EF 3203 Puppet Ministry; Micki Schneider: The Creator of Shepherd's Hands Puppet Ministry

Abstract

This essay by Dustin Yahnke explores the origins and impact of Shepherd’s Hands, a puppet ministry founded by Micki Schneider at Atonement Lutheran Church in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Schneider, a layperson and former student at Dr. Martin Luther College, began the ministry in 1996 to help youth grow in faith and evangelism. Through Christian-themed puppetry, teens gain confidence in expressing their beliefs, transitioning from shy performers to vocal witnesses of Christ. The ministry incorporates Bible study and prayer, fostering spiritual growth alongside performance skills. Despite challenges such as sourcing puppets and doctrinally sound scripts, Shepherd’s Hands has served in worship, Vacation Bible School, and outreach programs nationwide. While some critique puppetry as entertainment, Schneider emphasizes its sensory engagement and gospel-centered purpose. The essay concludes by affirming the ministry’s value in nurturing young Christians and spreading the gospel. —Abstract created by Microsoft Copilot (GPT-4)