Archives For Ministry

Christ-Figures in Movies?

2.19.2009 — 8 Comments

I just read an article this morning that identified 5 Christ-figures in some popular Fantasy/Science-Fiction movies. Read more here.

The article lists Christ-figures in the following movies:
Superman – Superman movies, particularly Superman Returns
Ellen Ripley – Alien 3
Robocop – Robocop
Neo – The Matrix Trilogy
John Connor – The Terminator movies

The article gives great symbolism from each film (I’ve only NOT seen Alien 3) that show some similarities with the characters and Jesus. Whether all of the similarities were intentional or not, is another discussion.

What other movies can we think of (in the comments-section of this post) that have Christ-figures portrayed?

I’ll start with my latest movie-going experience: Gran Torino.

Clint Eastwood’s character, Walt Kowalksi is definitely portrayed as a Christ-figure in the sacrificial-sense. The racial bigotry display is on the opposite spectrum, however.

What other movie-characters serve as modern-day parables of Christ?

In General, Ministry
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Deidox.com

2.17.2009 — 3 Comments

After watching the latest churchmediadesign.tv podcast and Brad’s interview with Brent Gudgel, I spent some time over at deidox.com – a new website featuring digital short-films that are some of the most powerful, moving testimonies I’ve seen available.

I love the ministry-philosophy of Brent and Dave (Director and Producer, respectively) that while trying to make money with this project their ultimate goal is to get these “God Stories” into the hands of as many people as possible. Their “pay what you want” feature is proof of their desire to reach as wide an audience as possible.

I have purchased and shown both of their current videos, “Lindsay” and “Robert” to our youth group during my LGLP series over the last few weeks. At $19.99/ea., the videos are comparable to most online short-form illustrative video price-wise, but I dare you to compare the quality. These are by-far some of the best-produced media for the Christian-community out there. I agree with my buddy Brad who says they rival even Nooma’s production-value.

Since investigating Deidox a bit more today I have uncovered some other projects their company has worked on and I have also purchased a DVD-copy of Dear Francis – a documentary they made in 2006 covering the AIDS crisis in Swaziland. I plan to use the film for an upcoming “movie night” in our youth ministry.

Here is a preview-trailer of Deidox’s short-form videos, “Lindsay”, “Robert”, and “Deon”:



Deidox from Chronicle Project on Vimeo.

In General, Linkage, Ministry, Videos
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What if churches served free breakfast?

2.17.2009 — 2 Comments

Just read a great article about Denny’s and their quest for “taking back share” by giving away Grand Slam breakfasts the other week. I also read a great question about wondering what would happen if churches did the same thing?!

We’re in a recession. Times are tough for most families. People will continue to look for “free” or “cheaper” alternatives. I think the church needs to embrace this truth and provide answers!

Our church has already responded somewhat with our twice-a-month Family Nights. Family Night provides 2-hours of FREE entertainment! It’s a great opportunity to get out and get active by playing sports together as a family and/or fellowshipping while others play sports!

Another opportunity on my radar – Angel Food Ministries. I wonder what kind of response our church would have to this kind of ministry?

In Family, General, Ministry
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Chuck Norris impresses again!

2.11.2009 — 5 Comments

Chuck Norris (yes, THE Chuck Norris) writes an incredible article debriefing Rev. Rick Warren’s inaugural prayer. The best article on the prayer that I’ve read to date.

Check it out here.

In General, Linkage, Ministry
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Pastor Ed Young on Colbert Report = perfection.

1.29.2009 — 2 Comments

Stephen Colbert found out about Fellowship Church’s 7-day Sex Challenge, so he brought Pastor Ed Young onto the Report!

In General, Ministry, Videos
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