Over Our Heads In Church

This monologue tells the story of Pastor John the Baptizer, a bold and unconventional preacher who shakes up the religious establishment. The speaker describes the respected church leaders—pillars of the community—who are unchallenged in their authority until John arrives.

John stands out in every way—his clothing, his diet, and most of all, his preaching. He doesn’t hold back, calling even the most religious folks to repent, though they don’t believe they have anything to repent for. Despite his confrontational style, people flock to him in growing numbers, leaving their traditional churches behind.

The church leaders, alarmed by John’s influence, march down to the river to confront him, determined to reclaim their followers and put him in his place. A dramatic showdown is about to unfold.

Cast: 1 (monolog)

Bible Reference: Matthew 10:1-2

Set: standard

Sound: wireless mics if available

Song: none

Lighting: standard

SFX: none

Props: none

Costumes: standard

Special Instructions: none

Time: 6

Sample of script:

Look at those guys coming down the road.

Pillars of the community, every one. Leaders of the church, top of their careers. Everyone knows them, tips their hat, and says, "Hi sir, how's things with you? Sure is a mighty fine day!"

No one would ever dare speak a word against them. And those that did? Well, they soon found out who was who and what was what, I do tell you!

That was until Pastor John came along.

Pastor John—now he was a unique one, I’m here to tell you. Dressed kinda… well, unique, guess that’s what a fella would say. And the food that man ate—my, my—what can I say? Unique is about the only word that comes to mind. Yep, young Pastor John, unique describes him all right—top to toe, unique he was!

And he sure had a name for stirring up trouble, rubbing folks the wrong way. But mostly, he handed out his tongue lashin’ to the folks who didn’t matter so much.

Which brings me to that group over yonder, hightailing it down to the river, where Pastor John holds court. And when I see those guys a’comin’ and Pastor John a’preachin’—man! Trouble’s brewin’!

See, Pastor John had been calling all the good church folk to repent, to turn away from their sins. Which might’ve been fine, except for one little thing—the fine church folk didn’t think they were sinners. Not for one minute. So why in the world would they need to repent?

But Pastor John—he didn’t buy that. He said, “Most of the church folk are so caught up in themselves, so focused on making a buck, they couldn’t see God’s way if it jumped out and bit them!” And let me tell you, it was about to do just that.

"Lookee here now," says Pastor John.
"I might as well be a voice crying in the wilderness, for all the good it's doing me!"
"How do you folks possibly think you can follow God's way when all you want is the easy way, the popular way, the comfortable way, the high-and-mighty way?"

And yet… despite Pastor John’s straight-from-the-shoulder preaching, folks came to hear him!

First, an itty-bitty trickle… then a rushing flood. Next thing you know, it’s the popular thing to do. Folks from all over the country came down to the river to hear what Pastor John had to say. And he didn’t disappoint.

He laid it on the line:

"No sense just standing there thinking about changing your ways!"
"If we want to be a nation with character, a ready nation, a nation spiritually pumped and ready to take on all comers, well, sir, it starts right here at the river."
"We’re all up to our necks in trouble. And real change only begins when we get in way over our heads and trust God—'cause we sure don’t know if we’ll sink or swim. No point in just getting your toes wet now. It’s time to plunge right in!"

And one by one, folks did just that.

They went out for Pastor John. And for the water.

And they turned their backs on the old churches.

This fact was not lost on the church leaders. Which is why those same fellas are heading down to the river, on the double—fire in their eyes and revenge in their minds.

They intend to have a showdown with Pastor John.

To set him straight.

And to claim back the people.