Showing movies at church can have a very positive influence on people. Churches must be careful and check out the licensing agreements, etc., before simply showing a regular DVD. It is usually more costly to license a movie for a public showing than to buy one for private use. However, it is the right thing to do both morally and ethically.
Rudy GrayI recently saw a made-for-churches movie called “No Greater Love.” It is well done and has an up-to-date setting with a strong, and somewhat ironic, story of forgiveness, love, hope, family and marriage. It presents the biblical message clearly and has quality entertainment value. Church people will typically leave this movie with something they can remember that is good, moral and encouraging.
The story line involves a young woman who is missing for 10 years. She lived a life of alcohol and drug addiction. Her husband raised their son. One day, by amazing providential circumstances, she shows up in the town where her ex-husband and son live. The rest of the story is too good to write about. Please, take the time to see it.
The movie is produced by Lion’s Gate and can be licensed at a relatively inexpensive fee for multiple uses. It was released in 2010.
Another very strong and well done movie that presents the message of the gospel in a contemporary setting is “The Secrets of Jonathan Sperry.” This movie was in theaters and will be available for churches later this year. It has an inspiring and realistic story line with Gavin McLeod as the main character. Again, this is a movie that will touch people’s lives in very positive ways. The theme revolves around an older man who is widowed and invites young boys to come to his house for some Bible studies. What develops from this relationship is inspirational.
Showing movies at church cannot take the place of preaching the gospel, but movies can complement the message of the gospel in very effective ways. We live in the entertainment age. Most of us view all kinds of media through TV, theaters, computers, etc. Our culture is already conditioned for this kind of experience. Churches can take advantage of this and use the tools at our disposal to further the message of Christ.
The best Christian movies will not be able to help us grow like solid Bible teaching. But movies can be a tool in the hands of our God to help people in their understanding and motivate them to want to follow Christ Jesus and study his word in a greater way.