This year we're thinking of using 'The Jesus Deck', a pack of Tarot cards that John Drane told us about. The cards have no major arkana cards, there are only four suits of 13 cards each, plus two non-identical jokers, on each card is an image and a piece of Biblical text.
Luke, the first suit, starts with the birth of Christ.
Matthew continues the story with Jesus's earthly mission & miracles.
Mark tells the story of Holy Week & the Crucifixion.
John shows us the Risen Christ.
I think what we'll do is have a table with the cards on face down. We'll then ask people to select one and when they do we'll tell them about the story that it relates to in the Gospels.
At other MBS festivals we offered healing from a christian tradition and a variety of spiritual installations. The Jesus Deck feels like we're taking it a step further and hence I'm a bit more cautious. Has anyone out there ever used them? Or do they have any constructive advice on them?
Hi Ben
Just a word from the Antipodes.
Down Under we've used the Rider-Waite deck and not the Jesus deck. We've found that using the Waite deck attracts much interest, because it is to tarot in terms of "respect" and familiarity what the KJV is to Bible translations.
But as you are going ahead with the Jesus Deck, I'd urge you and your crew to keep conversations going rather than monologue explanations.
One way you could do that is to ask visitors to choose a card, and then ask them "what do they intuit" about the card's imagery? Does it speak to them? Do they recognise something of their own journey portrayed in the card? What does it mean for them?
Then you can interact with their responses, and suggest "well I'd like to explore this card with you at another level ..." and that can be your point of departure for discussing Jesus.
Also, make sure you have a good balance of ratios of females to males on the stall, because the majority of punters are female.
Keep in mind appropriate body language.
Also you could consider trying this as part of the table-talk about the cards. Indicate we are about to undertake a spiritual exercise. We connect with Jesus and seek his guidance. Would you be open to me beginning this exercise with a prayer for our time together?
If the person consents, then again depending on individual comfort zones, you could anoint the person's forehead with some oil, making the sign of the cross, placing a light hand on their head or shoulder, or seated across the table holding hands lightly and praying.
You need to read each encounter on its merits. So some people may be closed off to talking, respect that and let them move on. Others may want to talk more, some may be open to prayer.
Also watch your stall roster, keep an eye on people making a queue to have a card session. You might consider taking "free bookings" every 30 minutes.
In Sydney we have run 3 tables simultaneously and had bookings from 11 am to 5 pm filled up within a short space of time.
Also respect the privacy of the visitor. If the stall has sufficient space and a deep conversation is going to happen, invite that person off the table and over to a sofa so the table is freed up for a new visitor.
All the best
Philip Johnson
By 
philjohnson, at 12:15 AM BST
Ben
Philip neglected to mention he co-authored a book about this style of evangelism/apologetic some years ago with John Drane and Ross Clifford. You may find it an interesting read if you can get your hands on a copy.
By 
Matt Stone, at 8:10 AM BST
PS. The book was called "Beyond Prediction". You'll also find "Jesus and the Gods of the New Age" has interesting material too.
By Matt Stone, at 8:12 AM BST
Thanks for that advice. I'll have a look at the Rider-Waite deck. We're gotta 50-50 gender balance at the moment, so I think that we've got that sorted.
Space is an issue. Our stand is 3m x 2m and costs £700, we like to double the size but can't afford it this year, but maybe next year... Therefore the space does feel rather crowded at time and it is hard to give people sufficient privacy.
I've read the books and found them inspirational, and are part of the reason that we're doing this.
Last year there was another Christian there from a more Charismatic background. He was prophesying over people in the name of Jesus and people seemed to be really engaging with him. I'm not sure what kind of follow up he had...
By Ben, at 3:09 PM BST
Will be using the Jesus Deck at a MBS Exhibition this weekend (Kings Lynn Norfolk). Like you inspired by the books mentioned and introduced to the Deck by John Drane.
Will keep you all posted as to how it goes.
Thanks to Phil Johnson for the comments and pointers.
By Sally Coleman, at 1:33 PM BST
Ben,
Just a word of experience with the charismatic approach.
We've seen that tried at festivals in Sydney and some discernment is required.
Seekers do respond well to experiential approaches like this (not denying it) but very much in a try-before-you-buy kind of way. It should not be mistaken for something it is not.
I've observed charismatics, in their enthusiasm, confuse initial receptivity with a conversion experience, quoting stupendous numbers of conversions when what was actually going on was a testing of the waters.
So, in short, some sober reflection is required without quenching the Spirit.
By Matt Stone, at 12:35 PM BST
Ben
We've not used it yet, but have been thinking of doing so and will be looking eagerly for your reports after doing so!
By Rob, at 5:16 PM BST
The Jesus Deck is really a set of playing cards, not a tarot deck. It's actually out of print and rather hard to find. The link you provided didn't load, but you can buy the Jesus Deck here at Discount New Age Books. We are in the US, but we ship worldwide.
