Below
is a collection of comments from both clergy and educators who have
attended
The Gospel of John.
(Pastors who have seen the performance and would like to share comments
please click here.)
"ENCOUNTER
THE WORD IN A WHOLE NEW WAY"
To
be an audience member for Brad Sherrill's "The Gospel of John" is
to encounter the word of the gospel in a whole new way. There is
a seamlessness between what John has written and how Sherrill performs
it, so that one experiences the grace of the Gospel with fresh immediacy.
There are so many highlights that it is impossible to single out
particular stories, but Sherrill's recounting of the feeding of
the 5000 and the crucifixion will leave you speechless.
Dr. Gail R. O'Day
Author and A.H. Shatford Professor of Preaching and New Testament
- Candler School of Theology - Emory University, Atlanta, GA.
CHRIST
CHURCH CATHEDRAL PERFORMANCE - APRIL 5TH, 2008
(DUBLIN, IRELAND):
"Brad's performance is an outstanding example of the power
of the memorized text. To commit a text to memory is to internalize
it. Then when one speaks it out on one's breath, in one's eyes and
in one's gestures, it has that authenticity, that conviction that
goes with something coming from deep within one's own being. Brad
Sherrill is that kind of 'living book', a living Gospel of John.
He must come back to Ireland."
-Dr.
Margaret Daly-Denton (author, church music composer and lecturer
in Biblical Studies and Liturgy at the Church of Ireland Theological
College)
Read Dr. Daly-Denton's entire published article on "The
Gospel of John at Christ Church Cathedral, Dublin"
here.
LICHFIELD
CATHEDRAL PERFORMANCE - APRIL, 2008 (U.K.):
"Congregations in England by and large need more exposure to
the Scriptures and the more dramatic and theologically substantial
the presentation, the better. Brad Sherrill's performance is an
outstanding example of what is possible. To memorise the whole of
even the 16 chapters of the Gospel of Mark -- despite its pared
down narrative style -- is an astonishing achievement (as Alec McGowan
proved in the 70s and 80s); to memorise the 21 chapters of the Gospel
of John -- with its more discursive and repetitious style -- is
nothing short of a minor miracle. The script is 'the text, the whole
text and nothing but the text'; and the performance is faithful,
powerful, imaginative and not infrequently funny. It's a pleasure
to be able to recommend it whole-heartedly."
-Reverend Dr. Pete Wilcox, Canon Chancellor
Lichfield Cathedral, U.K.
ST.
PETER'S CATHEDRAL PERFORMANCE - APRIL, 2008
(BELFAST, NORTHERN IRELAND):
"Brad's performance gave a vitality and realism to the Gospel
message that was truly inspiring and so many of us present at his
performance were both moved and spiritually challenged by hearing
the words of John afresh presented in such a dynamic way. "
-Very Reverend Dr. Hugh Kennedy, Administrator
St. Peter's Cathedral, Belfast
BLOOMFIELD
PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH - APRIL, 2008
(BELFAST, NORTHERN IRELAND):
"Thank for coming to Ireland and for including us on your itinerary.
Feed back from Sunday night has just been terrific and we want to
thank you for a variety of things:
a) The quite brilliant presentation by Brad that was thought-provoking,
moving and gripping.
b) Your humility and approachability.
c) Your excellent preparatory emails and publicity materials
which made everything just so clear and easy.
I will warmly commend you to others should you wish to make a repeat
visit to Ireland at some future stage. Sincere appreciation again;
and rich blessings on your ongoing worthwhile ministry."
-Reverend Frank Sellar, Senior Pastor
Bloomfield Presbyterian Church, Belfast
AFTER OBSERVING HOW PEOPLE IN THE AUDIENCE BEGAN TO OPEN THEIR HEARTS...I
KNEW THAT THE GOSPEL OF JOHN WAS MUCH MORE THAN A PLAY
OR A PRODUCTION."
Watching
and listening to Brad perform God's living word as he role plays
each Bible character gives you the sense that you are in the very
presence of God. If you didn't know better you would think you were
expereincing the incarnation right before your very eyes! I was
moved by the passion Brad displays and the impact the simple Gospel
message has on the audience as they watch and listen. An outstanding
actor and compassionate person, Brad has the audience hanging on
each and every word. I saw the performance while in N.Y.C. on vacation
and as a pastor I was particularly interested in how people would
respond to the message. After listening to people in the audience
who had no church background...and observing how they began to open
their hearts to the possibility of eternal life and forgiveness...I
knew it was much more than a play or a production. It is a life-changing
experience. I highly recommend The
Gospel of John to any church or group as a ministry opportunity
to reach the lost and to build up the body of Christ.
Mike Osthimer
Pastor - Westbrook
Chapel (a Calvary Chapel)
Bakersfield,
California
"YOUR PERFORMANCE...GAVE
ME THE PURE, LIFE-CHANGING, POWERFUL WORD IN A DIFFERENT WAY"
Brad, just a quick note of thanks for your performance in Burlington,
WI. I am in love with the Word. Your performance was simply awesome
because it gave me the pure, life-changing, powerful Word in a different
way. Rather than reading it, I heard, saw and felt the Word through
your work. Thanks again for using your God given gifts to do this!
Thanks Mark, for using your gifts to support Brad. Many blessings!
Rev. Rob Bolling
Pastor - Our
Savior Lutheran Church - Burlington,
WI
"SPIRITUALLY
COMPELLING..."
Our congregation was mesmerized by Brad Sherrill's presentation
of The Gospel of John. This fourth Gospel came alive in such a powerful
way that our lives will never be quite the same.Brad has not only
committed The Gospel of John to memory; God has so indelibly and
incredibly placed it in his life that he is able to communicate
it with a power and persuasiveness that is spiritually compelling.
Dr. J. Gerald Harris
Senior Pastor - Eastside Baptist Church, Marietta GA
"WORSHIP IN THE FULLEST SENSE OF THE WORD"
I have heard nothing but praise of your powerful performance. It
was especially gratifying for me to hear these words in our beautiful
sanctuary. Too often, in a church with a long and consistent history
such as ours, we become tied to a particular form of worship, in
a particular style, at a particular time. For me, your performance
was worship in the fullest sense of the word. And while it was not
what people have come to expect in that space, it was one of the
most moving, meaningful, and reverent times of worship I have ever
been party to.
Bradley J. Miller, Ph.D
Associate Pastor - Peachtree Christian Church, Atlanta GA
"IN
THE BEGINNING..."
I was Brad's Pastor when the idea for this ministry came to him
and he began the memorization of the Gospel of John. I remember
well the strong impression I had of the Spirit of God at work in
the life of Brad as he responded to God's call and began the process
of preparing himself for his ministry. When Brad had completed memorization
of the first nine chapters, he wanted to perform in our sanctuary
at Chamblee First United Methodist. He invited only his mother (Carolyn)
and me to listen. I heard and experienced the Gospel of John almost
as if it were the first time. Sure, I've taught the entire Gospel
through several times and preached numerous sermons from selected
passages and even read the Gospel devotionally more than once. Yet
I discovered a new perspective. I heard God's word in a new way.
The Gospel of John has not been the same for me since. The entire
New Testament was written to be presented orally simply because
paper was not available for everyone to have copies. As I "listened",
I heard the Gospel in the medium for which it was written. At this
premiere the "Gospel of Love" more than once moved me to tears.
I will attend again and again as long as the opportunity is available.
Rev. Geron Crawford
Pastor - Chamblee First United Methodist Church, Atlanta GA
Your
performance amazed everyone! You brought the life of Jesus before
the congregation in a most unforgettable manner. I feel everyone
at the presentation has a much more enlightened understanding of
the mission, personality and love of Christ. Hopefully, we will
be able to have you return for another performance, as the 800 members
of the audience have raved about you causing the rest of the church
to regret their absence! God bless you, thank you for your talent
and your willingness to share it for His glory.
Randy Mickler
Senior Pastor - Mount Bethel United Methodist Church
Marietta, GA
I cannot tell you how moved we all were by Brad's performance of
John. It hit me in a way I didn't expect and unfolded the language
of the gospel in a fresh, inspiring way. I had never 'heard' the
Gospel of John before, except in sound bites, and it makes all the
difference. Our church was so honored to host this. It is one of
the few events that reaches across all human lines of denomination
and goes to the heart of who we are and what we believe, without
the attending controversy that marks so much religious discussion
these days. It is a 'pure' performance and our church is still buzzing
about it.
Chris Price
Senior Pastor - St. Luke's Presbyterian Church, Atlanta GA
Congratulations on a wonderful performance
at Transfiguration Catholic Church. God bless you for opening the
Word in such a human, delightful, and prayerful way. The people
of the parish were delighted and inspired. What a beautiful gift
you are making to God for the talents he gave you. We are all very
proud of you and your ministry.
Monsignor
Patrick Bishop
Transfiguration Catholic Church - Marietta GA
Just
wanted to let you know how much I and the rest of the people here
at Eagle Pointe loved your performance. I don't think I have ever
witnessed anything like it before. Your mastery of the text and
meaning of John's Gospel was awe-inspiring to all of us. Thank you
for dedicating your life to the Gospel and for sharing it with all
of us in such a powerful way. Brad, I believe God will use you to
proclaim this good news in a big way.
Ernie Faulkenberry
Pastor - Eagle Pointe Church - Acworth GA
A
sensitive and profound presentation of Jesus' message and ministry.
People hear the Good News of Christ with clarity because of Brad's
dramatic excellence. The conflict between Jesus and the religous
leaders and the religous mentality of the day rises quickly to the
surface in a way that enables the listener to embrace the truth
from God in Jesus Christ.
Dr.
Donald C. Martin
Senior Pastor - Covington First United Methodist
Covington, GA
Brad
Sherrill has touched the lives of so many people in our congregation
with his performance of The Gospel of John. Old and Young alike
are talking about the Gospel being alive for them for the first
time. The youth were spellbound. There is not enough good things
to say about the production or about Brad and Scott. The behind
the scenes preparation, the scheduling, the contacts, the setting
up and taking down, the necessary "little things" that have to be
taken care of were a breeze and actually enjoyable. Brad and Scott
were so cooperative and are so committed to Christ, working with
them was a real pleasure. Thanks, guys, my prayers are with you
for a continued exciting and fruitful ministry.
Reverend Royeese Stowe
Associate Pastor - Covington First United Methodist
Covington, GA
An
incredibly moving performance and a spiritually enlightening event!
Thank you for sharing your talent in such a way. Others from our
congregation had the same words of praise.
Don
Esa
Minister of Education - First Presbyterian Church
Marietta, GA
Have
you "Heard the Word"? Imagine the Christian community "buzzing"
with energy! The Word is alive. It ain't a packaged commodity. It's
got to be experienced - felt and tasted - to become real. That heartthrob
is what John reveals. Don't pretend to know the story. Brad's performance
will churn and burn and open you to the dance of the yearning Christ.
John will set free the truth which inspired Martin Luther King,
Gandhi, Dante, and Nhat Hanh. John makes Jesus flesh and blood again.
Savor this!
Rev Steve Harms
Senior Pastor - Peace Lutheran Church, Danville CA
Brad
did a wonderful job in leading us in worship. We were a little apprehensive
about combining the Sunday morning worship services and deleting
Sunday school. We wondered how the congregation would respond to
this non-traditional service. The response was glowing. Weeks later
people are still coming up to me and thanking me for bringing Brad
Sherrill and the Gospel of John to Cedartown. It was a great blessing
to our hearts and souls. Thanks to Brad and Scott for all your work.
Jeff
Ross
Pastor - Cedartown First United Methodist, Cedartown GA
Truly
the Gospel of John found Brad Sherrill - and transformed him. From
"In the beginning was the Word" to "I suppose that
even the whole world would not have room for the books that would
be written (about Jesus)" the Gospel comes alive - every character
on stage. Brad moves freely from stage to audience and communicates
clearly the Message of John. Scott Cowart, stage manager, has prepared
most effectively with the simplest props and lighting and with timely
and appropriate sound effects. Open your hearts and doors for the
experience of the "Gospel of John" with Brad Sherrill
and Scott Cowart.
Ralph E. Wade
Pastor - Jodeco Baptist Church, Atlanta GA
Brad,
your performance overwhelmed all of us. People have been talking
about it all week. We had a lot of friends and visitors here as
well. What an incredible exposure to the faith! The whole story
just makes more sense. Blessings,
Reverend Richard Hill
Associate Pastor - Roswell Presbyterian Church
Roswell, GA
Last
night- November 4, Roswell Presbyterian Church and our Trustee,
Dr. Lane Alderman, the pastor, hosted an amazing play, "The
Gospel of John" as performed by Brad Sherrill and Directed
by Scott Cowart. Over 600 people came to the show. We were spell
bound by this magnificent play and the talent of Brad and Scott
who performed for ROW (Rivers of the World) as a benefit performance.
You MUST see this miracle play. The performance and the sale of
ROW merchandise raised $8000 ... the funds have already been sent
via Western Union to Burundi, Africa. Lets keep charging ahead expecting
miracles!!
Reverend Dr. Ben C. Mathes
President - Rivers of the World, Alpharetta GA
Your
interpretation of the Gospel is powerfully moving. I have had so
many people, both from our church and from other churches, comment
on how meaningful the presentation was to them. Thank you for using
your talent in this way.
Jonathan Spencer
Pastor - Druid Hills Baptist Church, Atlanta GA
The
Gospel of John as presented by Brad Sherrill is a riveting encounter
with the living Word of God. Hearing and seeing the full gospel
in one session allows the message to be received with new freshness
and understanding and great impact. I was amazed at the focus and
attention of the audience. You could have heard a pin drop anytime
during the two hours. Many, many thanks for enriching our souls!
Phill Ellington
Associate Chaplain - Big Canoe Chapel, Big Canoe GA
One
of our church members told me the night of the show that he in preparation
for this event he had been reading the Gospel of John aloud to his
young daughter. What a testimony to the power of this ministry!
While listening to and experiencing the gospel that night, I sat
back and reflected upon the fact that this is the way the stories
of our Lord were intended to be shared: through the care and strength
of the spoken word. Thank you for bringing that tradition to life
for us again.
Reverend
Susan Allen Grady
Mountain View United Methodist Church, Marietta GA
I
am so impressed with the depth that Brad is able to bring to the
words that he speaks. Not only has he committed the entire Gospel
to memory, he has gone much further. He has studied and sat with
what the Fourth Evangelist is trying to do in this beautiful and
challenging book. The story comes alive with subtle music and lighting,
and a dramatic personal presentation of these words.
Scott Hagan
Youth Minister - Fayetteville First United Methodist
Fayetteville GA
We
really appreciated your performance at Haygood Memorial and many
people are still talking about the impact that it had on them. My
own perception of the Gospel of John was enlarged, and my understanding
of the totality of the story came to life because of your oral storytelling.
Your own performance was seemless and inspired! Thank you for sharing
your convictions with us by inviting us into a world we had not
previously experienced.
Ellen
Monk Winstanley
Minister of Education - Haygood Memorial UMC, Atlanta GA
It was
a great pleasure to have Brad Sherrill bring "The Gospel of John"
to Oxford College. Hearing his narration helps one understand why
John is the most compelling of evangelists.
Dana Greene
Dean - Oxford College of Emory University, GA
Through
"The Gospel of John", the congregation of Christ the King and its
visitors truly expereinced the "Living" Word. Those who witnessed
Brad's presentation continue to talk about how the gospel came alive
to them in a new and very refreshing way. Many of our people remarked
that hearing (and seeing) the entire gospel in one evening helped
them to make faith connections which they had not made by reading
the gospel in a piecemeal fashion. Thank you Brad for your faithfulness
to the text and for allowing the Holy Spirit to speak The Word through
you.
Reverend Eric L. Murray
Pastor - Christ the King Lutheran Church
Searing,
subtle and raw! The gospels and all of scripture are to be heard,
and this is an incredibly powerful way to hear, see and witness
the saving power of John. Brad brings his talent to bear, but not
overbear. Don't blink, or you might miss a small gesture that magnifies
the words ten-fold. Brad, I hope that God continues to bless you
and Scott in this journey as you follow His call in your life and
bring the gospel message to many people who would not otherwise
hear or see it!
Reverend Gail Doering
Pastor - Lafayette/Orinda Prebyterian - California
If
you are a Pastor who has seen the show and would like to share
comments please click
here.
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