“Missionary of Hollywood”
“Missionary of Hollywood”
During Elevate 2004, a Christian conference designed to help young adults ages 18-29 develop a fuller sense of the true Christian identity and lifestyle, Victoria Michaels Rogers, a former talent agent, shares inspirational stories about her experiences as a Christian in the Hollywood industry. Photo by James Dotson
It seems impossible for Christians to find a place in the entertainment industry, but an increasing community of Christian fellowship groups is paving the pathway, noted former talent agent Victoria Michaels Rogers. There is a need for Christians to reveal the Gospel of love to a dry society in this influential industry.
"People say, 'How can you be in Hollywood, one of the most evil places in the world, and still be a Christian?'" In response, Rogers said, "How can you not be there? It is the most important mission field there is in this world. I passionately believe that. ... If Washington is the seat of power in this world, Hollywood is the seat of influence."
Rogers, who worked as a Hollywood talent agent for about 10 years and still managed to maintain strong in her Christian faith, is now a Christian figure of influence. As an author and speaker, she speaks about the influences Christians are beginning to have in Hollywood. Not only that, she is also a missionary of Mission Service Corps on behalf of the North American Mission Board (NAMB). She will be participating in the second Elevate conference from February 19-21 held at the Charlotte Convention Center.
During the early years of her career, Rogers learned how to overcome the opposing forces of her faith that normally causes Christians to alienate themselves from others who are not. Her advice is to not worry about reaching perfection as much as being able to respond well after people realize that you are not.
She said, “You're going to make mistakes, but it's what you do next that matters." "It's calling somebody up and saying, 'Sorry I lost my cool the other day. As a Christian it really made me feel bad, and I apologize.' Did you know you can go further in winning them to Christ that way than not making any mistakes ever?"
Rogers also gave more words of wisdom regarding issues on the condemnation of non-Christians’ life styles. "I'm not trying to say you approve of their lifestyle. I'm saying, what good does it do to clean up a bunch of sinners if it doesn't get them to heaven? ... Your goal is to share Jesus with the power of the Holy Spirit and leave the results to God."
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She used as an example: the usual response she would give when a person used the Lord’s name in vain. Instead of taking offense, Rogers would simply say, “He’s my Savior,” with a smile on her face and takes any chance to speak of Christ.
In sharing about Christ, Rogers wrote the book “How to Talk About Jesus Without Freaking Out,” which runs through a three-step process that guides the reader in sharing about Christ. “1) Allow people to tell their story, which often reveals parallels with the Christian's own spiritual walk; 2) share a three-minute personal testimony of how Christ has impacted your own life; and 3) share Christ's story in a simple, straightforward manner.”
Very much emphasized is the need for more Christians to live and work in Hollywood with the purpose of leaving a stronger mark of the image of Christ. Rogers also mentioned for the needed prayers of everyone for the industry leaders and celebrities.
‘“I know many movie stars and many actors, and I'll tell you -- if they don't have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ, they are empty," she said. "There are more hurting people in Hollywood than anywhere."’
(References from Christian headlines)
