Starting a Puppet Ministry

Andi — Sun, 20 Jan 2008 10:05:30 GMT

It may seem overwhelming at first, but relax. Nothing could be simpler or more fun! There are a few things that you need get started, a few questions that you may want to ask yourself to stay focused, but it shouldn't take long before you see your puppets in motion!

We will cover the basics to get you started & on your way. With a good foundation in place, you will be able to take it as far as God leads. So let's get started. First things first.

Scene One: Puppets take the stage! Wait a minute, you don't even have puppets yet, and you are not really sure which ones to buy. Don't worry, we will cover that, but  not in scene one. First things first, remember? Scene one is where you develop a clear focus & mission. The show starts with you seeking God & asking Him what it is that He would have you accomplish through this ministry. Perhaps the focus will be on the children learning a new Bible verse every week through puppetry, or maybe it will be to communicate God's word to young people in a way that they will enjoy & comprehend. You may want to use your ministry to get the teens or children involved in a discipleship program that uses puppets to help spread the good news. Whatever it is, God knows, and He will reveal it to you as you seek Him through His Word & prayer.

Once you have a clear vision on what you want accomplish through your new puppet ministry, it is a good idea to write out a mission statement. This will help you stay on track. Share it with your team if you have one, and keep it in a place where it can be easily seen as a reminder of your vision & goals.

With a clear vision in mind & mission statement in hand, you can now take a bow. The curtain is falling on scene one.

Scene Two: Bravo! The curtain has fallen on scene one. However, it won't rise again until you have your puppets. I am sure you have a few questions: What puppets are best? What should I look for when buying a puppet? Who should I buy from? Is there really a difference, and does it even matter? Okay, okay, not so fast. One question at a time please. Sheesh!

Puppets for Jesus is a puppet ministry with an online venue where they sell the best puppets in the industry. From big names like One Way Street to Puppet Revelation, they have teamed up with some of the biggest and brightest creators in children's ministry resources. To encourage ministry through Puppets, they offer all their puppets and resources at the lowest prices at www.puppets-puppets.com.  Their rule of thumb has always been that they will only carry items that they absolutely love using themselves as experienced puppeteers. If you have questions, give them a call, they are always happy to help and encourage you in your ministry.

Honestly, does it really matter? Yes, it really does matter. Sorry, all puppets are not created equal. When you start performing, you will appreciate a puppet that is well crafted. The muscles in your hands & arms will thank you. If children will be using them, their tiny hands will be able to manipulate a well made puppet with ease. However, they will have great difficulty with a poorly constructed puppet. Please choose your puppets wisely when using children in ministry. You do not want them to feel frustrated because the tool that they have been given to work with is inadequate. You have to look for more than just a cute puppet. This is why we recommend starting at PuppetsforJESUS.com when purchasing your puppets, they are experienced children's pastors and puppeteers who will lead you in the right direction.

Scene Three: You can hear the curtain call as your puppets are ready to take the stage! Wait a minute, what stage? If you don't have one already, you are going to need one. How would your puppets ever take the stage without a stage? That's just silly. If your stage is going to remain in one place for the better portion of your ministry, we would suggest your basic PVC stage. It can be made as simple or as elaborate as you wish. You can click here to learn how to make your own PVC stage. If you will be traveling, you will not want to carry around such a monstrosity, let alone having to put it together every trip. Click here to purchase a portable stage that easily expands for set up, and collapses quickly for breakdown, or to view all of the staging available through the Puppets for Jesus ministry.

Now you can take the stage with your very own puppets in motion!

Puppets In Motion!

Starting a Puppet Ministry