Church using movie as ministry

By Staff
Jonathan Willis
One area church will use a popular Christian movie as a ministry tool over the next several weeks.
Calvary Baptist Church in Russellville will be showing the independent film, "Fireproof," on Sunday, Jan. 25 during evening worship hours, which begin at 6 p.m.
The film follows a Georgia firefighter and his wife as they struggle with many of the same pressures facing couples all across the country.
Calvary's pastor, Dr. Wade Wallace, saw the film last June at a special screening during the Southern Baptist Convention. It was released to national theaters during the fall.
"Over 50 percent of marriages in America end in divorce today," Wallace said. "I think this movie deals with many of the same burdens and problems that most couples face."
The film is the third made by Sherwood Baptist Church in Albany, Ga. The production is driven by volunteers from the church that act, build sets, handle wardrobes, lighting and sound. An eight-member production crew works at a discounted rate.
"Fireproof" features Kirk Cameron, a Christian actor often remembered for his role on the popular sitcom "Growing Pains."
"It is a well put together movie that has a great message," Wallace said. "Only four percent of the nation has seen this film. It opened at No. 4 in September and remained in the top 10 for three weeks."
Wallace, who plans a month-long sermon series titled "Fireproof Your Marriage," said the purpose of showing the film is to reach families about God's plans for marriage.
"It reminds us what marriage is about and what it's designed for," Wallace said. "God can make good even out of bad situations."
"The Love Dare," a book that plays a pivotal role in the film, has become a top seller on the New York Times' paperback advice list.
The church will provide a nursery and children from kindergarten through the sixth grade will be shown another popular Christian film, the latest in the series of the "Chronicles of Narnia."
"At the end of the evening we will have a time for couples to pray together," Wallace said. "It's something that I think all couples, or even single people who will be getting married one day, need to see."