These are the ones where people open-up, are challenged by different points of view and as a result grow. If so, then the "camp fire" has moved "online".
Campfire Film Foundation & Film Festival started to create discussion around some of the issues that really matter: faith, culture and the way we relate to others.
It uses the culturally relevant vehicle of short-films to present a range of world-views and generate debate.
Short-films are a powerful tool to stir emotions. An examination of some of the films from Campfire does exactly that.
From the pain of a child trying to live with dyslexia in "Nothing More, Nothing Less" to a glimpse at Aboriginal spirituality in "The Land Owns Us" to the persecuted church and deciding between faith and life in "Framed."
Campfire's filmmakers don't hold back on challenging issues or disturbing images.
Campfire started with two main goals.
Firstly, to spark honest discussion of meaningful personal and social issues – be they spiritual, cultural, or philosophical – through the use of quality short films.
Secondly, to encourage film makers to engage with these issues and create meaningful content.
As you view the films and read the blogs and discussions it is like sitting-in on a campfire chat about life.
Many issues you may not agree with and you can turn to the Bible to provide correction. But this is the whole point: generating discussions and sharpening our own faith and understanding of the hope we profess.
So if you want to be challenged to go deeper in your own faith, sign in and join the camp fire chats around some of the short-films at www.campfire.org.au
Proverbs 29 verse 11: "A fool uttereth all his mind; but a wise man keepeth it in till afterwards."
Jeremy Dover is the Presbyterian Minister at Bannockburn (near Geelong) and is a Sport Scientist.