What do Movies Have to do with Evangelism?
Finding ways to reach international college students is no easy task. Adding on a global pandemic and zoom fatigue makes it even more interesting.
Lauren, Christina, and I, along with our amazing student leaders, worked hard to think of ways to meaningfully engage with international students here in San Diego by providing events that are life-giving, thought-provoking, Gospel-centered, fun, and rewarding in a way that makes them want to come back again and again.
Although not all of our ideas worked perfectly, there is one that really stands out that I want to share with you: Cinema Paradiso!
Lights, Camera, Evangelism!
First, I need to tell you about Lauren Kish, a seriously amazing woman of God who has been on Cru staff for many years, most of which were spent as a missionary in Italy. Now, we are blessed to have her leading our Bridges team right here in San Diego. While Lauren was in Italy, they had a regular event they called Cinema Paradiso, which Lauren pronounces in a very Italian way, as she should. Lauren introduced the concept to us and our students loved it and ran with it.
How it started
“Come hang out and meet new friends while talking about your favorite movie scene and how we can apply it to our lives!”
We began by sending out invites to students and also posting on our Bridges Instagram accounts. The idea is simple: meet new friends, watch scenes from some of your favorite movies, and discuss important topics that arise from them. This always leads to discussing spiritual things as well.
One thing I love about this student event is how accessible and unintrusive it is. Popular movies, along with their characters, plots, and ideas are familiar and common enough for anyone to be able to discuss what’s taking place in the scene. We can use that as a solid jumping off point to approach bigger, more important issues that we pray will lead these students to want to learn more.
How it’s going
I had the pleasure of leading our most recent Cinema Paradiso event. It was a lot of fun!
We watched a scene from
Avengers: Infinity War
(Spoilers ahead)
In the movie we see Dr. Strange looking into the future to see 14 million possible outcomes, but only 1 where they win.
Thanos (the bad guy) shows up and Dr. Strange does the unthinkable by giving Thanos one of the infinity stones he needs to complete his evil plan.
Iron Man asks the question many also wondered:
“Why would you do that?”
Later, as Dr. Strange is dying he reveals his reasoning to Iron Man by saying:
“There was no other way.”
If you have seen the sequel to this movie, “Avengers: End Game” you know that the good guys end up winning, thanks to this seemingly insane action by Dr. Strange.
We went on to discuss what it’s like to make difficult life decisions and share stories from our lives where we or someone we know had to make a tough call. Eventually, we read from Matthew 16 to try to understand the mindset of both Jesus and His disciples in this famous passage.
Jesus Speaks About His Coming Death
21 From that time on Jesus began to explain to his disciples what would happen to him. He told them he must go to Jerusalem. There he must suffer many things from the elders, the chief priests and the teachers of the law. He must be killed and on the third day rise to life again.
22 Peter took Jesus to one side and began to scold him. “Never, Lord!” he said. “This will never happen to you!”
23 Jesus turned and said to Peter, “Get behind me, Satan! You are standing in my way. You do not have in mind the things God cares about. Instead, you only have in mind the things humans care about.”
Matthew 16:21-23
(NIrV)We also went on to read Luke 22:41-44 to think about how difficult this was for Jesus.
I want to know...
What are your thoughts on this topic? How does this movie scene relate to this concept of Jesus’ ultimate sacrifice? Does it help you understand something about God, people, or obedience? I’d love to hear your thoughts.
What are your thoughts on Cinema Paradiso? Do you think this sounds like something you would want to try in your faith community as well? What would you do differently?
Prayer
Thank God for Cinema Paradiso
Pray for God to use this ministry event in a way that draws people closer to Him and to seek Him more.
Sam Davis has focused on international student ministry since 2010 and is on staff with Cru and Bridges International in San Diego, CA. His passion for leading others into a close relationship with Jesus is shown in his general love for people and focus on discipleship.
Sam and his wife, Gloria, love to travel, meet people, eat great food, and hike.