This February, the Covenant College Theatre Department presents “The Gospel of Mark,” performed by Drew Archer.

The earliest of the five gospels and the presumed source material for Matthew and Luke, the book of Mark was addressed to Gentile converts. It relates everything from the beginning of Christ’s ministry--calling of the twelve disciples, performing of healings and miracles, foretelling of the tribulation, being brought before Pilate and crucified, and concluding with His resurrection and ascension. 
 

Mr. Archer grew up in Warner Robins, Ga., where his love of acting in high school would lead him to obtain a BFA in theatre performance. While having felt a call to ministry from as early as 2005, Mr. Archer decided to attend seminary in 2012. Having seen Mark performed by Max McLean at Redeemer Church in New York, Mr. Archer took one month to memorize the book and another to polish off his performance. Originally performing and collecting love offerings at churches and organizations to pay for seminary, Mr. Archer said the Lord inspired him to continue improving his presentations and his work has grown to include Luke, Galatians and Romans. Mr. Archer references Paul’s intent that Romans be heard at one time, and explains that context may be lost if modern readers focus too heavily on specific verses or passages. Mr. Archer’s goal is not for his audience to simply enjoy watching him perform. Rather, he says, “If they understand a little bit more of God’s love for them in Christ, of what Jesus has done for them, then I think that’s a success.” 
 
Using theatrical transitions to help with narrational transitions, Mr. Archer keeps a minimalist stage for Mark. He says the book is arranged in a thematic order that becomes clearer when presented as a whole, as the stories are connected in completely unexpected ways. “I want the focus to be not on me, but on the Word,” he said. 

The performance will last for one hour and 25 minutes, and will be performed in Sanderson Hall Auditorium at Covenant College, 14049 Scenic Highway, Lookout Mountain, this Friday at 8 p.m. and Saturday at 2:30 p.m. 

Tickets are free of charge, with a recommended $5 donation at the door. Reserve tickets by visiting covenant.edu/theatre or contacting the box office at 706-419-1051 or boxoffice@covenant.edu.