Christian audiences in South Carolina have turned out in droves to see the debut of “Fireproof,” giving high marks to the latest release from the filmmakers from the Georgia church that also produced “Facing the Giants” in 2006.
In Albany, Ga., Stephen and Alex Kendrick, writers and directors of “Fireproof,” enjoy opening night.Keith Shorter, senior pastor of Mt. Airy Baptist Church in Easley, was among those who had an opportunity to attend a pre-screening of Fireproof. “I am convinced that God is going to use this movie to help save some marriages,” Shorter commented. “I think it will give many people hope that their marriage can be saved.”
Fireproof, which stars Kirk Cameron, depicts the story of heroic fireman Caleb Holt, who works to save his marriage from the brink of divorce.
“We tried to make a movie that speaks to your middle-American family and couple facing all the common issues in marriage,” said Alex Kendrick, co-director of the movie, which was produced by Sherwood Pictures, a ministry of Sherwood Baptist Church in Albany, Ga.
In the film, Caleb’s father asks him to wait for 40 days before seeking a divorce. Caleb agrees to work through a book called “The Love Dare,” a 40-day challenge to husbands and wives to learn how to really love their spouses. The resource, written by Alex and Stephen Kendrick, is available through the movie’s Web site, www.fireproofthemovie.com.?
Shorter believes the movie is “a very good reminder of how easily a marriage can slide into mediocrity, and then into trouble,”?and he is beginning a “Fireproofing Your Marriage” sermon series. On a recent Sunday evening, Mt. Airy cancelled services and encouraged its people to go see Fireproof. The church bought out a theater in Greenville, purchasing more than 275 tickets. As people left the theater, members distributed flyers about three Fireproofing Your Marriage classes that the church is offering.
Ryan Goodroe, pastor of First Baptist Church, Hartsville, was also among those to attend a pre-release screening.
“I was thoroughly impressed by its content and potential use for strengthening marriages and the advancement of God’s kingdom,” agreed Goodroe. “The willingness to address tough issues, but do so in an entertaining way, will prove to be one of the primary assets of the film.?
“If it does nothing else, it challenges men and women to be unselfishly committed to the partners to whom they have pledged their faithfulness for a lifetime,” he added.
In an article in the church newsletter, Goodroe challenged married couples to watch it together on a date night, and he urged grandparents and older couples to offer a night of babysitting so that couples with young children can see the movie.
“As Christians, we should take full advantage of the opportunity we have to treat an unsaved friend to a night at the movies, knowing full well that they will hear a clear presentation of the gospel.”
Whitefield Baptist Church, where Charles Strickland is senior pastor, is the sponsoring church for Anderson County. The congregation sold out seating for two showings, and is following up with a five-part series on Fireproofing Your Marriage and a five-week discipleship course.
River Springs Baptist Church, Irmo, promoted the movie, using an eight-page, color, evangelistic brochure. Members bought tickets for themselves and guests, and teens provided babysitting. Moviegoers were invited to come back to the church for pizza and conversation about the movie. Pastor Tim Shull also planned a sermon series on love, marriage and commitments.
“The theme of God’s grace is evident in the development of the story line, and the opportunity to hear the gospel in a unique venue is a great asset,” noted Rudy Gray, pastor of Utica Baptist Church, Seneca.
“It presents a solid and clear biblical message that should encourage couples who may be questioning their relationship,” Gray said. “The temptations of our times are depicted as well as the faithfulness of God and his believing people.? Broken trust is restored. Forgiveness is experienced.?Relationships are healed.”
“The movie is a compelling story showing how faith in Jesus has a real-time effect?on living now,” agreed Lynn Peters, pastor of Bethel Baptist Church, Prosperity. “The idea that love is a decision permeates this wonderful story, and we take the journey, too. The disappointments along the journey?remind us that faith develops slowly, just like love,” Peters said.
The folks at Sherwood have hit another home run, remarked Ken Mayfield, a staff member at First Baptist Church, North Spartanburg. “Caleb has to realize his need for Christ before he is able to recognize that he has neglected his marriage,” Mayfield explained. “The message is one of self-sacrifice, something you hear very little about these days.
“It is refreshing to be reminded, as this film does, that love is a decision, not a feeling.”
Anthony Taylor of First Baptist Church, Barnwell, who went with his Sunday school class to see the movie, remarked, “The one thing that stood out in my mind was that Caleb could not love Catherine the way he should until he came to know Jesus Christ. What a wonderful picture of God’s love for us!”