How to Start a Group
Your Initial Event

Initial Outreach: The Documentary Film & Discussion

Invite a wide mix of members of your community to view and discuss the new documentary film THE BETTER HOUR: The Legacy of William Wilberforce.

Click here to watch the trailer.

Invite students, teachers, parents, friends and neighbors to learn how the leaders of the abolition were able get rid of slavery in their day and learn about the foundation of modern day human rights--which led to voting for women, universal education, and service to the poor--and how William Wilberforce is such an unparalleled example of modern philanthropy who changed the world.

CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE THE DVD FROM SHOP PBS

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD DISCUSSION QUESTIONS TO ENGAGE YOUR AUDIENCE OR A SMALL GROUP.

Presentation Settings

Larger Public Setting: Show the film in a school, college, community center or local library.

In-Home Hosting: Supply your guests with hor d’oevres to watch the one-hour film, then move to a seated table for dinner and a guided group conversation. (Can be hosted without a dinner, just refreshments.) Here are some discussion questions for after viewing the film. (coming soon).

Both venues can lead to a six-to eight-week book club that can lead to plans for your group and plans for community involvement.

Documentary Film

THE BETTER HOUR: The Legacy of William Wilberforce is targeted for national television broadcast targeted for February, 2008, with DVD for sale on January 31st at www.shopPBS.org.

This one-hour documentary shot in high definition recounts the character, faith and leadership of British Parliamentarian William Wilberforce and his heroic 20-year fight for the 1807 abolition of the transatlantic slave trade. To commemorate this 200th anniversary year, this film is sponsored by the John Templeton Foundation to provide greater reflection on the inspiration and influence of Wilberforce, who in his day was a household name both in the U.K. and the U.S.

Click here to watch the trailer.

After seeing the film, you can ask two key questions. They are discovery questions rather than factual questions whose answers are soon forgotten. Discovery questions lead to an “Ah, ha!” moment one remembers for years to come.

The first question will get you and your friends to focus on Wilberforce’s character. Here it is: What motivated William Wilberforce to stand up against incredible odds and over almost his entire life time to free Britain’s slaves and to improve the morals of English society? Let your group dig around a bit to see just what it took for this man to undergo ridicule and persecution for his causes. You will be surprised at what thoughts and feelings are shared in the group.

The second discovery question focuses on the people in your group. What moral stand (if any) are you willing to make to change the world for the better--to give the world a 'better hour?'

There is no doubt that our world needs changing. Slavery still exists in the world. Millions of the unborn are still dying. HIV AIDS and the need for an abstinence solution still abound. The answers to this question reveal the moral outrage as well as the hope for the future that is in your group. In the answers to this question are the seeds of actions. Fifty, one hundred, or two hundred years from now people may look back at such actions and say "Thank God for these people!"

According to George Gallup, 40 percent of Americans are in some form of small group, often book clubs, but frequently Bible studies. Since most listeners will be in a small group, get your small group to watch the movie and discuss it. For those in secular groups, people will discover the importance of Christianity. For Christian groups, this will give the confidence to go show it to some non-Christian friends and engage in a discussion of building a better world.

So there it is, a start to cultural engagement even we can all handle. And remember, for Christians, working for God’s kingdom is not an option—it is what Christians are all about.

The resources you need--DVD, book, plus audio series -- are available here.

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