Following the success of a low-budget film praised by church leaders nationwide, a couple of Baptist brothers are on track to produce a third faith-based, big-screen release.
The Kendrick brothers of Sherwood Baptist Church in Albany, Ga., are producing the final script for "Fireproof," a film based on firefighter in a troubled marriage. He realizes he cannot fix his marriage until he gets right with the Lord.
Scriptwriting began after the September 2006 release of "Facing the Giants" – a film that centers on the life of a football coach who has never had a winning season in six years – which lasted 17 weeks in theaters nationwide and sold over one million DVD units. Shown in 441 theaters across the nation, "Facing the Giants" has been recognized as one of the most inspirational movies of 2006, according to Sports Illustrated. Churches have picked up on the movie to use for instruction and discipleship within their ministries.
Each film since the Kendrick brothers' debut production – "Flywheel" – has been taken up a notch in quality and received more widely. "Fireproof" will run on a larger budget and with a full church cast that has their relationship right with the Lord.
"What's most important to us is that the people involved are doing it for the right reasons," said Alex Kendrick, media pastor at the church, according to OneNewsNow. "In other words, one question that we asked the cast and the crew is, 'Is there anything in your life that would prevent God from blessing your work on this movie?'"
Sherwood Church entered the moviemaking ministry to engage a culture that Americans are largely being influenced by. While Alex had expressed a desire to produce Christian movies when he was hired at Sherwood Baptist in 1999, it was a 2002 Barna Group survey that prompted the church to launch a movie ministry. The survey revealed that movies are one of the leading influencers in American society while churches have lost much of their influence.
"Fireproof" will be released in the fall of 2008. "Flywheel" is slated for re-release this November.
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I think some have missed the point of "Facing the Giants." Throughout the movie, the theme was reiterated: "When we win, we praise Him. When we lose, we praise Him." When will we stop putting limits on God's ability to bless people who honor Him! It's not fantasy (or a belief in an imaginary character). It's hope......and our world needs hope that only Jesus can give. I look forward to future movies. Keep up the awesome work, Alex and Stephen! God Bless you for your ministry and vision!
I saw the "...Giants" movie and was not impressed. When does all that really happen? I thought it was very, very cheesy. I have a suggestion for their next movie: why don't they chronicle what happens when someone recommits their life to the Lord and things don't go the way Hollywood (or the Kendrick brothers) would script it? That would impress me over this Hollywood motif in the church where everyone lives happily ever.
Do I believe God can move like He did in "Facing the Giants." You betcha. Does he very often? No. I think many of us Americans would not be able to handle such blessing without us turning into spoiled brats! I know I'd have a hard time with that in my carnality (oops, I just set myself up for some stone-throwing!).
I'm just not impressed. Let's have a true to life movie about when things don't always work out the way we like them where God isn't portrayed as Santa Claus like He was in "Giants."
I've seen "Facing the Giants." This church exercises its faith in Christ in spectacular means. If the exercise of ones talents to the glory of God is worldly, well, then, something hasn't been thought thought completely. Be fair. See the product, judge the product. Then you'll know if this is or isn't of the Lord.
Another church imitating the world.
'Is there anything in your life that would prevent God from blessing your work on this movie?'"
just all of my sin and imperfections.
Good thing Jesus doesn't ask us "is there anything in your life that would prevent God from accepting you into heaven after you make a commitment of faith to me as your Lord and savior?"
Salt and light in action!