Enjoying Christian films as a group: a fun yet realistic take!
Enjoying Christian Films as a Group
Although we hesitate to use the word “always” in connection with experiences people have, we’re about to describe a scenario that virtually every single church goer in the history of humankind has either personally experienced or witnessed happening to someone else. (Here’s what’s even most likely: you’ve experienced AND witnessed it!)
The situation starts out something like this. A church member points out how nice it would be to hold more fellowship events that adults and teenagers can participate in and appreciate…together. Someone else chimes in—and then someone else—and, before you know it, there’s widespread acceptance for starting a monthly event where everyone can watch a film together. And then, while they’re having something to eat, attendees can discuss the film.
Enthusiasm and momentum continue to grow! Bob recommends the perfect film, one he can rent from the library. Anita, the church’s technology whiz, has just the right equipment to show the movie—and the pastor agrees to invite the youth group and encourage each of them to bring a friend or two. And then, as the icing on the cake (in this case, quite literally), Millie agrees to bake one of her blue ribbon-winning cakes for dessert…along with popcorn of course.
Now…all that’s needed is for someone to facilitate the discussion.
At this point, the fellowship hall—which had previously been filled with cheery chatter—grows silent. Maureen leaves the room to call her husband, while Brian suddenly needs to use the facilities. Someone in the last row graciously slips out of the room—and that’s just the start of the exodus out the back door.
You’d hate to NOT hold this event, seeing how it could bring in youth and adults alike, and you figure, how hard could this be?
You watch movies. You like movies. You’d like to watch even more movies.
So, you raise your hand to volunteer, in a room that now contains about three people (including the pastor who felt too guilty to leave and the person who is putting away the chairs). And, even though numbers are small, there’s enough praise for you to make you feel like you did the right thing.
The Next Morning
“What was I thinking?” you moan to your family. “I don’t know how to do this!”
Your first instinct is to highlight any bad characters and actions, and warn them not to behave like that…yep that should do it. As your husband gently points out to you, there aren’t a whole lot of teenagers who respond well to lectures about morality, especially at an event being billed as an enjoyable night out. You agree.
You know he’s right, but what can you do? At this point, only pride and memories of Millie’s Chocolate Cake keep you from calling in sick.
Here’s Good News
Called Higher Studios is here to support families. We not only want to make great faith based content, we want families to interact together, learn from it, and talk about Jesus. You can follow us on social media to get some great tips on how to discuss films as a family or a group…we’ll even suggest some great films to review! Keep an eye out for articles in our blog with tips on holding a film discussion—whether for your church, your group of homeschooling parents, or your friends who share the same Christian faith. All we ask in return is that you save us a piece of that cake!
If you enjoyed this article, then you’ll Love our Film Review of The Passion of the Christ. It’s a great one to read to understand how talking about faith films can be exciting.