large replica of a $100 bill) at street fairs to get peoples attention, if they come over, I offer to do a trick with it (which is intertwined w/the Mathew 6 verse about treasures disappearing). They can keep the $100 (which has a tract type message printed on it), but I try to get them to talk, and may vanish a black silk as part of a short gospel message, and again try to get into a discussion with them about their faith. The magic is the means to break the ice, not the basis of the message. Regardless of the setting, I prefer sharing the gospel w/o magic, but magic can provide some opportunities. John
Breathtaking Magic;
Not Breath Taking |
harris Inner circle Harris Deutsch 8812 Posts |
I am still learning how to do this better.
When I disappear and the message to glorify God appears is when this pairing works best. Sometimes it is better on an individual basis it works best. Other times, I have gotten the your preaching to the choir response. In other words, I know this and I don't have to be reminded again. On the other hand, I do need the reminder, whether it is reading the Word, hearing it through song or in serving. love and prayers h
Harris Deutsch aka dr laugh
drlaugh4u@gmail.com music, magic and marvelous toys http://magician.org/member/drlaugh4u |
Danny Kazam Inner circle 1516 Posts |
Anytime you use entertainment it will distract from the message. Entertainment was made to be distracting. We want to be entertained so we can temperarily forget about our daily routines and such.
Whenever we step in and think our own efforts or talents when utilized will benifit God's Word we are treading in dangerous waters. I recently heard someone say that God doesn't bless our talents, He blesses our efforts. God died for sinners, not winners. The less we focus on our talents to spread the message of Christ and rely on the Holy Ghost to guide us and direct us, the more powerful the message will be. Regardless how talented one becomes, it is God and God alone who convicts the heart. It doesn't matter if we are highly talented or not, God's plan will prevail. As entertainers who happen to be Christians, they are to be witnesses for Christ in all things, but it doesn't mean that because we have a talent we can automatically assume God called us to preach His word, or teach it.
Keep your dreams alive. Understand to achieve anything requires faith and belief in yourself, vision, hard work, determination, and dedication. Remember all things are possible for those who believe.
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jamiedoyle Special user Lafayette, IN 619 Posts |
I'm enjoying the commentary.
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