Peggy Townes

Peggy Townes is co-director of Narrow-Way Kids Productions which is a ministry of Briarwood Presbyterian Church. She is a 1987 graduate of Samford Theatre, daughter of Dr. Frank M. Barker, Jr. (Pastor Emeritus of Briarwood Presbyterian and founder of the PCA denomination), and husband of Dr. Tim Townes (research biologist at UAB medical).

1. Peggy, tell us a little about your ministry?
Narrow-Way has just celebrated our 11th year, and though the number of kids involved in the program on a yearly basis has increased from about 30 to 140, our objectives have remained constant. It is our goal to train students (grades 3-12) in the dramatic arts while discipling them in their personal walks of faith. We also use music, drama, and dance to teach kids about God, His creation, and His Word.

2. How are the arts used in your ministry?
Because Briarwood Church offers excellent training in ballet and music, in many ways, I just have the privilege of showcasing these talents in wonderfully fun productions! Some of our productions involve children performing, and some of our productions involve adults performing for children. Either way – we always incorporate as much music, dancing, and visual arts as possible. Everything from classical to hip hop is explored – but we always emphasize that our bodies, our voices, and our talents are gifts of our Creator, and we want to use them in ways that honor Him.

3. Have you encountered any barriers or challenges?
Strangely, and sadly, directing a Christian drama program can be discouraging. Finding a balance between music and movement that appeals to today’s teenagers and yet is still appropriate is quite challenging. Often we see God do life-changing miracles in our non-Christian participants, only to find that we have offended a Christian parent by the use of a certain song or a particular dance move or costume. You have to approach each production prayerfully and be open to criticism, but you cannot be controlled by it.

4. Tell us about your influences while at Samford?
Like many others, I had the privilege of being trained (discipled, you might say) by Mr. Harold Hunt. Mr. Hunt and his amazing staff (including Barbara Sloan and Eric Olson) taught us to pursue excellence in every area of a production. He also taught me that there was no actual division between “secular” and “sacred” for a Christian dramatist. When my heart is captured by the amazing love of Jesus, all that I create - whether it is a work of art, a prayer, or a hiphop dance – is uniquely and deeply sacred, for He is creating through me. It is an act of worship to the God of the Universe and the Lover of my soul... what an awesome privilege and daunting responsibility! (Btw, I still call Mr. Hunt for advice on a regular basis – I’m glad he doesn’t charge a consulting fee... I’d be broke!)

5. What advice would you offer current School of the Arts Students?
The world of arts and entertainment shapes our culture much more than any church or preacher; and for the most part, the effects today are detrimental, even devastating to our society. Music, dance, drama, and the visual arts, however, were given to us by our Creative God who delights in these gifts. Let’s strive together to reclaim the arts for HIS glory!