For the doctor it is the right diagnosis time after time… and the big salary.

For the actor it is the starring role and an Academy Award … and the big salary.

For the minister it is….. probably not the big salary.

I have found myself often contemplating just what is the measure of success when it comes to ministry. The measuring stick can look very different from the one used by the rest of society. There are those who seem to find a way to do it. Some count the size of the congregation, the successful building program, and fundraising. A few actually have the big salary. In my raised-in-the-church background, I was well aware of the ministers and evangelists who measured success by “notching their Bibles.” They could tell you exactly how many people were “saved” by their sermons (I thought it was God who did the saving!).

While many in ministry cringe at talking about money, we mostly live in a paradigm that depends on the generosity of others to make a living. Those donors want evidence that what they are donating to is a good investment. And who can blame them… I am the same way. I want to be sure that if I am giving my money to a ministry, it is getting results. So again we are forced to try to quantify ministry by counting something to make it look valid…to make it appear “successful.” It is easier to quantify if your ministry is feeding the hungry or distributing Bibles…not so easy when your ministry is speaking or performing… it is an intangible thing that doesn’t translate well into numbers.

I get caught in the trap… I find myself measuring my ministry week after week by how many people were in the audience, how big the offering was, or how many sponsors I was able to obtain for World Vision. It can put me on an emotional roller coaster, feeling successful one weekend and ready to throw in the towel the next. It can be especially challenging for the itinerant minister/performer. We do our thing and leave. Often the real “fruits of our labor” are not known to us.

So I was contemplating success… again… when I got this email:

“Today, I met with a man…. He really needed to talk to someone because he was grieving over his brother’s suicide… He told me he’d been struggling for days over feeling guilty, wondering what more he could have done or what he’d overlooked… But then he heard your story (Truth Be Told)… He said you helped him to see that it was wrong for him to take on the responsibility for his brother’s death. He said your words helped to put it all into perspective. It helped him to find peace and remember that God has not deserted him in this terrible time. Well done, good and faithful servant!”

At once I was reminded that THIS is why I do it. Every once in a while a guy like me needs a reminder… something tangible that helps me to see that what I am doing… or better yet, what God is doing through me, matters. Success like that? I’ll take it!

Have you struggled with trying to measure success in ministry? If so, what has helped you?  

The post The Measure of Success appeared first on Chuck Neighbors - actor and storyteller.

“How do you feel about doing live stage performance, that has been carefully, planned blocked, with sets, entrances costumes, lighting etc, and then have video camera crew shoot the whole thing onto three giant screens floating above your head? Do you feel as I do that this pretty much sucks the life out of the art form and the relationship between the actor and the audience – especially since the audience stops watching the stage and watches the giant screens instead?”

Can you feel the frustration coming from the question? And did you notice that the writer sort of answered the question—assuming I would agree—before I had a chance to answer? In this case the assumption is correct.  And then there is this:

“I have no control over the camera angles, close ups or long shots. The person in the booth who never sees the rehearsals takes it upon themselves to shoot the action on the stage any way they want to and thereby interprets for the audience what they want them to see.”

No question about it, church is not what it used to be.  Technology, like it or not, is here to stay. As much as some may long for the “good ole days” they aren’t coming back when it comes to technology.  Oh, there are the hold-outs—mostly churches that are more limited by finances and know-how, rather than desire. But it is rare indeed to see a church that doesn’t have a video screen and making use of power-point, video, and even interactive question and answers via texting from the congregation.

Technology is great and I love all the things we can do with it. But just because we have the technology doesn’t mean we should use it in every conceivable situation! The drama department—if you even have one—is one area of the arts that has suffered the most… that and add the printers of hymnbooks. Both, it seems have been replaced by the video screen.
Live theater and video are two very different art forms.  A stage play is directed with the understanding that a live audience is viewing the scene. It is up to the director to control the audience’s attention through the dialog, movement on stage, and the lighting. Video is very different and attention is focused through the camera’s lens.  There is no choice for the viewer on where to look, the camera tells you. I have seen some very professional stage plays shot on video… I am rarely impressed.

I can truly identify with the struggle expressed in the email.  I am often in situations where they want to project my image on the screen while I perform. I usually discourage it. The only exception being in the truly large auditoriums that seat thousands, and it is a legitimate concern for everyone to be able to see.  But that is not the case in most churches and in the scenario expressed in this email.

My advice for those that are caught in the middle of live performance vs. video is to make a choice. Is this script better or more effective as a live play or as a video?  If it is video, then go shoot a video outside the service time where the script is set up and shot properly as a video shoot.  And if it is better live, then turn the camera off during the service!

No question, I have a bias. We are inundated with video today. There is a power in live performance. There is a relationship between audience and performer that you can not achieve with video. So I say again, just because we can, doesn’t mean we should.

Do you have any other helps or advice for the writer of this email? How would you suggest the person handle this issue with those making the decisions to shoot the video? 

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Attendant: So are you here to hire or fire?

Me: Why would you ask me that?

Attendant: You look like you are pretty high up on the corporate ladder.

Me: Sorry, I am just an actor.

Attendant: Well… then… (laughter)

Immediately I am recalling the movie Up In The Air with George Clooney.   In the movie, Clooney’s character traveled as the hatchet man for a corporation. He fired people for a living. In addition to his good looks, he dressed and played the part of the corporate executive. If I reminded her of George Clooney… well, I am flattered.

I tried to piece together what would make her jump to this assumption about my being a corporate type.  I am a pretty casual dresser. When I travel I rarely check a bag and so if I need a sport coat and a collared shirt, mainly for performance costume, I often wear it rather than pack it. Such was the case on this day. I have the silver hair thing going for me… some say it gives me the “distinguished look” (although I think they are just being polite and “distinguished” sounds better than “old”).  And she must have totally ignored that I had rented a Nissan Versa… hardly the vehicle of choice for the corporate elite.

It was a jarring reminder to me of how communication is so much more than words. We are constantly sending out messages—whether we want to or not—by how we look, what we wear and with our body language.  As an actor I have to be a student of this; it comes into play for the characters I portray on stage.  Actors will tell you that it is often not until they get into full costume and makeup, that they fully become the character.  How we see ourselves makes a difference in how we communicate.

Current trends in culture want us to believe that it doesn’t matter what you wear or how you look.  Just be yourself. On a certain level I agree, but there is no getting around the fact that we are judging people all the time based on appearances.  You can argue that it is not fair… and you are right!  But it doesn’t change the reality that we all do it.  I do it, you do it. We make assumptions based on surface stuff.

Years ago I toured with a performing ministry.  One of the many rules was that we were not allowed to wear blue jeans—couldn’t even have them in our suitcase. This was in the 1970s. We were mostly younger people traveling in a van with California license plates.  To the world at large during the 70s that meant one thing—hippies! Banning blue jeans, the ministry felt, was one way we could help to dispel that image. The rationale for this rule was summed up in this philosophical statement: If what I am wearing will stop you from listening to me, then I will change what I am wearing.

I hated the ‘no blue jeans’ rule.  But I have to admit, it makes a good point.  Sort of reminds me of something the apostle Paul said:  “I have become all things to all people so that by all possible means I might save some.”  1 Corinthians 9: 22 (NIV)

You could argue a variety of styles of dress using this as a guideline.  To the performer/speaker that translates into “know your audience.”  For some that may mean a suit and tie and to others it may mean a tank top and tattoos.

In the meantime, somebody call central casting and move over George Clooney.  I think I can play this corporate type!

Do you consider how others will perceive you when you select your wardrobe for the day?

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(Click link to play. Right Click or Option Click for Mac users to download as a mp3 to your computer)

Chris Fabry Life interview with Chuck Neighbors and Curt Cloninger

Chris Fabry

Curt Cloninger

Chuck Neighbors

(Chris has his head on straight, but as you can see both Curt and I tilt to the right!)

Do you have a story of how art has made a difference in your life? I’d love to have you share it in the comments below!

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“A Device to Root Out Evil” – Dennis Oppenheim

I have a long list of the “reasons” why I am not invited (and maybe I will delve into those in another blog) but I think it is important to consider why you should invite artists to your church–and I am talking big picture here, not just me but artists in general–be they musicians, painters, dancers, poets, storytellers, comedians, or yes, even actors. Actually, the reasons are many, but I will focus here on my top 3 reasons you should be inviting artists to your church.

The Artist as a Prophet – Artists are people who see things differently. Often on the outside of a group or community, they can bring new perspectives to old things and sometimes make old things new again. Sometimes they can be disruptive, but that may be good, as things need disrupting in order for change to happen. Historically artists have played a major role in shaping culture, inspiring change, and speaking to the heart. If you need convincing, just Google “the artist as prophet” and you will get several examples. When that artist is a Christ follower, their art can speak volumes to your congregation and touch hearts and minds in a way that nothing else can.

Inspire and Affirm Other Artists – The church needs artists. In my earlier blogs I have addressed the fact that fewer and fewer churches are offering an outlet for artists to be a vital part of congregational life. In many churches, choirs are gone and musicians are few, drama is gone or replaced by a video screen, and the sanctuary, once a place of beauty, is replaced by a multi-purpose room indistinguishable from any other meeting place in town. Art in churches and schools is given a low priority yet is highly esteemed in the culture at large. I believe the church should be a birthing place for the arts. One of the most fulfilling things about my work is hearing other artists express their gratitude after seeing my art presented in their church. It gives them hope for their own artistic expression. The church needs to be affirming that! In our current culture it may well be the artists, more than the preachers, who can effectively call people to examine their lives and relationship to God.

Saying Things Differently – Let’s be honest, we can get numb in the pew. We get into a routine of hearing and seeing things the same way, week after week, and after awhile, we stop listening. Bring in an artist and suddenly we rediscover our eyes and our ears. The artist may not even be saying anything that the pastor hasn’t already said 100 times… but saying if differently can cause people to hear it, sometimes for the first time! The language of our culture, like it or not, is the language of entertainment. That’s one language artists know well. Allowing them to be heard can be transformational to both individuals and the body as a whole.

Like I said, there are many reasons you can give for not bringing an artist to your church–and many of them might be legitimate (lack of funds, scheduling conflicts, etc.). But I encourage you to seek out opportunities and encourage artists, both within and outside your church, to have a place in the life of your congregation.

What other reasons can you give for including artists in the life of your church?

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“No.”

“Daddy, can I have some ice cream?”

“I said NO!”

“Please, Daddy, can I have some ice cream?!”

Can you relate?  We have all been there…probably on both sides.  I’ve been that kid who wears down the parent, and the parent who is worn down by the kid.  Sometimes it’s easier to give in than fight the battle.  But if you’re saying “no” for the child’s good, for health, or discipline,  or just not wanting to deal with a child on a sugar high…those reasons…you give in but feel guilty.  Show of hands?

But what if the child was persisting not for selfish reasons, but for the good of another? What if the child was “nagging” you from a heart of love and compassion?

I saw just that recently.  As you may know, I partner with the Christian relief and development organization, World Vision. After my performances I offer an opportunity for people to make a difference by sponsoring a child. Those who are interested meet me at a table afterwards where they can select a child to sponsor. It was at the table that I met Maria.

Maria made it to the table before I did and was holding a picture of a little girl from El Salvador.  “I want her,” Maria says.

“That’s great!” I say to Maria, who looked to be about 7 or 8 years old. “Is your Mom or Dad here?  You will have to ask them.”

“We’re from there,” Maria says.

“You’re from El Salvador? That’s awesome!”

Maria takes the picture folder and disappears into the crowd of people mingling in the foyer after the service. I visit with others at the table but also keep one eye tracking Maria. I spot her talking to what appears to be her mother. A few minutes later, her mother is escorted to the table by Maria.  She watches as her mother asks me questions about sponsorship, how much it costs, and what the sponsorship does.

“We’ll have to ask your father,” she says and then lays the picture folder on the table and goes back into the crowd.

Maria snatches the folder back up and ducks away again. A child on a mission.

A few seconds later I spot her showing the folder to her dad.  Dad is shaking his head “no.” Maria turns away. I am visiting again with more people but watch as her dad approaches the table and firmly sets the folder on the table and walks away… very much a “that settles that” sort of feeling.  I continue to visit with others at the table.

Children in El Salvador show me their art work – World Vision Trip 2006

I turn back to see that the picture folder from El Salvador is once again missing from the table. Across the room I spy Maria showing the folder to an older couple and a few minutes later she has dragged them over to the table.  The couple is Maria’s grandparents.  Delightful people who share with me a bit about how they moved here from El Salvador and also share that they already sponsor a child with World Vision.  They would love to see this child sponsored but can’t do it themselves and confirm that Dad has said no.

I look down at Maria, “I’m sorry Maria, maybe next time.”

“But I want her!” she says.  With that she once again grabs the folder and disappears into the crowd.  I go back to helping others at the table who are signing up to sponsor children.

A few minutes later I look down to see Maria once again at the table beaming a big smile back at me.  Mom is beside her filling out the information to sponsor the child.  Dad is nowhere in sight.

Maria’s persistence won! I don’t know if dad agreed or if mom just decided to do it anyway, and deal with the consequences later.

You could debate that the parents caved and gave in to the child. Or that the parents were being stubborn and should have said yes sooner. Maybe they could plead guilty on both counts.

I like to think that love won. I am pretty sure that at least two children will be better for it… and have a sneaking suspicion that probably mom and dad will too!

Would you like to say “yes” to a child in need?  You can easily do so here by clicking here!

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 In His Steps .mp3

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Here I am as a “Christian actor”—notice the beard and man-dress. (Circa 1991)

I

was reflecting the other day on my profession and made the observation that I have something in common with actor Kirk Cameron. If I asked you to make a list of “Christian actors,” we would both probably be on that list.  (It would be a very short list.) Kirk’s name would likely be very near the top of the list and mine near the bottom. Mine would only be on your list if I happened to come to your mind because I had recently performed at your church, and you remembered my name.  It would probably listed like: “That Christian actor guy that performed at our church a few months ago.”

I have commented in the past about being labeled a “Christian actor” as opposed to simply an actor who is a Christian.  When it comes to my profession and my faith I prefer to have both those words be nouns.

Somehow putting the word “Christian” in front of an occupation is either extremely limiting or sets up an expectation that is false or impossible to fulfill.

Examples:

Christian Plumber — When he finishes your pipes will only drip holy water.

Christian Carpenter — He makes lovely crosses but his doors won’t stay closed, they are always open.

Christian Mechanic — He converts all your parts, giving them new life.

Christian Doctor — No pills… but make sure he washes his hands before he lays them on you. You don’t want the last infection he healed.

Here I am as Count Dracula…a role performed by an actor who is a Christian. (Circa 1972)

You get the idea… I mean you don’t have to be a Christian to do a job well and frankly I have met some Christians in certain professions that aren’t very good at their jobs.  I want a plumber that can unclog a drain, a carpenter  who knows how to make a good cabinet, an honest mechanic that can fix my car, and a doctor who is willing to prescribe an antibiotic… I don’t care if they are a Christian, a Jew, a Muslim or an Atheist.

There are times when “Christian” as an adjective makes sense… Add Christian in front of minister, missionary, or maybe counselor and I understand that.

Add Christian in of  front actor and you feel doomed to play only parts that require a beard and a bathrobe (unless maybe your name is Kirk Cameron). And I happen to know there several famous actors who are Christians. I won’t mention their names out of fear that you might start thinking of them as “Christian actors.” Sometimes I want play the bad guy — every good story has one.  An actor who is a Christian can do that… a Christian actor… probably not.

What are some of your favorite misuses of the label “Christian?”

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Merry Christmas from The Neighbors Family

Thanksgiving came early this year… I barely remember November arriving and already we are in the frenzy of the holidays!  I am not quite ready for Christmas, but I am still savoring Thanksgiving. As I shared with my family on Thanksgiving day—we have so much to be thankful for.  Here are a few of the things I’m giving thanks for this year:

• My family. As I get older I realize more and more how much “family” means in my life.  My mother passed away this year and for the first time in my life I am without a living parent.  Even though we were separated by many miles, the child in me always had the comfort of knowing my Mom was there… a loss for sure, that makes me appreciate my own family all the more. Thankful!
• This ministry. It’s hard to believe that this “Christian actor guy” has been blessed to serve my Lord for over 37 years doing the thing I love to do.  I don’t take it for granted, especially in these tough economic times. Thankful!
• The Gospel. I know you may be thinking “he’s in—ministry he supposed to say that,” but I am still learning and growing, and I have to say that I am learning more about what it means to be loved by God and to have the opportunity to share that love with others through this ministry. Thankful indeed!

I am thankful for the opportunities this year has brought to this ministry: A trip to Greece and Spain to work with missionaries. Helping fellow artist, Marcia Whitehead, launch her own ministry that is impacting everyone who hears her story. A visit to The Dominican Republic to visit one of our World Vision sponsored children, Mari Luz, and helping hundreds children like her find a sponsor from our audiences. And of course the opportunity to share week after week with churches all over the country through the power of story. If you haven’t done so, please check out some of the entries in this blog to read more about some of our adventures this past year.

You are on my “thankful” list.  It is the prayer and financial support of people like you that make this work possible.  Thank you for your support! We so appreciate your partnership in the work that we do.  As you look forward to 2013, we would be so very honored and blessed if you would consider a gift to Master’s Image Productions.  We would be especially grateful if you could support us on a regular basis with a monthly pledge (and if you are already doing that, thank you!).

May God bless you and yours this Christmas and throughout 2013!

Chuck Neighbors

P.S.: If you would like to make a donation online with a credit card you can do that here.

Gifts are tax-deductible when made payable to:
Master’s Image Productions • P.O. Box 903 • Salem, OR 97308

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I’m not acting!

I have a long list of those unexpected moments.  The ones I hate the most however are those moments that are seemingly “in my control.”  This would be the forgotten line (daydreaming again!), the pants ripping out (wardrobe malfunction), or the missing prop (that I forgot to preset on the stage).

I had a new one catch me off guard this last weekend. I was suffering from a bit of post-nasal-drip and was having a hard time getting the voice to work properly—trying to avoid the constant throat clearing that accompanies this annoying little ailment. This is not a new thing for me, and I am used to powering through, and usually find that once I hit the stage and start talking, the symptoms go away… a mystery or a miracle… take your pick.

I’d just begun my performance of Not The Way I Heard It, and was about 5 minutes into the presentation when a bit of “drip” found its way down the wrong pipe. I desperately needed to cough! Being a professional this was a big “no-no” and also knowing that I was wearing a microphone only an inch from my mouth a cough would result in an ear-splitting sound effect that was clearly not in the script.  I tried a muffled throat-clearing and that wasn’t working.  I tried to power through, hoping that by speaking I could clear out the offending slime… All that came out was a whisper of my normal voice… clearly I was in trouble.

Fortunately the scene takes place in a doctor’s office, where I had already established the character as ill (carrying a handkerchief and blowing my nose).  Also fortunately I had water on stage—something I have been doing regularly ”just in case” for all my performances. The acting code requires that you deal with the unexpected “in character,” so I made the character act like he was having hard time speaking (no acting required!), suppressing the cough, I went to the water and drank. It took a few drinks and a few failed attempts at speaking before I was able to get the voice back.  I had to fight the urge to cough for about 10 more minutes into the performance but by God’s grace was able to power through.

After the performance I apologized to a few people for my voice failing me… their response, “I thought it was part of the character.”  Which was the best thing you could have said to me at the time.

What about you?  Do you have a story to share about dealing with the unexpected in front of an audience? Anybody have a cure for post-nasal-drip?

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