Clowning Training Workbook

This 48-page downloadable tutorial takes you through the wonderful world of Christian clowning ministry, the Biblical considerations, how to get started, types of clowns, make-up, using clowning for teaching, healing, and recreation, as well as sources for materials and inputs. Professional clown David R. Suhs, who has performed and taught Christian clowning internationally for over 35 years provides you with the assistance you will need to be successful in this unique ministry.

A Clown's Prayer

As I stumble through this life, help me to create more laughter than tears, dispense more cheer than gloom, spread more cheer than despair.

Create in me the gift to bring laughter to others and never let me fail to see the wonders in the eyes of a child or the twinkle in the eyes of the aged.

Let me experience the laughter, the wonder, the joys, and the delights that only you can bring, Lord.

Let me share my painted face that others might understand the Power of your Word;
the Strength through Faith; and the Joy of your Love; so that all might rejoice in the Lord’s Laughter.

And in my final moment, may I hear You whisper: “When you made My children smile, you made Me smile.”

The use of the clown in ministry finds some of its justification in scripture such as:

Corinthians 4:10 “We are fools for Christ’s sake;”
1 Corinthians 1:27 “But God hath chosen the foolish things
of the world to confound the wise;”
Psalms 100:2 “Serve the Lord with gladness.”

Throughout history, the clown has been about serving others, whether in the circus or reaching out to others in various settings. What better symbol for Christians than to serve and to love each other like the clown? Jesus said we must be like the child to enter the kingdom of heaven. The clown is a very powerful symbol of this child-likeness.

Clown ministry is not just entertainment, nor preaching in costume and make-up. It is a means of touching souls, something most clowns somehow manage to do. The clown through pantomime may be able to communicate the Lord’s message to people who are not able to be reached by the spoken word or other forms of communication. The clown reminds us that Jesus came to give us “Good News” and that we should be happy and joyful. The clown in its “child-likeness” reminds us of what Jesus was saying that we must become like children in order to enter the kingdom of God. We hope that the Lord will touch you through His servant, . . . . . the Clown.