Trying on Different Characters
Helping Youth Turn a Bible Story into Their Story
by Ken Matthews
I pull on my most comfortable jeans, a NASCAR t-shirt, and black Chuck Taylor’s. I’m feisty, ready to serve up witty commentary on every subject while I eat lunch with friends at downtown eatery. Later in the day, I change into shorts, another NASCAR t-shirt, and my running shoes. I’m energetic, ready to breathe fresh air, and spend reflective time as I run along the trails by the Ocmulgee River. The next morning I dress in a starched white shirt, a Jerry Garcia tie, pressed pants, and spit-shined dress shoes. I feel polished and professional—ready for a productive day at the office.
It often seems that the clothes I wear greatly affect the way I perceive myself, other individuals, and the events around me. In fact, I sometimes think and act differently depending on what I wear, as if changing clothes transforms me into a another person—perhaps another character in a stage play. I keep this fact in mind whenever I teach Youth, as it’s a great way to help turn a Bible story into their story.
The Bible is often characterized as an epic drama in which God seeks covenant with all people, be they Jew or Gentile, righteous or unrighteous, good or evil, wise or foolish. God is the headliner, always in the spotlight, while various supporting characters move on and off the stage as the drama unfolds.
Though we can never undertake the role of God, we can play supporting characters— try on their various costumes, and experience the scene from each of their points of view. This technique is particularly helpful when revisiting stories we’ve read countless times.
Youth become so accustomed to hearing certain biblical stories that they may eventually conclude there is no fresh insight to be gained from studying it, yet again. One reason for this skepticism stems how they approach such passages. Generally they play the same character, never venturing to try on someone else’s clothes in the story. There are many reasons for this practice, but let’s examine two.
Youth usually feel more comfortable playing one character over another. The story of the Good Samaritan is a good example (Luke 10:29-37). Many teens immediately lie down on the roadside, electing to feel victimized by the priest and the Levite as they stroll by. Or they cast themselves as the Good Samaritan, graciously stopping to offer the robbed and beaten man much-needed assistance. Maybe they prefer to set up shop as the innkeeper, taking the half-dead man into our lodge and nursing him back to health.
It’s far easier to play one of these roles than to wear the robe of the priest or the Levite, turning pious noses up at a fellow human being who desperately needs our help. After all, everyone wants to be the one in Jesus’ story who inherits eternal life!
Often youth tend to shy away from certain characters. Deep down they might fear confronting certain emotions that might surface while playing a particular role. Perhaps they walk past the same unpopular kids in the hallway each morning at school without speaking, or avoid sitting at their table during lunch out of fear that more popular kids will associate them with these social "outcasts."
However, youth lose valuable insight when they always read Bible stories from the same point of view. The story of the Good Samaritan might well become their story if they’d only try on some different clothes.
Youth Intersection often uses role-playing exercises to get youth to imagine different points of view. There are several reasons why this approach can be very effective in helping teens apply biblical values to every day situations.
Aside from the concrete, hands-on aspects of role playing, it is also non-threatening. When youth dramatize scenes within their small groups, they may feel comfortable expressing themselves. In this context, assuming different or difficult roles may be easier with one or two others than in front of the entire class.
Teenagers are also attuned to what is real versus what is phony; by giving their own voices and language to a situation, they tend to see the reality of that situation more clearly. For example, when they hear the thoughts of the priest or the Levite in the story of the Good Samaritan in their own voices, they may recognize that they’ve also acted in a similar manner. Hearing those thoughts and responses in a scriptural context helps them connect biblical teachings to their own lives.
Role-Playing provides youth with great opportunities to try on the clothes of different characters, and become participants in the biblical drama. And somewhere along the way, a defining moment occurs—the biblical story becomes their story.
Annotated Bibliography
Murray, Dick. Teaching the Bible to Adults and Youth. Nashville: Abingdon Press, 1993.
Ken Matthews has over tens years experience in Christian education and church leadership. He has a BBA in Computer Information Systems from Georgia State University, and is also a graduate of the Candler School of Theology at Emory University in Atlanta where he received a Master of Divinity. Ken is an avid reader, and also enjoys running and writing fiction.
