Flashback Friday! The Dramas of CedarCreek

Church Community: Lori Tuckerman

Friday, October 3, 2025

If you've been around CedarCreek for any length of time, you know that creativity has always been at the heart of how we share God's story. From powerful music to compelling messages—and yes, unforgettable dramas—our teams have consistently sought ways to bring faith to life.

Over the years, dramas at CedarCreek have taken many forms. Sometimes, they were live performances on stage; other times, they were carefully produced videos filmed in studios, homes, or even local newsrooms. Staff, attendees, local personalities, radio casters—you name it—so many people found themselves stepping into character. And if you're reading this now, don't be surprised if one day you get tapped for a cameo…because the creativity hasn't stopped!

One of these memorable sketches was called Pastor General, featuring an attendee and local news anchor Jerry Anderson. According to one of the former Drama Directors, Casey Wagner, Jerry wasn't just an occasional volunteer—he was a vital part of the drama team, often bringing his unique humor and talent to the mix. In Pastor General, he played the part of a weary pastor overwhelmed by endless requests. The skit reached its comedic climax when a couple asked him to exorcise demons from their cat, causing Jerry to collapse in frustration.

That lighthearted moment flowed seamlessly into a deeper sermon on how every Christian—not just pastors—is equipped for ministry.

Danna Eoff, one of the founding members of CedarCreek and a former drama director, remembers a sketch performed at the very first public service:

"We performed a skit called 'No More Womb,' borrowed from Willow Creek. It was a short, comical sketch about fraternal twins about to be born, debating what they might find 'out there.' At first, they were excited, each wanting to be born first. But soon their excitement turned to fear as they imagined the challenges of the outside world. They started pushing each other forward, insisting the other should go first. Finally, after tumbling around in a frenzy, they both went out together!"

The Toledo Blade once wrote about CedarCreek's approach to creativity, noting how video "life clips" and dramas helped the church avoid the dreaded "B word"—boring. As Pastor Lee Powell explained, the goal was to make messages relatable and engaging for people who had given up on traditional church experiences. High-quality videos and short skits became a signature part of services, breaking down walls and opening hearts to the message of Jesus.

While methods have evolved over the decades, the heart remains the same: to utilize creativity in every form to lead people toward the life-changing adventure with Jesus.

Though at the time of posting this article, I couldn't locate a video clip of Pastor General or No More Womb to share here, check out some other classic drama moments:

Because at CedarCreek, stories—even the funny, dramatic, and unexpected ones—can turn the world upside down.


Make sure to join THIS weekend - October 4/5 to be a part of remembering more moments that made the last 30 years so special and to look forward to what’s next.   

Credits & Sources:

As mentioned in the article, numerous cast members and Drama Team members have been part of CedarCreek's history over the past 30 years. Here is a little detail on just a few of them that are mentioned in this article:

Casey Wagner – a long-time attendee, former drama director, and retired Executive Assistant to both Lee Powell and Ben Snyder
Jerry Anderson - retired local news anchor who made the live dramas (short skits that told a story) fun and impactful with his delivery
Donna Eoff - Retired staff member, launch team pioneer, and wearer of many hats at CedarCreek through the years.

Toledo’s ‘Un-Church’,” The Blade, August 17, 2002. Read the full article The Blade

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