Church @ the movies

November 30, 2009 4 comments

blindside

Can you believe that a church’s student ministry skipped Sunday night service to go to a movie that was rated PG-13?

Believe it, ’cause we did just that. We did it to fulfill several of the purposes the youth ministry at Pleasant View strives to meet. I know, it isn’t the traditional thing to do. I know it could possibly cause some people to be upset, but let me explain.

1. We are trying to encourage our students to attend our Sunday morning worship services and or Sunday School. Only around 50% of our Students attend a Sunday Service. To increase the chances that these student will continue attending church after High School, we must get them connected and involved with our church beyond the youth ministry. That connection usually starts through Sunday School and Sunday morning worship services. I have decided to occasionally have surprise trips or discounted trips for students who attend our Sunday morning services. I know it sounds like a gimmick, and I guess it is. My prayer is that our students will see Sunday services have practical rewards, and hopefully will recognize there are heavenly rewards that are much more valuable!

2. We saw the new movie The Blind Side. You can read about it online. It was a great movie with an amazing message. It was based on a true story. It was rated PG-13. It had some drug references (from the life the young man in the film left.) It had a few curse words, which I don’t like at all, but I don’t think it detracted from the powerful message.

3. We had a total of 24 people who went (4 adults, 20 youth.) After the movie we went back to the bus and had a great time of discussion and devotion about the movie. We weren’t in the walls of a church, but we had a great 10 minute worship service after watching a 2 hour illustration. It was powerful.

4. We had 2 first time visitors on the trip (outreach.) We also had great fellowship (Inreach.) It was a great night.

I want to know your thoughts. If you went on the trip, please share the experience. If you are just reading, let me know what you think. Please be honest. Is this a good idea? Why or Why not?

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Written by Kellie about 9 months ago.

I think the movie tonight was a great experience for our youth. In a world that is constantly distracting our kids from what God wants them to focus on, this movie allowed us to have a great time in christian fellowship while learning more about how God would have us live. The movie hit on so many different lessons that God teaches us in his Word: selflessness, courage, integrity, serving others, not judging others, standing up for what is right regardless of ridicule we might face, the list goes on and on….The discussion afterwards was what really made it worthwhile. Taking all they had seen and looking at it from a God-perspective, not a world-perspective was awesome…and the implications that has on their daily lives…the challenge that was issued…just awesome. I think taking them tonight was the right thing to do….and I’m so blessed to have been apart of the group that experienced such a wonderful time of fellowship and worship.
Written by Kayla about 9 months ago.

I think it is a great idea. It is a great way to get the youth attendance at church and sunday school up. I really wish I had been able to go with you guys! And your right, just because you werent in the walls of a church doesnt mean that worship, fellowship, and devotion couldnt happen. Im excited to see what this new plan could lead to!
Written by Judy Jacobs about 9 months ago.

Andy, I have not seen the movie yet but am going tonight but I have heard that it has very high ratings. From what I gather, this is a very moving and heartwarming movie. I dare say that most of these 24 students would have been in church Sunday night. I appreciate your heart in trying to reach them in unusual ways. I am not opposed to whatever works! I love the fact that you followed up with them afterwards. Your motives are good and I trust that God will honor what you are doing! Keep up the good work!!
Written by Jennie about 9 months ago.

Andy, I think it is great that you took all these youth to see this movie that conveyed such a great illustration of LOVE! Just a couple of days ago a couple of coworkers and I were talking about people who oppose “change” to the centuries-old way they have been programmed to believe worship should happen. Should we sing hymns or praise choruses? Should the music minister seriously pick up a guitar on the stage instead of using his hands to “direct” the congregation? Should there be drums in church? Etc……Etc…..Etc….. Not all change is bad! Don’t get me wrong, I’m not saying that we have worshipped incorrectly in the past, but there are definitely more ways to worship than the tried and true ways of our forefathers. The key is to open a door that is appealing to the young people so they will have a desire and yearning to be in God’s house. If a trip to the movies accomplishes that, then the goal has been met! Keep up the good work of priming our youth for the day they will be the leaders of our church!

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