Tip #99: Now Showing
March 3, 2008 – 11:29 am
One of the most frequent youth ministry dilemmas (and nightmares) is deciding what constitutes an appropriate movie to see with youth or show at a youth gathering. This will vary, obviously, depending upon the ages of the students and what level of fill-in-the-blank-potential-pitfall is acceptable to you, youth and parents.
Well ahead of time, survey parents about their rules regarding allowable movies for their students. Ask what movies they allow (ratings, themes, etc), which they don’t (and why), and which they did and wish they hadn’t. Have a similar discussion with your pastor. This process will produce your rule of thumb for choosing movies as you learn where the most cautious position is and find the lowest (most conservative, least risky) common denominator. Movies that don’t fit that standard and are compelling enough to require use will need parental notification and perhaps permission to show.
Don’t forget, pre-screen everything, even short clips, with a critical eye and ear, so you aren’t surprised. Also, make sure your ministry has the proper licenses to show DVD movies and movie clips to groups.
What are some ways you’ve found to successfully use movies in youth ministry?
