A view from an insider... and a vegetable
By Karen Covell
People of faith often compare Hollywood to Sodom and Gomorrah, a cesspool of sin and skin beyond redemption. From the early days of film, Christians have adopted the role of moral watchdog, monitoring movie content and launching boycotts. From Cecil B. DeMilles 1932 The Sign of the Cross to Martin Scorseses 1988 The Last Temptation of Christ, the religious community has played the role of cinematic policeman, protecting Christians from big screen sin. Yet, our best efforts to condemn Hollywood mostly have resulted in free publicity for films weve opposed. Perhaps its time to view Hollywood as more like Nineveh and less like Sodom.
The new video release of the Big Idea feature film Jonah: A VeggieTales Movie offers an entertaining array of colorful graphics and singing vegetables. Yet amid all the bright banter lies a surprising, often overlooked, message to people of faith.
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 Victorya Michaels Rogers, former Hollywood agent, Mission Service Corps missionary
What comes out of Hollywood is a reflection of the people who create it, and the people in positions of power here are the ones who are going to create what you see. Entertainment is probably the most morally depraved business in the world. Yet it's full of really wonderful people who are just lost. Youve got people in Hollywood from all walks of life who want to change the worldtheyre just misguided on the message they want the world to have. In my opinion, Hollywood is the most important mission field because it shapes culture.
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True to the Bibles Book of Jonah, the movie depicts God sending a prophet named Jonah (played by a veggie named Archibald Asparagus) to deliver a message of warning and judgment to Nineveh. But Jonah resists the mission, heading in the opposite direction. In the movie, Jonah books passage on a ship run by the pirates who dont do anything. When he finally does deliver the message of judgment, he is frustrated by the Ninevites receptiveness. He believes God should punish these people who arent very nice and slap other people with fishes.
Holly McClures review at Crosswalk.com echoes what a lot of viewers may be thinking: I have to be truthful and admit something. I related to Archibald Asparagus anger toward the Ninevitesnot only his feeling of their not deserving Gods forgiveness, but his anger at God for not destroying the repentant Ninevites. But when Khalil, Jonahs movie sidekick who happens to be a Persian rug salesworm, scolds him and asks, Has it ever occurred to you that God loves everybodynot just you? Ouch! That really hit home.
While Jonah approached Nineveh with a message of judgment, Gods ultimate judgment fell upon Jonah. In our mission to Hollywood, we may find ourselves like the aversive asparagus, humbled by massive changes of hearts and minds. Will we rejoice at the responsiveness of the entertainment community or be angered that the rich and powerful have the potential to be forgiven? Or will we, on the other hand, chastise Hollywood for its bad behavior?
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Jim and Karen Covell, composer and producer
VIDEOGRAPHY BY JODY ELDRED
Karen: As a Christian in Hollywood, I have to ask myself: If I take this [producing or composing] work, will I be able to share Christ with other members of the cast and crew? It's a bigger issue than just 'does this film or show have swear words?' The real issue becomes whether God is calling me here to form relationships. So I might work on something that's questionable in somebody's eyes who doesn't know Hollywood like I do, but for me it may be worth it if I know those people won't be reached with the gospel any other way.
Jim: Its not an accident that Los Angeles is called the city of the angels. Angels are messengers, and this city sends out messages every day all over the world. If you gave me a choice: Take five million dollars to elect a senator who's going to be in office for six years, or take five million dollars to bring a studio head to Christ whos going to influence the world for a lot of years. Well, you tell me where you want to put your money?
Karen: Well put our money into the people in Hollywood because changing the hearts of the people will not only allow them the chance to learn about Jesus and go to heaven, but it will change what they produce.
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Consider the tactics of missionaries to Africa. Can you imagine how ineffective they would be if they marched around the Massai tribe, screaming at them for their practice of public teen-age circumcision and threatening to never buy their bracelets again if they dont stop? From what Ive seen, these tactics dont work in North America either. As a Hollywood insider, working as an independent producer here for the past 20 years and married to a composer of movie scores, I can confidently say that Ive never met a person in Hollywood who became a Christian because of a criticism! Its time for on mission Christians to take an active role in reaching Hollywood through prayer, sending missionaries and maybe even going themselves.
Changing hearts, not scripts
So what is the best way to reach or change Hollywood? For on mission Christians, the first step is prayer. Oswald Chambers said that prayer is not preparation for the greater work, prayer is the greater work. We will see mountains move, hearts change and America roll into a full-scale revivalif we pray for Hollywood.
Replace any anger, fear or frustration toward the entertainment media by joining one of Hollywoods prayer efforts. MasterMedia International has a Media Leader Prayer Calendar that lists two media influencers to pray every day of the year. The Hollywood Prayer Network unifies Christians around the world to pray for Hollywood and its people by sending monthly emails with information about people in movies and TV shows. It reaches more than 1,000 faithful prayer warriors who believe that Hollywood needs Gods mercy. On mission Christians can join this global effort at www.hollywoodprayernetwork.org or by praying for celebrities and industry leaders they know are associated with television or films.
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Lights, camera, actions
1. Pray for Hollywood. So what is the best way to reach or change Hollywood? For on mission warriors, its prayer. On mission idea: If you have a favorite television show, go to the networks website and print out a list of cast members. Pray for a different cast member each day.
2. Get involved in media ministries. Information on the Hollywood Prayer Network and other ministries in Hollywood can be found at www.HollywoodPrayerNetwork.org
3. Acknowledge the media mission field. The Christian community can acknowledge Hollywood as a mission field by sending more missionaries and supporting Christians who seek careers in the entertainment industry. Believe that God sent His Son into the world, not to condemn Hollywood, but that Hollywood might be saved through Him.
4. Use media to reach the lost. Embrace the media as a powerful outreach tool for your non-Christian neighbors, friends, family members and associates.
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The only way entertainment coming out of Hollywood will change is if the hearts of the people producing them change. As Christians, we know its more effective to change hearts than simply to clean up programming. For example, the Production Code instituted in 1934 tried for cleaner programming, but it faded away, which led to our current ratings system. Every new protest or ban has a season of apparent progress, but over time it seems to fade. And the cycle will continue until we stop expecting Hollywood people to act like Christians and start focusing on turning their hearts toward Christ. Effecting this change begins with prayer.
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Finding common ground
By Lynne M. Thompson
I live in California. You knowswimming pools, movie stars. No matter where you travel across the globe, when you mention living in California, peoples eyes get big and they usually ask you two questions: Do you live on the beach? and Have you met a movie star? The answer in my case is no and yes. And yes, movie stars are human too, almost.
Ive found that California is indeed a mosaic of ideas and cultures. In many ways our state benefits from its human kaleidoscope, but along with the variety comes a range of lifestyles. Homosexuality is rampant. New Age religions flourish. Scientology could be described as the official religion among the Hollywood elite. And witch-craft paraphernalia is sold at a shop only eight miles from my home. Everything is considered hip and chic. Many of our citizens pride themselves on their ability to remain tolerant of just about anythingexcept Christianity.
Fortunately, the climate isnt all antagonistic. Some view Christianity as another alternative lifestylethe Im glad youve found something that works for you attitude. But, too often, God becomes more like a consumable panacea than a deity with Whom we share a living relationship.
So one of the great challenges is for California Christians to find ways to connect with people who view them as socially backward. Since I decided to forgo the body piercing and tattoo insignias, I had to find some other way to enter their world and share the love of Christ, showing His relevance for them today. Its been a tough course, but over the years God has given me an insight I can use to be on mission.
A key requirement for being cool is conformity. I think this is because we humans desire connection with others, and its difficult to connect with someone who has nothing in common with you. We tend to hang with people much like ourselves, thus validating who we are and reinforcing the belief that if everyone else is doing the same thing, then I must be okay. In my Christian walk this presents a challenge. How can I avoid conforming to the pattern of this world as Romans 12:2 commands, yet not appear as someone who cannot relate to non-Christians?
I finally realized that I have been given an opportunity to do what my Lord did when He put on human flesh. God came in the form of man. He identified with us. He felt tired. He experienced pain. He felt what isolation means. He gave us His gift of empathizing with our human condition. God reached out to me in the form of human flesh, and I who live in human flesh now have the opportunity to reach others for Christ.
So Ive found that, although I dont really know how it feels to be hung over after a night of partying, I do know how disappointing it is when this life promises pleasure and delivers pain. I dont understand jumping from one sexual partner to the next, but I do know how hungry and empty I felt before I met God. Although I cant relate to using designer drugs, Im still tempted to substitute other things for intimacy with God.
The truth is I have a lot in common with these lost people. I love drinking tea, I enjoy a Victorian romance novel, I workout at the gym, I have a dog, I yearn for fresh ocean breezes, and I struggle against my flesh to do the right thing.
Most important, I, too, once was lost. All of these human experiences are lifelines, which can be used to connect with non-Christians.
Maybe if I spend more time studying what I have in common with those who dont know Christ, in time they will come to realize that we arent so different after all. They may want to join me in a new kind of conformity in Christ. And together we can start a whole new kind of cool.
Lynne Thompson is a writer living in Modesto, California.
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A TV network executive recently became a Christian through his relationship with a missionary in Hollywood. He embraced Jesus while developing an edgy sitcom. Once his heart changed he suddenly looked at his script and started cutting and adding until the script was turned upside down. His response: Once I became a Christian I just couldnt write this stuff any more. Thats only one miracle among many where God transformed people who then impacted the product. He couldnt act like a Christian until he became one.
Entertaining Hollywood as a mission field
I encourage the Christian community to acknowledge Hollywood as a mission field and send more missionaries here. Talented people who are grounded in their faith should come to Hollywood. Solid churches in Los Angeles hold annual commissioning services, recognizing and praying for all their talented, artistic members working in this difficult mission field.
Parents of dramatic or artistic children should not be afraid to send them to Hollywood. The church lifts up and celebrates young people who feel called to go to Africa, China and the far reaches of India. Are these places safer or more blessed by God than Hollywood?
The Los Angeles Film Studies Center offers a semester in Hollywood through the Council for Christian Colleges and Universities. Young people have the opportunity to intern with companies like Miramax, Universal and Sony while living in a supportive Christian educational community.
The North American Mission Board (NAMB) has already come on board to recognize Hollywood as a mission field. NAMB has joined the Hollywood Prayer Networks grassroots movement to change the entertainment industry from the inside out and has appointed its first full-time missionary to the entertainment industry. Victorya Michaels Rogers, a former talent agent with a high-powered Beverly Hills firm, now serves as a consultant and Southern Baptist missionary to Hollywood.
Victorya bridges the gap between Christians outside the industry and professionals on the inside. People are always telling me they cant believe there are actually Christians in Hollywood, she says. The fact that there are so few is a shame. We need Christians herein the television and feature film industryto be active in producing television series and feature films that will project positive moral values while they simultaneously build relationships here with nonbelievers. These are two things that are desperately missing.
Victorya is as bold in her faith as she was as an agent. She has shared her faith with almost every work associate. She has given away scores of Bibles and copies of The Day I Met God, which she co-wrote with me and my husband Jim. It tells the stories of 32 people whose lives were transformed when they became Christians, including the testimonies of Hollywood celebrities such as Randy Travis and Gloria Gaynor. The book is effective, because, like Hollywood, entertainment depends on the power of story to communicate its message.
Victorya also taught a 10-week class that we created for Christian industry professionals called How To Talk About Jesus Without Freaking Out. Its now available as a book using Hollywood anecdotes to equip readers to share their faith in a culturally relevant way. It has produced unexpected blessings and results.
For example, years ago, my husband and I befriended a soap opera writer named Shelly. She signed up for the How To Talk About Jesus Without Freaking Out class. All went well until she was asked to write her personal testimony and share it with the class. Shelly was the most prolific writer in the room, yet she was the only one who could not write her three-minute story. As much as we tried to encourage her, no words came. Finally, one night, after listening to five people give their testimonies in class, Shelly realized everyone had changed at some point in their lives. Yet, she could not recall a time when she had changed. When she returned to her house, she shut the door and asked God to change herright there in her dark foyer. And He did. From that moment on Shelly was a new creation. And now, years later, she has her own stories of how being the only Christian on the soap opera staff has opened up miraculous doorsnot only for sharing the gospel with associates but also for using the media as a means to share truth with the masses.
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Movie night missions
Organizing a movie night for your church is a great outreach to non-Christian friends and neighbors and can help change Hollywood too. Meeting once a week or once a month with fellow movie lovers is a great way to involve non-Christians in a church activity. Pick a movie with a Christian or moral message or a movie that lends itself to discussions about life or spirituality. Schedule your group to meet at a set time and at a convenient theater. After the movie, find a location where your group can discuss the movie freelya coffee shop or someones living room can offer a warm and open atmostphere. Sample discussion starters are: What seemed to guide the characters in their decision-making? What motivated them? What was the theme of the movie? Did anyone notice any spiritual insights or undertones?
By targeting our entertainment dollars toward films with Christian values and uplifting messages, we can actually influence our culture for the better. The first weekend a movie is out is the barometer by which Hollywood gauges a films success. If youve ever wanted to send a message to Hollywood about the kinds of films you want, theres no better way than by voting with your pocketbook. Once a month MovieMission alerts Christians to movies that need their support. They also provide an online study guide that can be used for group or individual discussion. For more information visit www.moviemission.com.
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Using the media for outreach
On mission Christians can embrace the media as a powerful outreach tool for non-Christian neighbors, friends, family members and associates. Recent movies like A Walk to Remember, Extreme Days and Signs make fabulous discussion starters.
Brian Godawa, in his book Hollywood Worldviews, gives great advice on how to use films and television shows as wonderful tools to discuss God in a relaxed social setting. Godawa says, Invite friends to begin a movie discussion group. For a wider appeal pick movies that will be the least offensive. Watch different kinds of movies each time Be a facilitator for the discussion. Godawa lists potential questions such as: What did you like and not like about the film? What about the writing, directing, cinematography and acting? How does the character grow and change, and is there redemption of the hero? What themes are explored in the movie? What worldviews are explored? What are the filmmakers saying about the human condition?
Peter Fraser and Vernon Neal remind us in their book ReViewing the Movies, A film is made by people, individuals working together, and it needs to be evaluated as the collective speech of a group of people, sinful people hopeless apart from grace. Is it truth or does it lie? Here is a crucial artistic question.
North Americans love to talk about movies, so on mission Christians can use films to encourage discussions over a casual dinner and a video. Choose a film that has impacted you and invite friends over to watch it. Afterward, talk about how it moved you. You can start with three powerful yet provocative films that have deep spiritual messages. Signs is a film that deals with real life-and-death questions. Do your friends agree with the theme that everything happens for a reason and there are no coincidences? Braveheart is a gritty, tough film, yet affirms the Christ-like character of William Wallace. An entire evening could be spent just discussing the rallying cry of the main character: Every man dies, but few men really live. Steven Spielbergs Amistad demonstrates the power of faith over harsh and unfair circumstances of slavery.
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Film festival missions
Consider a mission trip thats a practical way to combine your passion for film with your desire to minister to the people in the entertainment industry. You can go with a prayer partner or a group of prayer warriors to a film festival! There are two in particular that are accessible to outsiders and small enough to have access to film professionals whom you would never get to meet otherwise.
The best way to approach a film festival is to commit to pray for the people who are there, and then, in a low key manner, stand in line for screenings, go to the panel discussions following the films and be available in cafes and on the streets. This way you can meet the professionals, strike up conversations and share your worldview about the films and finally about life. Its one-on-one evangelism. Its relational, and its professing your faith under the radar, so to speak. And that approach is a powerful way to reach people who may never otherwise be in a conversation about spiritual issues with committed, passionate Christians. You cant go merely to hand out tracks or preach on the street corners. You should come as a fellow lover-of-films and intelligently converse about your view and response to the films in a loving way. The approach we recommend in our course and book, How To Talk About Jesus Without Freaking Out, is to affirm and go on! when conversing with non-Christians in Hollywood.
Every year in mid-January filmmakers and movie stars head to the Sundance Film Festival in Sundance Village, Utah, just outside of Park City. Passes are available to the general public and range in price from $3,000 for a deluxe VIP pass to purchasing a couple of $10 film tickets. For schedules and ticket information visit www.festival.sundance.org or call 801-521-2525. Its a very popular festival, so you have to be right on top of the procedure in order to secure tickets in time. Individual tickets go on sale in early January. The website also gives information for housing. It fills up quickly so dont hesitate once you commit to go.
Another opportunity is the Telluride Film Festival in Telluride, Colorado, every Labor Day weekend. Telluride is two hours northwest of Durango and seven hours from Denver. Its another beautiful spot that attracts many filmmakers and celebrities. Get information at www.telluridefilmfestival.com.
A group of Christians has gone to the Telluride festival every year for the past decade for the specific purpose of ministering to the professionals who attend. You can join forces with these missionaries by contacting Mike Chapman, a missionary to Hollywood who now lives in Colorado Springs. His email address is Rmchapman@earthlink.net.
These trips are for those who are certain they understand the people in Hollywood. Please prayerfully consider if the Lord is calling you to a trip like this, or if praying from home could be more beneficial. Hollywood folks are suspicious of Christians and need to be approached with humble confidence, incredible love and unconditional acceptance. Remember that God sends His Son into Hollywood, Sundance and Telluride, not to condemn the film and TV professionals but that they might be saved through Him.
Karen Covell
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Rob Johnston, professor of Theology and Culture at Fuller Seminary, hosts a monthly film night where he chooses a film with a food theme that inspires the dinner menu.
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Nancy Stafford, actress, author and speaker
TV credits: "Matlock," "St. Elsewhere," "The Doctors"
People ask: How in the world can you be a Christian and be in Hollywood? But, you know what, its where were called. God has gifted us, whether were cameramen or directors or producers or writers or actorsHes gifted us with a particular gift that needs to be expressed in the venue in which Hes called us, which is Hollywood. So, yes, we can definitely be Christians and be in Hollywood. I think God is calling chosen people to the places that can deeply and radically impact our culture. Because, you know, as Hollywood goes, so goes the world. Hollywood is not off limits for Christians.
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Discussions arise as they eat Fried Green Tomatoes or join Babettes Feast or indulge in Chocolat. Find creative ways to make films and/or TV shows a wonderful social/outreach event with meaningful discussion.
The surprising, gospel-laced content of even selected R-rated films like Amistad, The Green Mile, Changing Lanes, and The Matrix should encourage believers. If we focus exclusively on the offensive content of films, we may miss the profound spiritual opportunities God has placed before us.
As Colorado-based author Ken Gire says in Reflections on the Movies, I would rather be told an R-rated truth than a G-rated lie. Because so much more is at stake than my sensibilities and how they may be offended. Truth is at stake, which means lives are at stake. Not just physical lives but spiritual lives. And not just here and now but for all eternity.
Educate yourself on how to use entertainment media to share your faith with others. A new website, moviemission.com, offers a Bible study guide to accompany upcoming releases. There are many books by respected Christian insiders who have a contagious passion for film and TV. Embrace their passion and know that we will better understand our generation if we truly understand our films: Hollywood WorldViews by Brian Godawa, Ken Gires Reflections on the Movies, ReViewing the Movies by Peter Fraser and Vernon Edwin Neal, Robert K. Johnstons Reel Spirituality and the renowned Roaring Lambs by Bob Briner.
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 Penetrating the culture in Hollywood
Imagine reaching for Christ the voice coach of Ray Charles and Barbra Streisand. Imagine telling His story to Hong Kong native and Hollywood action star Jackie Chan. Imagine reaching the predominantly Jewish population of the most glamorous zip code in America, 90210.
The In Christ Church of Beverly Hills is doing all that and more. The new Southern Baptist church was established in April 2002 with help from Fred Wehba, CEO of BentleyForbes, a California-based real estate company with commercial holdings exceeding one billion dollars.
Wehba relocated from Dallas 15 years ago. He realized his new hometownwith its famous sign on the hill influences the whole world by producing entertainment that is mostly hostile to God and by exporting a message that Americans are godless people. I saw that in our own power we werent going to beat the influencers of our culture, but God could change their hearts.
Wehba began with a Bible study in his home. Even at his Beverly Hills address more space was needed when attendance exceeded 200 in a few months. They moved to the auditorium of Beverly Hills High School. A Jewish lawyer negotiated our lease. Almost the entire faculty and student body are Jewish. Were being watched closely by them and receiving positive feedback for our high standards of excellence, says Wehba.
The young church is only a year old, but it has already baptized 30. In a town where the entertainment quotient is valued, In Christ Church is fast becoming known for delivering high quality music, a draw for Hollywoods movers and shakers, who then stay to hear Gods Word.
In Christ Church of Beverly Hills is answering His call, telling His story and changing our world. Because entertainment is one of Americas main exports, reaching Hollywood for Christ fits the Acts 1:8 model of evangelism. Pray that In Christ Church continues to make inroads into a culture that has a vast influence all over the world.
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On the final page of his book, Briner challenges us with these words: I recall numerous missionary conventions where young people would be challenged to commit themselves to missions. That same spirit needs to prevail when we think about sending our children into the rough and tumble world of television, film and other culture-shaping careers. These are the new missionaries that have a shot at turning our nation back toward God. I envision a whole new generation of roaring lambs who will lay claim to these careers with the same vigor and commitment that sent men like Hudson Taylor to China. Will you dare share that vision with me?
Share the vision with us here in Hollywood. Join us in our spiritual fight to bring revival in the land and believe that God sent His Son into the world, not to condemn Hollywood, but that Hollywood might be saved through Him. Perhaps, just like Jonah, well find ourselves surprised by a highly receptive audience.
Karen Covell is a television producer and director of Hollywood Prayer Network. She lives in Hollywood, California. She is co-author of How To Talk About Jesus Without Freaking Out and The Day I Met God (Multnomah 2000 and 2001). For more on Karen and her husband, Jim, go to www.thrillinglife.com.
For more information about this mission field called Hollywood, order E-ssentials for the On Mission Church video, volume 3, number 3. Call 1-800-634-2462 or visit www.essentials.tv.
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Reel news you can use
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warner brothers/everett collection
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Gods and Generals documents Christian faith in war An epic Civil War movie, Gods and Generals, captures the triumph of faith and love in the midst of tragedy, a message appropriate to a twenty-first century world struggling with war and division.
The film largely focuses on Confederate General Stonewall Jackson, portrayed by Stephen Lang, who played General Picket in the film Gettysburg, and Confederate General Robert E. Lee, played by Robert Duvall. The strong Christian faith of both men is unapologetically portrayed in the film.
In January Broadman & Holman released the book Faith in Gods and Generals: An Anthology of Faith, Hope, and Love in the American Civil War, a companion piece to the movie, compiled by Ted Baehr and Susan Wales.
Information about the movie, its writer/producer/director Ron Maxwell, who also directed Gettysburg, and trailers of the film are available at www.godsandgenerals.com.
Source: Baptist Press, February 12, 2003
columbia pictures/everett collection |
Study finds that most popular movies are also clean
Moviegoers in 2002 craved movies without excessive foul language, sex, nudity, violence and substance abuse, according to an annual study of the top 10 movies at the box office.
According to the Christian Film & Television Commission annual study, 60 percent of the top 10, and four of the top five, had no sexual immorality in them, and seventy percent had no sexual nudity. Only 20 percent of the top 10 had any strong, very strong or explicit sexual content.
Also, none of the top 10 had any extreme graphic, gory violence, although plenty of them had lots of action violence.
Sixty percent of the top 10 movies had less than 10 obscenities or profanities, and only 20 percent of them had more than 25 obscenities or profanities.
The Commission found that 80 percent of the top 10 movies, including the top movie of the year, Spider-Man, had at least some positive Christian content in them. In fact, four of the top five actually had strong moral and/or strong Christian content in them, including Spider-Man, Attack of the Clones, The Two Towers and My Big Fat Greek Wedding.
Source: Ted Baehrs MovieGuide, February 7, 2003
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walt disney/everett collection
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Mel Gibsons Passion creating quite a stir
Mel Gibson has decided that, to be true to the time of his latest film, he would use the languages of Aramaic and Latin. He also is planning to release the movie without subtitles. As director and producer Gibson has been in Italy shooting his latest film The Passion which depicts the last 12 hours in the life of Jesus on the day of His crucifixion.
The point is that I think you can transcend language with the message through image, says Gibson. His goal is to show with images the extent of the sacrifice willingly taken. Its a film about faith, hope, love and forgiveness. Thats the basic message. And if everybody practiced a little more of that, there would be a lot less friction in the world, he says.
Source: Foxs The OReilly Factor, January 14, 2003
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