ONE MAN SHOW DRAMA

Drama can quickly grab the attention of a congregation and break down barriers, making a pathway for the message of the Gospel.

Mark’s full-length performances are costumed monologues containing generous doses of humor. However, they are not pure entertainment. They are ministry in costume. Under each drama is the solid bedrock of Biblical truth and a challenge for listeners to consider the claims of the Scriptures.
All the dramas listed below are approximately 30 minutes and can stand alone as the message for a worship service or the centerpiece of a church banquet or special program. In most cases, there is no set fee for the drama. Your church can simply receive a love offering for the performance and cover Mark’s expenses such as travel, lodging and meals, if needed.

LAZARUS SPEAKS
SIMEON’S DREAM
GOD’S CAVALRYMAN
SHORTER DRAMAS
TRAILBLAZIN’ BISHOP: THE FRANCIS ASBURY STORY

LAZARUS SPEAKS

You have probably never seen a dead person revived – and you may not believe it could ever happen. But it did – at least three times – by the power of a humble carpenter from Nazareth, a man called “Lord and God” by his followers.

“Lazarus Speaks” presents one of those resurrection instances, a stirring story found in the Gospel of John. Lazarus, the brother of Mary and Martha, was a good friend of Jesus, welcoming him into his home on numerous occasions. Yet when Lazarus suddenly died, people doubted that Jesus could do anything about it – even Mary and Martha. What happens next forms the context of one of the most powerful events in the Bible

Mark has taken great care to present a powerful drama for your enjoyment and inspiration. His characterization includes a professionally-crafted biblical costume, Middle Eastern makeup and Jewish accent.

What Others are Saying About "Lazarus Speaks":

“God danced and the angels rejoiced over your Lazarus message!”

“When you yelled, ‘Lazarus, come forth!’ I could really feel the power of the Holy Spirit.”

“You could have heard a pin drop during your Lazarus performance. God has really blessed you and I know your ministry will be a blessing for God.”

“Your portrayal of Lazarus was the best liturgical drama I have ever seen. It lifted my spirit, and gave me food for thought for days to come.”

SIMEON’S DREAM

From beautiful opening music to the appearance of the title character in authentic biblical costume, worshippers at your church will know they are in for a powerful spiritual experience with "Simeon’s Dream".

According to the Gospel of Luke, Simeon was a “devout and righteous man” who was anticipating the arrival of the Messiah in his lifetime. The play reaches a climax when one of your own church members, dressed as Mary in a provided costume, walks down the aisle to hand Simeon the baby Jesus. Realizing his dream has come true, he then challenges the congregation to receive the Christ Child into their hearts.

Adding to the power of the dramatic performance are several musical pieces provided by One Man Show musicians, including "O Come, O Come, Emmanuel" and "Mary, Did You Know?"
(If the ministry musicians are unavailable or for out-of- town engagements, Mark can work with your own church musicians and singers).

"Simeon’s Dream" works well during the Advent, Christmastide or Epiphany seasons, and is equally adaptable for morning and evening worship, traditional Christmas Eve candlelight services, holiday banquets or Watch Night programs. Some churches have even built their Christmas cantatas around the monologue! Mark is happy to work with you if you are interested in this option.

What Others are Saying About "Simeon’s Dream":

“Your drama of Simeon was very realistic and thoroughly biblical. I appreciate the way you included some humor yet still made clear the claims of Christ upon every life.”

“This was an uplifting and profound drama with humor and thought-provoking challenges for all of us. Our folks are still talking about this event.”

“Extremely impressive, moving, inspiring. We were seeking something really special to initiate the Advent season this year. Simeon’s Dream worked perfectly for us.”

“This presentation touched the lives of our people on Christmas Eve. Mark’s talents are truly a gift from God.”

GOD’S CAVALRYMAN

Return to those thrilling days of yesteryear!
“God’s Cavalryman” is Rev. Mark Winter’s tribute to the circuit-riding preachers of the old frontier. Winter’s circuit rider, a fictitious Methodist parson named Obadiah Ryder IV, is based on historical sources, including the journals of several old-time preachers.

Winter set his post-Civil War preacher in Texas, his home state. His character is a fourth-generation circuit rider, whose great grandfather rode under the direction of the famous Methodist bishop, Francis Asbury.

“God’s Cavalryman” is chock-full of good-natured humor, thrilling stories and audience interaction. Rev. Winter’s appearance is straight out of the history books as he strides in with a Western hat, dust-spattered coat and high boots, a saddlebag slung over one shoulder. Congregations are also treated to pre-show narration with musical score that gives lively historical background on the Methodist circuit riders.

WHAT OTHERS ARE SAYING ABOUT "GOD’S CAVALRYMAN":

“In portraying a historic circuit rider preacher of early Methodism, Mark’s presence brought a message that was entertaining and uplifting. Humor is a great way to capture the Gospel message, and Mark is adept at using that gift.”

“I thought you did an excellent job as the circuit rider. The use of a character who reminds us of our heritage, as well as a clear presentation of the Gospel, was refreshing.”

SHORTER DRAMAS

Mark’s repertoire includes several shorter dramas that are approximately 15-20 minutes long. These are great springboard sketches for sermons. They include:

Sketches
THE PRODIGAL SON IN OVERALLS, a Hee-Haw version of the famous story in Luke 15. As the Prodigal Son “all growed up,” Mark’s farmer character recounts his miserable visit to the “far country” and the power of amazing grace.

THE FIREFIGHTER, a tribute to the brave heroes of 9/11. Mark portrays a New York firefighter who hears a hard-hitting message from a traveling preacher named Joshua. Based on the story of the falling tower in Luke 13, this drama includes a pre-recorded montage of historical sound bites and powerful message of repentance.

WALK THIS WAY, the story of an exhausted charity walker who meets Jesus on the road to Emmaus. A great Eastertide sketch that includes loads of humor and a recording of a newscaster reporting on the Resurrection.

TOUCHED BY A SAVIOR, a funny sketch featuring Mark as a Forrest Gump-like character who chats with a member of the congregation at a bus stop. Mark’s character is actually the leper in Matthew 8 and brings home a powerful message of healing and hope.

THE MISSING PIECE, a modern-day drama featuring a restless lawyer who struggles to put the puzzle of his life together. As he tells his own story, the character places large illustrations on a magnetic board that symbolize each phase of his life. At the end of the drama, the shape of a cross dominates the middle of the puzzle, which he fails to see. The cross can later be placed on the board to complete the puzzle.

THE INVITATION, a sketch featuring a messenger in a winged cap who enters the service with a cellphone in his ear, chatting with his boss. Based on the Parable of the Great Banquet in Luke 14, this drama has plenty of humor, interaction and a take-away message on God’s invitational grace.

GOD CALLING, the story of a lonely man whose TV watching is pre-empted by God. Using a pre-recorded tape, Mark’s character dialogues with the Lord and learns that he has been created for relationship and service.

THE DISCIPLES. Mark recasts a few of the original disciples into modern settings, including Peter as a Texas fishing guide, Nathaniel as a philosophical N.Y. Mets fan, Thomas as a skeptical professor and Matthew as a crooked toll booth collector.

“Mark Winter possesses a tremendous ability to draw in an audience by literally becoming the character he portrays. His talent enables him to relate to both young and old in a unique way. Every person will be blessed by the special work of One Man Show Ministries.” –Pastor, Arlington, Texas