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September 2004 Table of Contents
Musical Insights
Christmas Magic
By Jerry Evans
Jackie and I have known John and Karen Plastow for many years. John is a well- known dramatist and has taught for us and others in conferences and has always been more than well received. When we realized that we were going to be able to attend his Christmas program last year, we had no idea the blessing that was in store for us. I could use this entire space to just tell you about visiting First Covenant Church and the performance that evening at the Sacramento Memorial Auditorium, but that is not the purpose of this review. I must tell you though, that we were only two of over 17000 people that experienced An Evening in December last year. This is truly a church that is taking it to the streets in their community.
John shared with me that he was trying to put together a guide book that would take a person through all the steps that are necessary to produce a "Broadway style" production such as this and help them miss many of the pitfalls that can and will arise. When I saw him at MusiCalifornia, he showed me the result of his hard work. WOW! I could not believe what I was seeing. This is that most complete manual I have ever seen. It takes you through every step conceivable.
John takes a good deal of time right up front to share his dream with us and explains how his dream became the church's and shows us how it has progressed to the over 17000 attendees per year. That section is great and I found it very helpful in understanding the mechanics of getting started, but it was the second section called "What Makes It All Work," that caught my attention and sent me almost into "Revival Mode." He begins by talking about the support of the Pastor and Church Leadership. I just must quote his first major point that needs to be engraved on the desk of every music minister, worship leader, and whatever title your church uses to describe your job.
"YOU MUST HAVE THE SUPPORT OF THE SENIOR PASTOR
YOU MUST HAVE THE SUPPORT OF THE SENIOR PASTOR
YOU MUST HAVE THE SUPPORT OF THE SENIOR PASTOR"
This is the beginning of a section in this manual that every one in our position needs to have and read at least once a week. He talks about the philosophical support, the involvement and the emotional attachment of the pastor and steps in getting those. He addresses the subject of getting the support of the financial and other leadership. Following that is the section on involving the entire church, even those who aren't normally involved in your ministry. The rest of this section is the most important part of the entire book. It is about YOU. Christmas Magic should be in your desk drawer at all times and you should probably read this section every Monday Morning. This part is titled, "STRONG LEADERSHIP…YOU!" and subtitled "The Role of the Minister of Music (or Similar Leadership)." There are the thoughts concerning planning, preparation, and productivity, but the parts which talk about spiritual preparation, passion, enthusiasm, pride, and ego are the things which we so easily forget. It seems as if these are the things that Satan uses most to work against our work for the Lord.
Christmas Magic is not just about philosophical and spiritual ideas, it takes you through everything from the planning to the production itself. Every step imaginable is covered. In addition to all this it contains resources, resources, resources. The entire back section of the manual is filled with places to find those hard to find products from costumes to confetti, from tickets to theatrical supplies. As I bring this to a close, I must tell you that every music ministry in America needs this book. I assure you that you won't be disappointed and you will use the material contained herein for much more that just to produce a wonderful Christmas program.
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