I’m a skeptic when it comes to ChurchMerch and Jesus Junk. Big time. After spending some time serving in two different churches I’ve come to realize that if I receive an unsolicited advertisement or free sample in the mail, it’s usually flashy, cheesy, man-centered, and puddle deep. Nevertheless, I usually take some time to look through it in hopes of finding a diamond in the rough. I’ll let you know when I get something good. It must be effective or they wouldn’t do it — makes me wonder how much people look through and think critically about the materials they buy and hand out to their students.With that said, I get pretty excited when I see something that gets good reviews from several different people that I respect theologically, and that I can preview online without getting a glossy card or a box of unwanted VHS tapes in the mail. Modern Parables: Living in the Kingdom of God is an outstanding teaching resource that can be used in a wide variety of settings. There are 6 parable videos and 6 application videos to make 12 lessons. The parables directly parallel Jesus’ Kingdom parables and are scripted and filmed excellently. They are biblically faithful, culturally relevant, and easy to watch. Best of all for a pastor like me, they provide a lot of different elements to narrow in on for teaching and discussion.
We just finished the first parable on Sunday night, Hidden Treasure (Matthew 13:44) after a week of introduction and teaching on the Kingdom of God. The first Sunday we watched the video and I taught through several different elements. The second Sunday, we watched the application video and then broke into small groups to discuss the parable in more depth. The students seem to be understanding the biblical text very well – it has been an exciting thing to watch! Next week we will start on the next parable, Samaritan (Luke 10:25-37).
I’d like to encourage pastors, teachers, small-group leaders and parents to check out Modern Parables. This would be a great resource for Sunday school, student ministry, Bible studies, or family worship and is useful for a wide range of ages. I am thankful for this offering by Compass Cinema and look forward to Volume 2.
Filed under: Bible, Ministry, Opinion, Review, Teaching, Video
Nick,
I have also heard some really good things about these from other sources. I hope to use them with our students at Providence. I noticed that you are also going to Band of Bloggers. I hope we finally get to meet face to face there. Have a great weekend.
Mike: Thanks for commenting, brother. I look forward to seeing you at the Band of Bloggers and T4G — I’m very excited and know that it will be a fantastic conference. Is Steve going to be there as well?
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BJ:
The Family Worship book is very good — I have it and use it and will be recommending it at our Family Worship Seminar on March 12th at Ephesus. I’ve never seen the book on the Parables before — looks interesting. I might get a copy, thanks.
NK
[...] Parables :: Family Guide I taught through the Modern Parables several months ago. I loved it, and so did the students. The series was very [...]