 |
|
 |
These films are produced by a nonprofit group called Flannel.
One of the key people in the group that began NOOMA is Rob Bell. He is the speaker in the first series. Rob certainly doesn’t need an introduction, especially on BookDisciple.com. Apparently he will not be the only speaker. Who’s next? We’ll have to wait and see…
As I have said on other parts of this website, Rob has a very special gift, which I am sure is God-given, to look at old truths and make them applicable to our lives today. Here and now. He has a way of stating things that we think we know all about, in a postmodern way that makes clear sense to this generation.
The message that gets across in Rob’s NOOMA films is fresh! Yet, it has been true for centuries.
That’s the beauty of Rob’s teaching. That’s the beauty of these films.
But wait… There’s more! In addition to the video teaching, each NOOMA comes with a 32 page book that discusses the topic at hand, gives Bible verses, and asks some great questions for quiet reflection or discussion in a group.
The video alone is a very good experience and you do not need to use the book. However, the book is available to add more depth to the experience.
According to statistics, 94% of people watching these films say that it has positively impacted their view of Christianity. Maybe this is the biggest plus of having such a nifty new postmodern format. You can watch these videos with those people who despise the church and Christianity as an institution. And they are bound to be impressed…
Well, at least 94% of them. Now go and do street evangelism, and you might just sit with 94% unimpressed!
This world is in dire need of new and fresh ways of postmodern communication. One format of such communication is here, and (by the looks of it) here to stay. Let’s use it, spread the world, and hope that the producers keep up with the times so that their teaching never gets old.
So, how does it watch?
The NOOMAs are fun to watch, short and mostly controversial. It is quite an image-rich experience. If you watch them as a group and discuss the questions afterward, it becomes a participatory and connective experience in true EPIC style. If all that doesn’t make sense, read The Gospel According to Starbucks by Leonard Sweet.
But wait... You do not have to listen to me! See for yourself. Below are three preview clips from my personal favorites: Trees, Sunday, and Rhythm.
You can see previews of all of them at YouTube.com. Also be sure to check out the Official NOOMA Website. You will find all the information you need there.
What do these films mean to me personally?
I personally own 14 of the 18 NOOMA films released to date at the time of this article (late November 2007). Of my 14 copies, 12 have been seen by twenty people or more.
See, I am a teaching servant at a ministry called Halftime which is “A Spiritual Alternative” to the X-Generation of Cape Town, South Africa. Those who presently struggle to find a place where they feel welcome in the church.
Halftime is a fairly new ministry (started June 2007), and one of the only “offline” ministries I am involved in. I do, however, appreciate the opportunity to present and teach at our gatherings considering my love for Christian media.
This new format has proven to be the ideal discussion videos for us to use. They are short, controversial and the books give a group lot to talk about – exactly what we need.
Personally, I also learned a lot from watching and presenting these films. As I stated earlier, Rob (presenter on all 18 films released to date) has a real gift to communicate a message in a fresh way. It has touched me, and I am sure future releases will not disappoint in this regard.
Conclusion
The NOOMA Short Films are different. They are maybe a bit more at home in the world than in the church. I am sure this is what the producers hoped for. See, the world needs a new format, and the church exists for the world.
Let’s take these exciting films that carry across Christian perspectives in such an enjoyable and inoffensive way to the world. Let this be part of the good news that church still has to offer the world today.
Use these films! Whether that is for self-discipleship or for teaching others. You will not be disappointed.
Return from The NOOMA Short Films, to Christian Videos
