Clown Ministry

In 1968, Floyd Shaffer, a minister, decided he wanted to promote the ideas of joy, servanthood, and unconditional love throughout the life of his church. His tool would become known as clown ministry.

The clown minister does not give away prizes, do silly tricks, or tell bad jokes that would cause a person to feel embarrassed. One of the major themes of clown ministry is servanthood; the giving of self. The clown minister falls down so the person he is addressing will be lifted up. In clowning, you give away your power in words and actions to become a “fool for Christ’s sake” (1 Corinthians 4:10).

In a hospital, nursing home, or homebound visit, a patient does not need to try and figure out what a mime is trying to act-out, or hear silly conversation. The patient needs to know that someone has entered their room that does not want any blood, will not give any shots, but will listen to the patient’s stories. Instead of a shot, the clown will perhaps give the person a tickle (a brightly colored feather or an apple balloon), hold a hand and always convey that God is love.

I have been a clown minister for several years, and have witnessed the power of this ministry. I have entered quiet rooms with sobbing patients and left hearing laughter. That is not because of any performance on my part, but because I am simply the tool that shares God’s message of love. In fact there is no performance. I knock on the patient’s door and ask if I can enter. If I can, then I warn them that I might look a little strange (I have a purple boa wig, white face, a small red nose, clown clothes and suspenders). I then slowly enter and talk to the patient for as long as they wish me to stay. Visiting family members or friends usually appreciate my visit as well.

If you have any questions about this ministry, please feel free to contact me through Pulaski Heights United Methodist Church.

Popcorn (Barbara Harper)

To share the excitement of your story, submit a one-page, double-spaced article to Scharmel at sroussel@phumc.com or drop it by the church.