I am not even sure if anyone reading this will know what a “human video” is, but if you do please “raise your hand” in the comments!
In short, a “human video” is a drama that involves music and lip-syncing. Seriously, I am not even trying to be sarcastic. It was a big deal in the 90’s. They are done by one person or in groups, depending on your flavor.
This particular one won the highest award at National Fine Arts Festival for the Assemblies of God in 2006. I was able to see it in person and I will be honest, I had chills:
I think it is a an example of a “human video” done with excellence, but, is this churchy art form dead?
Did you even know what it was?
Dewaine Cooper says
No way! It’s not dead. We do it at our church from time-to-time, as well as, attend an annual talent competition for the International Pentecostal Holiness Church.
Blane Young says
Thanks for the feedback.
I was really trying to get a consensus and not just assume.
I think that if something works for an individual church (despite the fact it may not be working anymore at other churches) – keep doing it.
Milk that cow until it is almost dry and then get a better one!
Rich says
Its still alive and powerful in other countries. Friends/missionaries in Peru use it with great success in outreach applications.
Blane Young says
Good call…
Thanks for dropping a line!
I think that Puppet Ministry/Mime is the same way but I could be wrong.
tcg says
Definitely not dead. My view may be biased though, because I’ve *personally* really only seen them at Assembly of God Churches, and at the regional and national Fine Arts Festival you mentioned.
Anyone else?
Blane Young says
Maybe it has become more of an A/G thing?
Andrew says
I wouldn’t say dead, but I would say they cater to a very particular crowd and aren’t necessarily a collective crowd-pleaser, but they can be powerful sometimes I guess…
Blane Young says
Interesting assessment.
I guess I have only seen them in churches that loved them or at competitions/talent shows/gift development programs.
I wonder how someone un-churched in their 20s would respond…
Leah says
not dead! however i was born and raised AG… they are still rockin the finearts festival!
Blane Young says
As long as Fine Arts continues to make it about equipping students for ministry and outreach (and churches are wary of the “talent show” mentality), I am cool wit’ it.
Jimmy King says
I’ve done a couple of human videos, but I’d never heard of it before I was in one for the first time in 2008. I’ve never really heard of them outside the group I did them with though.
Blane Young says
This comment makes me think that human videos would be misunderstood and confusing to the un-churched unless heavily explained (which would be lame).
Jimmy King says
It took a significant amount of explaining for me to really get it. I still think the term “human video” is weird, and isn’t very true to what it is.
Chris Loach says
Sadly AG still loves the human video.
Blane Young says
I am not sure if it is sad but yes, the A/G is still in love with them for sure.
I guess if it works in your community, then go for it. If not, kill it on an alter!
Mark Robinson says
wow -that’s epic!
Blane Young says
Due to the response in the comments, I am not sure if you are being sarcastic.
Regardless, thanks for dropping in!
Morehart says
I remember going to conferences in High School and they always had something like that. Seemed it was either a traveling group or a local youth group putting something on. I feel that it has just been put on the back burner for a bit. Something that most churches/organizations stop doing because they implemented it too much. Our church does a boat load of interpretive dance, including the christmas production that is put on every year. I have a feeling that in due time that will surely pass.
Blane Young says
That’s a great thought.
Sometimes, if we get on a certain idea or model – we can over do it.
“Variety is the spice of life”
Chelsea says
Its still alive and kickin’ here in the south. =)
I actually just saw one this past Sunday…
Blane Young says
Cool!
I am also in the South.
How did people receive it?
If it works, rock it!