Bench Warmers
by Brian Bowman
Scripture: "And you, my son Solomon, acknowledge the God of your Father, and serve Him with wholehearted devotion and with a willing mind, for the LORD searches every heart and understands every motive behind the thoughts. If you seek Him, He will be found by you; but if you forsake Him, He will reject you forever. 10 Consider now, for the LORD has chosen you to build a temple as a sanctuary. Be strong and do the work." 1 Chronicles 28: 8-10
Theme: Watching or Working. It is really our choice.
Props: Towels, Jerseys over T-shirts, sweat pants or jersey basketball shorts, clipboard (For the coach), a bench or pew.
Three men (or women) walk onto the stage obviously hyped up…
Player 1: Okay, boys, it's time to get ready. The big game is this afternoon.
Player 2: Right, let's get to work. Everyone assume the position.
(They sit together in a row, all looking toward a fictional basketball court.)
Player 3: First, the "yell at the ref" move.
(They jump to their feet and whine for a few seconds at a make-believe referee. Really exaggerate this.)
Player 1: Next, the arm lock.
Player 2: We held hands last time.
Player 1: I really wasn't comfortable with that. (awkward pause)
(They lock arms in painful anticipation of something big, maybe a free throw or similar event. One may put a towel over his head. This goes on for maybe five to 10 seconds; whatever feels right.)
Player 2: Everybody good? Ooh, I've got a new one.
(He kneels and stretches out toward the court, looking forlorn, again like he's waiting for something big. You'd think the fate of the world hangs on whatever he's watching.)
Player 3: Nice one, Bob. Now, let's practice the cheer for the big shot.
(They pause in their chairs, then spring to their feet in triumph. During their cheer, the coach walks up.)
Coach: Alright, Smith, Anderson's hurt. We need you at point guard this afternoon.
Player 3: Coach, I really appreciate that, but I was up late last night and…
Coach: Alright then. Joe, you're in.
Player 2: Thanks, coach, but I have this hangnail that's really hurting and…
Coach: Sit down. (losing patience) Steve, I suppose something's wrong with you?
Player 1: Well, now that you mention it…
Coach: (Really angry ) Come on, guys!! Why are you even on this team, anyway?
(The players look embarrassed, but make no move to volunteer.)
Player 1: (sheepishly, after hesitating) Well, we get into all the games for free.
Player 2: And we get free uniforms.
Player 3: And the cheerleaders love us.
Coach: When I recruited you three from high school, you were the best in your class! Smith, you set the state record for three pointers. Joe, you were almost perfect from the free throw line. Steve, you scored 50 points your final game. But, every time I ask you to do something here, you just make excuses!
Player 1: Well, we were pretty good back home, but the players here are better and…
Player 2: …we like the bench.
Player 3: …Yeah, we're fine here. We have the best seats in the house.
Now, he's really angry. The coach storms off the stage. The players slowly gather their things.
Player 1: Boy, was he mad.
Player 2: No kidding. He was really nice to me when I tried out for the team.
Player 3: Yeah, what's wrong with him? He has five other players on this team. I don't know why he wants us out there.
Player 1: Don't worry. If we just lay low, he won't ask us to do anything else. By the way, I got my receipt from the college. It sure is great to have a scholarship, huh?
They all nod in agreement and exit the stage.
Study Questions
What other scripture reference surfaces from this skit? (Matthew 9: 36-38)
What are some characteristics of a bench warmer?
How can you relate a bench warmer to a church member?
The high school parallel in this skit may remind you of places we give so much more like work or hobbies and interests. Yet, at church, we want to just park it.
If you expected people to come see you about salvation, but you would not dare approach them, would you not also be…a bench warmer?
© 2004 by Brian Bowman
www.freechurchskits.com