‘Movies can and do have tremendous influence in shaping young lives in the realm of entertainment towards the ideals and objectives of normal adulthood’ 

– Walt Disney

Today’s children and young people are growing up in a culture where films are no longer relegated to the big screen and the family television. Movies have spilled onto our computers our tablets and even our smartphones. Our young people are saturated in a movie-watching ethos, yet they often don’t know how to process the films they consume. This workshop is about how we can guide young people and young adults into viewing films through a Jesus-coloured lens.

It’s important that we help young people know how to think about movies and approach films, not just tell them what films to watch and not watch. Developing a Jesus-filtered view of movies as well as fostering wisdom and discernment in young people and encouraging young people to think theologically about films.

This workshop explores practically how films can be used as ‘modern day parables’ in ministry with young people. As well as helping young people to engage with films in a way that points them to Jesus.

Covering:

• What makes Film/Movies so powerful?

• The Religion of Movies

• Movies as Parables

• The Messages found in films

• Developing a Theology of Movie Watching

• Asking Worldview Questions at the Movies

• What is a ‘Good’ Movie?: Creating a Discernment Filter

• The Philippians 4 v 8 Question

• Creating Boundaries on what to watch

• Finding Jesus in the Movies:

• Christ as Sacrifice and Saviour

• Christ as Messiah

• Finding other Biblical characters in films

• Ideas for getting practical

• Tips for Conversation / Guiding a Spiritual Discussion about Movies

• Pros and Cons: Whole Film Vs Film Clip

• Using Film Clips/Trailers and Discussion Guides

• Useful websites and books