We have at least one Priest (Noname) and one Missionary (me), here and a whole slew of clown ministry clowns here, and even more people who are religious and just happen to be clowns too.

I just wanted to ask every one: How has clowning and being a clown helped or hindered your spiritual life? How is clowning related to your spiritual journey?

I know this is pretty open question but I just want to hear your stories and thoughts about it.

I was just starting college, in fact it was the last day of orientation week before college started when I saw a performance based on the story of Jonah. At the end, the gentleman who stared in the show said he had also written a children's show and needed a few students who were interested in becoming clowns to help with this new ministry. Since the girl I was dating thought this was a great idea, and she insisted I join her by signing me up as well... I went to the first meeting and started on a journey that changed my life. I spent the next ten years off and on helping with the "Kids Are Christians Too" radio program as well as live shows around the country.

Not a complete answer but a start.

You already know my answer, after watching me struggle, so I really don't have not much more to contribute.

One way it has helped me, is by simply allowing me to express the person that God made me to be. I'm a very silly, playful person, but in the company of adults I tend to put a cap on it. Maybe I'm afraid of them judging me. When I'm a clown, I can let that side of me out. I feel like I'm doing what God wants me to do, and that brings me peace.

Ditto...............

I've always been somewhat drawn to hoodlums (probably a by-product of my preacher's kid upbringing, but that's another story). However, I've found that most of my clown friends are strong Christians. They have proven to be a positive influence on my life in countless ways, and I think I am a better person because of them.

In addition, BC (before clowning), I always struggled in trying to find ways that I could contribute to my church and community. I don't like to teach Sunday School, I'm afraid of public speaking, and I don't have the attention span to sit through committee meetings. Clowning has allowed me to give something back by volunteering at schools, hospitals, nursing homes and various church events.

I'll never forget my first Vacation Bible School as a clown. I had arrived at the church with the intention of doing a few Gospel walk-arounds and maybe handing out some religious stickers.

Right as the first night's opening event in the church sanctuary was about to kick off, the church lost its power. The pastor approached me and asked me to entertain everybody while he scrambled to get the electricity running again.

Fortunately, I had just returned from the annual conference of the Fellowship of Christian Magicians and had heard David Ginn's presentation "God's Message in My Magic." I had never performed in front of a huge group before, and I was petrified. And, because I hadn't anticipated doing so I hadn't rehearsed any routines. I had only seen David Ginn perform them at the conference.

However, like magic, the words and Gospel routines just flowed from me, and God guided me through the routines. After my performance, the lights came back on the Bible School resumed as planned.

I really do feel that God intended for me to be a clown.

For me it is a great way to minister to folks, both young and old. The kids would normally be shy with me personally, but they love the clown, so I get to play with the kids. However, many adults have short attention spans as well. They may fall asleep during the sermon, but while I am interacting with the kids, they are concentrating on what is going on. It is a humorous situation, but you still get the message across. I have had folks tell me about it months later, after I had forgot about the skit, but it touches those senses and folks retain it longer. I am not as talented of a clown as many on this forum, but in my case the focus is on Christ and not on me, and he has always been forgiving of me and my shortcomings.

Well, I probably shouldn't chime in because I have only taken baby clown steps so far, but I truly feel that God is calling me to do this. I really want to go to nursing homes and brighten the elderly's day, God willing. I'll tell you a (brief) story: I went to a church meeting a month ago, and this was the very day I had gotten a call from Katie saying I could go to camp (there was a cancellation). I took a huge leap of faith and committed to go, but then I was having buyer's remorse. I was thinking of the dozens of reasons why I couldn't/shouldn't go to camp. Well, to make a long story longer, I went to the church meeting and before it started a gal gave a devotion on being a "minister of mirth" for Christ, and bringing laughter and joy to others. I just said a silent prayer, "I get it, Lord!". It was like He was hitting me over the head with a rubber chicken (sorry, Pickles). :) I'm still petrified, but I am trusting in God that He will lead me where He wants me to go. I'm along for the ride!

I think clowning is great for brightening the soul on weekdays, while Sunday is a day of rest. *my humble opinion* :pie: :pieface:

Well Hoopsie, I am a Seventh Day Adventist so I go to church on Saturday. Like you, I will clown the rest of the week, but not on Saturdays. I love what I do but it is still a job.

For me the clowning I do for business and the clowning I do for ministry are 2 different things, with different charactures.

I started on the ministry side of things first as a way to work with youth, allowing them the freedom to use their silliness and openness as a way they could reach out to people.

I have performed on Sunday, usually for the whole church or large group and it is a way to worship and share the gospel. I don't see this as work, the preacher preaches on Sunday, the teachers teach on Sunday. This is another way to get a message across.

Ditto what Saphire said (she just beat me to it). If I recall correctly, Jesus was accused of "working" on the Sabbath when He healed the sick. Just my opinion, but if what you are doing is for the Glory of God, then it's not "work".

Okay, I guess I was a bit vauge. Especially since I didn't start out by answering my own question. I wasn't trying to ask "How did you get into clown ministry?" or even "Why did you get into clown ministry?" I have yet to see anyone here not answer those question's in their intro thread.

What I am trying to ask about is the relationship between your clowning and your spiritual life. How you fold it into your personal relationship with God. How it affects your soul and spirit, and the the spirits of people around you when clowning. Whether it has changed how you view the world...

For me, it has helped a great deal with patience and humility. It is has helped me with love towards those who mock me. It has helped me exist much more in the present where I am with what I have, like a lilly in the feild. It has helped still my mind some (despite all philosophical threads to the contrary). It all in all has let me not take myself so seriously in all those intellecutally vain ways which I am inclined to do.

Let's see, for me it has helped me be more vocal about my beliefs, and easier for me to witness. It has helped me, with patience, and to take things a little slower. It's helped me to look more toward the positive side and not the negitive side of things a little more. To look for the good in life.

Ditto what Saphire said (she just beat me to it). If I recall correctly, Jesus was accused of "working" on the Sabbath when He healed the sick. Just my opinion, but if what you are doing is for the Glory of God, then it's not "work".


I agree with were you are coming from Pinky. In my case I am working very hard to make full time clowning work for me five and six days a week up to 12 hours a day. So on the Sabbath I would rather work in the children's department or help with the children's story because when I start slapping on the makeup I start thinking "How can what I am doing today pay off in more work tomorrow?" So, by staying away from my character I can still use my skills to glorify him without "me" getting in the way.

Fitzwilly,

What kind of multivitamin are you taking to work 5 or 6 days (12 hours each day) doing clowning? I usuallly get exhausted after clowning for 3 hours!

Darrell

I am actually only performing 2 to 3 hours a night at the restaurants or birthday parties. Right now I have three restaurants and a party most Sundays. But I am on the phone, working on emails or hitting the bricks a good portion of the day. And then in the evening I am reading old clown magazines, reloading my balloon bag, spending time on the Clown Forum and other clown related activities. If it was all out and out clowning I too would be exhausted. As it is I scratch my head and wonder just what I think I am doing some times.

AMEN!!! GOD has also given me direction to go forth as a clown telling other of His love.:D

Clowning is a way I can give someone else the joy I have found in being a follower of Christ. If I can give someone a balloon flower, hat, or something else I have made for them and get them to smile while taking a tract I have passed on the good feeling I was given from Old Clown. Old Clown always told me the best payment is passing out smiles and watching the joy on the faces. I can always make myself feel better be giving away balloons and getting smiles in return.

I clown only for our church clown ministry. We have a scheduled visit to a local nursing home once a month then we do different things throughout the year for the church & for kids in the community & our church day care.

One of the biggest things clowning has helped me with it getting over a fear of public speaking. Singing is a totally different story - I can get up in front of a sanctuary full of people & sing with no problem... but ask me to speak and it's all over. But when Harmony is in front of the congregation she's never had any trouble talking. So clowning opens up an opportunity for me to share God's love where Jennifer might not normally be able to.

And what a blessing it is just to see the smiles and faces light up when they see Harmony. And oh, it's even better when she has a balloon animal or sticker or candy - something special just for them. There's just something about making people smile.

And for the adults... well, when people come in contact with a clown, walls seem to be broken down. Barriers that may be up when approached by a "normal person" seem to disappear. And it opens doors to share God's love - sometimes without even talking about Jesus at all. Sometimes it may just be the cross on your face or the "ministry" in the group's name that does it. People can see something different in you because you care enough to just listen and they get curious...

Why are you out here in almost unbearable heat with all the 'gunk' on your face playing with these kids?
Why are you giving away prizes & candy & hot dogs and not even asking for donations?
Why do you continuously go to see those old people in that home that smells funny - not to mention how hot it is?
Why do you take the time to talk to the old people - or better yet, even take the time to LISTEN to them?

I endure the heat & play with the kids because Jesus endured so much more during His walk on this earth to show His love for me.
I give away prizes, candy & hot dogs without asking for anything in return because God gave up so much more for me & asked nothing in return.
I go see those "smelly old people" in the nursing home who have already lived most of their lives because Jesus didn't discriminate against people because of their age, race, physical condition or anything else. He was even seen with the likes of tax collectors & common criminals & such!!
I take the time to talk to the old people & to LISTEN to them because God takes the time to listen to me.

Well, I'm not real sure if I answered exactly what you were looking for, but this is me. It is why I do what I do. Jesus is the reason I put on the make up & the funny hair & endure the heat & sometimes discomfort of the big red nose & those crazy eyelashes. He endured so much for us. This is just one way I can share His love with others.

What a great heart you have for this ministry, Harmony. You are an inspiration to us! Keep up the good (Lord's) work!

When I am old and smelly I'm going to move to a nursing home in South Carolina in hopes that you will visit me, Harmony.

I know you touch many lives with your clowning. God bless you.

If I smell now, and I'm in NC (not far from SC), do I qualify?

Way too cool Pickles. I never thought of my clowning as giving something back to my church -- just always knew i can't teach Sunday School and hate sitting on boards (pun intended). But me and Oli (my ostrichwhothinksshe'sahummingbird) seem to do just fine with the kids.

I tell you what, as a clown for my church at what they call "Meals of Kindness" there are so many kids that come in that are full of pain and heart break .Some see me as a clown, will climb into my arms and start crying so i hug them and make them smile and laugh that is clowning at its best in my opinion. These kids come in hurting and tell me, that mom and dad are sad too, so i try to make there parents smile too .So when the leave there is twinkle in there eye and smile on there face and hope in there heart. to face the next day.

Being a child of Papa God is unspeakably wonderful. I've walked with him since I was 5 and I am now 58. Whether I am myself or Granny Grace, I always feel like this wonder is surrounding me. I feel confident knowing that I have all I need. When I perform, I always ask my Papa God to remove any of me so that if anything unexpected comes up, I will always respond in love and grace not just give a knee jerk reaction. I feel responsible as Granny to respond only in love. I guess I feel a little like Jesus might have felt when he was with kids. They energize me and make me aware of Papa's full acceptance of not only me but everyone. I am in awe at what was sacrificed so I can actually have God's spirit in me. Thanks for asking this question. It's a holy one, energizing and awesome to think these thoughts.

Clowning has opened more doors to share to others to wonders of the Gospel to others...Remember where the name clown comes from..a clod or a servent...and that's what God wants us to be. Being a clown for Christ-sake or I like to say a "fool" for Christ-sake has strengthen my faith and growth in walking closer to HIM.

It was at the church I went to all throughout my teens that inspired me to want to be a puppeteer. This group came to our church one day when I had come to church early, and I got to see them set up this cute little home-made stage and open their containers filled with puppets and marionettes. There were a lot of youngsters at my church and they were all so enthused about the puppet show. Apparently the puppeteers travel all over the US doing these little shows for a living, I thought how fun that must be... one girl even dressed up as a clown and not only helped with the puppets, but sometimes would act alongside the puppets as other people worked them behind the curtain. She was really cute and I remember at the time I had a bit of clown phobia but I talked to her and she was really nice and helped me overcome it a bit. She seemed so fulfilled in her work, and now that I not only have overcome my fear of clowns but now adore them, I look back on that day and realize all the more that it's definitely what I'd like to do as a clown.

I'm not sure where I stand spiritually, so I can't say for sure how I would associate my love for clowns/clowning with God or anything like that... but it's a long road ahead, who knows how spirituality and clowning may intertwine for me down the line.

Boogle, A good book to read would be "A Case for Faith" or his other, "A Case for Christ" both by Lee Strobel. He was an atheist who found his spirituality later on in life. Great read.

You never know what God has planned for you. The fun part is to just trust Him and go along for the ride! :)

Boogle, A good book to read would be "A Case for Faith" or his other, "A Case for Christ" both by Lee Strobel. He was an atheist who found his spirituality later on in life. Great read.

You never know what God has planned for you. The fun part is to just trust Him and go along for the ride! :)

I actually read those a few years ago, he was my ex's favorite author :) I liked the books and they were inspiring. Thanks for the thought though, I might check them out again. I am always interested in learning about different spiritual points of view so my feelings on it might be different now than they were three years ago. :)

I had been praying for a new stage or chapter to add to my life. Ever feel like you need a change? Or an addition? It was that ho-humness that got me where I am today. As I was driving along a busy street in Wichita, a SIGN from God literally spoke to me: CLOWN COLLEGE STARTING SOON. It was sponsored by Hospice. Though I am just beginning this journey, I can tell you without a single doubt that this is where I am supposed to be. My Earthly father was a medical doctor who always wished for one of his offspring to enter the same profession. All I can say is I believe that sometimes laughter can be the best medicine of all. As I see the looks on faces coming from children and their parents, and the smiles and laughter making their days and nights brighter, I am glad I followed the SIGN given to me by my Heavenly Father. This experience has bolstered my Faith in many many ways, allowing myself to trust His guidance and direction.

One more thing: The above testimony was my 25th post, allowing me to become a CLOWN and not a newbie. I believe that is very fitting. By posting His plan, I became a new person through and in Christ.
Awesome.

Way Cool! I just mailed my brother in law the "case for faith" one; he is battling prostate cancer and has always been an agnostic. I'm trying to tip the scales in favor of faith :)
I understand Lee Strobel has a newer one out, "the case for the creator". I don't know if I'll read that one...he's already got me convinced, LOL.
God bless you in your search for Him.
xxoo
Pinky

I know this thread is older but I thought I would reply anyway. I am a pastor's wife. I feel God has given me my clowning as an outlet for my "own" ministry. As a pastor's wife people put me in a box and think I should only do certain things in certain ways. I have never fit in their box. I am creative and like to be different. I love making people laugh and I love teaching kids that it is fun to be a Christian. I have done this for years in the church in different ways. I led youth years ago in starting a clowning troupe in another church. That was fun but it was still a ministry of the church and not really mine. So I am at a weird place in my life. I need a full time job, I have a part time one, I am the Children's Minister in my church but not paid because I am the pastor's wife and our church has never paid someone to do that ministry. I would like to continue to do the children's ministry but if I go to work full time that will be hard so..........God lead me to start a clowning ministry. I have done several things at my own church for free of course. I have done a birthday party for one of our members, my first paying event. Since then I have done the library reading hours and am now in the mist of back to school parties for other churches. The more I pray for the perfect job for me the more God keeps giving me bookings! So I am almost certain this is my ministry. I love to entertain the kids. I am no professional. I have tried some magic tricks and have about decided that is not for me for at least now. I am not confident with them. I like singing silly songs and telling them stories. I have been practicing tieing balloons but have not got confident enough to do that at an event yet. I am dabbling in face paint but only the little cheek art and not any where near what I see on here. The hardest part has been separating my shows from those I do at a church and those I do in public places like the library or school. I have trusted God to give me material and this sight has been great for that. I hope to attend more formal clown training in the future and it is exciting think about how God will develope this. I am looking for ways to get myself out there and advertise my ministry. Thanks for listening!