Ever overhear a pre-teen or early teen conversation? It can be pretty dramatic -- in fact, young people and drama go together like... God and the Bible! If you're looking for quality material that draws middle school/junior high age young people into the scriptures, here's an invaluable resource. My Way Or Thy Way is a collection of twelve brief plays that bring familiar Bible stories to life in contemporary conversation that's easy to understand.
By focusing on the choices made by the main characters -- and their consequences -- the scenes help young people make better choices in their own lives. "I want to do it my way, not thy way" was the struggle of these biblical personages, and many of us face similar issues today. Each skit lets participants "walk in the sandals" of ordinary people who faced extraordinary choices.
Designed for versatility, these scenes can be given full dramatic performances with props, scenery, and costumes, or presented in readers' theater format for use as dynamic classroom discussion starters. Each drama is accompanied by questions and a variety of related activities. My Way Or Thy Way is an excellent supplement to a Sunday school, Bible school, or Bible study curriculum, and is especially useful for youth groups.
These beautifully written skits are a perfect way for youth (and adults) to discover the teachings of the Bible. Pat Betteley has created a series of inventive and insightful pieces that encourage active participation from both performer and audience. What a great tool for a Sunday service or youth group meeting!
Brint Learned
Executive Director, Rabbit Run Community Arts Association
Madison, Ohio
In a world filled with choices, it's good to examine the choices of the "faith full." This book is filled with delectable skits and lots of ideas on how to use them in a variety of ways -- from the very theatrical to simple read-aloud discussion starters. The skits are filled with righteous puns and double entendres, putting a light touch on serious material. They make talking about making right choices fun and refreshing.
Judy Astle
Executive Director, Camp Henry
Westminster Presbyterian Church
Grand Rapids, Michigan
Every Christian education director, children's coordinator, and Vacation Bible School director would benefit by having this collection.
Richard Lehto
Former District Superintendent, East Ohio Conference
United Methodist Church
Pat Betteley is a freelance writer with a passion for literature and drama. She has been a reading specialist and elementary classroom teacher for many years, and works with children, music, and drama in her church. Co-founder of a Christian theater group for all ages, Betteley has published several plays in such children's magazines as Faces, USKids, Creative Classroom, and Plays: The Drama Magazine for Young People.
