My experience with Parable has been profound, and much deeper than I anticipated. I have never felt I “fit” with small groups in church settings, even though I’ve been an active participant in church small groups all my life. Indeed, Parable is the first small group where I have sensed I could let my guard down.

I have found that actors are often used to having their boundaries challenged, and are not afraid to hear things from a unique perspective, as well as to offer correction if something is off base. These factors have facilitated discussion times that are so meaningful, and applicable. Our studies of God’s Word are as intense as our discussions about acting technique, if not more so.

Wenda does a great job of creating an environment that is conducive to growth – as Christians and actors/directors/writers. We have an annual retreat where we encourage each other, and participate in visioning/planning improvements for next season. The encouragement isn’t fakey and superficial, but sincere. Since we work together constructively on a regular basis, it feels safe to be vulnerable enough to love each other in practical ways.

Our prayers times have been incredibly real. We bring to the table whatever is tripping us up, or whatever we’re really excited about. We have seen God heal us – emotionally, spiritually, as well as physically. It’s rarely a dramatic, showy sort of thing, and healing usually involves members putting “walk to their talk,” meaning that we may bring food to each other during hard times, visit each other in the hospital, chip in financially if we know of some need. However, this sets the scene for God to continue to work, in supernatural ways, if He chooses to, as He knows we’re going to give Him the credit for stuff we’ve prayed about and asked Him to do. He has worked this way in us, too.

Parable members are also just a lot of fun. Since much of our actor training requires us to do wacky things, our crazy personalities are allowed to show a bit more. It’s comforting to be in an environment where we remember that our Almighty God is the Creator. Therefore, our creativity is a reflection of our Savior, and is a medium that can bear witness to His love for the world, as the earth declares His handiwork. The fact that Jesus was a great storyteller underlines how important He knew it was to convey truth in a way that the average person gets it.