‘The Deliverer’: Madison Campus Church puts on Christmas musical with more than 120 volunteers

On Dec. 11, 2021, Madison Campus Church, TN, presented a Christmas production titled “The Deliverer.” The musical, which had been in the works for over 2 years, showcased the story of the Great Controversy and was made possible with the help of more than 120 volunteers.

The show follows a mother in her death bed who tells her daughter the story of Satan’s rebellion, man’s fall to sin and God’s plan for redemption.

 “We are not just celebrating the birth of Christ, but the whole plan of salvation” said Amanda Kelly, stage master.

More than 400 people came to watch the show, which was performed twice that morning. In between, Madison Campus Church also hosted its annual Christmas Brunch.   

“The Deliver,” was first written as a youth camp play and tweaked for the church play by former Madison Campus Senior Pastor Ken Wetmore. The music was composed by current worship pastor Daniel Bondaczuk. The musical was originally scheduled for Easter of 2020, but it was cancelled after in-person services where closed due to COVID-19.

“The world shut down, and we did not get the chance to do [the show],” Bondaczuk said. “After the church reopened, and the choir and orchestra resumed activities in August [of 2021], we saw this window of opportunity to finally do the play on Christmas.”

Bondaczuk described the show as a 360° immersive experience with the action happening on stage and the music coming from the church balconies. In total, more than 120 volunteers helped make the musical possible – including an estimate of 40 people involved in the drama, 40 in the choir, 40 in the orchestra and 15 more in the technical team.  

“I think the most rewarding part was seeing how many people volunteered,” Aaron Mays said. Mays has been the Christmas drama director at Madison Campus Church since 1999. “Seeing [volunteers] get excited about the process… and [telling] the of story Jesus, that’s a blessing.”

To see a recording of the event visit @madisoncampuschurch on Facebook. To listen to the shows’ soundtrack search “The Deliver” on your preferred streaming platform. “The Deliverer,” is available for CD purchase at the Madison Campus Church office. All revenue from this project goes to Madison Campus Music Ministry.