We Are The Clay Puppet Ministry at Steadfast Baptist Church — a bold, creative collective where worship and artistry meet to shape hearts for Christ. More than puppets and performances, We Are The Clay is a ministry of transformation: individuals of every age gathering to use extraordinary, imaginative arts — puppetry, movement, drama, and music — to point people to the Gospel. Here, praise isn’t confined to words alone; it takes form, voice, and motion.

What this ministry is all about

• Purpose: We exist to glorify God by telling compelling, Christ-centered stories through visual and performative arts. Every sketch, every song, every puppet interaction is crafted to spark curiosity, communicate truth, and open doors for spiritual conversations.

• Mission: To equip and disciple creative people — young and old — in the disciplines of puppetry and allied arts so they can serve the church, reach the city, and honor the Lord with excellence and heartfelt devotion.

• Community: This is a safe, spirited environment for artists, technicians, storytellers, and anyone with a creative spark. We value mentorship, mutual encouragement, and teamwork. Creativity grows best in community.

What puppeteering here really looks like

• Creative conception: It all begins with an idea. A story concept is developed to fit a Gospel message — whether it’s a parable brought to life, a contemporary vignette demonstrating God’s love, or a sermon illustration given motion. Storyboarding, scriptwriting, and message alignment are essential first steps.

• Puppet design and construction: Puppets can be simple hand-puppets or elaborate rod-and-shadow creations. We choose materials, design characters to reflect personality and purpose, and build durable pieces that communicate emotion and theme. Attention to detail — fabric, color, facial expressions, and mechanics — brings characters to life.

• Voice and character work: Puppetry requires vocal discipline. Actors study tone, pacing, and dialects, and develop distinct voices for characters while keeping clarity of message paramount. Voice rehearsal includes projection, articulation, and dynamic range so the audience hears both the humor and the heart.

• Movement and synchronization: Given the puppet’s limited form, every movement is intentional. Puppeteers train in body mechanics, hand control, and timing. When puppets “dance,” “pray,” or “lament,” the operator’s physical presence is fully present — grounded, expressive, and precise.

• Acting and emotional truth: A puppet’s emotional impact depends on the performer’s commitment to truth. Puppeteers learn basic acting techniques — objective, obstacle, action — to convey believable responses that draw empathy and reflection.

• Lighting, sound, and staging: Effective ministry requires technical excellence. Proper lighting shapes focus and mood; sound design—music beds, SFX, mic technique—ensures the message reaches every ear. Stage blocking and transitions are rehearsed until smooth.

• Music and choreography integration: When a sketch includes song or movement, choreography is adapted so puppets and puppeteers move cohesively. Musicians and dancers collaborate closely with the puppet team to preserve both artistic vision and spiritual clarity.

• Rehearsal discipline: Regular practice is non-negotiable. Puppeteers attend rehearsals to refine timing, troubleshoot props, polish cues, and build team chemistry. Consistency in attendance shows respect for the audience and for fellow ministers.

• Spiritual formation: Beyond skill-building, participants engage in prayer, Scripture study, and mentorship. We’re forming not only performers but disciples who steward gifts for Kingdom impact.

What dedication looks like here

• Show up prepared: Read scripts, practice lines, and come ready to work. Preparation honors the message and the audience.

• Be present: Presence is physical and spiritual. During rehearsals and performances, focus matters. Distractions dilute the witness.

• Learn and receive correction: Puppetry demands humility. Constructive feedback is part of growth; mentors invest time to elevate your craft.

• Serve beyond the spotlight: Teams include builders, stitchers, technicians, writers, movers — you don’t have to perform to contribute meaningfully.

• Commit to the team: Reliability builds trust. When you commit to a role, the whole ministry counts on you.

Who can join

• All ages and skill levels. We cultivate beginners who bring curiosity and veterans who bring craft.

• Visual artists, actors, singers, musicians, dancers, writers, technicians — if you love bringing ideas to life, there’s a place for you.

• Creative leaders and volunteers who want to shepherd young artists and help translate vision into ministry.

What you’ll gain

• Practical skills in puppetry, production, and collaborative arts.

• Deeper spiritual formation as you use creative gifts for Kingdom purposes.

• Lifelong friendships and an opportunity to impact Detroit through imaginative outreach.

• The joy of seeing a creative idea become a living witness that points people to Christ.