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