Additionally Terry Holley has an impressive background concerning our art and the supernatural.

Wow!

Hey Daff,

I've been reading Anatomy of a gospel Magic Show, by Duane Laflin. It's only 15 bucks from his site.

There's lots of good info in it. I may have absorbed all I can from it and would consider gifting you with it if you're interested.

But here's a couple of quick points:

He suggests having a theme for your show which I think is a great idea. The show I'm currently writing is going to be themed around: What is the Gospel? I will use various effects to talk about the gospel and share the gospel, including sharing my testimony using a h@nk ball and silk fountain. The book has many starter ideas for themes and possible effects. It's great to help get the ideas flowing.

In the book, Duane also suggests having a couple minutes of opening magic followed by a brief introduction and possibly comedy trick or some kind of trick that you do while you discuss what magic is and isn't. This is where you can do a disclaimer, introduce yourself and build a rapport with the audience. Feel free to tell everyone that what you do is purely the result of practice and slight of hand and that magic isn't real. This can be a very important part of your show to some people. It helps put them at ease if they wonder where you stand concerning magic and so forth. Then you can do a fun, simple trick demonstrating some "magic" as you patter. As an example it may be a TT silk trick, something with a p@lmo or in my case I'm considering doing silk to egg- whatever you like of course. I chose silk to egg because it shows people that magic isn't real while still being an entertaining trick with a kicker finish. Let me be clear here- I'm not talking about exposure, I'm merely talking about doing a simple trick while you chat about the fact that magic isn't real.

I'm also blessed to have just recently joined a congregation where the pastor actually likes magic and has shown a couple of simple tricks to his congregation as object lessons. When I told him about my desire to get involved more in gospel magic he was all for finding ways for me to share. I'm going to be able to show tricks to the AWANA boys starting in a few weeks- after I rehearse some more- and he would like to have me show the congregation occasional tricks as object lessons as well. So to answer your original question, yes, it could be true!

Hope this helps- and don't forget the most important part- prayer and spending time with God. He can guide you in your service to Him through your magic better than any of us can. God bless your service!

To me it's more about the message and having the crowd fill relaxed with what your doing.As was enforced at the FCM Convention always have a kid out of the crowd to help at the start of your presentation.
At my last church gathering we did more of a skit then actually a trick at the ending.I invited about 7 kids to come up stage.Had them turn around and an animal nose was fixed on their face.One was fitted with an elephant nose and so on.Then had them turn back around and sing old MacNoah had an Ark.The kids loved it.

Mel

I love these ideas!

I belong to a very, very large non denominational Christian Church. However I have never found a situation for my magic there, as I am more of an Evangelist, who prefers sharing with non-believers. We have many pastors on staff, and I have a great relationship with them. Several are aware of my magic/mentalism, but we have so many programs, they don't need my magic, and that is fine with me. I have a pride problem, and have to constantly be sure that God gets the Glory, and that I am not being help up as anything special.

I do also have Pastor friends from other local Churches where I am frequently asked to "talk" to youth groups and share my God's Truth act, which I do with a deck of cards(I try to borrow this deck from the Church group), a couple of coin effects, and the whole thing looks impromptu and is casual.

But the point I want to make is simply that it is a matter of perception. If you don't make it clear that what you do is a trick, and that God is the only one who does real transforming "magic"in Eternal Salvation through His Son, Jesus Christ.

If that isn't clear, You can easily be misunderstood.

But here is a question, many never ask: Will your magic fill a need in the Church Ministry, or will it just make you feel good?

David
The Doctor

That's where I'm at right now. Trying to find a place where I can fill that need in the church's ministry. I've been through a lot of thought concerning this. We have a thriving youth group. Thought about putting together an "Anti-gambling " routine, using monte effects and such to teach that gambling is greed, idolatry, etc, and that one can NEVER win when they gamble.

The answer of course, is to live by the Word of God, and let Him supply all your needs without having to gamble. I think this would be wonderful for the youth group.

As someone who works with teens I know gambling can be a issue.

Blessings.

Harris

Amen. So why not use the cards for a positive purpose and show the evils of gambling?
Do you know if anyone else is doing a similar thing?

Only me and that was a long time ago.
Before the gambling boats came they offered Addiction Counselors free attendance to a series of workshops.
The workshops were not done by casinos. They just paid for it.

It was a long process but I was certified as a counselor with that speciality.

I did not keep up with the classes required and lost certification.

Let us know what you create.

Love and prayers

Ok. I'm thinking of f starting it off with David Solomon's "Color Colissiom"

When I approached my church children's minister, I presented myself as a Christian Illusionist and told him that during the performance I inform the audience that I'm performing biblical entertainment, I am not a magician that claims to have special powers. The reception has been overwhelming support.

Try that conversation

As far as purchasing props to perform with, God has always provided for that, I just trust in Him

Last night they let me entertain in children's church, and I actually did a few effects with no one complaining. Perhaps the sun is finally beginning to shine through. I can tell you it's been a looooooong time in coming.

A great start. Now you can expand and visit the Sunday. School classes

Won't have that problem at our church... Pastor is 25 year member of IBM!!!

I have done kids Gospel magic for over 5 years in my home church 40+ times a year with no issues for sure!

People will never think you have "real" magical powers when they also know you outside the performance context. It is very easy to do magic in a church context when you are a well-known member of the parish and don't change to an utterly different stage personality when you perform.

We're actually hosting our local ring 199 50th anniversary in May 2020!

If you get a gig from a church group, take it! Just don't work blue, and don't say the devil gives you your "powers". Don't use your "biker bar" material.

I do believe the real big Icebreaker here is being honest let everyone know that this is pure entertainment and in fact if they take the time and the diligence to learn what you learned from Magic books and Magic videos they can perform the very same thing you're performing. And when you think about it at that point are magic show really does become our "Art".

Good magic to all,


Eric