<![CDATA[The Great Passion Play - Blog]]>Tue, 06 Oct 2026 18:28:19 -0500Weebly<![CDATA[The Intangible Impact of The Great Passion Play]]>Tue, 06 Oct 2026 18:30:17 GMThttps://www.greatpassionplay.org/blog/the-intangible-impact-of-the-great-passion-playAs we review feedback from guests who attend The Great Passion Play, some of the most meaningful responses go far beyond whether someone enjoyed the production. They give us a glimpse into what is happening in people's hearts as they experience the story of Christ.
One of the most powerful came from a September 2026 guest:
“This play was amazing I have absolutely nothing negative to say about the experience. My husband has battled with anger and many questions. He lost his son to a car wreak and has been very angry with God since. I was so happy when he agreed to go with me to this play and was worried what feeling, emotions it would bring up when we were there. It was wonderful!!! After the play we walked out in tears, we talked, we cried, and he said he would like to start going to church again and talk with the preacher some. I am ecstatic and just in awe at what God can do!! Thank you, guys, so much for spreading Gods word in a World that desperately needs to hear it. God is great and we will be back. God bless you all.”

Other guests have shared similar moments of reflection and spiritual impact.
A July 2025 guest wrote:
“words can not describe what I loved about it because it was truly heartfelt. Sitting outside in the open under the skies created such a spiritual experience. Visualizing the experience of Jesus's ministry, crucifixion and ultimately being raised from the tomb reminded me of how much I am loved by God. I live in Texas but if I lived close by, I would definitely be part of this ministry as HIS Love is explained to the lost. Great experience for me!”

Another guest described the impact the Play had on their family:
“We loved it!!!!!! My 20 year old said at first he wondered why I way taking them 3 hours out of our way... but he said it was so worth it. All of my kids sat and watched, listening of what they already knew Jesus did for them, but watching it play out was sobering.”

In September 2025, one guest identified a single moment during the crucifixion sequence:
“When the character Jesus, turned to the crowd, before he was crucified, I felt the Holy Spirit in my heart. It was wonderful!”

The impact extends beyond the main production as well. One guest shared this about Parables of the Potter:
“The whole production is phenomenal, but me personally I was touched by the parables of the potter more than anything else. I literally shed tears listening to the potter. What a testimony he gives during this presentation. I’ll never see pottery the same but in a good way.”

Another family wrote:
“The art museum was incredible! The pre-shows were great, but the Potter brought tears to our eyes, as we are battling some things and his teachings about the heart truly brought tears to our eyes”

Even the museums and other experiences on the grounds are creating these moments. A guest visiting the Bible Museum wrote:
“The Bible Museum was emotional for me. Being in the presence of so much history of the Word of God brought tears to my eyes!”

And after experiencing our Virtual Tour of the Holy Land, another guest said:
“The first time I did it, I cried seeing those sites in what felt like real life. To see where Jesus stood or where he would have been. Amazing!”

These stories are why we continue investing so much into the way the Gospel is presented here. Again and again, guests tell us that they may already know the story, but seeing it portrayed makes it real in a different way.

Sometimes that results in tears. Sometimes it creates a conversation within a family. Sometimes it strengthens an existing faith. And occasionally, as with the September guest who had lost his son, it opens a door that had been closed for years.

Those are the outcomes that are difficult to measure on a financial statement or attendance report, but they are ultimately the reason this ministry exists.]]><![CDATA[Video Report from Summer of Missions!]]>Mon, 28 Sep 2026 16:00:00 GMThttps://www.greatpassionplay.org/blog/video-report-from-summer-of-missions
]]><![CDATA[Youth Formation Through Service]]>Mon, 28 Sep 2026 15:07:24 GMThttps://www.greatpassionplay.org/blog/youth-formation-through-service
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There is something powerful about seeing what can happen when young people are given the opportunity to serve, grow, and become part of something bigger than themselves.

In 2018, Shelby came to The Great Passion Play with Greenbrier First Methodist on her first mission trip with us. Over the years, that relationship continued to grow. Shelby later helped lead our mission program in 2024 and 2025, pouring into other young people who came here to serve.

This past weekend, September 26, 2026, the story came full circle as their young adult group returned to serve at the Passion Play.

This is what youth formation through service can look like.

Mission trips are about accomplishing projects, but their impact goes far beyond the work that gets done. Young people serve alongside one another, participate in the Play, experience the Gospel in a new way, discover gifts they can use for God, and build relationships that can last for years.

This is some of what the Greenbrier group shared about our mission trip program's impact!
“Participating in the Great Passion Play had the greatest impact on my faith. I loved being able to be immersed in the story of Jesus.”

Keely reflected (she brought her husband, Daniel as well!):
“Every time I have come to the Passion Play I am deeply moved. Being in the play gives me a deeper understanding of what Jesus went through, and a reminder of all that He did for us. Since I am a worship leader, it brings deeper meaning to the songs I sing. It encourages me to keep using my gifts for Him.”

And sometimes the impact is found simply in serving:

“Seeing how much our hard work meant to others, and the joy it brought them.”

For years, mission groups like this one have had an incredible impact on The Great Passion Play. But just as importantly, we have been blessed to watch the experience make an impact on their lives as well.

We are grateful for every student, young adult, leader, and church that has chosen to serve alongside us. The projects they complete may eventually fade, but the relationships, memories, spiritual growth, and lives changed through service can continue for generations.

Thank you, Shelby, Greenbrier First Methodist, and everyone who has been part of this journey. We are grateful you keep coming back. And, we were so blessed to worship with you at a local church to finish up the weekend!
]]><![CDATA[Emilia Hernandez - East Asia Internship]]>Fri, 18 Sep 2026 17:59:33 GMThttps://www.greatpassionplay.org/blog/emilia-hernandez-east-asia-internship
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"The Great Passion Play really let me experience what Jesus’s Ministry and teaching would’ve looked like. Journeying through different characters displayed the true forgiveness and grace Jesus gave to all. There’s a much larger emotional impact to actually seeing the suffering of Jesus and what it would’ve been like for Him: seeing how much pain Ang anguish He was willing to go through to offer salvation to all. I’d recommend anyone to both see and participate in the play to experience the Gospel message." 
 Emilia Hernandez (pictured left) - Intern 2025 & 2026
Emilia is headed to East Asia on a Ministry Internship, and we hope that you'll help support her!
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]]><![CDATA[2026 Intern Class Video]]>Fri, 18 Sep 2026 16:03:53 GMThttps://www.greatpassionplay.org/blog/2026-intern-class-video
Click here to apply for the 2027 intern program
]]><![CDATA[Katherine-Intern]]>Mon, 03 Aug 2026 14:23:57 GMThttps://www.greatpassionplay.org/blog/katherine-intern
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Meet Our Great Passion Play Intern of the week!
Katherine Ladner, one of our interns serving at the Great Passion Play this season!
Hometown:
Purvis,Ms
Future Goals:
I want to be an actor. My dream job is a contract performing with a cruise line. I mostly want to perform and go see the world.
Why did She choose the Great Passion Play?
I saw the play a few years ago and I learned about the internship. I was here last year too.
Skills she hopes to develop
I want to experience new friendships and spiritual growth.
Favorite Bible Verse:
Luke 12:32
Major Spiritual Influence:
My dad and my grandfather. They are both ministers and they have been incredible spiritual leaders in their churches and in our family. They are both strong men who also exemplify the love and gentleness of Christ.
Dream Travel Destination:
London or Rome
If she could have dinner with any biblical figure besides Jesus:
Joseph (Genesis)


Please pray Katherine for his week!
]]><![CDATA[Belle- Intern]]>Mon, 27 Jul 2026 16:08:21 GMThttps://www.greatpassionplay.org/blog/belle-intern
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Meet Our Great Passion Play Intern of the week!
Belle Ray Glenn, one of our interns serving at the Great Passion Play this season!
Hometown: Mccarley, Ms
Future Goals: Licensed Practical Nurse with a minor in psychology
Why did She choose the Great Passion Play?
To grow closer to christ and to learn how to navigate through life
Skills she hopes to develop
Work more in cosmetic construction
Favorite Bible Verse:
Matthew 10:8
Major Spiritual Influence:
My grandma has been a major spiritual influence. She taught me to always cling to God through all good and bad.
Dream Travel Destination:
Maldives
If she could have dinner with any biblical figure besides Jesus:
Judas


Please pray for Belle this week!
]]><![CDATA[More Than a Play: Experience it All]]>Thu, 23 Jul 2026 20:21:20 GMThttps://www.greatpassionplay.org/blog/more-than-a-play-experience-it-all
More Than a Play. It's a Place to Experience the Bible. When people think of The Great Passion Play, they often think of our breathtaking outdoor production depicting the final week of Jesus' life—and for good reason. But did you know that's just the beginning?
Spend a full day—or even an entire weekend—discovering one of America's most unique Christian destinations in the beautiful Ozark Mountains of Eureka Springs, Arkansas.

✨ During your visit, you can experience: • The Great Passion Play in our 4,000-seat outdoor amphitheater • The majestic 67-foot Christ of the Ozarks statue • An immersive Holy Land Tour • The full-scale Moses Tabernacle in the Wilderness • The Bible Museum featuring hundreds of rare biblical artifacts • The Living Art Museum • A preserved section of the Berlin Wall with inspiring stories of faith and freedom • Church in the Grove • Scenic mountain biking and hiking trails through our beautiful mountain property • Noah's Ark Park Petting Zoo, fun for the whole family • Seasonal special events, concerts, and family activities • Shopping and dining opportunities on our grounds Whether you're planning a family vacation, church trip, mission trip, or simply looking for a place to grow in your faith, there's something here for every generation. Watch this video to see everything waiting for you—and start planning your visit today.

📍 Eureka Springs, Arkansas 🎟️ Plan your trip at GreatPassionPlay.org

​Tag someone you'd love to experience The Great Passion Play with, and share this video to help others discover one of America's most inspiring Christian destinations.
]]><![CDATA[Eli-Intern]]>Tue, 21 Jul 2026 16:24:44 GMThttps://www.greatpassionplay.org/blog/eli-intern
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​Meet Our Great Passion Play Intern of the week!
We're excited to introduce Eli Russum, one of our interns serving at the Great Passion Play this season!


Hometown: Bryant,Ar


Future Goals:
Pursue military, major in mechanical engineering and possibly a pilot. I also plan to do overseas missions.
Why did he choose the Great Passion Play?
Mainly to gain my knowledge in matinence and construction but also to grow my faith in Jesus Christ.
What is he most excited about during his internship?
To meet all of the amazing people who come and go through the play and work on projects, assignment, auditions and etc.
Skills he hopes to develop:
Intermediate and advanced construction skills. Strengthen my relationship to the Lord and follow in his footsteps.
Favorite Bible Verse:
Jeremiah 33:3
Major Spiritual Influence:
My mother who has always looked out for me and has been there beside me in my darkest times to help me in my journey to the Lord.
Dream Travel Destination:
Cape Town,South Africa or Rio de Janeiro
If he could have dinner with any biblical figure besides Jesus:
Elijah the Prophet


Please pray for Eli this week!
]]><![CDATA[Jaden-Intern]]>Fri, 10 Jul 2026 16:17:14 GMThttps://www.greatpassionplay.org/blog/jaden-intern
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