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By: Dave Ebert
One of the greatest things about improv is that it teaches you to listen to understand, and then respond. In our society, so many of us are too busy listening to respond first. Improv breaks that mindset. To truly build a successful scene, you have to listen to all the signals being sent: the words, the tone of speech, the cadence of speech, the eye contact, the posture, the movement or lack thereof, the tilt of the head, and the furrowing of the brow or flaring of the nostrils…all cues and all gifts and all part of the explanation of what is being felt, expressed, and hoped for.
How useful in witnessing and sharing faith would that be?
Imagine speaking to someone and wanting to share your faith, but you're unsure, even lacking in any confidence, in knowing what to say. Now, imagine that fear being replaced with confidence in yourself and in your ability. How much more would you be willing to share your faith with a world that so desperately needs to hear the Gospel?
“Now when they bring you to the synagogues and magistrates and authorities, do not worry about how or what you should answer, or what you should say. For the Holy Spirit will teach you in that very hour what you ought to say.” Luke 12:11-12 NKJV
These are the gifts of improv. To help, as many improvisers talk about, get you "out of your own head." That's why I love bringing my passion for improv and passion for impacting The Kingdom of God together. The gifts of improv can make it easier to trust in yourself and, even more, the Holy Spirit, to speak in those times when you are before people and need to speak regarding your faith in Jesus Christ.
Once you are out of your own head, or, better put, out of your own way, and trust in the guidance of the Holy Spirit in speaking the Gospel into the lives of those around you, your impact for the Kingdom of God will grow beyond measure. You are also more likely to confidently step in to your gifts and purposes, as set by God, once you are out of you own way.
This is why I love improv. This is why I am excited to teach improv, both to current or future performers and also to members of the Body of Christ. Improv is such an amazing tool for the man or woman of God. Think of it this way. In improv, we build something out of nothing. Who is The Greatest and Creating something from nothing? The Creator of the Universe simply spoke EVERYTHING into existence. Improvisers do the same thing on a much smaller scale.
If you would like to bring improv training to your business, your school, or your church, please reach out! I would love to share my passion for creativity, improv, people, and, most of all, God and His Kingdom, with you and your organization. Email me at dave@gifts4glory.com.