Media Evaluation Source

Several years ago we were blessed at Richardson East to bring in Al Menconi to speak to our parents and teens. I had heard Al speak at the Children's Pastor's Conference in San Diego and thought he had an excellent presentation on why we should be concerned with what are children were being exposed to through the different realms of media. I remember the statement that Al made that impacted me the most was "we have a tendency to tell our children what to think instead of teaching them how to think." Al teaches parents how to help their children think biblically. His premise is you ask questions based on Scripture or spiritual principles. He basis a lot of his training around Colossians 2:8 "Don’t let others spoil your faith and joy with their philosophies. Their wrong shallow answers built on men’s thoughts and ideas instead of on what Christ has said." (The Living Bible)

Spend some time on Al's website http://www.almenconi.com. You will find a wealth of information to share with your parents. Al says that we should all realize "we are in a spiritual battle for the souls of our children. The entertainment industry aims its weapons at the heart and soul of our families. In the media’s hands, TV programs, movies, videos, music and computer games are the weapons aimed at our homes and hearts. Their philosophies and messages are the ammunition that shoots down Christian morals and beliefs".

Even if you cannot bring Al to speak at your church, your parents and staff will be blessed if you will share his website as a resource that they can use to help them in the teaching of their children. I have not been blessed with children of my own, but have found this website to be useful in my own evaluation of media and as a good resource for me to use in talking to my nieces and nephews. Check it out and let us know what you think?