Resource Review: Bluefish TV Short Clips | Christian Bible Studies (via Mowser)

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Resource Review: Bluefish TV Short Clips
These little videos can enhance your group experience in a big way.
by Sam O'Neal

There's usually a pretty thin line between small-group sessions that are outstanding and those that are average. The difference between the two is rarely a key biblical insight on the part of the leader or some kind of spiritual breakthrough for a member. Instead, what makes a group session great is usually a little spark—something that really connects with a burning question or felt need and ignites a genuine discussion on a topic of genuine importance.

Jim & Casper Go to Church
Small Groups Video Curriculum

That's why I'm excited about a new feature on our sister website FaithVisuals.com. It's a collection of sparky little video clips produced by Bluefish TV—currently over 100—that use a wide variety of styles to address a wide variety of topics. I'll flesh out the different genres in greater depth below (and provide some free previews, as well), but I think most of the videos have a real potential to boost the discussion and energy level of any small-group gathering.

Best of all, each video is on sale for only $1.99.

Overview
The video clips range anywhere from 30 seconds to 3 minutes in duration, so we're not talking about video Bible studies. In fact, many of them were originally produced as sermon illustrations for Sunday morning. But I can think of at least three ways these clips can provide a boost to your small group.

First, many of them make great icebreakers. This is especially true of the "comedy" videos. The folks at Bluefish TV have a gift for imitation and hyperbole, and their funny clips strike a good balance between genuine humor, cultural relevance, and biblical application. Press "play" on the video box of "Mr Makes Change in the Offering Plate Guy" to see what I mean.

Mr. Makes Change in the Offering Plate Guy
Click here to purchase.

Man Fell in a Hole
Click here to purchase.

Jars of Clay: The Spirit of Thanksgiving
Click here to purchase.

Second, many of the clips address specific biblical or theological topics, which makes them a great transition into the Bible study or discussion portion of a group gathering. Most of these clips are fairly broad—such as a "person on the street" interview on the subject of salvation—making them ideal for introducing different themes. But several videos are focused enough to be used as a teaching supplement on their own. For example, "A Man Fell in a Hole" (right) is a great parable on the subject of other religions.

Third, a great many of the video clips can serve as an effective call to worship. Some of these are meditative looks into the beauty of God's creation. Others are a combination of images and music, and others use only the spoken word. But all of them can help your group members prepare their hearts to worship God. Watch "Jars of Clay: The Spirit of Thanksgiving" for another example.

Strengths

All of these videos are professionally produced and include great audio, graphic effects, and acting.

The old adage "you get what you pay for" doesn't apply here, as you get more than your money's worth for only $1.99 each video.

The videos are very relevant and applicable to modern culture, which means they will be appealing to young people in small groups. They also address a variety of themes appealing to men, which can be rare in "Christian" content.

Weaknesses

Downloadable video clips are convenient when it comes to price, but they do require an extra step to get on the screen in front of your group members. You'll need to either download the clips onto a laptop or burn them on a DVD.

The clips are culturally relevant, as mentioned above, but some of the content may come across as crass to more traditional small-group members. (One video includes the word "fart," for example.)

Summary
I think any small-group leader will benefit from browsing through this collection of Bluefish TV video clips—even if they do so just to enjoy the free previews. The videos are a great way to provide a spark to the fellowship, discussion, and worship sections of any group gathering, and they're dirt cheap. What more can we ask?

More Bible Study Helps

Christians at the Movies
Current Issues Bible Study
What is a proper relationship between the church and the arts? How has that relationship changed in recent generations? This study addresses these questions and more in reference to Christians and their interaction with modern forms of art, like movies.
Read more. Using Film Clips in Preaching
Careful choices yield best results.
by Marc T. Newman, Ph.D.
How many clips should be used in a single message? How does placement in the message affect the way clips are used? Should they be used before or after a truth claim? This article addresses these questions with practical and inspiring advice.
Read more.

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