Now that you've decided to host a movie night, you need to choose a film. Choose one you'd like to discuss, perhaps because it intrigues you, or got you thinking, or because you can't figure out what it meant. Preview it to be sure it's appropriate for the group. Don't, for example, show a film like Run Lola Run to a group of individuals who by conviction don't watch R-rated films. Pick one that seems to raise big issues—not every film is equally discussable.

When you invite people, it helps to give them a start and end time. We suggest that you allow at least two hours beyond the length of the movie for the discussion. If the movie is two hours, tell them to arrive by six (for instance) and say the evening will go until ten. Most people like to know this (whether for a babysitter or because they've got to get up early the next day and want assurance you won't trap them until two in the morning). Explain that you want to talk about the movie afterward so they don't expect to watch the movie and run.

Also tell them what movie you'll be watching. Tell them a little bit about it—not only to create some interest, but also to give them an opportunity to decline if it's a movie they'd feel uncomfortable watching.

There are several things you should do to prepare for leading the discussion. First, watch the movie at least once or twice ahead of time to get an idea of the issues raised.

Note the names of characters. How often have you talked about a movie and had to keep saying "You know, that guy played by Tom Cruise" or "What was that character's name? The one with the goatee?" If you as leader know all the names, you will help the discussion go that much smoother. You and your friends shouldn't spend half the night trying to describe which character you're talking about.

Write down quotes from the movie that sparked your curiosity or make a note of events that seemed especially important. You can bring these up during the discussion and ask if other people thought they were important or interesting or symbolic (or whatever).

Allow people to get comfortable; provide them with popcorn or brownies, soda or coffee, offer them afghans and pillows—anything to make the evening relaxed and enjoyable. Try to start the movie on time, even if it seems everyone is having fun getting their popcorn and chatting. If you start the movie late, the discussion afterward might be hurried or truncated or it might go until midnight, which is fine for students, but not for those who have babysitters at home watching the kids.

Start with a simple question, like "What did you think about the movie?" Then sit back and allow the discussion to unfold as naturally as possible. Let the conversation range free. Your job as leader isn't to mold the discussion according to a set agenda as much as it is to occasionally raise questions to keep it going. If you've invited a group of friends who know each other well and/or aren't afraid to speak up, you might not have to do very much. Topics will naturally come up, and people will ask their own questions. But if you've got a group of people who aren't used to discussions or don't know each other or don't know what to say, then pull out your list of questions and start asking them when there's a lull in conversation or if it just seems like a new topic would help things along. Sound easy? It is.

Keep an eye on the dynamics of the discussion. If one person seems to be dominating, simply ask another question and say something like, "Let's hear from someone who hasn't had a chance to talk yet." The quiet ones might be relieved to be given the opportunity … some people are hesitant to interrupt others or won't speak unless given ample time to do so. Also, don't allow the discussion to descend into a series of mini-sermons, especially if there are non-Christians present. It's more important that everyone discuss the issues without being harangued about their point of view. These are the types of things you'll find yourself getting better at—noticing the dynamics and helping everyone have a chance to take part, regardless of their viewpoint.