I mentioned some time back in this column about how effective good, Christian-based movies can be for congregational showing. “Courageous” has been showing in theaters for a while now and will be available on DVD for churches to show in January. There is a Bible study that can be used as a good follow-up tool with the movie. We plan to show this movie at our church along with the others mentioned below.
Rudy GrayWe have scheduled “Christmas With A Capital C” for viewing a couple of weeks before Christmas. It is based on the song with the same name as the movie. Movieguide noted, “Love triumphs over political correctness” in this movie. Ted McGinley and Daniel Baldwin are two recognizable names that star in the film. It is an excellent seasonal movie that can be a special time of fellowship for churches and church groups.
Another movie that will soon be available on DVD (Nov. 29) is “Seven Days In Utopia.” Robert Duvall plays one of the lead characters in this golf-themed movie. The Dove Foundation called it “touching and inspirational” and referred to the “exceptional quality” evident in the presentation. I saw it, and it has one of the most unusual endings I have ever seen in a movie. The ending itself opens up tremendous opportunities for witnessing and disciple-making. This would be a great movie to engage lost friends who love golf.
A movie currently showing on a limited basis in theaters is “The Mighty Macs,” based on a true story of a new women’s basketball team in a Catholic college that is on the verge of closing. It is based in 1971 and stars Carla Gugino, Marley Shelton, David Boreanaz and Ellen Burstyn. This was a time in America when women’s sports were not looked upon with very much support or favor. If you like an inspiring story of underdogs triumphing over various odds and obstacles, you will greatly enjoy this film. The Catholic background may be a drawback to some, but even then, it becomes a good teaching opportunity when the movie is followed up with sermons or Bible studies that address those issues.
Finally, a movie somewhat similar to “Courageous” that was released on DVD in August is “The Grace Card.” It has police officers, family struggles, tragedy, and forgiveness and reconciliation in its plot. Louis Gossett Jr. is one of the key actors in this production. It is a moving story about God’s grace being precisely what we need to make it through the difficulties and surprises of life. One of the police officers in the movie is also a bivocational pastor who leads his partner to faith.
I know there are more faith-based movies available and more coming. These are five that could be profitable for showing and follow-up in churches.