Youth Group Movie Night for teens
I love movies. Movies can spark spiritual thought and conversations. Movie nights with your youth group are actually easy and fun. Parents will gladly drive their kids over because they know their kids will have a good time with great people. Kids will want to attend because they know nothing will be expected of them but to enjoy. You can add a desert and popcorn easily. My wife likes to make dinner too. It’s a solid group building event.
Here are links to great movie suggestions and sources for more.
Time Changer, DVD
Here is a great movie that illustrates how morals have gradually changed over the years. I always like the “fish-out-of-water” time travel stories. This is a good one.
The year is 1890 and Bible professor Russell Carlisle (D. David Morin) has written a new manuscript “The Changing Times.” His book is about to receive a unanimous endorsement from the board members of the Grace Bible Seminary until his colleague Dr. Norris Anderson (Gavin MacLeod) raises an objection. Dr. Anderson believes that what Carlisle has written could greatly affect the future of coming generations. Using a secret time machine, Anderson sends Carlisle over 100 years into the future, offering him a glimpse of where his beliefs will lead.
Easy extra seating
For extra seating we use bean bag chairs the the one shown. Kids love bean bag chairs. You can click on the bag to order from a company I recommend. There are a zillion to choose from. They are comfortable, easily cleaned, and easily stored, very durable standing up to major abuse from the kids.
Soul Surfer, DVD
By Affirm Films
The astonishing true story of a courageous 13-year-old surfer who lost her arm to a shark attack—but never lost her faith! You’ll be inspired by how Bethany Hamilton overcame physical and emotional trauma to return to competitive surfing with the help of her family—and God. Stars Anna Sophia Robb, Helen Hunt, Carrie Underwood, and Dennis Quaid. Rated PG. Approx. 106 minutes.
Bethany’s youth pastor, church, and youth group are featured prominently in this movie.
Countertop Youth Group Movie Night Popcorn Popper
This commercial quality machine features stainless-steel food-zones, easy cleaning stainless-steel kettles, heated warming decks, old-maid drawers (for un-popped kernels), tempered glass panels and an industry leading 8-ounce kettle operating on 860 watts
Always have snacks available for free.
I once watched a youth pastor charge for snacks and even installed a vending machine, which he always neglected to refill. It really demoralized the kids. Lavish snacks on them -For Free!
The Blind Side, DVD
By Warner Home Video
Michael Oher (Quinton Aaron) knows little about family. Less about football. What the homeless teen knows are the streets and projects of Memphis. Well-to-do Leigh Anne Tuohy (Sandra Bullock) knows little about his world. Yet when she and Michael meet, he’s found a home. And the Tuohys have found something just as life-changing: a beloved new son and brother. This real-life story of family and of Michael’s growth into a blue-chip football star will have you cheering with its mix of gridiron action and heartwarming emotion. Share the remarkable journey of the college All-American and first-round NFL draft pick who was a winner before he ever stepped onto the playing field. Rated PG-13. Approx. 129 minutes.
We have all probably seen this movie by now but it’s still great because it features a person in our kids age range and is a true story.
Youth Group Movie night is a great group building experience
Movie Night is one of the best and easiest youth group building events to put together. Having it in a families home provides a safe environment that helps kids relax and bond. Moms are happy to supply snacks or easy meals. Use movies to illustrate teenage appropriate Bible lessons and spark spiritual conversation. Did you ever think the
Bruce Almighty could be used to talk about prayers? I’ve used Dances With Wolves to illustrate our Identity In Christ. Benefit from my experiences to make planning your Christian teen movie night great.
To Save A Life, DVD
Jake Taylor has it all—popularity, a basketball scholarship, and a beautiful girlfriend. But when Roger, an outcast and Jake’s childhood friend, walks onto campus with a gun in his pocket and pain in his heart, his tragic actions rock Jake’s world. Could Jake have saved him? Will seeking the answer cost him his dreams and his girl? Rated PG-13. Approx. 120 minutes.
To Save A Life: Student Kit
By Outreach Inc
Complete set of teen-friendly resources based on the To Save a Life film! These movie-oriented kit includes: Devo2Go Audio Devotional – featuring 36 audio devotionals downloadable to an mp3 player and a coordinated prompted journal, a copy of To Save A Life: Dare to Make Your Life Count non-fiction book, movie-themed leather-like slap bracelet, and friend stickers teens can give to one another for encouragement.
When his childhood friend’s life ends in tragedy, Jake Taylor decides to use his influence as big man on campus to make sure that it never happens again. Crossing social barriers he befriends a loner, Johnny Garcia. When Johnny’s life quickly spirals out of control, will Jake have what it takes to stop him from the same tragic fate?
Don’t Just Sit There:
Youth Group Movie Night is a great youth group building experience. Take advantage of snack breaks or dinner time to stimulate conversations and sharing. Use the ice-breaker book shown in the left column to keep the conversation going.
Pause the movie if there is a scene that has a spiritual parallel you might want to briefly discuss. Also, keep a notepad nearby if you see a scene you might mention as an illustration in a later lesson.
Facing the Giants, DVD
Facing the Giants is the inspiring story about a losing high school football coach with a new game plan will have your whole town talking about trusting God for the impossible! After six consecutive losing seasons and fear surrounding his life, coach Grant Taylor turns to God in desperation. Taylor and his Shiloh Christian Eagles soon discover how faith plays out on the field and off! Rated PG. Dove Faith-Friendly (All Ages). Closed-captioned. Approx. 112 minutes.
Co-Viewing is Beneficial to Youth
Children can benefit from watching and discussing a film with parents or other adults. Co-viewing stimulates discussions about real-life situations they are seeing. This gives the adult a good opportunity to correct miss-perceptions and guides the child’s understanding of different situations. Here is more information about talking to kids about the movies they see.
Letters to God, DVD
Battling brain cancer, 8-year-old Tyler Doherty turns to God as his own private pen pal. It’s his way of praying—but beleaguered neighborhood postman Brady McDaniels has no idea what to do with envelopes addressed to heaven! As he gets to know Tyler and his family, Brady makes a decision that transforms his life—and uplifts his new friends. Rated PG. Closed captions. Approx. 110 minutes.
The Pilgrim’s Progress, Exclusive DVD
Based on John Bunyan’s epic masterpiece, The Pilgrim’s Progress is one of the most popular books of all time, and one of the most important stories of our faith! Second to the Bible in total copies and translations, the story was written by John Bunyan, a pastor imprisoned for sharing his faith. This powerful allegory helps families understand the spiritual journey is the most important journey in life, as well as the importance of sticking to the path, even when the journey gets difficult. Recommended for ages 8 and up. Features the voices of John Rhys-Davies, Kristyn Getty, and Ben Price. Approx. 110 minutes.
