eZine 09.28.2009

Weekly Resources, Ideas and Articles from The Source for Youth Ministry
Monday, September 28, 2009

Maybe you didn’t know it, but The Source has an entire page dedicated to MOVIE REVIEWS. Simply put, it’s a resource you can use to find out what elements are in the movie, how appropriate it is for a teenage audience, and of course, whether or not our reviewers Jonathan or Todd think the movie is any good.

We like to take note of any flick we believe has the potential to draw kids out to a theater and possibly impact their lives. This weekends’ release of FAME has the makings to do just that.

FAME, a popular Alan Parker film back in 1980’s, then a popular 80’s TV show, is back on the big screen again. The film, already being marketed big time at the Teen Choice Awards and on the Disney Channel, promises all the dancing, singing, and acting talent that today’s American Idol fans will love!

“Emily” finally emailed me; it’s sitting in my Inbox as I write. Her message starts off with these words: “I’m agnostic.”

Emily’s not alone in her worldview. Many teenagers identify themselves as unbelieving, whether agnostic or atheist. But here’s my question: Is the number increasing?

I’m in downtown Los Angeles teaching at the National Youth Workers Convention… but I’m also recording a bunch of podcasts for you guys that will be appearing on our THE SOURCE PODCAST page this fall. I’m really excited about one that I just recorded this morning with Jim Burns and my dad (no comments about my Manchester United shirt, please). 🙂

We’re calling it the “Old School” podcast, not because they are both old, but because they shared some perspective of what it was like to be a youth pastor in the 60’s, 70’s and 80’s. Better yet, they discussed some of the major lessons they learned as ministry methodology changed over the decades.

Self esteem is a big issue these days for lots of teenagers. They face many temptations and distractions that point to flawless and unreal images that are dubbed “standard” for our culture. Here’s a MOVIE CLIP DISCUSSION you can use to address a more holistic way to view self-image, and thus, self-esteem.

Main Point: If we only look for beauty on the outside, we will be disappointed.

The Movie Clip: Apparently there’s a lot that can be wrong with your body.

The movie Mean Girls was about just that: girls who felt they had to play others down so they could be elevated in social standings. Even though there were some funny parts, the movie also made some great points about how most of us truly feel when going through the pressures of high school and adolescence.

Cady Keron (Lindsay Lohan) grew up in Africa and was home-schooled because of her parents’ work. But when the family….

Forgiveness is never easy…especially when the one who needs forgiveness has intentionally persecuted us. Nonetheless, it’s a lesson all of us need to learn, including our teenagers. Here’s a MOVIE CLIP DISUCSSION to help you do that.

Main Point: We must show compassion to those who show us contempt.

The Movie Clip:
If you’ve seen the Babe movies, and I’m talking about the ones with the cute pig, you know the poor swine gets himself into more trouble than any four-legged animal should. I want to show you a clip from Babe: Pig in the City where Babe gets tricked by a few of the monkeys into “herding” a Doberman Pinscher and Pit Bull. The dogs, just being dogs, chase Babe….