Gospel.com Blog

What does a personal ministry look like? Is it something you train and prepare for–something like a church leadership position or a background in theology? In his latest column, Blaine Smith suggests that most of us have a far greater impact on the people around us than we realize. Whether you know it or not, you’re already doing ministry–so rather than pine for an “official” ministry, make sure you’re not overlooking the one in your backyard! Stop by the Nehemiah Notes ministry website to read the full article.

It’s Friday, which means a new round of films in time for the weekend. Here’s the scoop from Past the Popcorn:

The Christian film community gets a shot in the arm this week from Fox Faith and Michael Landon, Jr. Kathy Bledsoe calls The Last Sin Eater “entertaining, enthralling, absorbing, thought-provoking, and blatantly proud of Jesus Christ.” She can’t say enough about this period-piece tale of Appalachian lore.

Past the Popcorn’s Mike Smith also gives raves to Absolute Wilson (a documentary about an eccentric performance artist), the Oscar-nominated foreign-language film The Lives of Others, and Breaking and Entering (an R-rated domestic drama that’s just now going belatedly into limited release).

Mike Brunk also offers an interview with novelist Katherine Paterson, whose adapted version of Bridge to Terabithia opens in theatres next week.

There’s some bad news this week, too. Greg Wright has real serious narrative problems with Factory Girl, Mike Brunk finds Norbit relentlessly mean-spirited, and Jenn Wright can’t find enough bad things to say about Hannibal Rising. Sometimes you just have to be honest.

Just a few years ago it was rare for youth pastors and volunteers to deal with a student’s self-injury. Today it’s a common challenge–and training is desperately needed for youth workers to help students through it. In a comprehensive manual available for free download (PDF format) at Youth Ministry Exchange, Amy Sondova walks readers through the reasons for cutting and self-injury, and provides youth workers with practical advice for helping students from a Christian perspective.

The registration deadline for the last of InterVarsity’s On Purpose Greek Conferences in Charlotte, NC is rapidly approaching! InterVarsity’s Greek conferences are an aspect of their fraternity and sorority ministry, and are the biggest IVP events outside the massive Urbana student missions convention.

If you’re a student with an interest in shaping your campus culture for Christ, consider attending the On Purpose conference, which runs from February 16-18. Read more about the Greek conferences at the IVP website.

Do you have a loved one serving in Iraq, Afghanistan, or at another embattled location in the world? Author and speaker
Cheri Fuller edits a site dedicated to prayer for military personnel stationed abroad. At Military Families Pray, you can read or submit stories of answered prayer and find encouragement while you pray for your loved ones’ safety. If you’re a “military family,” bookmark Fuller’s site and consider contributing your own stories of prayer.

This week’s film roundup from Past the Popcorn:

The sure bets in limited release this week are a pair of fine documentaries that are the closest thing you will find to must-sees for adult Christian audiences. Greg Wright raves about Jonestown: The Life and Death of Peoples Temple, the tale of the path to cyanide-laced death in Guyana, while Jenn Wright can’t say enough about God Grew Tired of Us, the story of three of Sudan’s “Lost Boys.” For those whose appetites run to gentle, slowly-paced foreign films, Greg also recommends The Italian.

On the downside, Mike Brunk can barely find words to describe the disappointment that is Because I Said So.

Educators and parents: looking for a place to discuss current ideas about teaching and nurturing children? Dan Beerens of Christian Schools International writes a blog, Nurturing Faith, at which he tackles concerns, issues, and ideas about raising kids today, with a focus on their personal and spiritual development as well as their academic success.

Recent posts have covered topics ranging from cultivating your students’ gifts to accelerated physiological and psychological development in young people today. If you’re an educator or a parent with a special interest in Christian education, bookmark Nurturing Faith–and add a comment or two to a post that catches your eye and makes you think!