In my 2011 book, Plugged-In Parenting, I included a chapter titled, “Ten Things You Can Do to End Fights Over Family Entertainment.” One of those suggestions was to get your pastors involved.
Here’s what I said:
When your kids hear other people—pastors, parents, teachers—echoing your advice on media, they may be more willing to listen.
Encourage your youth pastor to schedule a parent/teen night to discuss the subject of honoring Christ with entertainment decisions. Ask the head of your children’s ministry whether making good media choices could be part of the curriculum in Sunday school or children’s church. Talk to your senior pastor about including this subject in his plans; a sermon or two each year goes a long way.
I’m still a firm believer in that advice. And I hope you’ll take it to heart. Get your pastors on board. But it doesn’t need to stop there. Let me add an 11th tip:
Consider bringing in experts on the subjects of media, entertainment and technology to your church, youth group, school, workplace or any other gathering spot you tend to frequent.
As I mentioned, it’s quite possible your youth pastor or pastor just doesn’t feel qualified to address media discernment. I get it. If that is so, bringing in someone who does have that expertise might just be the ticket.
As I type this, I just got back from Houston having spent Friday and Saturday addressing a family conference conducted by a local church there (and spoke to the congregation on Sunday morning). Over the years, my team and I have been privileged to address dozens and dozens of groups on the subject of honoring Jesus with our entertainment choices. But I’m especially jazzed today because the reception this past weekend was extra-receptive. I think because the need is so obvious, people are hungry to get help in this area of family life.
The Plugged In Department here at Focus on the Family is small. We’re just five people. But I have a talented team, and I’d like to send them out, if only one or two times a year to address churches, conferences, youth events, etc., as the Lord would lead.
To facilitate this, simply email me if you’re interested. Of course, we won’t be able to say yes to every request and every event. And saying no is hardly going to be easy when I have to. But I’ll cross that bridge when I come to it. Email me at [email protected] and let me know your interest and a bit about the group (church, school, workplace, youth event, conference?, etc.).
I don’t need to tell you how important the world of entertainment is in our culture. If you’re here, you know that already. But if you want to hear more from us than just what we write on our website or listen to on our radio reviews—and you think more people in your church or community would like to, too—remember: We might be able to make that happen.
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