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How to Host a Movie Night

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What is Cinema Outreach?

We turn movie nights into meaningful moments. Because great stories echo the Gospel, Cinema Outreach invites you to host a movie night followed by a thought-provoking conversation that gently points to Jesus.

How?

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Step 1
Start with Prayer

You’re thinking about hosting a movie night, and not just for fun, but with the hope that God might use it to open hearts. That’s a beautiful goal.


Before inviting anyone, take time to pray. Ask the Holy Spirit to guide you to the right people, to show you how best to invite them, to enable them to be available, to prepare their hearts for the discussion, and to use you to guide the conversation.

Begin by praying the following requests over your movie night.
 

  1. Ask the Holy Spirit to guide your choice of movie and who to invite.

  2. Pray for guests to come with open hearts, ready for deeper conversations.

  3. Ask God to bring just the right people to your event.

  4. Pray for boldness to host and peace as you lead.

  5. Ask God to make your movie-watching environment warm and welcoming.

  6. Pray that discussions point naturally to the hope found in Christ.

  7. Ask God to remove distractions or anything that might interfere.

  8. Pray that the event honors God, whatever the result.

Step1

As you begin inviting people, start praying about these points.
 

  1. Which movie should we watch?

  2. When should we watch it?

  3. Who should I invite?

  4. For strength and courage as you invite them (Joshua 1:9) 

  5. To prepare their hearts for both your invitation and your movie night​

  6. That God would bless all you invite.

  7. That they say yes to your invitation!

Step 2
Invite with Intention

You might be wondering, Who would I invite? While anyone is a fair answer, a bit of thought will help make your movie night more meaningful.

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  • Your Circles – Think beyond close friends. Coworkers, classmates, family, neighbors, or hobby groups are all great invite options. Anyone you know who could benefit from the experience.

  • Group Dynamics – Not everyone mixes well. Use wisdom, but don’t stress if your guests don’t know each other—movies are great icebreakers.

  • The Space – Choose a location that’s easy to get to and fits your group size comfortably. Consider details like pets, seating arrangements, and whether children will be around.

  • The Time – Work backward from your desired end time, leaving about 30 minutes post-movie for discussion. Pick a day people are likely to be free.

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Use the provided Invitation Templates as a suggestion to get you started.

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Step2

Initial Invite

Hey [insert friend’s name]!

 

I found the movie [insert movie name] really thought-provoking, so I want to share it with you so we can talk about it. I’ve decided to host a movie night this [insert date and time of Movie Event], and I’m inviting a few people. I think you’ll enjoy the movie and, even if you’ve already seen it, there’s something fun about getting together to watch a movie and talking about it afterwards.

 

Here’s the link to the movie trailer on YouTube: [insert trailer link for movie].

 

We’ll provide drinks and have popcorn ready to munch. Maybe you could bring your favorite movie snack to share, but don’t worry if that’s too much. I’m sure we’ll have plenty!

 

I really hope you can come on [insert date again]! Please let me know if you can make it.

 

Thanks!

 

[Your name]

 

PS. Also, let me know if you have any dietary restrictions I need to consider.

Invite Reminder
3 - 4 Days Before

Hey [insert friend’s name]!

 

On [day & time of showing] at [location of the Movie Event], I’ll be showing the movie [insert movie name].

 

Here is a link to the movie trailer! [insert link for trailer]

 

Popcorn and drinks will be provided.

 

Looking forward to seeing you soon!

 

[Your name]

Invite Reminder

Night Before or Day-Of

Hi [insert friend’s name]!

 

Just as a reminder, I’m looking forward to you coming to the Movie Night [tomorrow/tonight]!

 

[date, time, and location of your Movie Event]

 

See you soon!

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[Your name]

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Step 3
Create a Welcoming Environment

Here are some things to consider as you prepare for your movie night.

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  • Technical -- Test beforehand that the audio and video play well on your device.

  • Atmosphere -- Make people feel welcome

    • Use lamps rather than overhead lights

    • Play fun and welcoming music while people are arriving

    • Make the room smell inviting by popping popcorn or baking cookies.

  • Introductions – Greet guests as they arrive and introduce them to one another 

  • Seating – Make sure everyone will be comfortable and will be able to see and hear the movie 

  • Food – Keep snacks simple and within reach (popcorn, drinks, finger food)

  • Distractions – Remember to silence your phones and make a plan for your pets and children

As you're planning the logistics and preparing your space for your event, pray the following.
 

  1. That God will work in the hearts to convict the people that this is an event they need to attend.

  2. That their schedule will remain open so they can attend your event.

  3. That things at home or work wouldn’t preoccupy their thoughts during the event.

  4. For their health, especially on the day of the event.

  5. That they will think of friends to invite who would also enjoy the story and are eager to learn more about God.

  6. That God will prepare their hearts for the message of his love.

Step3

The day has arrived! Use these to help you pray and put the whole event in God's hands.
 

  1. Eagerness to attend with excitement and anticipation for a fun night.

  2. No distractions that would keep them from coming.

  3. Relief from nervousness or uneasiness about participating.

  4. Open hearts, ears, and eyes to receive the message in the film.

  5. Vulnerability and openness; that guests feel safe and aware of their need for a Savior.

  6. That God’s presence shines through you clearly, and guests recognize His impact in your life.

  7. That the story inspires a desire to know God and build a relationship with Him.

  8. Freedom from guilt or shame; openness to God's grace and mercy.

Step 4
Engage the Conversation

Your guests form an informal small group, and you are the discussion leader. This doesn’t mean you have to know everything about the movie or be some sort of expert. You just need to care for the people who show up and pray you have the eyes and ears of Jesus to see what is happening in their hearts. Ask insightful and timely questions, nudging the conversation toward the eternal truths of God that transcend the movie you just watched.

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The Leading a Cinema Outreach Discussion section (click the button below) may help you understand some of the dynamics involved in leading an informal discussion group, which you will have after watching a movie together.

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Step4

Leading a Cinema Outreach Discussion

 

Leading a Cinema Outreach discussion after watching a movie might sound difficult, but it really isn’t. Jesus taught in three of the four Gospels that we shouldn’t worry about what we’ll say when we’re put on the spot before people because the Holy Spirit will be there to give us the words. Step out in faith, trusting that God will give you the words to speak.

 

After watching the movie, you’ll start a natural conversation with something like, “So, what did you think of the movie?” and go from there. We’ve prepared Conversation Guides for each of our movies that are intended to help you see the movie from an eternal perspective and give you ways to gently steer the conversation that way. Read and familiarize yourself with the questions and responses before watching the movie, selecting a few that you’d like to ask during the discussion. The responses offer clues on how to answer from a Christian worldview, as well as insights into what you might hear from other worldviews.

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What is a Cinema Outreach Discussion?

The purpose of a Cinema Outreach discussion in our context is to get people talking. The most important objective is the conversation itself. Engaging in discussion helps form a community where meaningful friendships can blossom. Even a small step toward community makes the discussion a success.

 

The movies in our collection were chosen because they are subjective, stimulating, and safe. We’ve written questions and responses that have these qualities. As the conversation progresses, pray God shows you the right question for the right time.

 

  • Subjective – The question shouldn’t have definitive right or wrong answers. It should prompt opinions and friendly dialogue. 

  • Stimulating – The question should be interesting to your group. This is subjective, of course. What is interesting to one group may be dull to another. Know your audience.

  • Safe – The question should allow for disagreement without leading to hostility or insult. Disagreement is healthy as long as it remains friendly and strengthens community. When things get heated and anger flares, community breaks down.

    There are several ways to ensure safe conversations. Here are three:

    • Selective Audience – Be intentional with your invitations and invite people who would enjoy watching a movie together and having a good conversation afterwards.

    • Diplomacy – Even though we hope our questions are safe, sometimes people have surprisingly strong feelings about things that might cause tension.  One way to diffuse an argument is by acknowledging its potential up front. If you sense it might be brewing, either ask a different question or ask for agreement to keep things respectful, agreeing to disagree.

    • Theoretical -- Although many of the questions ask for people to share from their personal experiences, you may find that for some groups that keeping questions theoretical could avoid hot-button or overly-personal topics.

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Get People Thinking

To guide your group into meaningful conversation, you must first get them thinking meaningfully. Left to themselves, conversation will range wildly from the weather to sports to politics. Asking a “meaty” question helps direct their thoughts in a meaningful direction.

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What is a “Meaty” Question?

We hope the questions in our Movie Guides are sufficiently meaty. However, as you lead your conversation, feel free to ask questions of your own to spur on the conversation toward eternal things and fellowship. Keep these traits in mind to develop your own meaningful questions:

 

  • Philosophical -- Ask questions that address fundamental human experiences common to all. Many start with "why" and expand from there.

  • Relevant -- Know your audience. Ask things that will interest or challenge them.

  • Open-Ended -- Avoid yes/no questions. Invite reflection, personal stories, and dialogue that draws others in.

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Expect Silence

After you ask a question, expect silence. Don’t assume that silence means your people are disengaged. More often it means people are processing deeply. Give people time and observe the nonverbals in the room. Read their facial expressions and body language. If they seem confused, rephrase the question. If there’s still no response, answer the question yourself. If that doesn’t spark discussion, move on to another question.

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Divert Rabbit Trails

Rabbit trails are natural and can keep things fun or lighthearted, especially if the movie was heavy or the conversation got serious. Allow some diversion, but gently bring things back on track. If someone insists on staying off-topic, consider that their heart may be wrestling with something. Try asking a lighter or different question to re-engage them.

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Listen to People’s Hearts

Sometimes a question stirs a deep, emotional response. While this can be good, the small group context may not be the right place to unpack it fully. Make a mental note to follow up one-on-one later, and guide the group gently back to a safer topic. Do not forget to actually follow up later.

 

Also, listen as people talk. Learn about your audience. Maybe refer back to something said earlier to show you’re tracking with them. This shows honor and interest, gives them a chance to shine, and might engage others too.

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Think on Your Feet

Treat your prepared questions as suggestions, not a script. Conversations take their own path. You may need to jump to a question that fits better or let the group lead where they’re already going. If you ask two or three questions in your time together, your movie night was a success. As mentioned above, you are empowered to make up your own questions to fit the flow of the conversation. Our questions are just a launch pad.

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Passive Leadership: It Isn’t About You

People aren’t there to hear your thoughts; they’re there for the shared activity. While you may be the host, aim to fade into the background and elevate others. Think of your role as Passive Leadership.

 

Suggestions for Passive Leadership:

 

  • You are Not the Expert – Let people know you don’t claim expertise. And that you are just as excited to watch the movie and talk about it afterward as they are.

  • Be a Participant – Share your opinions occasionally, but not as the authority. Let others go first when possible.

  • Nudge, Don’t Pivot – When it’s time to shift questions or the subject, do so gently. Ask a follow-up question that transitions smoothly. If you must pivot abruptly, acknowledge it, invite final comments, then move on.

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Step 5
Stay Connected

In the days and weeks after your time watching the movie, follow up with your guests. Check in on them personally and ask if they’ve had any other thoughts about the movie and discussion afterwards. If something personal or significant came up during the conversation, bring it up and see how they’re doing with it.

 

Consider hosting another movie night with the same group of people. Pick two or three movies from our library and ask the group which one might be best for the next movie night.

 

Expand from there. There are many Christian film projects being released right now. Consider eventually introducing this group to The Chosen, House of David, or even starting an Alpha Course. Ministry happens in relationship, and hosting a Cinema Outreach movie night is a step toward the eternal. Have fun and enjoy time developing new friendships as you watch good movies together.

Just because your event is in the past doesn't mean you're finished. Keep praying for those who came.
 

  1. That God continues speaking to hearts in the days after the movie.

  2. That your conversations bear fruit and draw people to Him.

  3. That they share the truths they discovered with others.

  4. That God sends other Christians to speak with them about Jesus.

  5. That more chances come to talk with these friends about God again.

  6. That your group would like to get together for another movie night and conversation.

Step5
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© 2021-2025 Cinema Outreach

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