Commanded to Love

Some people learn by listening. Some learn by doing. Soldier Bartenflem seems determined to try neither.

In Commanded to Love, a very patient Lieutenant attempts to teach three army recruits the importance of following commands. But Bartenflem has her own ideas about rank, uniforms, military discipline, and just about everything else. As the lesson unfolds, the recruits discover that God’s commands are not simply rules to keep. They point us toward something deeper: the debt of love we owe one another.

Built around Romans 13:8 to 10, this lively comedy gives churches a fun way to explore obedience, Christian love, and the heart behind God’s commands. The all women cast and simple staging make it especially easy to use for worship services, women’s ministry events, retreats, or church drama nights.

Bible Reference: Romans 13:8-10

Set:  bare

Lighting:  standard

Sound:  wireless mics if available

Song:   none

SFX:  none

Costumes:  all except one of the women are wearing army type dress, the other is wearing sweats

Props:    none

Special Instructions:   none

 Time:15 minutes

Sample script:

Thompson & Rogers are standing, chatting

Thompson: So my sister says, “Why’d you go and sign up in the army anyhow?”

Rogers: Civilians! How do you figure civilians at the best of times, Thompson?

Thompson: Exactly, Rogers, I mean, to me serving in the army is like the only . . .

Lieutenant comes on stage, Thompson and Rogers snap to attention, salute

Lieutenant: Attention! . . . . As you were.

Thompson and Rogers remain at attention, motionless

Lieutenant: Now then, look at you, Thompson, you are sloppy, just look at those shoes . . .

Thompson: Beg your pardon, Lieutenant, but I spit-polished just this morning and . . .

Lieutenant, menacing: Oh, you did, did you soldier . . . well, tell me, can I see my face in your shiny shoes . . ?

Thompson: Well, Lieutenant, I can’t exactly see my shoes, standing at attention and all, eyes focused straight ahead like you taught us . . . . .

Lieutenant: The acceptable answer, soldier, is. . . “No Lieutenant, your face can not be seen in my . . .

Rogers noisily drops her backpack; Lieutenant confronts Rogers

Lieutenant: And you, Recruit Rogers . . . have you not yet mastered the basic command: “Attention”?

Bartenflem comes on stage whistling/singing off key

Lieutenant: Soldier Bartenflem, attention!

Bartenflem slaps Lieutenant on the back in greeting

Bartenflem: Hey Sarge, how's it goin’?

Lieutenant, enraged: I will have you know that I am Lieutenant and . . .

Bartenflem: Don’t you apologize, you keep workin’ hard, my guess is y’all will make Sarge in no time!

Lieutenant: Soldier, I will not tolerate disobedience, now what are you doing in those. . . . civilian clothes . . . yucky things . . . when we are in training?

Bartenflem: No sweat, Sarge . . .

Lieutenant: Lieutenant. . . !

Bartenflem: Whatever. . . . I just figured, I got these great sweats my momma bought me when I signed up and left Pumpkin Pastures, West Virginia. I figured why go and get those new army duds all messy. Besides, another couple of hours it's quitin’ time anyhow, why not just save the wear and tear of changin’ back again.

Lieutenant: You will do exactly what I say, exactly when I say it and every command will be followed to the letter. Do you read me, Bartenflem?

Bartenflem gives time-out signal: Hey time out, Sarge, chill! Take it easy! Y’all are gonna blow a gasket, y’all keep that up.

Want to see how the story unfolds? Get the complete script and bring this powerful moment to your stage.