Wednesday, April 18, 2007
Righteousness, Peace & Joy in the Holy Ghost
The theme for the Next Step clowns Sunday morning services in Willmar came from Romans 14:17 which says "The kingdom of God is not a matter of eating or drinking, but of righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Ghost."During our days together we worked
writing and developing new routines to present as part of this service. We had the "Three Musketeers" show up, an incredible excerise class where they finally learned how to do things right, and a routine where clowns learned what a truley "Happy Meal" is all about.
writing and developing new routines to present as part of this service. We had the "Three Musketeers" show up, an incredible excerise class where they finally learned how to do things right, and a routine where clowns learned what a truley "Happy Meal" is all about. 
Some of the clowns had come with current material that we used as part of the two Sunday morning services. Sparky truley "had her Father's eyes" and told us to keep our eyes on Jesus. Rooty-Toot and Toot Sweet shared a couple different pieces that were fun classic clowning, yet also brought us to a time of pondering a serious message. It was an awesome time clowning together for the kids and for our Lord!
Check out these fun photos!
Next Step '07 Was Incredible
Well,...that's what I hear from those who attended. We had a great five days together learning from Jeff McMullen and Brenda Marshall. I also guided folks through some learning experiences. It was a marvelous time and I look forward to working with many of you again "down the road." (Circus slang for "whenever I will inevitably see you again.")
With permission, I'm posting a review from Pam "Sparky" Moody from Des Moines, Iowa. She is a full-time, nationally-known clown who has attended the Next Step for the past two years. Here's her comments:
I just returned from my journey to the Next Step Conference hosted by Randy
Christensen in Willmar, MN. This was my second consecutive year attending
this fabulous training event. This year the lead instructors were Brenda
Marshall, Jeff McMullen and Pastor Randy Christensen. There is not enough
space here to describe the intensity of this weekend. Certainly not
intended for the baby clown. I have studied under all three of these
instructors on numerous occasions over the years at other conferences but
NOTHING has compared to what they gave me at “Next Step!” We really dug-in
and looked much deeper into our character, our performances and ourselves.
A favored feature of this event that I appreciate is the small class size.
Randy limits it to no more than 14 students so your training is intimate and
almost a tutoring atmosphere. It’s intense, exhausting but yet
exhilarating! It is equally rich in spiritual enrichment and renewal.
It’s difficult to take classes from Randy and Jeff since clowning isn’t their primary
business. Randy is a fulltime children’s pastor and Jeff not only owns a
martial arts center but also works the corporate world as a motivational
speaker. They present very rarely at entertainer conferences and I
sincerely appreciate their time in presenting this workshop for clowns!
The conference was hosted by his church in Willmar, MN.
At his time, I don’t think Randy has a concrete plan for further conferences
but I would recommend you check his blogspot regularly. This summer he will
also be touring the Midwest with his “Cirque Imaginings” show featuring
himself, Greg Phillips, Don Bursell, his son Ben and others. If you live in
any of these areas, watch for a show coming near you!
Sparky
With permission, I'm posting a review from Pam "Sparky" Moody from Des Moines, Iowa. She is a full-time, nationally-known clown who has attended the Next Step for the past two years. Here's her comments:
I just returned from my journey to the Next Step Conference hosted by Randy
Christensen in Willmar, MN. This was my second consecutive year attending
this fabulous training event. This year the lead instructors were Brenda
Marshall, Jeff McMullen and Pastor Randy Christensen. There is not enough
space here to describe the intensity of this weekend. Certainly not
intended for the baby clown. I have studied under all three of these
instructors on numerous occasions over the years at other conferences but
NOTHING has compared to what they gave me at “Next Step!” We really dug-in
and looked much deeper into our character, our performances and ourselves.
A favored feature of this event that I appreciate is the small class size.
Randy limits it to no more than 14 students so your training is intimate and
almost a tutoring atmosphere. It’s intense, exhausting but yet
exhilarating! It is equally rich in spiritual enrichment and renewal.
It’s difficult to take classes from Randy and Jeff since clowning isn’t their primary
business. Randy is a fulltime children’s pastor and Jeff not only owns a
martial arts center but also works the corporate world as a motivational
speaker. They present very rarely at entertainer conferences and I
sincerely appreciate their time in presenting this workshop for clowns!
The conference was hosted by his church in Willmar, MN.
At his time, I don’t think Randy has a concrete plan for further conferences
but I would recommend you check his blogspot regularly. This summer he will
also be touring the Midwest with his “Cirque Imaginings” show featuring
himself, Greg Phillips, Don Bursell, his son Ben and others. If you live in
any of these areas, watch for a show coming near you!
Sparky
