Clowning and Spirituality.

[Paboberto]

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.

[Fitzwilly]

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.

[noname]

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

[contrachapado]

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.

[Sassy Frass]

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

[Pickles]

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.

[Waldo]

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.

[Pinky Shortcakes]

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!

[hoopsie]

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

[Fitzwilly]

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.