The Theatre of Action

An Approach to Storytelling in the Children’s Ministry of the Methodist Church

Abstract

One of the fundamental doctrines of the Methodist Church is the concept of the priesthood of all believers, as articulated by John Wesley. This principle laid the foundation for lay ministry, which primarily involves adults who are not ordained clergy and therefore do not have the authority to oversee all ecclesiastical activities. Within this context, children’s ministry encompasses individuals devoted to providing spiritual guidance to children in a manner appropriate to their level of understanding. Two effective methods utilised in this ministry are theatrical storytelling and the musical element. This article aims to offer some insights into how women involved in children’s ministry can effectively narrate scriptural stories, as well as how children can engage with Scripture through action-based dramas and music. The information is thus very limited, and the article is presented as a means of preserving the history of this unique movement of children from its inception to its current state.