M. Tech. Drama / The issue of retention of membership in many Pentecostal Churches in Nigeria has been a matter of grave concern to both the Church hierarchy and the Christian community. The need to discover new ways of doing Church in order to retain members therefore cannot be over emphasised. Creativity in the way Church services are conducted is therefore essential. The use of theatrical and dramatic embellishments in the teaching of the stories of the Bible is expected to bring about sustainable growth in and, perhaps, enthusiasm for Christian worship. Therefore, it is imperative that enactments which make such messages and moments unforgettable at ecclesiastical gatherings should be explored. Many good intentioned and spiritually gifted pastors tend to lose members to more creative ones. With membership shrinking in some major denominations, many churches closing their doors, and others failing to attract younger members, a wake-up call is needed. The stories of the Bible are believed to have morals and spiritual messages that are easy to understand. Certainly the biblical message is as pertinent today as it was hundreds of years ago. This study seeks to support the assumption that theatre is one of the timely tools that can be used to proclaim the timeless truth of the scriptures. It is assumed that while participants may forget some things said in a verbalised sermon, the same sermon might be remembered if it is presented with the embellishments of scenery, music, dance, lighting, costume, dialogue and other forms bring.

Thesis (D. Miss.)--Western Seminary, Portland, OR, 2004. / Abstract. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 321-335).

Thesis (Ph. D.)--University of Chicago, Department of Germanic Studies, June 2000. / Includes bibliographical references. Also available on the Internet.

Inaug.-Diss.--Leipzig. / "Erscheint zugleich als Heft 40 der ... 'Beiträge zur Kultur und Universalgeschichte.'" Vita. Bibliographical references included in "Anmerkungen" (p. [121]-130).

Thesis (Ph.D.)--McMaster University, 1999. / Includes bibliographical references (p. 238-244). Also available via World Wide Web.