Performance day breakdown:

As a general rule, we like to arrive at the hosting church approximately 2 or 3 hours prior to performance time. Upon our arrival we will set up our props in the performance area. It is helpful if the area is already cleared prior to our arrival, but if not, we are more than willing to help when we arrive.

After setting up, Brad likes to take some time to "warm-up" in the space. During this time it is most helpful if the performance area is mostly empty and free from extraneous noise. We also like to perform a final check with the wireless microphone, as well as go over any last minute details. (A lapel microphone is definitely preferred for this performance as opposed to a Countryman "earset" type of microphone.)

We request that the hosting church make available a room which Brad can use as a "dressing room" before the performance, and during intermission. It's always preferable if the area has a private bathroom or if there could be one close by.

Before every performance we like to have a personal prayer lead by the Pastor and/or associate (for church performances.) We typically conduct this prayer in Brad's dressing area perhaps 15 minutes prior to the show.

About 30 minutes prior to starting the performance, Mark Hickman (the program manager) will begin pre-show music. This music will continue right up to the performance hour, when the Pastor (or event organizer) gives a general welcome.

At about 5 minutes prior to performance time, Brad will be seated with the congregation or audience. He will actually begin the performance from here.

For most performances, a church leader (Pastor, event organizer, etc) will give a brief welcome to visitors just prior to show time. We recommend that the welcome include these things: 1) Act I is Chapters 1-11, followed by a 10-15 minute intermission, followed by Act II which is Chapters 12-21. 2) Directions to closest bathrooms (in case there are visitors) 3) Turning off (or making silent) of any pagers, cell phones, etc. 4) Announcement of collection of offering at intermission (if applicable.) We ask that the person giving the introduction NOT introduce or refer to Brad (who will be seated in the audience). Brad doesn't want the evening to be "about him" but rather "about John's words". After completing the welcome, the Pastor can simply be seated. An introductory song will play and Brad will begin. No personal introduction is necessary.

At intermission Brad will return to his dressing area. If a "love offering" is being accepted, we recommend it be done at this time (before everyone breaks for the intermission). The Pastor can simply stand at the conclusion of Act I, motion for the ushers, give a brief prayer and collect the offering (Mark Hickman will play additional soft music during the collection.) After the offering we then break for the intermission. Mark will reset the performance area for Act II. It is always helpful to have ushers present at the end of the intermission to help gather people back in the performance area.

Once everyone has returned and is settled Act II will begin. At the end of the performance, Brad will once again be seated with the audience. Typically he will stand a take a brief bow if there is applause. After this, we welcome the Pastor (or event organizer) to again come forward, give some brief closing statements (possibly a prayer) and release the congregation.

Once everyone has exited the space, we will clean up, pack our props once again and move them out of the building. This process may take 25 minutes. If the venue has a vacuum cleaner handy and one volunteer, there is some brief vacuuming to be done around the stage area which would be helpful.