Confession of Justus

A Tale of the Christ

Presented by

Soul of the Warrior Drama Ministries

Ever seen a church taken over by a legion of Roman Soldiers?

Imagine for a moment that you are leading a congregation in worship, 2000 years ago, shortly after the death of Christ.  Your activities are hidden, the persecutions have begun, and you and your members live in constant fear of discovery of your faith.  Suddenly at the midpoint in your sermon, a Century of Imperial Roman Soldiers bursts through the back door.  As the Centurion commands his men in Latin, they bar the doors, and demand to take over the service.  You and your people are afraid; having no choice you surrender your service to the Legion.  Slowly the Centurion speaks:

I am Justus Rustius Longinus, First Centurion of the Italican Cohort of the Sixth Legion of Rome.  For the past year I have been privileged to serve as the commander of the private guard of Gaius Pontius Pilatus, prefect over Judea.  I stand before you today a man once condemned by God, for you see, it was I.  I am a soldier of Rome. I did my duty.  I killed the son of God

Thus begins the mini drama Confession of Justus, an original drama by Soul of the Warrior ministry outreach from members of Legio VI, a Christian Re-Enactor Group of Roman Imperial Soldiers.  Founded in 2001, Legio VI was created when several young men, drafted for a new church drama, became fascinated by the Centurion and soldiers who were at the cross.  Two years and tons of research later, outfitted with authentically recreated Roman Imperial legionary equipment (and a great deal of Prayer), Soul of the Warrior Drama Ministries was formed.  

What do they do?  Generally, they march into a church in the midst of that churches pastor preaching a sermon on "What would you have done, if you had been at the Cross?"  "Taking" over the church in true Roman Style, with 4-16 fully armed and armored Roman Legionaries; the Centurion demands the right to address the assembly and proceeds to tell them the story of the death of Christ, from his perspective.  The story of a simple soldier, doing his duty. 

As Centurion Justus tells the story, the soldiers present the elements of the Crucifixion, the scourge, the titulus, the water bowl of Pilate, the robe, nails, hammer, crown of thorns, and the spear, all authentically recreated.  As they conclude the story, Justus explains the effect Christ has had on his life, and the life of his men.  He challenges the crowd to pray with him as he and the soldiers kneel in prayer, and the pastor takes over in praying.  During the prayer the soldiers quietly leave, allowing the pastor time to have an altar call, prayer time, or worship period, without the soldiers or their performance distracting the Spirit.  This unique exit allows the focus to be on Christ, not the gifts he provided the ministers.  This service works particularly well when no one knows they are coming but those who must, as it makes it easier to create a sense of wonder and awe, and take the people back 2000 years.

Confession of Justus is a particularly poignant altar call for men.  They identify with the Centurions confusion, his reaction, his sense of duty, honor and country, and many are touched, but this unique re-telling of the story of the Crucifixion will fascinate everyone.  The goal of Soul of the Warrior Drama Ministries is not only to bring new souls into the kingdom, but also to remind current Christians of the sacrifice of Jesus and its effect on all people throughout time. 

With strict attention to the smallest detail, the costumes and equipment of the legionaries is painstakingly reconstructed, often by hand.  The Legion camps, drills, and rehearses monthly, and is fully versed in the Latin commands used by the armies of Imperial Rome.  They play together, worship together, and minister together, and develop true camaraderie.  They are always looking for interested persons who are willing to learn and become Roman Ministers!  Having fun in Christ, the motto of the group is We are Privileged to Serve the King.

Confession of Justus was written by the members of Soul of the Warrior, and is a totally original look at the Crucifixion, in a way that will wake up even the sleepiest parishioner.  They grab the audience from the door to the podium, and transport them back 2000 years to a time when being a Christian was to risk ones life.  In what may be a first for the drama ministry, they ask that no advertising or credits be provided, to allow maximum surprise and emotional impact. 

The troops are currently booking performances of the ministry drama.  To contact them for a date or for more information, call (843) 437-5587, email JustusLonginus@aol.com or write to SOTW, 104 Hunters Wood Drive, Summerville, SC 29485.  Dates are limited, so call early.

Why are they called Soul of the Warrior?  Because Jesus had the Soul of a Warrior!!