A recent article in the LA Times highlights the recent growth of films with a Christian theme, and how this is shaping the current realities and future strategies of movie-making in Hollywood. Special attention is given to the soon to release The Nativity Story, which is being produced by New Line Cinema. To read this article, click here.

New LifeWay research finds 62% of formerly churched people are open to attending church regularly again, but not actively looking. 28% say they are unlikely to consider regularly attending church in the foreseeable future; 6% would prefer to resume attending regularly in the same church they had attended; and 4% are actively looking for a different church. 58% simply feel it's time to return to the church. Of those self-motivated to return, 46% say it is to bring them closer to God. 32% want to be around those with similar values, 31% want to make friends, and 30% want to make a difference or help others in their community. How are you attracting the former churched?

Our friends Rick and Kay Warren and the entire Saddleback staff are putting on an incredible event at the end of November- the Global Summit on AIDS and the Church (Nov. 30-Dec.1). The first day will be a private Conversation about Tomorrow with Senior Pastors (Nov. 29). This will be a by-invitation-only, off-the-record, not-open-to-the-public full day of conversation with senior pastors. There's no cost to attend the Conversation About Tomorrow for Senior Pastors, but you'll need an invitation ticket. The Global Summit on AIDS and the Church, (Nov. 30 - Dec. 1), is the only event of its kind, equipping congregations with a specific 5 point global strategy and a 6 step local plan that every church can use to help end AIDS. The two day Summit brings together the leading authorities from health and relief organizations, governments, international agencies, and ministries to interact with pastors and church leaders from around the world who are modeling reproducible programs. To get more information and register for the Global Summit on AIDS & the Church, just click on http://www.purposedriven.com/hiv. To receive an invitation to Conversation about Tomorrow , send an email within the next 48 hours to summit@saddleback.com.

The Global Youth Partnership for Africa is a DC-based non-profit that seeks to fundamentally change the way Americans understand and engage with Africa. GYPA accomplishes this by fostering relationships between accomplished and emerging youth leaders in Africa and the United States. This January, GYPA is leading two trips for American students to Uganda and Sierra Leone to examine the role of youth in post-conflict reconstruction. The partnerships forged during these Youth Summits will promote fresh, pragmatic perspectives on Africa's challenges and encourage participants to work together for innovative, practical solutions. Both trips will offer students a unique perspective on the role of youth in rebuilding post-conflict societies. The programs are competitive and open to undergraduate students interested in international relations, economic development, political science, African studies, or communication. For more information and an application for Youth Summits, click here. GYPA has also teamed up with Kevin Carroll's Katalyst Consultancy to support Uganda Peace Ambassadors for the 4th Annual Homeless World Cup. GYPA received a $25,000 donation from the Katalyst Consultancy, which includes the donation of equipment and uniforms for the soccer players. To read more about the Homeless World Cup, take a peek at Kevin Carroll's blog.

According to Crazychurch.com, "If we get to the end of our lives and the Internet is mostly known as a place to get porn for free and sermons for $5, something's gone terribly wrong." Over the last 15 years technology has reduced the cost of replicating and distributing ideas to almost nothing. The result has been a rate of innovation unlike any before. One result is that creative ideas from a local church can now be shared for free with other churches anywhere in the world almost immediately. Inspired by Jesus' marching orders to "Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse those who have leprosy, drive out demons. Freely you have received, freely give.", several churches have banded together to create a space for creative churches to freely share ideas and tools God has given them with the church at large (www.crazychurch.com). They believe there's still a place for some things that need to be sold when there's no other option--it just shouldn't be the first option. What do you think... Will this work? Is it doable?