No question that fire plays a big role in some of the passionate stories of faith in Scripture.
And it burns big in science teacher-turned-children’s minister Josh Denhart’s Amazing Chemistry Show. Doubting Thomases can see for themselves when the one-hour, 32-foot stage production and more graces First Christian Church on Sunday at 531 Fifth St. in downtown Columbus.
Denhart uses flames, mini-explosions and more, all set to music, to highlight a Christian message as warm as a Bunsen burner. Plus, audience participation and humor are a considerable part of his free presentation.
Sue Crenshaw, First Christian’s children’s minister, first saw Denhart at a ministry conference in Nashville, Tennessee, a couple years ago.
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“I thought he was phenomenal and very personable,” Crenshaw said. “He was super fun and so easy to talk to.
“And he makes sure that the Gospel is the primary reason for his show, using science to enhance it.”
The show itself will be at 4 p.m. But from 2 to 3:45 p.m., the church’s youth center across Fourth Street will host The Family Experience, where those of all ages will have 150 hands-on exhibits to enjoy. Those exhibits will include rockets, catapults, something called magnet mania and more.
After serving as a children’s pastor for more than a decade, the Iowa-based Denhart transitioned all his vocational energies toward what he titles KidMin Science. He is a seasoned educator with bachelor’s degree in chemistry education, a master’s in effective instruction, and he earned National Board Certification in young adult and adolescent science.
Basically, Denhart melded his love for science and Christ into one mission — reaching others with God’s love.
Crenshaw acknowledged that his appeal reaches well beyond the pint-sized set.
“I’m still a kid at heart,” she said. “I looked at what he did and said, ‘Wow.’”
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What: Josh Denhart’s Amazing Chemistry Show
When: 4 p.m. Sunday.
Where: First Christian Church, 531 Fifth St. in Columbus.
Admission: Free.
Also: From 2 to 3:45 p.m. Sunday, the church’s youth center across Fourth Street will host The Family Experience, where those of all ages will have 150 hands-on exhibits to enjoy.
Information: fccoc.org
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