Belief Encounters | |
A collection of 'talking head' presentations inspired by characters from the New Testament
The first was Alan Bennett whose work I have always enjoyed. As a playwright, presenter and person he has always grasped and held my attention. Seeking - I might even say, daring - to adapt his style, which so often gives a voice to 'the supporting cast' in life, I wanted to provide a platform to hear more from the perspective of some of the less prominent biblical characters. Then there was Dr Jim Fleming, a Biblical Archaeologist. An American whose work in the Holy Land, stretching over thirty years, has been so highly respected that he has been a visiting lecturer at the renowned Hebrew University in Jerusalem. His work identifies the land of the Bible as 'the fifth gospel', insisting that, without immersing ourselves in that land - that is, its people, their ways and customs - we can never fully grasp what the Bible is saying and why it is saying it. I was stirred by recollections of working with Peter English. Peter wrote and performed material, much of which he prepared for street theatre. To see him in action was inspirational, not only for the clever and engaging content but for his boldness and sheer nerve. A big man with a big heart and an enormous talent, seeing him I dared to wonder whether one day I, too, might step out and give a fresh voice to familiar words.
I trust the outcome is entertaining, interesting and informative. And while my intention is certainly not to preach or teach, nor anything else so worthy, I hope this material brings people a little closer to those who themselves were very close to Jesus - perhaps even close enough to see and hear Him rather more as they saw and heard Him. Brian Pearson Brian Pearson, a Fellow of the College of Preachers since 1996, was ordained as an Anglican Priest in 1979, ministering in parishes in SE London, West Sussex, Somerset, Kent and Warwickshire. He was a Missioner in two dioceses and as the Archbishop of Canterbury's Officer for Mission and Evangelism, led seminars, addressed clergy gatherings and preached in many parts of the UK as well as in the USA, Australia and Canada. Brian has worked as a freelance broadcaster, writing and presenting material for regional TV in SW England, providing commentary for national TV and appearing on radio. He contributed the chapter on 'Creative Preaching' in the College of Preachers publication 'A Preacher's Companion' and has led many workshops, particularly on 'Preaching in a Contemporary Culture'. He is a Regional Tutor for the College of Preacher's MTh Course. We gratefully acknowledge the valued assistance provided by the minister, Rev Andy Laird, and members of Kenilworth Methodist Church in the making of this DVD. |
Unsurprisingly, text from the Bible was the primary source of inspiration for this material but from the outset the primary aim was to allow the 'two-dimensional' characters on the printed page to take on a three-dimensional form, on a stage. But for visions to become solid ideas, and for those ideas to become viable projects, there are many steps and, probably, as many stumbles! On the way to the making of 'Belief Encounters' many people have supported and contributed to the project but three in particular, unwittingly, provided significant help. 
So 'Belief Encounters' began to emerge. For some pieces almost the entire first draft flowed in one go. For others it started with but a phrase or sentence and gradually - sometimes painfully slowly - grew. Once the early results had been 'test driven' in front of a number of church congregations, the shape of the final presentation emerged and the collection was performed and filmed before a live audience in Kenilworth, Warwickshire.