Using Film with Older People
In 2012 Stephen wrote Using Film with Older People. One of Stephen’s passions is film, especially films of the 30’s and 40’s, and within the book he tells the story of how he has used this in his ministry to older people. Film is often used to encourage theological reflection amongst younger people but Using Film with Older People shows how profitably film can be used with those of more advanced years, chiefly by telling the story of how Stephen has used it at ‘Half Shares’ – the group at Christ Church for widows. Within the book, Stephen shows how films as diverse as Gone with the Wind, Casablanca and Brief Encounter can be used to engage older people with the claims of Christianity as well as respond to many of the pastoral issues that they are facing. Using Film with Older People includes practical pointers on how to approach such ministry as well as discussion of the vital importance of Christians engaging with items of popular culture and being able to comment on both the positive and negative reasons they resonate with people.