Ministry as Improvisation

by Ircel Harrison

In The Agile Church: Spirit-Led Innovation in an Uncertain Age, Dwight J. Zscheile writes about the Book of Acts, “The apostles don’t typically understand what kind of witness God wants to bring forth until they are in the midst of it; it is much more improvisational.”

I was recently introduced by a friend to a book on improvisational theater or IMPROV, and I have done some additional reading about the process and come to understand that there are certain concepts that are basic to improvisation. First, there is a situation or an idea that runs through the sketch. Second, the sketch builds on the idea of “Yes, and . . . .” We take what is given and build on it. Third, the performers use what is on hand. Fourth, they work with their intuition.

This seems to be what was happening in Acts. The apostles had an idea that runs through the account: “We are called to share the Gospel of Jesus Christ.” We continually are faced with the concept of “Yes, and . . .” as we read the book. There is always another activity or interaction that pulls us deeper into the story. Like MacGyver, the apostles definitely had to work with what they found in the context—people, customs, places—to carry out their work. And finally, they depended on the Holy Spirit for the intuition of what they should do next.

The story of Phillip the Evangelist and the Ethiopian eunuch (Acts 8) is a great example. This was an unscripted, unplanned encounter where Phillip had to use what was available—a curious God-fearer, a chariot, a scroll, and small body of water—to lead the Eunuch to Christ.

During the pandemic, our churches have experienced many “Acts of the Apostles” moments. Leaders and disciples in churches have pursued one basic idea—what is our mission in this time and place? They have been willing to engage in “Yes, and . . .” situations that assured forward momentum. They have learned to use whatever was on hand to get the job done. And they were compelled to listen for the leadership of the Holy Spirit in volatile times.

As we move into the new normal, can we carry some of these improvisational practices into our lives and ministries? What can we learn from this about doing ministry in the future? What a great opportunity!