Christians Can Use Lessons from The Lion, Movie Ministry Leader Says
By Allie Martin and Jenni Parker
January 3, 2006

(AgapePress) - The founder of an Internet-based ministry, which helps church leaders and spiritual educators use modern movies as teaching tools, says the recent release of the blockbuster movie The Chronicles of Narnia: the Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe has a strong biblical message. Dr. Marc Newman, founder of MovieMinistry.com, believes that message is one that should be drawn out rather than downplayed.

Newman started the website as a way to provide pastors and lay leaders with tools and insights to help reach others with the gospel message, an often challenging objective in a media-saturated and entertainment-obsessed culture. He says Christians can use movies in the same way the New Testament parables were used, to present truth that engages people's hearts with the illustrative power of stories. The rest


Films to Watch for 2006
by Marc T. Newman, Ph.D.

Many critics are busily compiling their “best of” lists for 2005. But ministry-minded people who want to use films as a springboard for discussing the Gospel need to look ahead. DVD releases of last year’s films can help to plan Bible Study and teaching illustrations, but there is nothing like a trip to a film in current release to spark talk at the diner afterward.With that in mind, the following list represents MovieMinistry’s Thirteen Films to Watch in 2006. Some films still lack a firm release date -- and those dates are always subject to change as studios jockey for position.

In most cases, these films have not yet been made available for preview, so these recommendations are based on what we know about the films, or can glean from past performance, plot synopses, or trailers. Highlighting these films does not represent an endorsement -- just an acknowledgement that they appear to contain some potent material.

The rest-movie previews