|
Jesus Camp
PG-13
A&E Indie Films
(Printer friendly
PDF version)
Introduction
The documentary film Jesus Camp was released in September 2006.
The film gives viewers a look at Pastor Becky Fischer’s children’s
ministry. The focal point of her ministry is the “Families on Fire
Summer Camp” that she leads every summer. As the film progresses we
also meet three children who are active in Pastor Becky’s ministry:
Levi, Rachael, and Tory. The main characters are all charismatic,
evangelical Christians who are passionate about her faith. Some of the
images in the film might cause viewers to pass immediate judgment or
be uncomfortable. Encourage your group to approach the film with an
open mind.
Resources
There are many resources available on-line that will help
give leaders and youth various perspectives about this movie. Please
review them carefully if you are considering using any of them with
youth. Some may contain content more suitable for adults (i.e.,
YouTube and Google Video clips). Here are
a few:
Topic #1: Religion and politics
On multiple occasions in the film the subject of politics and religion
are brought up. Children smash porcelain coffee cups with “government”
written on the cups. Mike Papantonio (the talk radio host) talks about
the separation between church and state. A prayer about abortion is
offered at breakfast. One of the adult leaders said, “the government
came into your schools and took Jesus out of your school.” Children
pray words of blessing over a cardboard cutout of President Bush.
Cries of “righteous judges” echoed through the crowd on the last night
of camp in the hopes of an anti-abortion judge being appointed to the
Supreme Court.
What does the Bible say?
Discussion Questions
- How can Christians approach hot political issues that sometimes
divide people?
- How can Christians be on opposite ends of political and social
issues?
- Do you agree with the political views of the children and adults
in the film?
- What are your feelings about the “separation of Church and
State”?
ELCA
resources for approaching discussions about difficult topics:
TOPIC #2: “Dead churches”
Young Rachel had some pointed words about churches that are “quiet”
and “boring.” She says, “God is not in every church. There are some
churches called dead churches. Churches that God likes to go to are
jumping up and down praising his name. Depending on how they invite
him, he’ll be there or not.” Some people see this as an indictment of
mainline churches, like Lutheran churches. Few ELCA congregations
offer the kind of worship experiences shown in the movie. Most are
more subdued, or “dead” by Rachel’s standards and convictions.
What does the Bible say?
Discussion Questions
- What do you think of Rachael’s comments?
- Should “traditional” Lutherans feel obligated to liven things
up? What should be the focus of our worship?
- How does the Revelation verse make you feel? How about the
Matthew verses?
Activity Suggestion
Take a piece of poster board and divide it into two
columns. Title one column: “Ways in Which Our Church is Alive.” Title
the other column: “Ways in Which Our Church is Dead.” Take some time
to discuss some of the traditions, practices, activities, programs,
and rituals in your local congregation. Talk about the meaning,
sources, and questions behind them. Consider sharing this list with
your pastor(s) and worship committee.
Helpful resources for this discussion can be found at:
Remember,
this is not an activity for shredding the church and everything that
it does, or comparing it to a church that you envy. The purpose is
to reflect on what you do and why, with the intent of striving to be
faithful in all of your witness and practices.
TOPIC #3: What’s an evangelical?
Mike Papantonio talks a lot about the evangelical movement. Several of
the statistics that are mentioned reference evangelicals. This term—evangelical—might
be confusing to members of the EVANGELICAL Lutheran Church in America
(ELCA). On
the whole, ELCA outdoor ministries and congregations don’t function in
the same way as the camps and congregations shown in the film. There
are at least two common uses of the word evangelical. One uses it in
relationship to any Protestant Christian church whose members believe
in the authority of the Bible and salvation through Jesus Christ by
faith. Another use of the term evangelical refers to being
enthusiastic or charismatic in sharing one's Christian faith and
beliefs with the hope that others will come to have a personal
relationship with Jesus Christ as well.
What does the Bible say?
Discussion Questions
- How would you describe the difference between the two
definitions of evangelical? Which definition applies to your
church?
- What do you feel that you have in common with the people in the
film? What differences are there between you and those portrayed in
the film?
- What do you think is the “best” way to go and make disciples? Is
it the only way? Why?
- Do you consider yourself an evangelical Christian? Why or why
not?
TOPIC #4: Speaking in tongues
The gift of speaking in tongues is a spiritual gift described several
times in the Bible (see below). When someone is speaking in tongues it
sounds like indecipherable babble to most people. However, those who
speak in tongues believe that it is the language of the Holy Spirit
moving through them. It can be very confusing and even frightening to
be around someone who is speaking in tongues, especially for people
who have never had the experience. Many faithful Christians go their
entire life without speaking in tongues. Others, like the Christians
portrayed in the film, speak in tongues so frequently that it’s almost
like a second language.
What does the Bible say?
Discussion Questions
- How would you respond if you were sitting next to someone in
worship who started speaking in tongues?
- Have you ever spoken in tongues? Do you think you ever will?
Why?
- How do you know if the person speaking in tongues is really
channeling the Holy Spirit and not just doing it to show off or fit
in?
- In what other ways does the Spirit work in us and reveal God's
presence and work?
TOPIC #5: How do I respond?
The film Jesus Camp evokes a variety of emotions in viewers. It has
been hotly debated among religious and secular groups since the film
was released in September 2006. Some Christians respond to this film
with anger. Others respond with judgment, calling Pastor Becky and the
children crazy or strange. Still others might be curious about the
evangelical movement and what it is all about. If you’re wondering how
Pastor Becky responded to the film, she is supportive of Jesus Camp
and encourages people to see it. She views it as an evangelism tool
that will spread her message to the world.
What does the Bible say?
Discussion Questions
- Describe your emotions after watching the film.
- What judgments or labels have you put on Pastor Becky and
others?
- Are there judgments or assumptions others place on you as a
Lutheran Christian? Why or why not?
- How does God call us to treat those who we disagree with?
Activity Suggestion
Consider visiting an Evangelical Free church (or similar
church) as a group. After the service, discuss the similarities and
differences between that church and your congregation. Also consider
the similarities and differences between the church you visited and
the church on Jesus Camp.
- How did this new worship experience make you feel?
- How does it feel to call the people you visited brothers and
sisters in Christ?
- What are your experiences with other denominations or religions?
What do you know about them?
Closing prayer
God, thank you for the gift of the Holy Spirit. Help us to be open
to the ways the Spirit moves in each of us. Give us open minds and
hearts to discern your will for us, and for how we relate to others.
Amen
Need to keep up
with what movies are out there? Check these Web sites.
Please note that
some links will take you off of the ELCA site. Providing a link does
not necessarily imply that an organization is affiliated with or
supported by the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America.
Permission to reproduce for local use. Copyright © 2007 Evangelical Lutheran Church in America.
ELCA Youth Ministries. 1-800-638-3522, ext. 2447. To
offer your comments or responses, e-mail:
rod.boriack@elca.org.
|