What in the world is an improv missionary?

Obvious question.

One that we've seen in the subtext of numerous conversations as we began this journey in December 2022.

When explaining, we've seen some excitement, some curiosity, and one declarative, "We serve a creative God, don't we?", which was said in a tone and manner that would have translated this comment into the old southern saying, "Well, bless your heart."

So, what is an Improv Missionary?

Well, Bobbie and I are the first Improv Missionaries, so we, through God's grace and direction, are defining and evolving what that is. (Yes, evolving is a term Christians CAN use!)

We are, in our primary mission, out to use the fundamentals of improv to minister to survivors of sex trafficking. This is a ministry I've done part-time since 2018, serving the amazing Thrivers at Salt and Light Coalition in Chicago.

How does improv help survivors of sex trafficking?

There are several levels to that answer.

First, improv challenges the mind. Often, survivors of incredible trauma survive by shutting off parts of their personality and their mind just to make it through. Improv games and exercises knock on the door of the mind and ask it to come out and play!

Second, improv forces improvement in communication. In order to participate, not only does the mind start coming unlocked, so does the mouth and the voice. And, that-the finding of the voice-starts to make a huge impact in the healing and rebuilding process.

Third, improv develops the ability to understand and read non-verbal communication, both what the person is giving and what they are receiving. They start to understand the non-verbal messages they are giving. That awareness can help them develop and heal much-needed relationships for their new lift post-trauma.

Fourth, science has shown that laughter is healing. It improves so many aspects of life. Blood pressure is lowered. Endorphins are released. Stress levels shrink. Muscles relax. Getting these ladies to laugh like little girls again, or for the first time, at silly improv games knocks down so many barriers to their healing.

That it's okay to trust someone again and separate the painful past from the positive present for a hopeful future.

Fifth, and the at-first unspoken layer, was that I, as a middle-aged, white, bearded, heavy-set man (the stereotypical "John" who would be the source of so many nights of abuse and violation) could come in with the light, joy, and love of Christ, and prove that there are safe men. That there is more than what they've survived. That it's okay to trust someone again and separate the painful past from the positive present for a hopeful future. I, as a man, who fit the description of so many of their abusers, showed them a sliver of hope that, while there are evil people, not all are evil. And it's okay to accept the plutonic love of a man who is there to care and serve.

These is far more to talk about! I'll be sharing more of our journey TO mission candidacy, then more during our candidacy, and more about our ministry. (I hope to convince Bobbie to blog, too! Pray for me on that!)

Thank you for your time, prayers, and interest. Always up to take questions. So, reach out via our contact form on the website, through our Facebook page, or email improvmissionaries@gifts4glory.com.