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5-8-05 -- Production Company Evangelizing Through Film
PRODUCTION COMPANY EVANGELIZING THROUGH FILM
In Matthew 5, Jesus tells us to be the "light of the world," shining like a city on a hill. City on a Hill Productions uses video to shine the light, creating original DVDs that equip churches and evangelize unbelievers.
City on a Hill's staff of three—along with dozens of volunteers-write scripts, shoot and edit videos, compose original music, and design DVD covers for a variety of short films. Some address current issues for parachurch ministries like pregnancy counseling centers, or provide opportunities for missionaries to share their work in creative, engaging ways.
Others, like When I Survey, can be used as part of a worship service. "Churches want to combine different media forms in their services," says Molly Tatum, development coordinator, "so we create videos that enhance worship experiences."
In addition, CHP's new Web site offers tutorials for churches to help them use videos more effectively in worship. "No matter where a church is we can provide help in going to the next level," says Tatum.
"Our president, Shane Sooter, was the drama director at Southeast Christian Church (Louisville, Kentucky)," Tatum says. "Other churches began requesting copies of the videos he created, and a ministry was born."
CHP has produced a half—dozen videos in its first 18 months, and more are planned.
"Our next project is a 10—week, small-group series featuring Kyle Idleman, one of Southeast's preachers," Tatum says. "People can use it in their home, creating opportunities for informal evangelism." The series, entitled H20, includes curriculum for each week.
"Our growth has been exponential," says Tatum. "Churches are looking for powerful ways to tell stories, and we're helping to fill that need."
www.cityonahillproductions.com
A WING AND A PRAYER
"The Lord calls us all to serve in some way," says Lionel Smith, founder and president of Christian Wings for the World, Ironton, Missouri. But Smith doesn't prepare Communion or lead a Bible study—he serves by flying.
After years of training and prayer, Smith and his wife Sara founded CWW to train pilots for missionary transportation and support. Today, the nonprofit organization conducts complete training courses at all levels ("We'll take you from zero hours to jungle pilot if you want!" he says), repairs and maintains its own aircraft, and develops students into skilled pilots capable of navigating in less than ideal conditions.
Reflecting an international focus, most of the students at CWW come from outside the United States; alumni of the school include pilots from the Netherlands, Indonesia, and Germany.
In addition to pilot instruction, Christian Wings delivers supplies to mission fields around the world and conducts mercy flights for missionaries with urgent or emergency situations. Smith also plans to establish a missionary aircraft and pilot resource center that will provide coordination of aviation activity for missionaries worldwide.
"With air support our missionaries can work much more safely and productively," says Smith. "We're here for God's glory."
www.christianwings.org
FAMILIES THAT PLAY TOGETHER
"This is one of the simplest things we do all year, but it's an effective way to build families," says Mike Edmunds, children's minister at Chapel Rock Christian Church in Indianapolis, Indiana.
Each year parents are invited to work with their children to build a car out of a cardboard box, and "drive it in" for a movie night at the church. Edmunds and other volunteers award prizes to each child for the unique elements of his car, while Best in Show awards are given to a few of the most creative or original entries.
While the kids relax in their cars, they watch two short videos and enjoy free popcorn and lemonade served right to their door by junior high "carhops."
"This is such a fun thing for the kids, but that's not the real reason we do it," says Edmunds. "The real point is to create opportunities for parents to do things with them. When a child is so excited because she spent three hours with her dad working on her car, then the event's a success."
www.chapelrock.org
Jennifer Taylor, one of CHRISTIAN STANDARD's contributing editors, lives in Nashville, Tennessee.
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