No, I’m not starting a “clown ministry.”
No, I’m not planning to preach in oversized shoes and a wig.
And no, I haven’t run away to join the circus (yet).
But yes—I’ve chosen to go to Mooseburger Clown Camp this August in Minnesota.
Why?
Because I believe clowning is one of the most honest, vulnerable, and human art forms we have. It’s not just about trying to be funny or putting on a show—it’s about practicing being truly present. It’s about learning how to fail, how to laugh at yourself, how to connect with other people without pretense. It’s about saying yes to absurdity in a world that’s way too invested in looking all put-together.
I’m not going to camp to sneak Jesus into kid's birthday parties or to slap a Bible verse on balloon animals (and not just because I strongly dislike balloons). I’m going because I believe play is sacred. I believe silliness can be a form of resistance. I believe joy is serious business.
Clowning asks of its practitioners and its audiences alike something that's rare and powerful: Show up as you are. Risk being ridiculous. Stay with the moment, even when it surprises you. That’s not just a performance skill—that’s a life skill. And if I’m honest, it’s something I need more of.
I want to learn from people who’ve given themselves to the craft. I want to train in the discipline of humor, timing, movement, silence, mischief, and heart. I want to practice taking myself less seriously—and learn to take spreading joy more seriously instead.
Because when it's all said and done, I’m not going to clown camp to become someone else.
I’m going to become more myself—only with a redder nose.
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