Church Survey

Thank you for visiting this survey.

The best films reveal truth. The cinema is not always escapism: it can widen our horizons and help us to see other people and their lives differently. In short, like good literature, a good film mirrors the world we live in, casting light on the human condition. It is even possible to meet God at the movies.

During my years as rector of multi-parish benefices, I found that Lent courses based on films were a refreshing and fruitful way into encouraging meaningful conversations about our faith. Since retiring I have started two homegroups where films are shown and then discussed from a Christian perspective. These have attracted more than 'the usual suspects' and remain very popular events.

I am interested to learn more about how others use film, whether in church, or with groups, at regular film nights, or at special events. If there is sufficient response, I would like to write up the results in order to encourage others to make more use of films.

You can learn more about me on my website where you can also leave messages.

The Revd Andy Colebrooke

About your church

1. What is the name of your church?

2. What is its denomination?

3. What is its location?

4. What is its context?

Rural, urban, suburban, market town etc.

Ways you use films

5. How have films been used in your church(es)?

as clips in servicesas clips during a Lent or other study courseas clips in a homegroupas a film club followed by a discussionas a film club without a follow-up discussionother (please specify in the box below)

In the following questions please leave blank any boxes that don't apply to your situation.

6. Can you give an example of how film clips have been used during services?

e.g. to illustrate a sermon or to inform about a mission society

7. Can you give an example of a Lent or study course which your church has used that is based on a film? Was it worthwhile? Would you use a film-based course again?

State the name of the film as well as the name of the course

8. Do any of your homegroups use films? If so, can you give an example of a film and how it was used? Is this something you would do again?

9a. If you have a regular film club in your church, and you make space for discussion afterwards, please say how this is organised. Is there a charge to attend?

e.g. a totally open discussion, a leader with discussion starters, printed notes, a talk from an expert

9b. Can you name one film that went very well, and one film that was not successful, in leading to a faith-discussion? In each case, please give a reason.

State the faith areas that were discussed.

9c. What is it that people most enjoy about your Film Club?

10a. If you have a regular film club with no follow-up discussion afterwards, what is its purpose? Do you make a charge?

e.g. strictly entertainment for children or adults, low-key outreach, fundraising. Is there a charge to attend?

10b. Which categories of films are shown? e.g. Action, Adventure, Animation, Comedy, Drama, Fantasy, History, Horror, Musical, Romance, Science Fiction, Thriller

State who chooses the films.

10c. What is it that people most enjoy about your Film Club?

11. If you use films in other ways, please say how.

12. Whichever ways you use films which are the criteria controlling your choice?

e.g. length, certificate, level of violence or sexual content, or other (please specify)

13. Has your use of films changed over time? If so, in what ways?

14. Have you any further comments?

15. Do you know any other churches that might contribute to this survey?

Thank you for completing this survey.

If you wish to contact me further you can use the Messages page of my website.

Andy Colebrooke

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