Movie nights have long been a staple of church events, but in an era of streaming services, some might wonder if they’ve lost their appeal. The truth is, families still love opportunities to gather, connect, and experience something fun together—and a well-planned church movie night can be just the event to bring them in! Even better, it can support missions and ministry efforts.

With the weather warming up, spring and summer are perfect for simple outdoor activities. A movie night is a great option because it requires minimal volunteers—ideal for smaller teams or overworked staff. Whether indoors or under the stars, it’s a fun, low-maintenance way to bring people together.

How to Pull Off a Simple, Impactful Movie Night
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A great movie night doesn’t have to be complicated. Here’s how to keep it simple, affordable, and mission-minded:

1. Choose Your Location
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Decide whether to host indoors or outdoors based on your space and resources. If inside, clear out chairs and invite families to bring blankets or lawn chairs for a cozy setting. If outside, use a projector and screen for a fun, drive-in-style experience on the church lawn.

2. Check Your Licensing
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Before showing a movie, ensure your church has the proper licensing. Avoid streaming from Netflix, Disney+, or YouTube unless you have permission, as churches have faced legal trouble for this. A simple check of your church’s licensing ensures you're doing things the right way. As the Body of Christ, we must operate with integrity—even for a fun family night.

3. Keep It Simple & Family-Friendly
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You don’t need the latest blockbuster to have a successful event. Choose a movie that aligns with your church’s values and engages all ages.

Need help picking a film? I’ve put together a list of my favorite family-friendly movies for church events! Email me at hello@christenclark.org, and I’ll send it your way!

4. Make It a Missions Opportunity
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Turn your movie night into a fundraiser for missions! Invite a mission team or a group passionate about a ministry to run a concession stand, selling popcorn, candy, and drinks to raise money.

One year, a team heading to Kenya decorated the concession table with photos and souvenirs from a past trip, sparking great conversations. Another time, the student ministry sold baked goods, handmade jewelry, and artwork to support a camp for families of incarcerated individuals. It was a fun and meaningful way for them to serve and share their cause.

5. Plan an Intermission for Engagement
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Midway through the movie, pause for a 10-minute intermission. Families can grab more snacks or take a bathroom break, and it’s the perfect time for the mission team or ministry group to share a short testimony about their work. Keep it brief and engaging to hold the audience’s attention.

6. Create an Inclusive Experience
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A church movie night can be a blessing for families with young children or individuals with special needs who may struggle in a traditional movie theater. The relaxed, family-friendly environment allows for more movement, flexibility, and understanding from fellow attendees. Consider dimming the lights instead of turning them off completely or providing sensory-friendly seating areas.

Why It’s Worth It
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Families are always looking for meaningful ways to spend time together, and the church should foster those opportunities. A movie night is an easy, low-cost way to build community, support missions, and create a fun, welcoming atmosphere. Whether indoors or under the stars, a simple night of popcorn, fellowship, and a great movie can make a lasting impact on your church and beyond!

Christen Clark is a speaker and consultant with 17 years in full-time church ministry and holds a master's degree from Dallas Theological Seminary. She is the creator and host of the Collide Kids Podcast, fostering fun and meaningful faith conversations for families. Christen and her family happily reside in Cumming, Georgia. Go to christenclark.org to connect with her today!