Download
April 1, 2000
Hooray for …
hollywoodjesus.com
Pastor's Web site links cinema to Christ
Billy Graham challenged attenders at his San Jose crusade to use the Internet for evangelism. So David Bruce started Hollywood Jesus, a Web site that appeals to pop culture through reviews of current and classic films and videos (www.hollywoodjesus.com).
Bruce, who pastors a church in Patterson, California, is on a Net mission. "Just like a missionary who goes to a nation where a people group has never heard about Jesus Christ, I learn the language of the people. Movies are a common language around the world.
"I use them to tell the story of Jesus Christ. And every review on the site includes a link to the gospel message."
His approach is popular. The site has registered 3 million hits since March 1998. More than 800 other sites now link to it.
"If I can get someone to look at three of my reviews on Hollywood Jesus, they will never see a movie in the same way again. I had an 18-year-old girl walk up to me in church and say, 'Pastor David, I can't go to a movie any more without thinking about Jesus or a Bible story.' "
Bruce is careful not to bash Hollywood. He wants to use the culture to win people for Christ.
"It doesn't matter how bad the culture is or how good the culture is. It's where people live. Use it to win them for Christ. And by winning them for Christ, you change culture."
Movie Reviews by Christians
http://movieguide.crosswalk.com
Reviews by critic Ted Baehr. Some require subscription.
www.family.org/pplace/pi/films/
Reviews from Focus on the Family.
www.christiananswers.net/spotlight/
Rates movies on sex, violence, and language.
And the winner is …
If there were Oscars for churches, we'd probably hear awards for:
- Best Parking—Church of the 'Burbs attenders are welcomed by tuxedoed valets. After the service, their cars are returned washed, waxed, and buffed.
Please complete one of the following:
If you're a Leadership journal subscriber...
...but have not yet registered for online access to CTLibrary.com, you can receive a full-year's access for just $29.95!
Register Here | | If you're NOT a Leadership journal print subscriber...
You're entitled to a special, introductory offer for new subscribers only! Subscribe now and receive a one-year Leadership journal print subscription and one-year access to all Leadership archives for just $39.95!
Subscribe now!
When you log in as a Leadership Journal subscriber, you'll see additional articles noted as premium content only available to CTLibrary.com members. To access the entire CTLibrary requires a CTLibrary subscription. If you would prefer this option, select the offer below that best fits your needs.
|
Like the preview? To read this complete article
and 18,013 more in the archive—JOIN NOW!
Easily find high-quality, well-researched materials that provide a Christian perspective on topics ranging from headlines to history.
Start using this invaluable tool TODAY for preparing your Bible studies, presentations, class lectures, sermons, meetings, and more.
|
It's easy and quick to join:
Brought to You by Christianity Today Int'l |  |
|
| 
Find similar articles
E-mail this page
