Collide Magazine

Visual Curriculum

Daniel Darnell - Originally posted Monday, July 21, 2008

Church small group curriculum has been around for decades. Traditionally found on paper or VHS and based on a book or a sermon series, they tend to be dry, childish, or outdated. But in a culture so saturated with new media, there exists a need for a new kind of curriculum. Thanks to a resurgence in Christian art and media, curriculum has finally made some giant leaps forward by embracing the power of visuals.

In late 2002, Rob Bell helped pave the way with his groundbreaking series, Nooma. Now following in his visual curriculum footsteps are hundreds of authors, pastors, producers, and musicians. However, with so much curricula to choose from, you’re guaranteed to find plenty of mediocrity.
Allow us to shine a little light on some of the products that are bringing excellence, relevance, beauty, and art back to the Church via the screen. Here, in no particular order, are a handful of resources we’d like to highlight.

Liquid - Mirror Image
www.experienceliquid.com
HD DVD – Thomas Nelson
$19.99

Advertisements

Included:
• DVD with five 10-minute episodes
• Leader’s Guide booklet

Liquid is a new five-part series from creators Jeff Pries and John Ward that retells ancient Bible stories using today’s language. Each episode presents a story of everyday people with real problems that mirror passages and stories found in the Bible. Mirror Image specifically deals with some of the most famous parables of the Bible like the Good Samaritan and the Prodigal Son. The episodes aren’t award winning but do a great job relating the stories to today’s culture. This is a great series for adult small groups and comes with a leader’s discussion guide; however, the participant’s guide is sold separately for $10.

The Trouble With Paris
www.thetroublewithparis.com
DVD – Thomas Nelson
$39.99

Included:
• DVD with four 20-minute episodes
• Discussion questions built-in to episodes

The Trouble With Paris is a creative, funny, and challenging study of pop culture and reality taught by Mark Sayers, Australia’s leading young adult theologian. This curriculum aimed at youth and young adults examines three different levels of reality: Hyperreality, Reality, and God’s Reality. Each episode is broken into four parts, and each part is separated by great discussion questions. With amazing visuals and design as well as relevant teaching, this is a must have for youth groups. As with Mirror Image, a participant’s guide is available but will cost you an extra $10.

re:View
www.re-films.com
DVD – Cedarville University
$189.99

Included:
• 7 DVD set, each with a short film and teaching segment
• Leader’s guide (PDF)
• Student’s guide (PDF)
• Supplemental PowerPoint slides
• Access to online resources
• 1 bag of popcorn (seriously)

re:View is an revolutionary film and teaching series from Cedarville University featuring Dr. Bill Brown, the university’s president. This 13-session series targeted at youth groups teaches students how to discern and engage the culture around them with the heart and mind of Christ. The series includes a plethora of great video, print, and web resources, including downloadable videos for your iPod (not to mention a bag of microwaveable popcorn to enhance your viewing experience). Because of the high price tag, this series isn’t for everyone, but the quality is well worth the price.

Modern Parables – Volume 1
www.modernparable.com
DVD – Compass Cinema
$129

Included:
• 3 DVD set
• Audio CD
• Leader’s Guide
• Study Guide

Modern Parables is an original Bible study series that brings Jesus’ parables to life in a modern light. The 12-lesson study covers six parables with two lessons each; the first lesson is about understanding the parable, and the second is about applying it. Without a doubt, the Modern Parables series is biblical, entertaining, and relevant. With great acting, well-written stories, relevant teaching, and excellent print resources, this is a must for adult groups. For those on a smaller budget, you also have the option of buying each parable individually for $25.

CRAVE
www.soulcravings.com
DVD – Awaken
19.99

Included:
• 3 Short films on DVD
• Discussion questions

CRAVE is a short film series from author and pastor Erwin McManus, based on his book Soul Cravings, created to communicate truth in a revolutionary way. McManus’ heart is to tell stories of truth with excellence, and this series is no exception. Covering topics of intimacy, destiny, and meaning, the three short films tell stories that speak to the cravings of our souls. Each film features McManus teaching an introduction and conclusion and includes a handful of discussion questions for any small group. The high quality and low price of this series make it well worth your time. Read the full review of CRAVE.

C2: Relapse
www.c2dvd.com
DVD – Seabourne Pictures
14.99

Included:
• 20-minute Short Film
• Leader Guide
• Study Guide
• Bonus DVD features (outtakes, commentary, etc.)

C2 is a new series of original short films presented by Michael W. Smith, designed to help individuals develop critical thinking skills while watching movies. Using a three step learning process—connect, critique, conclude—C2 guides the viewer in developing a more biblical worldview. Relapse specifically tells the tragic story of a family’s loss of their child and the mother’s avoidance of dealing with her grief. This film is beautifully filmed, well written, and emotionally stirring. Releasing this July, C2 will be a great addition to any small group.

Other Resources to Check out:
Transformation Station – Metro Ministries
H2O – Thomas Nelson
Fuel – LifeWay
Intersect: Culture – Christian Vision Project
Trigger – Passenger Productions

Daniel Darnell is an intern with COLLIDE. He is also a worship leader and has a passion for music and the arts. A graduate of Texas A&M, Daniel now lives in Dallas and wishes he had a chocolate lab.