Matthew 3:3
THE WHISPER OF ADVENT
How do we prepare for Christmas? Is it all about hustle and bustle or is there something we’re missing? Have we stopped to listen to the whisper of Advent?
 

Matthew 6:33
Jenny Gets Advice
Jenny tries to get advice about God’s will for her life from everyone she can...except Jesus.

Matthew 4:1-11
AN ILLUSTRATION FOR LARRY
To open a discussion on the temptations we face in life.


Matthew 4:15-17
DECISIONS, DECISIONS
To show our human struggle with the question, “Is this all there is?”  

Matthew 4:16-17; 26:37-39
THE DYING AMONG US
Kelly and Beth are getting ready to go out with their friends Mark and Craig on Halloween. They are putting finishing touches on their costumes when Mark and Craig arrive, dressed as the Grim Reaper and a pirate. In the ensuing conversation,we learn that one of the teens is on the verge of suicide.

Matthew 4:18-20
THE FISHERMAN 
To open a discussion on being “fishers of men”  

Matthew 5
PUSHING THE ENVELOPE
A woman in a card shop searches for the right birthday card to send her friend whose husband recently died. Eventually, she decides to go see the friend instead of just mailing a card.

Matthew 5:40
CHORUS LINE LADIES
Three elderly former chorus line dancers decide to go to church but are afraid of how they might be received.

Matthew 5:43-48
LOVE STRUCK
At Christmas, "the Word became flesh and dwelt among us" (John 1:14). Jesus was the incarnation of God's love. We, too, are called to incarnate God's love in our lives, but what does that mean? The mini-sketches included here portray two examples of how God's love may become flesh in us.   

Matthew 5:45
THE NINTH INNING
This sketch shows two fathers, both accepting their sons, despite an obvious difference in the sons' performance abilities. It provides opportunity for consideration of both human parenting and the unconditional love of God.

Matthew 6:9-10
THY WILL BE DUNKED
To open a discussion on how we can determine God’s will for our lives.

Matthew 6:11-13
AND FORGIVE US OUR DEBTS
To remind us that in the forgiveness of a debt, the debtor has a lot to gain and the forgiver has a lot to lose. 

Matthew 6:12-15
MOTHER AND CHILD REUNION
Expecting to meet her birth mother for the first time, a young woman instead learns her family's history through her grandmother. This sobering reunion explores the generational effect of sin on families.

Matthew 6:12; 18:21-22
ANOTHER BEAUTIFUL DAY
To help the audience contemplate the need for forgiveness.

Matthew 6:12-14; 26:41
THE REPORT FROM BELOW
To remind us of the temptations that are all around us; to celebrate someone’s service in the ministry. 

Matthew 6:13
FIRST CAR
This script can be performed easily by two actors (with one playing seven parts), or by a cast of eight. In this sketch we meet Joe, a new Christian. He is confronted by a barrage of well-meaning Christians who each have their own take on what Joe has to do to "really" be a Christian. This humorous sketch gets the audience laughing while making an important point..

Matthew 4:14-15
FORGIVING RACHEL
A woman has invited a friend over for coffee.Through their conversation, we learn that she has been asked to forgive the woman who broke up her marriage.

Matthew 4:18 -20
CATCH ’EM & CLEAN ’EM
Two people “fishing for men” learn that there is no “catch” too unclean for Jesus.

Matthew 5:14-16
THESE LITTLE LIGHTS
Brian needs to light a candle during a blackout. The only problem is that every candle he tries to light doesn't want to be lit! When each candle comes up with a good excuse not to serve, Brian is left in the dark.

Matthew 5:27-28
WHAT'S HER PROBLEM?
A jilted boyfriend tells his buddy why his girlfriend dumped him. While he wonders what her problem is, it becomes all too clear that he is blind to his own problems.

Matthew 6:14-15 & 18:23-35
A HUNDRED DENARII
Offstage readers spew out an overlapping symphony of bitterness and victimization before being confronted with Jesus' story of the Unforgiving Servant.  

Matthew 6:19-21
61191 HOLIER THAN THOU
A woman mistakenly walks into a store that sells holes, and is reminded of the futility of filling our "void" with material goods.

Matthew 6:20-21
WRECK ROOM
Jack has decided to surprise his wife, Renee, by building a rec room onto their house. But this latest purchase is the last straw for Renee, who is tired of the trappings of their yuppie lifestyle and yearns for days gone by when the pair had committed to living a radical life of faith and trusting in God.

Matthew 6:22
A LITTLE BIT OF SPACKLE
Two friends discuss marriage and family problems while spackling an imaginary wall.  The spackle becomes the subtle metaphor for covering over problems instead of dealing with things head-on.

Matthew 6:19-21;24 & 25-33
A CRACK IN THE NEST EGG
Retirement is a dangerous concept. In pursuit of a comfortable post-work life, many people forget that planning "expire-ment" is important, too. This sketch illustrates the need to focus more on the perspectives from eternity than on the myopic distortions of this life alone.

Matthew 6:24-34
BLIND INVESTMENTS
Joe is trying to balance the family checkbook and chides Shelly for her extravagance — she bought two loaves of bread for the week when the family clearly only needs one. Shelly, at her wits’ end with Joe’s “financial savvy” and what it’s doing to their checking account, has called a Christian financial consultant to help out. This humorous script is a good discussion starter on financial responsibility.

Matthew 6:25-34
CARPE DIEM 
To open discussion on what it means to “seize the day”

Matthew 6:25-34
DAD'S DAY OFF
Because of an offhand remark to his young son, a father discovers the boy expects his father to take him fishing on a day when the father has made other plans. Consequently, the father has a choice to make and a situation to handle.   

Matthew 6:25-34
KEEPING UP WITH THE JONESES
To show, through hyperbole, how preoccupied we can be with having as much as or more than our neighbors.  

Matthew 6:25-34
SMOOTH SAILING
John examines his life from age 16 through 65. At each age, he experiences pressure and looks forward to the next stage of his life which he thinks will bring "smooth sailing." By showing that life always comes with difficult circumstances, the sketch shows that we should rest in God's peace at whatever level we're on.

Matthew 6:27 & 33-35
GRADUATION SPEECH
An uncertain college graduate must decide what to do with the rest of her life.

Matthew 6:28–33
IT ALL STARTED IN THE CHECKOUT AISLE...
A single mother comes to the end of herself and realizes that Jesus is enough for her and her son.

Matthew 7:1-5
FILLING-IN-THE-BLANK
Keith and Teri discuss the Sunday sermon in a fast-food restaurant after church. But their discussion avoids mention of any particular sermon topic and substitutes the generic phrase, "fill-in-the-blank" whenever the topic comes up. Keith sees only the weaknesses of others and can't conceive of himself as ever "filling-in-the-blank." Teri tries to break down his resistance.

Matthew 7:1- 6 & 23
SPINELESS IN SEATTLE
Wes and Timothy engage in a debate about Timothy's fear of disappointing people. He must decide how to respond to the unjust criticism of a company executive.  

Matthew 7:7-8
EXPRESS DELIVERY
A new recruit to the prayer request delivery service learns that many people fail to receive God's gifts for lack of prayer.


Matthew 7:11
GOOD GIFTS
Often we confuse tithing and gifts. On Christmas morning, two children learn the difference between a tithe (giving back what is God’s) and a gift (giving to Godfrom what is ours).

Matthew 7:24-27
SWAMP CASTLE
The prince of Swamp Castle tells his father he intends to build a new castle on a firmer foundation than his father's ill-fated Swamp Castle.

Matthew 8:2-17 & 12:9-13
THE PRESCRIPTION
Sometimes we seek help from secular sources when our real problem is a sick spirit. When that is the case, we need the prescription that directs us to the Source of spiritual healing. In this sketch, a man has difficulty believing that such a simple prescription can really help him. This script helps viewers to think about the kind of help that only God can give.

Matthew 9:1–8
BRINGING DOWN THEE HOUSE
Seeking despite the obstacles brings us onto unexpected paths and brings results beyond our expectations.

Matthew 9:36-38;28:19-20
THE CLICKER
To open a frank discussion on what really happens on the mission field..

Matthew 10:1–4
THE REST OF US
Three of the lesser-known disciples—Simon the Zealot; James, son of Alpheus; and Judas (not Iscariot)—tell their side of the story.

Matthew 10:5-7
EVANGAGANGS
A "gang" of evangelists confront their next recruit
.

Matthew 10:30-31
IF ONLY
To open discussions with youth about self-worth.

Matthew 10:32-39 & 13:44-46
SALE-ING TAKES ME AWAY
Getting something for nothing, or at least for as little as possible, has become an American way of life. But that mindset can blind us to the actual intent of our Creator, that the most valuable things, eternal things, are worth whatever price they might carry. This script, which portrays a group of women discussing how to make the best deals, invites us to think about the things that really matter and what we should be willing to invest to get them.

Matthew 11:28
BOX OF STONES
A young woman tries to find relief of her life's burdens by visiting a therapist and her friends but comes to realize that it is only through Christ that she can find true peace.

Matthew 11:28-30
A NOSE FOR THE TRUTH
When one woman tells her friend that she is considering cosmetic surgery on her nose, the other gets upset. The second woman then tells of her former husband, who wanted to remake her. The two friends discuss the difference between the real and authentic, and the artificially altered/improved. 

Matthew 11:29-30, 28:19-20
MY BURDER HAS BEEN LIFTED
This script can be performed easily by two actors (with one playing seven parts), or by a cast of eight. In this sketch we meet Joe, a new Christian. He is confronted by a barrage of well-meaning Christians who each have their own take on what Joe has to do to "really" be a Christian. This humorous sketch gets the audience laughing while making an important point..

Matthew 10:38-39, 6:33
THE DOCTOR IS IN
Inspired by the Peanuts comic strip.
Charlie, the Christian, struggles with the real meaning of the Christian life. Lucy suggests that busyness—whether secular or Christian—is the way to happiness. In contrast, Linus presents true satisfaction by adopting a life driven by God's priorities.

Matt. 14:1-12; 27:11-24, 52-54
THE MORNING AFTER
Herod and Pilate discuss the reality of Jesus and John the Baptist on the morning of the resurrection.

Mathew 14:22–33
WATCHING THE ROAD
A reckless limo driver gives a unique lesson on focusing on God in his own unique way.

Matthew 14:29
FLIGHT 227
This sketch illustrates the levels to which we commit ourselves to anything. The names of the characters are the Latin words that define these relationships. Notitia refers to only the factual content of a relationship. Assensus is a step up from Notitia in that it involves a commitment of loyalty. Fiducia is simply trust.

Matthew 16:13-20; 26: 69-75
EASTER VOICES
The Easter story affects us all in different ways. In this script, we hear from six voices —three who witnessed Jesus’ earthly ministry firsthand and three who live in the 21st century and only know Easter as a “story,” not a real-life event. Each has been affected profoundly by the story. And there are life lessons for us to learn from each of these characters as well.

Matthew 16:24
THE RIGHT SHOE
A woman looks for just the right shoe to wear as she follows Jesus.

Matthew 16:26
A MISERABLE MAN
A man describes the funeral of a “miserable” man, who died wealthy but realized too late the value of investing in God's kingdom; in the end he reveals himself to be the deceased.

Matthew 18:21- 22
I’M SORRY I FEEL SORRY
When a husband arrives home late from work, a fight ensues over the nature of “repentance.”

Matthew 18:21-35 & 22:36-40
I WISH WE COULD TALK
When they first marry, most people picture a perfect relationship. They expect to know and be known on the deepest levels by the partner. They expect to share thoughts, fears, hopes, dreams, ideas, struggles. Too often, however, the grind of life and the perversity of the human heart become barriers to that intimate communication. This sketch illustrates the longing we all have for deeply satisfying relationships - with our spouse - and also with our Creator.

Matthew 18:23-35
BEST OF INTENTIONS
A couple has borrowed money from their son's savings account, without telling him, but fully intending to repay it. Other financial needs short-circuited their plans, and now their son is planning to spend his money.

Matthew 18:23-35
ALL ABOUT THE PUDDIN'
A boy forgiven a debt of $240 worth of pudding cups shows no mercy to another student and faces the consequences for his unforgiving heart.

Matthew 19:4-6
AS THE MIND TURNS
To foster an atmosphere of praise and thanksgiving in worship.

Matthew 19:5–6;9
NOW I GOTTA CHOOSE
A teenage girl, confused and hurt by her parents’ divorce, struggles to not feel bitter for what she sees as a broken promise.

Matthew 19:5
WEDDING WOWS
A bride and groom haggle over the conditions of their wedding vows until it's unclear what their future relationship will bring besides confusion.

Matthew 19:16-30
BIGGER AND BETTER
A husband and wife worry about how affluence heightens both their own and their teenage son's materialist expectations.

Matthew 19:16-30
WHAT'S YOUR MOTIVE?
A talk-show host uncovers the motives behind why people accept Christ, finding more people who did it for selfish reasons rather than for love of who Christ is.

Matthew 20:1-16
PARABLE OF THE CHEFS
A modern take on Matthew 20:1-16, (the Parable of the Workers in the Vineyard) .

Matthew 20:1-15
ERINIE'S PLACE
In this farce, Ed and Martha go to ludicrous lengths to avoid being the one to make the choice about what to have for dinner.

Matthew 20:26
THE INTROSPECTIVE SAMARITAN
A well-meaning Samaritan finds every reason not to actually stop and help.  Afraid that assistance would attract too much sinful attention, the man decides to be humble and move on down the road.           

Matthew 20:28
TWAS THE NIGHT BEFORE CHRISTMAS
Marvin, who simply wants to read the famous Christmas poem about Santa, is assaulted by family members who have their own ideas of what the night before Christmas should be like. In the end, no one quite knows the reason for the season.

Matthew 20: 20-28; 23:8-12
BACK-STAGE ARGUMENT
While setting up for a drama, the two stage crew members actually perform a drama as they argue and complain over their work, illustrating the common occurrence of conflict and tension between friends.

Matthew 21:1-11
CLEANUP CREW
After Jesus' triumphal entry into Jerusalem, the streets are littered with palm branches and cast-off garments. The two guys responsible for cleaning up the mess discuss what all the fuss was about.

Matthew 21:22
COMPLETE HONESTY
A man is confronted about his lack of prayer by his laptop computer.

Matthew 22:37
AMERICAN IDOL WORSHIP
The church holds auditions for someone to sing at an upcoming service. Three panel judges give their opinions.

Matthew 23:11-13
THE QUIET MAN
To get the audience thinking about humility and grace.

Matthew 24:12-13
NEW CAR SMELL
A depressed car salesman takes a prospective buyer for a test drive and ends up sharing his dissatisfaction with his Christian walk.

Matthew 25:14–30 ( the parable of the talents)
THE INVESTMENT
Mr. and Mrs. Servante’ bring their treasure to a man who claims he can double their money. Mrs. Servante’ becomes skeptical, however, when she finds out what “Mr. Talent” is suggesting they do with their treasure.

Matthew 25:31-46
LONELY LILLIAN
To give us a picture of the church from a visitor’s perspective.

Matthew 25:31–46
OPEN MY EYES LORD
Ordinary people are wrapped up in their own concerns and do not see the needs around them until JESUS opens their eyes and brings them together with "the least of these."

Matthew 25:34
DO YOU KNOW WHAT YOU'VE GOT THERE?
During an episode of Antiques on the Road, three guests bring in their items for appraisal with happy and not-so-happy results. However, the last person has in her possession an item that is far more valuable than meets the eye a necklace with a small wooden cross.

Matthew 25:34–40
INVISIBLE BOY
A teenage boy talks about how he discovered he could become “invisible”…and how lonely invisibility has made him.

Matthew 26
A CELEBRATION OF COMMUNION
To unite the celebration of the communion table with the return of Jesus Christ.

Matthew 26:26-29
LOVE IN THE NURSING HOME
Pastor Witt is in the habit of visiting Emma in the nursing home to give her Holy Communion. This trip, he discovers that Emma has a new roommate, Marie -a real chatterbox. Pastor Witt looks for a place to put his small communion set in the crowded room and settles for the floor -the only open space he can find. Emma is disturbed at the thought of relegating Christ to the floor, but Pastor Witt is able to allay her fears. The sketch ends with a powerful reminder of what Christ came to earth to do for us.

Matthew 26:36–46
JESUS’ UNSHARED VIGIL
While watching Jesus pray in the Garden of Gethsemane, Peter, James and John almost let their emotions get the best of them.

Matthew 27
CAPTIVE AUDIENCE
Two first-century prisoners receive a visit from a tentative evangelist.

Matthew 27:32-54
WHY ME?
Simon gives an eyewitness account of Jesus' final walk to the cross. What troubles Simon is the irony of his own rage at the Romans for how they treated Jesus, juxtaposed with Jesus' own love and forgiveness of those very tormentors.

Matthew 27:33 - 56
WITNESSES TO GOOD FRIDAY
Three people who came into contact with Jesus speak to him at the foot of the cross. One is a believer, one a doubter, one an unbeliever.

Matthew 27:46
THE CHECK'S TAKEN CARE OF
In this series of vignettes, we meet four couples, all having dinner at a nice restaurant. Each couple is unable to pay for the meal, and each, in turn, is surprised to hear from the waiter that an anonymous benefactor wants to take care of the check. Each couple, that is, except Ralph and Virginia, who have come to "rely upon the kindness of strangers. "There are many lessons to
learn from the various couples' reactions to this outlandish offer.

Matthew 28
ONE LAST SUNDAY
Sunday morning demands that Greg and Cindy make a decision: go back to the church they've visited already, resume the church-shopping hunt, or give it up altogether.

Matthew 28
HE'S GONNA BE MAD
To help the audience understand the power and reality of the Resurrection.

Matthew 28:1-7
THE LONELY BUNNY
A little girl explains the true origin of Easter to the Easter Bunny.

Matthew 28:18-20
THE BOARD
In this techno-electronic-information age, the church sometimes forgets what it's all about. We can get caught up in all the bells and whistles of the new media or try to attract an audience, which is increasingly looking around for the best "show." We have good intentions, and we know what our mission is, but it is easy to forget. This sketch exaggerates in a humorous way the manner in which the church sometimes loses its focus.

Matthew 28: 19-20
THE BUSINESS MEETING
Larry and Claire are in an important business meeting about the growth of their company. They plot, plan and strategize. They even use graphs to chart their goals. Then we find out Larry is a pastor, and the meeting has been about church growth. Larry and Claire's hearts are in the right place, but their methods are a little misguided. This fun sketch uses hyperbole to make the audience think about an important issue..

Matthew 28:19-20
EVANGAGANGS
A "gang" of evangelists confront their next recruit
.

Matthew 37
NO ORDINARY CALL
A father struggles with the news that his college-age son is gay.