Wonders of Science (Sermons from Science)
and the Military

Answers to some questions military chaplains frequently ask concerning the Wonders of Science ministry and sponsoring these unique programs on U.S. military bases.

• What is Wonders of Science?
• Is this new? How long have you been doing these programs?
• Is Wonders of Science appropriate for our chapel ministry?
• How much does Wonders of Science cost?
• How can we use such a program on our chapel budget?

The Chaplains Assistance Program

• How do I go about scheduling a series?
• What kind of an auditorium do you need?

What is Wonders of Science?

Wonders of Science is a series of four 90-minute presentations using scientific demonstrations to illustrate spiritual and biblical principles. Presented on consecutive evenings, each program differs from the others. The series is low-key but strongly supportive of the chapel ministry. Audience participation, humor, and mind-boggling science demonstrations supplement the down-to-earth presentation of scientific principles. Applications drawn from these principles show the existence of an intelligent Creator and the claim He has on individual lives.

Wonders of Science appeals to members of today's scientific-minded military, and the unchurched feel comfortable in attending, especially when the programs are held in a neutral auditorium such as the base theater.

Is this new? How long have you been doing these programs?

Sermons from Science began more than 50 years ago when the concept of using science to illustrate the gospel was used by California pastor Irwin Moon. His sermons became so popular, he eventually left the pastorate to devote himself full-time to his Sermons from Science. Following World War II, Dr. Moon began to use the Sermons from Science principle in the making of motion pictures. The result became the world-famous Moody Institute of Science films. While the films spread around the world, the live presentations continued to be presented across the continental U.S., Canada, Alaska, and occasionally overseas. Former Navy pilot George Speake took up the live ministry of Sermons from Science while Dr. Moon concentrated on the film ministry. In 1972, as Dr. Speake prepared for retirement, a young science professor, Dean Ortner, assumed responsibility for the live programs and continues presenting them today.

Sermons from Science was presented at World's Fairs in San Francisco, Seattle, New York, Montreal, and Spokane. Of the 700 exhibits at the New York World's Fair, Time magazine selected Sermons from Science as one of the best in a listing of their choice for the top 20 attractions. In Montreal, it ranked in the top five attractions for capacity crowds, and by special request from the mayor of Montreal, it remained open after the fair closed, becoming the only pavilion to reach the milestone of opening its doors 10,000 times.

The combination of films and live demonstrations were used in evangelistic projects at the Munich, Montreal and Atlanta Olympic games. The live Sermons from Science programs have been presented before more than 5.5 million people, visited more than 400 military bases (including each service academy, Camp David and some remote outposts in Alaska), and have been used in hundreds of communities through local Christian organizations.

Is Wonders of Science appropriate for our chapel ministry?

Wonders of Science has been used in a very real way to strengthen the faith of Christians and help young men and women see the existence of a Creator behind this universe. However, the unique medium of science attracts people with a scientific mind who might never set foot inside of a chapel or church. The goal and mission of Wonders of Science involves ministry to these unchurched people. For these reasons, Wonders of Science is presented as an outreach rather than an inspirational series.

The demonstrations work best when presented in the base theater, usually during the time of the second movie, about 8 P.M. We are very conscious of the opportunities in the military and are careful to stay clear of offending those from diverse backgrounds while at the same time staying true to the Bible's message. The program is often presented as a joint effort with the Protestant and Catholic chaplains getting the support at the command level.

How much does Wonders of Science cost?

Try to imagine the cost of transporting, maintaining and operating more than $100,000 worth of delicate scientific equipment. It takes weeks of preparation for every series of meetings. In recent years we have found that it costs Wonders of Science $5,000 to present the four-night Wonders of Science series. Friends and contributors cover much of this cost enabling us to ask an honorarium of $2,700 plus meals and lodging for our speaker during the series and the evening prior to the first program. But we have a special financial program for military chaplains.

How can we use such a program on our chapel's budget?

The Chaplains Assistance Program

We recognize that today's chaplain has difficulty in funding programs such as Wonders of Science. However, we have committed Wonders of Science to a ministry among the military, and have sought ways to assist chaplains. To that end we have established the Wonders of Science Chaplain's Assistance Fund, supported by friends of Wonders of Science (retired military personnel, civilians, and churches). This fund assists base chaplains who wish to sponsor a Wonders of Science series but find it difficult to secure complete funding.

Chaplains taking advantage of the Chaplain's Assistance Program are asked to raise as much of the funding as possible through normal channels: Non-appropriated Welfare Funds, Base Chaplains Funds, Central Base Funds, Invitational Travel Funds, and special offerings from chapel services. After determining the degree to which the base chapel program can cover the costs, the Wonders of Science office will discuss the amount of assistance needed. The Chaplain's Assistance Program has assisted bases with amounts ranging from a couple of hundred dollars to nearly the entire amount. We do ask that the chaplains care for meals and housing for our scientist for the days of the programs and the evening prior to the first demonstration.

Wonders of Science desires to minister to the military and we do not want lack of funding to prohibit us from accepting invitations from chaplains who wish to sponsor the program. To discuss how the Chaplain's Assistance program can help you, feel free to contact the Wonders of Science office at wcswonders@aol.com or (562) 699-5610.

How do I go about scheduling a series?

Chaplains interested in sponsoring Wonders of Science should contact the Wonders of Science office to reserve program dates. Discussions on using the Chaplain's Assistance Program can begin at that time and dates can be held for a reasonable length of time while you deal with funding questions. You can e-mail us at wcswonders@aol.com or call us at (562) 699-5610.

What kind of an auditorium do you need?

We have presented programs in a variety of locations. Ideally, we prefer the base theater, auditorium or rec hall. We desire these locations because the unchurched will more likely attend a program in a neutral setting rather than in a chapel. We have had many successful programs in chapel settings. However, the audience always has fewer non-churched people, the very individuals we want to reach.

Whatever location we use, we need a platform 40' wide and 16' deep at the center. A 14' platform with a 4' x 4' extension will work. The front center of the platform must have a 18' clearance between the platform surface and the closest overhead object.

WOS

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