Does Christianity have a future ? Part 1

Christianity seems to be in retreat in every aspect of our culture today. In many ways, we have insulated ourselves from the world, which has lead to the creation of a Christian subculture. Many will argue that we no longer have a place in the public square and that we’ve lost our ability to communicate and dialogue with those who do not believe the same things that we do.

In light of the seeming retreat of Christianity in our culture today, we who care about our Christian faith need to consider what Christianity in America will look like over the next 40 years and how we can change the face of how our faith is perceived by the culture. But first, we must understand what has shaped Christianity in the post-modern era that we find ourselves in today.

George Barna, a well-known researcher, has been studying cultural trends as it relates to Christianity since 1984. His recent study conducted among 16 to 29 year olds shows that a new generation is emerging that is more skeptical of and resistant to Christianity than of people of the same age just a decade ago.

Barna’s new study confirms the findings of Thom S. Rainer in his book, The Bridger Generation, published in the late 1990s. Rainer studied four generations that helped to define the culture of the 20th Century. What he found is alarming. Seventy-one million people born between 1984 and 2002, roughly 1/3 of the U.S. population labeled as Generation Y is projected to overwhelmingly reject a Biblically-based worldview. Rainer also states that only 4% of this age group will embrace a Biblical worldview that puts Christ in the center of their lives.

Statistics show that morals and values have been on the decline for years. What has fueled the moral decline?

Our culture is facing mass problems, for example abortion, disunity in the body of Christ, consumerism, the decline of the family, and the teaching of evolution in American schools. Without a doubt, whatever issue is causing the moral decline in America, it is fueled by the mass media which includes television, movies, the internet, and news.

Friday Part 2

Dr. Larry Poland talks about the similarities between porn and Christian movies

Dr. Larry Poland talks about the similarities between porn and Christian movies from Media Missionary School on Vimeo.

Are You a Missionary? - Part 2

We are called to reach the world wherever we are planted by living a missional lifestyle. It’s no different in Hollywood as it is on Main Street. But most Christians have forgotten this concept. They see the mission field as something that happens in a far away country but not in their back yard. So how do you and I and those in Hollywood embrace a mission’s approach to the way we live our lives?


I see it as a five-step process.

4. Develop relationships. You can’t make someone be your friend. All you can do is be available and open. But if you have followed the first three steps, chances are you have put yourself into a position of trust. It’s amazing how many stories I have heard about Christians who work in Hollywood who talk about how people seek them out and confide in them for help and advice. These people are living missionally. They have answers. And, trust me, people are hurting. And, if they see someone whose lives and relationships are working, they want to know why. Frankly, none of this is that complicated. What’s complicated is living it day by day.


5. Build friendships. If you have reached this point, friendships start to happen. All you need to do is cultivate and encourage the friendship to grow. Consider doing something together. If you are married, perhaps have your co-worker and his or her spouse over for dinner. God to a ball game, go on a hiking trip. The key is to spend some time together and just allow the friendship to grow. Now you are in a place where you have earned the right to talk about Jesus. Chances are people willing to hear what you have to say. After all, you have proven to be authentic and real about your faith. You are not some slogan on a $20 fake bill with a cheesy Gospel pitch for salvation.

Final thoughts.

If you want to change society, our culture or the world, all you have to so is to embrace a missions lifestyle approach to the way we view life. I guarantee you the change won’t be subtle. It will be radical. It’s what Jesus called us to do in the Great Commission. He gave us the keys to how we can change our world. The question remains—are we willing to apply them. The five steps to living a missional life is a great place to start if we are serious about embracing Jesus’ teachings.

Why are we not living missionally? I think there are three types of Christians that are having a difficult time applying the concepts of a missional lifestyle. The first type is what I call drive-by Christians. It seems that today Americans want their Christianity to be comfortable, safe and convenient. In other words, they don’t want to get out of the car. If they do, it means getting involved in the lives of other people, and that could get messy.

The second type are the non-culturally relevant Christians. I know that in some circles the term “culturally relevant” is almost a dirty word, but over the past few years we have created a subculture that is cut off from the mainstream culture. As a result, a lot of young people today do not know how to conduct themselves or how to have a conversation with nonbelievers. They have nothing in common nor do they understand the culture or the language of today’s media culture. If missionaries who plan on going to the foreign field will take two years to study the culture and the language of their people group, how can we expect to reach our culture if we don’t understand it ourselves. And if we live in a Christian subculture, how are we going to relate to people in the mainstream culture?

The third type is the on-the-fence Christians. They live life with one foot in the Body of Christ and the other one in the world. To live missionally means we have to be different and stand apart. That’s the only way we can show the contrast. Unfortunately, this third group of Christians are a little too close to the culture. If our lifestyles are no different than nonbelievers, why would nonbelievers want to be a Christian?

Christians who do embrace a missional lifestyle are a rare group. When you embrace the five steps, you allow yourself to be lead by the Holy Spirit. It is then that God can use you to draw people to Him. It becomes a matter of balance and properly ordering your life to fit into God’s plan. This five-step process will work anywhere, including Hollywood, the school you attend, your workplace or your family and friends because they are all a mission field.

Are You a Missionary? - Part 1

One of the major topics here at Media Missionary School is the purpose and role of Christians who work in mainstream entertainment in Hollywood. What type of project should I work on? How do I reach my co-workers? How do I survive in a difficult and sometimes hostile environment? These are the questions that Christians who earn a living in the entertainment business ask each day. But is it any different, for example, as anyone would face in the workplace? If you are a plumber, electrician, banker, or teacher, isn’t it the same situation?

I realize that Hollywood and the entertainment industry is unique in one sense because it is the world’s most influential mission field. The artists who made and produced Gone With the Wind in 1939 are no longer living. But their work continues and will influence generations to come. That’s what makes Hollywood so unique. But what it shares in common with every occupation is in one form or another its a mission field to those who work in it. We are to approach everything we do in life as a mission field. We are called to reach the world wherever we are planted by living a missional lifestyle. It’s no different in Hollywood as it is on Main Street. But most Christians have forgotten this concept. They see the mission field as something that happens in a far away country but not in their back yard. So how do you and I and those in Hollywood embrace a mission’s approach to the way we live our lives?

I see it as a five-step process.

1. You must earn the right to talk about Jesus. Why is it that we think we can save people by just preaching at them and telling them what is wrong with their lives? That doesn’t work in our culture. Step one requires us to realize it’s not our responsibility to save people. What we are required to do is to allow the Holy Spirit to control us. By doing this, God can work through us. It’s God who does the saving. How do you earn the right? You earn the right to speak into other people’s lives by loving and accepting people where they are and praying for them.

2. Be the person who you say you are. Whether you tell people you are a Christian or not, when you live and base your life on Christian principles you will be different. The people around you will see there is something unique about the way you handle yourself and your actions. In other words, you will demonstrate a spirit that is radically different than the world’s. It will be expressed in your talk, your actions, and your reactions. But, on the other hand, if your life is not consistent with what Jesus taught, how do you think people are perceiving you? Is that the kind of faith and beliefs people want to embrace. Probably not. You must be the person you say you are to establish credibility.

3. Put your faith in action. Faith without action means nothing. It’s a nice story but that’s all it is. As Christians, we are required to be the hands and feet of Christ. If you want to live missionally, that means you will have to go out of your way and inconvenience yourself to help people. That means effort and time. Sure people will take advantage of you, but Jesus said to turn the other cheek, love and forgive.

Friday Part 2

Producer Karen Covell Discusses the importance of redemptive films

Producer Karen Covell Discusses the importance of redemptive films from Media Missionary School on Vimeo.

Are You Ready for Ministry? - Part 2

I have worked in Christian ministries for over 25 years. In that time, I have founded two media ministries, including my current ministry, Flannelgraph Ministries. Over the years, I’ve had many people come to me and ask me about how to start a ministry. Some wanted to do mission’s work while others desired to pursue a video, television or music ministry. At the time, I gave them my best advice. But I’ve had time to reflect on this and really give it some thought. I think I’ve learned a thing or two over the past few years. I certainly have made my share of mistakes.

Here’s what God’s revealed to me about ministry and maybe you will find it helpful.

6. Protect the vision. If God gave you the ministry and the vision, your duty and responsibility is to protect it. As sure as the sun comes up, there will be people who will come along and try to slightly modify your vision. There will be plenty of justification and reasons why this is a better way. But the question is, “Is this from God?” There is a fine line to walk. If your relationship is not solid with the Lord and your life under the control of the Holy Spirit, how will you know how to protect the vision?

I have realized over the years that God can give you a vision, and it can be enhanced or changed as time goes on. You just have to realize if you are on the right course. There’s no question that you want to allow people to speak into the vision but not change it. Remember, everybody will have an opinion, but is it the right one? Varying just one degree off course may not seem like a lot in the beginning. But as time goes by, that small misdirection can lead you in a direction in which you can no longer see the original purpose of your ministry. You usually do this by making small compromises to the vision. But one day you will wake up and realize you don’t even recognize your own ministry. By then it’s too late. It’s not a question if you are going to, it’s only a matter of time that you will lose your ministry.

7. Don’t make your ministry your god. It’s amazing how easily as humans we engage in idol worship. Yes, your ministry can become your god. The Lord is always interested in having a relationship with you. That is his number one priority. How many people in ministry have failed at this? Is putting in countless hours away from our families what God wants? If we fail in our relationship and our responsibility to minister to our spouse and children, we have failed. So what have we accomplished if we reach the world but loose our families in the process? If you want God to bless your work and your ministry, your priorities must be correct and properly ordered.

8. Don’t develop tunnel vision. This is a trap that so many people in ministry fall into—when you believe your ministry is the most important thing on the planet. Without you, the Kingdom of God and heaven would go out of business and have to post a for sale sign. Believe me, God can get the job done without you. No part of the Body of Christ is more important than the home. We all play a part, and we must recognize that. God wants us to work together. That includes ministries, parachurch organizations and churches. Remember it’s not our deal, it’s God’s deal.

9. The end does not justify the means. We all have a destination—the great thing we want to do for God. And that sounds great. But do you know what God is really interested in? The journey or the process, it’s how we get there that really counts. There are times in ministry where it is convenient or justifiable to cut a few corners or make a few decision that’s perhaps in a bit of a grey area. It’s easy to justify because of the greater good. It may not necessarily be illegal, but morally that’s another question. Don’t take the easy way out. It’s always hard to do the right thing, especially when money is involved. And most of these kinds of decisions will always involve money.

10. Trust God! Sounds easy but it’s the hardest thing to do. When times are tough, do we trust God? Or do we call a board member to pull us out of a jam? God requires our faithfulness. He wants us to trust him for the impossible. But this requires us to stretch our faith and move into areas that are uncomfortable. God always wants the glory, and that doesn’t happen unless we allow him to move supernaturally. We can make our move, but it won’t be from God. We must allow God the opportunity to move. This is essential for ministries to be fruitful. It’s quite possible that your ministry will look successful. But remember, God has a different view of success than we do.

Final thought—learn from my mistakes. Believe me, I wish someone had given me this advice years ago. What a difference it would have made. But like so many people, I have had to learn it the hard way. I hope you don’t have to.

Are You Ready for Ministry? - Part 1

I have worked in Christian ministries for over 25 years. In that time, I have founded two media ministries, including my current ministry, Flannelgraph Ministries. Over the years, I’ve had many people come to me and ask me about how to start a ministry. Some wanted to do mission’s work while others desired to pursue a video, television or music ministry. At the time, I gave them my best advice. But I’ve had time to reflect on this and really give it some thought. I think I’ve learned a thing or two over the past few years. I certainly have made my share of mistakes.

Here’s what God’s revealed to me about ministry and maybe you will find it helpful.

1. Your relationship with God is essential. This is the foundation. If your relationship is not fresh and current and daily with God, your ministry will not produce fruit. You must spend time with God and allow the Holy Spirit to control your actions and motives. A mail-in approach to Christianity will not be sufficient.

2. Make absolutely certain that you are called to do the ministry that you believe you are called to do. Callings are a tricky thing. It’s amazing how we can convince ourselves that we have heard from God. But in reality we are only responding to what we want to do. I believe God has a plan for each of our lives. How we discover that plan and our calling is a difficult process. In some cases, it can take years to fully realize and understand.

I recommend reading Experiencing God, Knowing and Doing the Will of God, by Henry T. Blackaby and Claude V. King. This is a fabulous resource. Usually discovering your calling always requires you to adjust your plans to fit where God is at work. The bottom line is make sure, absolutely crystal clear, that you are called to do the ministry you think God wants you to do.

3. Get the right people around you. You need people who believe in you and your vision. Remember this isn’t your vision, it’s God’s vision. The worst thing you can do when you start a ministry is to get people who don’t understand that vision. They may be on board with some of the vision, and you think that’s ok. Believe me you will be headed for trouble. When I first put a board together, we were looking for people who could fill seats and help us raise money. Frankly, we would have been better off if we had empty seats and no money. If God’s called you to ministry, he will lead you to the right people who will embrace your vision. Don’t settle for less. You’ll save yourself a lot of grief.

4. Prayer is the foundational rock. Your ministry must be built on prayer. Over the years, I have failed at this. I realize at times prayer seems to be inconvenient. Getting everybody together at one place and one time can be challenging. I hope you learn from my mistakes and experiences when I tell you it is essential to pray with your staff every morning. Find the time. Make the time. Just do it. How do you expect God to bless your efforts if you don’t invite him into the process.

Prayer must be a commitment, a choice. When you commit to daily prayer, watch out. There will be a million distractions and reasons why not to pray. Don’t be like me and start out daily and then weekly prayer and then whenever you can squeeze it in. When you take this approach, your ministry is finished.

5. Learn to deal with conflict. Many young people believe that ministry or working in a church is some form of utopia or heaven on earth. Let me be clear. That is not the case. The same problems that exist in the world exist in the church. Yes. You will, even with the best intentions, hurt people and, in turn, they will hurt you. Petty differences are often the seeds that destroy ministries because people cannot and do not want to deal with conflict. My best advice is learn to forgive and move on.

Monday Part 2

Filmmaker Terence Berry talks about a career in hollywood

Filmmaker Terence Berry - Should you come to LA from Media Missionary School on Vimeo.

The Illusion of Freedom Part 2

Unless you’ve been stuck in a different dimension over the past couple of years, you realize there is an enormous debate about the issue of freedom and the direction of our nation. A lot of people have been talking about it. In fact, many are saying we are losing our freedom. It seemed to start with the election of President Obama and the debate over healthcare. Who decides our future? Big government or do we? So the current debate has been framed in terms of choices and our freedom.

Maybe the best way I can illustrate my argument is a speech from Edward R. Murrow, one of the nation’s first pioneers in television journalism. In fact, he wrote the book. The speech was given in 1958 in Chicago before television and radio executives. Historians have called it the wires and lights speech. His words are chilling and prophetic and they should cause all of us to seriously think about the state of our own existence.

“This just might do nobody any good. At the end of this discourse, a few people may accuse this reporter of fouling his own comfortable nest, and your organization may be accused of having given hospitality to heretical and even dangerous thoughts, but the elaborate structure of networks, advertising agencies, and sponsors will not be shaken or altered. It is my desire, if not my duty, to try to talk to you journeymen with some candor about what is happening to radio and television. Our history will be what we make it. And if there are any historians about fifty or a hundred years from now, and there should be preserved the kinescopes for one week of all three networks, they will there find recorded in black in white, or color, evidence of decadence, escapism and insulation from the realities of the world in which we live.

We are currently wealthy, fat, comfortable and compliant. We have currently a built-in allergy to unpleasant and disturbing information. Our mass media reflects this. But unless we get up off our fat surpluses and recognize that television in the main is being used to distract, delude, amuse, and insulate us, then television and those who finance it, those who look at it and those who work at it, may see a totally different picture too late.”

You have to remember that Murrow said this over 50 years ago. I’m sure he would be absolutely amazed if he could see the extent of today’s mass media and the rise of our media culture. The question is, are we being distracted from the truth. Are we insulated from the realities of the world we live in? Has it been done by design? Let’s put it this way. Is the media culture a form of a drug? I’m convinced we’re being medicated into compliance. For the most part, we really don’t understand what’s happening around us. We are told what to think in a nice way that suggests that we are making our own decisions. But are we?

I’m not sure who’s in control. Does it matter if it’s big government or big business? The point is your freedoms are long gone. You just don’t realize it. The media culture has made sure of that. There is only one way to exercise your freedom. And it’s not through the ballot box. Nor is it through revolution or political change. The only place you can be free is in your spirit. And you do that by accepting Christ. There is no freedom on earth. There never has been. Your freedom lies elsewhere, outside of this system. In fact, this world and this world system has never been our destination. That’s radical thinking. Are you ready to be free?

The Illusion of Freedom Part 1

Unless you’ve been stuck in a different dimension over the past couple of years, you realize there is an enormous debate about the issue of freedom and the direction of our nation. A lot of people have been talking about it. In fact, many are saying we are losing our freedom. It seemed to start with the election of President Obama and the debate over healthcare. Who decides our future? Big government or do we? So the current debate has been framed in terms of choices and our freedom.

The conservative message is clear. Big government means you will lose your ability to choose for yourself as well as your freedom. Liberals believe you will lose your freedom and your ability to choose because big business will make those choices for you.

No matter who wins the argument or dictates public policy, we all have lost our freedom. In fact, freedom is only an illusion. Are we really in control of our lives? Whether it’s big government, big business, or the media conglomerates, there are forces at work within our society that have tremendous influence, power and wealth. And they are determined to stay in power.

Whether by accident or design, today we have a media culture that is capable of dictating and controlling practically every aspect of our lives. Whoever controls the media controls the culture. One of the ways that you control the culture is by defining the American Dream. Has the American Dream been hijacked? At one time, many people considered the American Dream as the pursuit of freedom and the ability to make your own decisions.

Today, I’m not sure that’s the case. Our media culture has led us to believe the American Dream is about getting everything you want whenever you want it. It’s now a self-centered world build on the ever expanding appetite of consumerism and materialism. As we pursue this lifestyle and this new version of the American Dream, we actually lose more of our freedoms. Our choices become limited as we are more closed in. We are encouraged to spend all of our money. And when that is no longer sufficient to meet the demands of a consumer-based lifestyle, we then start borrowing money that we don’t have. Does this pattern seem familiar?

It’s obvious that this is what Washington has done, and it’s the same thing that most of our society has also engaged in. We give up our freedoms for all of these material things that occupy our time and our interests. We no longer have a life of our own. We are forced to work at a job that we don’t like because we have no other choice. Does that sound like freedom to you? Or is it a form of bondage? Who convinced you to live this life? Who says that our society and the way things are ordered are the way they are supposed to be?

Wednesday Part 2

What Do They Know That We Don’t Know Part 2

Media and entertainment is America’s number one export. I think it’s safe to say that Hollywood knows a thing or two about how to make movies and television shows. What do they know that Christians don’t know about making movies? Over the last few years, we have seen an explosion in Christian films. But has the quality increased? Many would agree that there is something lacking in the overall artistic and technical aspects. Is it the writing? The cinematography or the acting?

Hollywood knows how to tell a good story. And they have been doing it for years. Here are ten secrets they have realized about telling good stories that are capable of impacting the human heart.

Here are 10 guidelines that mainstream filmmakers understand about making redemptive films.

6. Redemptive films need to illustrate the wonders of God. As Christians we don’t do this very well in film. When it come to miracles, angels, the unexplained, healings or the story of the loaves and fish, our stories seem to be flat, one-dimensional and lacking depth. Perhaps we’re too close to the subject material. NonChristians for some reason seem to be much better at this. For example, Jesus of Nazareth, produced in 1977 for television, is exceptional at exploring the wonders of God. It is a difficult concept to explain, but they do it with simplicity, humanity and the divine in such a way that it moves you.

The wonders of God can also be found in the small things of everyday life which are truly the miracles. We can find the divine patterns of life that exist in the smile of a child and the dawning of a new day. Christian filmmakers often don’t know how to depict the glorious, marvelous and small wonders of God’s grace and love which occur daily in our lives.

7. Redemptive filmmaking requires the ability to question God. We Christians have a tough time doing this. We don’t want to admit we have doubts and are sometimes confused. Perhaps, we think it is a sin to question God. But that’s not Biblical. Jacob’s name meant deceiver, but his name was changed to Israel meaning one who struggles with God. This happened after the all-night wrestling match at Peniel. We have to ask questions. Where is God when we are hurting? Why do bad things happen? As filmmakers, we have to be willing to ask these questions. If our goal is to be authentic, real and genuine, our audience is asking the same questions. Let’s face it. Christian filmmakers paint a world the way they want to see it. Mainstream filmmakers paint life’s complexities and the world as it is.

8. The need for redemption requires us to face sin. NonChristians may not call sin, sin, but they are good at depicting it. There is no redemption in the filmmaking process without the ability to portray sin. Our audience will not accept the fact that our characters have gone through this incredible transformation without seeing what their lives looked like before the transformation. They have to see the ugliness. We have all gone through the same experience. Life isn’t always pretty. That doesn’t mean we offer gratuitous, offensive material just for the sake of showing it. But it is part of the journey to redemption. I know for some Christians, this is a difficult concept to accept. But here is something to consider. The Bible is a story of the human condition without God and does contain content that some may find disturbing. We are afraid that if we show sin we are somehow endorsing it. Most Christian filmmakers want their hero or protagonist to be flawless not at the end of the redemptive process but at the beginning.

9. Filmmaking is a visual medium. The key to making great films is to think visual. How do we visually illustrate the personification of art? How do we express emotions—anger, frustration, indifference, internal struggles? Redemptive stories require expressing the intangible in a tangible, visual form.

10. Redemptive stories do not necessarily offer a convenient and tidy ending. Just as in life, there may not be a fairy tale ending as in “they lived happily ever after”. For example, in Bella, it would have been temping to end the movie with a happy and satisfying conclusion. However, both lead characters had their moments of redemption, which were more reflective of real life. Redemption is a complex process and is different for each of us.

Bottom Line

You can be a media missionary wherever God decides to plant you. The most important thing to discover is what God is saying to you. Christian filmmakers don’t necessarily have to go to Hollywood to make redemptive films. When we, as filmmakers, forget about our agenda or what we think a Christian movie should look like, then I am convinced God will be able to speak to us. How God is at work in people’s lives is the best inspiration for making movies and media that can reflect his glory and truth. We do not need to create Christian cinema or a Christian film industry. It serves no purpose. God is already at work in the film and media industry. As always, he requires our obedience to serve his will and his interests.

Kurt Tuffendsam talks about a calling

Filmmaker Kurt Tuffendsam talks about a calling from Media Missionary School on Vimeo.

What Do They Know That We Don’t Know Part 1

Media and entertainment is America’s number one export. I think it’s safe to say that Hollywood knows a thing or two about how to make movies and television shows. What do they know that Christians don’t know about making movies? Over the last few years, we have seen an explosion in Christian films. But has the quality increased? Many would agree that there is something lacking in the overall artistic and technical aspects. Is it the writing? The cinematography or the acting?

Perhaps if we had more money, our product would look better. Undoubtedly, the production value would increase. We’d have the time to get more shots. We’d have access to better cameras and equipment, and we could pay for better actors. Maybe, we could bring a writer or two on board to rewrite our scripts.

But I think money is only part of the answer. If we had all of the resources at our disposal, I have a feeling there would still be something lacking, something not quite right. There are many intangibles at work. First of all, are we telling the right stories? Do we really understand the filmmaking process and what films are capable of? Are we so focused on giving all of the answers, that we’re not asking the right questions? What if we focused our attention away from Christian films and concentrated more on redemptive or transformational stories?

Hollywood knows how to tell a good story. And they have been doing it for years. Here are ten secrets they have realized about telling good stories that are capable of impacting the human heart.

Here are 10 guidelines that mainstream filmmakers understand about making redemptive films.

1. Your movie must have entertainment value. People watch films to be entertained. Some Christians have made entertainment a dirty word. When people watch films and television, they are relaxed and more receptive to the message contained within the story. Often, they will reexamine their lives or be challenged to be a better person.

2. Filmmaking is an art form. The art must come first. For most Christians, the message is first. Audiences will not accept this and will see it as a form of propaganda. We must recognize that the divine can be found in art. We understood this for centuries. But, somewhere along the way, we have forgotten this. Film is not a good forum for a 5-point sermon. If we make great art, it has the capacity to move the human heart.

3. Films need to have an emotional impact. Emotions move people; therefore, our characters need to be believable as well as our dialogue. Nobody will accept the redemptive process if you are not successful in taking them through the emotional journey involved in the process of change.

4. Films work better with metaphors and symbolism because you keep the audience engaged in the story. This is a concept that most Christian filmmakers have failed to understand. Metaphors and symbolism help to forge connections between dissimilar objects and themes. We need to realize our audience has the intelligence to figure it out on their own. Stop telegraphing every story element or plot point. Remember, Jesus said in his parables the Kingdom of God is like….

5. Films are a great forum to ask questions. Christians love to ask questions, but unfortunately, we also love to give all the answers. We really don’t want our audience to have to think for themselves. This doesn’t work for film. Jesus used parables as his principle storytelling technique. He often asked questions, but he seldom gave they answers. It was his audience’s responsibility to find the answers.

Coming Monday Part 2

Today’s Rant, Part 4

I hope I’m not going to ruffle anyone’s feathers, but I have a feeling that some of you may be upset about what I am about to say. But here we go anyway. I’m not against Christian movies. I’m not going to tell you not to produce a Christian movie. If you think that is what God is calling you to do, then I say go for it. And if you are a fan of Facing the Giants or Fireproof, that’s fine.

But here’s what frustrates me. Most of these films are made for a niche audience and will not have the capability of penetrating into a mass or mainstream audience. What I am afraid we are doing is creating nothing more than a Christian movie subculture. If you are my age, you will realize that’s exactly what we did with Christian music in the 1980s. What we accomplished was cutting ourselves off from the very audience we wanted to impact. Do we really want to do that again with movies?

Listen, I realize if you are a filmmaker and you talk to people about making a Christian movie, you have a far greater opportunity to raise funds. Unfortunately, that’s just how the system is. Want to make a redemptive, transformational story for a mainstream audience? Talk to Christians about fundraising and see how far you get. I think you get the picture. It’s unlikely to happen.

Why is it that we put our money toward things that often offer no return or produce no fruit? Hey, I’m just being honest. Could you imagine the producers of The Book of Eli approaching Christians? But I challenge anyone to watch this film and tell me that it does not present a Biblical worldview than honors the Word of God.

What also bothers me are those who feel they are called to go to Hollywood or the entertainment industry and live a missional lifestyle but often find it impossible to find support from the Body of Christ. For example, I talked to a young filmmaker who has worked both in Hollywood and on foreign mission fields. Recently, he raised $45,000 to support himself and his wife for one year on the mission field in Africa. I asked him if he was able to do the same for his mission work in Hollywood. What do you think his answer was? I’m sure most people thought this guy must have hit his head on a rock.

It’s frustrating, but we have to push on. There’s a mission field out there that’s in need of workers and people who are willing to support them in their efforts. Do you want to reach the world or preach to the choir? Don’t you think it’s time to get on board?

Passion Dollars - Part 2

I think the question we should be asking ourselves is whether there is a better plan to influence Hollywood and the culture through the use of media and movies. USA Today’s Weekend Magazine which appears in national newspapers offered insight into how Christian-themed films are taking many approaches at reaching audiences. They suggest that the most influential modern Christian film may be The Blindside, which grossed $256 million. This 2009 film portrayed the true story of a family who lived out their evangelical values. They adopted a young man, and they nurtured his mind, his character and his athletic talent. There was no conversion scene or, for that matter, any heavy-handed preaching. But what it offered was a portrayal of a real family who was Christ-like to the people they encountered.


The article also talks about Robert Duvall’s movies, Get Low and Seven Days in Utopia. Duvall says that he doesn’t make Christian movies. He is interested in atonement and forgiveness. What both films have in common is they portray real people who are lost in pain, anger, loneliness, addiction, poverty and profound sadness. But their lives are rebuild by small acts of love and kindness that Psalms 51:1 calls tender mercies.

Blindside is not the only Christian-themed film on the horizon. In September, Like Dandelion Dust, a movie based on the novel by Karen Kingsbury, will be released nationwide. The film offers no conversions, doesn’t mention Jesus by name, nor does it portray anyone praying. Producers Kevin and Bobby Downes say, “What makes Dust Christian is its portrayal of sacrificial love. We’re Christians who make movies. Our goal in making films is to move people with universal themes that create conversations while the credits are still rolling.”

USA Today Weekend goes on to contrast these films, which are designed for mainstream theatrical release, with Sherwood Baptist’s approach with films such as Facing the Giants, Fireproof and their upcoming fatherhood drama, Courageous. The article stated that church-made films are laced with prayers to Jesus. It’s obviously a different approach than that of Kevin and Bobby Downes’ belief that capturing a big audience or the unchurched of America requires strong storytelling. But they believe it can be done without sacrificing their Christian worldview. “We are trying to do what Jesus did, meet people where they are.”

What does all of this mean to you and I? Both articles make one thing very clear. There is a debate about what type of movies Christian’s should be making and which ones are the most effective. Do we make blatantly Christian films such as Facing the Giants and Fireproof or do we make Christian-themed films such as The Blindside, The Book of Eli or the upcoming Get Low. They use completely different approaches. The question I ask you is which one will work the best. If the goal is to reach a large, mainstream audience, I think the numbers speak for themselves. The Blindside made $256 million vs. Fireproof’s $33 million.

I’m convinced we can make movies with the right message that can speak to a broad audience. Remember, movies are good at starting discussions but not at giving all the answers. What we need to do is ask the right questions. We can challenge the audience to look at their lives and the decisions they are making. That’s what I believe films are good at doing. The choice is ours to make. I think Hollywood has found their next The Passion of the Christ. They just didn’t realize it. Could it have been The Blindside and The Book of Eli?

Passion Dollars - Part 1

Do you know what passion dollars are? It’s a term they still use in Hollywood. It refers to Mel Gibson’s Passion of the Christ and the $371 million it brought in through its theatrical release in 2004. Six years later, producers and studio executives are still looking for the next “Passion of the Christ” and its potential “passion” dollars. This helps to explain the recent explosion of Christian-based films or what I call Christian formula films in the past few years.

Nobody wants to make the same mistake the studio executives made in 2004. I wonder how many people lost their jobs. Practically every studio in Hollywood passed on Mel Gibson’s film. This time Hollywood is paying attention. Many argue that there is a Christian audience more than willing to spend their money if Hollywood is willing to create the right product.

I read two articles this past week which highlight the issue of Christian films, their impact on the marketplace, and their influence on Hollywood and the type of movies that are likely to produced in the future.

The first article was from Phil Cooke which discussed the issue of how churches can change Hollywood. He used The Passion of the Christ as his example. One of the major reasons for the success of The Passion of the Christ was due to churches buying block tickets at local theaters. In some cases, they bought out the entire theater. Up to this point, no one had attempted this strategy. Local pastors were motivated because they had the right film with the right message. One church that has perfected this strategy is Sherwood Baptist in Albany, Georgia. In 2008, a film they produced, Fireproof, made $33 million at the box office. A case could be made that without local churches buying block tickets, Fireproof more than likely would have made less than $10 million.

The article goes on to say that with this kind of impact at the box office, the local church will have the ability to influence Hollywood to make more Christian-based films. This leads me to ask whether or not this is really possible. If we make Christian formula films, can that change the culture?

We know that Christians came out to see The Passion of the Christ. But I think a lot of Christians go to the movies and not necessarily to see Christian films. What made The Passion of the Christ special is that it spoke to older conservative, evangelical Christians who rarely came to see a movie.

Let’s also remember the movie received a tremendous amount of free marketing and publicity due to the controversy that surrounded its content. Some labeled Mel Gibson as racist and his film as anti-Semitic. Still others wanted the film banned. The controversy was worth its weight in gold at the box office. The success of The Passion of the Christ has been overstated by many.

Local pastors will not get behind a film unless it has the right message. That usually means a clear presentation of the Gospel message with the plan of salvation. That’s not the kind of movie Hollywood is looking for. At best, Christian formula movies are capable of reaching only a niche audience. Even with the success of Fireproof, the movie did not crack the top 100 films at the box office in 2008. Christians may consider Fireproof to be a success but not Hollywood.

Wednesday Part 2

Faith Like Potatoes

First of all, I’m not a fan of Christian movies. Over the years, I have had a difficult time finding a Christian movie that I believe is capable of speaking to a broader audience than just the Church. I guess that’s why I put off watching Faith Like Potatoes for some time. I had picked it up several months ago in the discount bin of a local video store. After running out of excuses, I finally gave it a spin in my DVD player.

Would the movie be capable of not committing the fatal error that most Christian movies make, which is putting the message or an agenda ahead of telling an interesting and compelling story. Most good filmmakers realize that filmmaking is first and foremost an art form. Unfortunately, Faith Like Potatoes runs the Christian playbook to a tee. It makes every handoff and completes every pass.

First, it offers a conversion scene, a complete representation of the plan of salvation, prayer, miracles, spiritual laws and, finally, we see our protagonist leading someone to salvation. I know it’s based on a true story, but it feels like someone had a checklist and was marking off each item as the film rolled on.

If you’re not familiar with the plot, it’s a story of Angus Buchan played by Frank Rautenbach, who is a Zambian farmer that is forced off of his land with his family in the midst of political unrest. He travels to neighboring South Africa to start a new life. He must face hardships, personal turmoil and other challenges to build a life for himself and his family. He must also overcome depression, fear, anger, and frustration. Ultimately, he accepts Christ, finds purpose in his life, and commits himself to preaching the Word.

Let me start with what I like about the film. It’s refreshing that this is a South African movie. That alone makes it interesting and different. The cinematography and the landscapes are beautiful and stunning. The acting is solid and believable. It’s a good-looking film with solid productions values.

What’s troubling with Faith Like Potatoes is that it feels disconnected. I never felt like I understood what motivated Angus or, for that matter, what made him so angry. All the other characters feel like they’re just add-ons or props. Angus is angry and upset about life. But because this is a PG movie, we never really see him lose control. He’s just shouting and throwing his arms around. The critical stage of the film when he accepts Christ feels a little empty because we don’t understand what led him to make that decision. Soon afterwards he makes a decision to preach the Gospel. Again, every decision seems to be unjustified with no reason or emotional tie-ins. From this point, the movie is just a collection of random events that seem to have no focus. What’s really missing in this film is a central conflict. There’s nothing driving the story forward.

Obviously, the main theme of this film is faith—faith to believe that God can do anything, including growing potatoes in a drought. I understand what the filmmakers were trying to achieve. I’m just not sure the audience is willing to accept the journey to its conclusion. Most Evangelical, conservative Christians will probably find this film enjoyable. Other Christians looking for something a little more engaging or substance-based may be able to tolerate it. I’m not sure nonbelievers would have any interest whatsoever.

What I find really odd about this film is that it takes place primarily in the 1970s and 1980s during the time of enormous upheaval in South Africa. But it’s never addressed in the film or incorporated into the story.

It’s never easy telling somebody’s life story, especially when it involves salvation and faith. It’s a tricky combination to pull off. It would have made more sense if they had focused on one aspect on Angus’ life and journey. Perhaps, it would have been more interesting to focus on Angus’ earlier life before his conversion. If we could only understand the man and what drove him, this would have been far more interesting, at least for me.

Ten Things You Should Know - Part 3

I am often asked this question, what do I need to do to prepare for a career in film or television. That’s why the last class I teach in my film class is about this very subject. Perhaps you have taken a class or two on film or television production. Maybe you are a high school student who has a passion for film or you are someone looking for a career change. It’s never too early to start planning and preparing if you are serious about pursuing a career in media.

7. As boring as this sounds, you need to learn the principles of business and finance. The entertainment industry is first and foremost a business, and money talks. I’ve said it many “times that’s why they call it show business”. There’s no show without the business. As a filmmaker, it’s a good bet that you will not have the resources to produce and finance your films on your own. You most certainly will have to find the money and make the deal work. That means working with investors who want a return on their money. No one’s going to give you resources to make your movie without some expectation of profit.

I don’t care what your role is in the film or television industry. Whether you’re an editor or a production designer, the bottom line is you will need to know something about business. Chances are you will be a freelancer at some point in your career, which means you will be self-employed. You will have to be able to find clients and keep them happy. So you can see why having a few business skills is essential.

8. Become a storyteller. The art of storytelling has become a lost art in the entertainment industry. But those who recognize a good story have a tremendous advantage. It doesn’t matter if you’re not a writer. To advance your career as an actor, producer, director or crew member, you must work on projects that embrace quality, excellence and, most importantly, a solid story. Therefore, it’s essential to recognize good writing and storytelling.

9. Start building relationships today. The people around you will most likely be your fellow colleagues. Whether you’re taking a film class or actor’s workshop or performing in a high school drama production, get to know your peers and make friends. Filmmaking is a collaborative process. That means you cannot do it alone. I don’t care how good you think you are, you will need help.

Recently, a friend of mine produced and directed his first feature film. He did not do it by himself. In fact, he had over 50 volunteers, including cast and crew. Without building relationships over the past few years, he would never have been able to get this project off the ground.

When they need help, they will call you. And when you need an editor or videographer, hopefully, you will have a friend you will be able to call. That’s how it works.

10 Find a training program in your home town. Today you can find film classes almost anywhere. Chances are there’s a film class near you. Take some classes before you decide to go to film school or before you get on a flight and go to Hollywood. The point is you must get some training.

Here in Cincinnati at Media Missionary School, we offer several high school film camps during the summer. If you are interested, we can find you accommodations. We’re available to help you. Check out our website (mediamissionaryschool.blogspot.com) for class schedules.

The Bottom Line

If you believe you’ve been called to the entertainment industry, then go for it. Protect your dream and push ahead. Remember, it won’t come looking for you. You’ll have to pursue it. But whatever you do, start preparing now. Follow these easy steps. There’s nothing ground shaking or revolutionary about what I’ve shared with you. It’s just plain old common sense. You have to put the work, the effort and the time into getting yourself ready. So go for it.

Ten Things You Should Know - Part 2

I am often asked this question, what do I need to do to prepare for a career in film or television. That’s why the last class I teach in my film class is about this very subject. Perhaps you have taken a class or two on film or television production. Maybe you are a high school student who has a passion for film or you are someone looking for a career change. It’s never too early to start planning and preparing if you are serious about pursuing a career in media.

3. Get your own camera and editing system or at least find a way to have access to one. The gap between professional and consumer-grade equipment has dramatically narrowed in recent years. You can now buy a 3-chip camera for as low as $2,000. In the used market, it will be lower. I suggest taking a look at the DVX-100 from Panasonic. It’s an excellent camera with an external XLR input. Editing software today can cost less than a few hundred dollars. Video drives have also decreased in cost as well. The bottom line is why not start making your own short films now? Write your script and get your friends involved. Why wait?

4. I hate to use the term homework, but there’s no getting around it. You’d be surprised what you won’t learn in film school. So you have to do your homework. Start reading the trades now. For example, The Hollywood Reporter covers the industry from the inside. You will be surprised what you can learn by just following the trades. The information is out there if you are willing to do a little research. Hey, entertainment is America’s number one export, so somebody in Hollywood knows what they are doing. Take time to learn how the system works before you waste months or years banging on doors. Thanks to the internet, you have access to the entertainment industry right from your own home. So start using it.

5. Learn the secrets of marketing. For every dollar Hollywood spends on production, they also spend an additional .51 cents on marketing. So if marketing is important to Hollywood, shouldn’t it be important to you?. In this industry, you must become an effective marketer. Learn to brand yourself. We live in a culture where perception is more important than reality. So use it to your advantage.

Being a filmmaker is more than just understanding the principles of your craft. Take some marketing classes. They will come in handy at some point. You must also learn to distinguish yourself from the crowd. Having a topnotch demo reel with the right presentational materials can have a huge impact.

6. Become a problem solver. This principle applies to whatever you do in life. Whether that’s working in film or television or being a plumber or an electrician. Having the ability to make other people’s problems disappear is a pathway to success in life. In fact, you will never be out of work.

Here’s an idea that someone shared with me a few years ago. Your life will change when you realize your value in the workplace is in direct proportion to your ability to solve problems for other people. Recently, I met a young filmmaker who wants to produce and direct movies. He is starting at the bottom. Over the past couple of years, he’s worked on several major motion pictures as a production assistant. But he is always looking around for opportunities to help people on the set beyond his job description. In other works, he’s solving other people’s problems. As a result, he is moving up in the industry and getting more responsibility on every new project he works on.

Friday Part 3

Ten Things You Should Know Before Pursuing a Career in Entertainment

I am often asked this question, what do I need to do to prepare for a career in film or television. That’s why the last class I teach in my film class is about this very subject. Perhaps you have taken a class or two on film or television production. Maybe you are a high school student who has a passion for film or you are someone looking for a career change. It’s never too early to start planning and preparing if you are serious about pursuing a career in media.

I think the first place to start is to examine if you have been called by God into media and entertainment. One of my mentors told me a long time ago “God has a plan for your life. The trick is discovering what that plan is.” So is God’s plan for you to go to Hollywood to make movies or television programs? How do you know?

There are no easy answers. This is a journey that will require some time and effort on your part. So I will offer you some points to consider. Your calling usually lies at the intersection of your passions, dreams and strengths. For most of us, it will take some time to clearly see God’s calling and plan for our lives. I would suggest reading Experiencing God, Knowing and Doing the Will of God by Henry T. Blackaby and Claud V. King. It’s one of the best books I have ever read on the subject.

But in the meantime as you are exploring what God’s will is for your life, here are ten suggestions that will help you prepare for a career in media.

1. Thanks to the digital revolution, you have access to a film school in your DVD player. Today’s DVDs offer a wealth of information and resources about the filmmaking process. Most DVDs offer a commentary track featuring, in some cases, the director, producer, cinematographer, and actors discussing the creative process behind the movie. Before DVDs this type of information was hard to find. I often ask my students if they listen to the commentaries or watch the special features on their DVDs. I’m surprised how few actually have. If you are serious about a career in film and TV, you should be taking advantage of the commentaries and the behind-the-scenes features.

And don’t just watch the usual suspects such as the latest popular Hollywood blockbusters. Diversify your choices. Check out the critically acclaimed films, such as art house and independent features. Chances are when you first start out in the film business, you will be working with a low budget. So why aren’t you watching independent films? Doesn’t that make sense? Learn how they did it. Forget about special effects and big explosions and learn how to tell a good story.

For those of you are thinking about a videographer or editor, I would recommend turning off the sound and concentrating on the visuals. For example, you’ll notice the editing process of how scenes are cut together, how transitions are handled between scenes, pacing, and the use of coverage shots.

2. Get around people who love media, film and television. Is there a movie being shot in your home town? One of your best resources is to call your local film commission. Find out what’s going on. Maybe you can volunteer so you can get some experience. Don’t expect anything big such as assisting the director. The point is you want to be on the set watching how a film is made.

If no movie is being shot in your town, there are other alternatives to check out. Think about your local cable access studio or your church video team. They are always looking for volunteers. What about joining a 48-hour film project team? It’s another good way to get some practical experience. What about a local production company? Perhaps, you can line up an internship. The point is, you are not going to get paid. But more valuable than that is you want to get around people who share your passion. Opportunity knocks for those who are willing to pursue it. Don’t expect it to come looking for you.

Part 2 Thursday