The faith-based filmmakers who highlighted prayer in “War Room,” strong marriages in “Fireproof,” and godly fatherhood in “Courageous” have a new movie with a new theme: discipleship.
The Forge, directed by Alex Kendrick and produced by his brother Stephen Kendrick, tells the story of a young man who learns about life and faith under the guidance of a wise older gentleman who becomes his mentor and boss.
It will hit theaters Aug. 23 and — like the Kendricks’ previous movies — is being released with multiple resources, including five-week and eight-week small group Bible studies and three disciple-themed books.
Alex Kendrick told The Baptist Paper he wants the film to promote discipleship within congregations. The primary character, Isaiah, grows up in a single-mother home but is invited to join a group of about a dozen men who meet regularly to fellowship and learn about Christ. Each young man in the group is paired with an older man.
“We need to expand [the church] not just by evangelism, but by discipling people to follow Jesus,” Alex Kendrick said.
The film’s goal, Kendrick added, is to “stir that focus back to discipleship” in churches.
Priorities
The Kendricks are known for their movies with a message. Their most recent one, “Lifemark,” focused on adoption. Prior to that, “Overcomer” spotlighted the believer’s identity in Christ. Alex Kendrick is the only director ever to make three straight films that earned an A+ CinemaScore rating from moviegoers (“Overcomer,” “War Room” and “Courageous”).
The Kendricks movies, they say, are made first and foremost for Christians.
“We have always prioritized the church,” Stephen Kendrick told The Baptist Paper. “Jesus said that we’re going to reach the world through an on-fire church. He focused on His disciples. … He prioritized, first, getting people on fire and in love with the Lord. With each of our films, we want to help the body of Christ get on fire for Jesus, fall in love with Him, make Him their highest priority and their first love, because then they become fruitful and effective to reach the nations. We don’t want to invite the world to come join a lukewarm church.”
“The Forge” stars Cameron Arnett (“Overcomer”), Priscilla Shirer (“War Room,” “I Can Only Imagine”), Karen Abercrombie (“War Room,” “Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3”) and former NFL star Benjamin Watson. Aspen Kennedy (“The Night Before Christmas”) portrays the main character, Isaiah.
Although “The Forge” is a stand-alone film, it includes characters from “War Room,” including Miss. Clara (“Abercrombie”) and Elizabeth (Shirer). It also employs movie magic to give Elizabeth a twin sister, who is also played by Shirer.
Isaiah opens the film as a lazy young man with no goals and no job. But under his mentor’s guidance — and with his mom pushing and praying for him in the background — Isaiah is transformed into a hard-working, confident man of God.
Three books that spotlight discipleship are available: “Devoted to Jesus” by Alex and Stephen Kendrick, “I Surrender All” by Priscilla Shirer and “Count Me In,” a book for students that was authored by Travis Agnew and the Kendricks. Learn more at TheForgeMovie.com.
Other media
Also worth watching this month:
Dr. Seuss’ The Lorax (Netflix) — A young boy raised in a fantastic world filled with artificial plants receives the last remaining “real” tree seed on Earth. It’s not a faith-based film, but nevertheless encourages us to appreciate and cherish God’s creation. Rated PG for brief mild language. (ClearPlay offers a filter.)
The Engagement Plan (Great American Pure Flix) — A suit-wearing young man’s meticulously planned proposal takes an unexpected turn when his unsuspecting girlfriend fails to follow the script. Before long, he finds himself on her father’s farm, assisting in the delivery of a calf.
Shadrach (Great American Pure Flix) — The lives of a family of four are transformed for the better when a mysterious horse wanders onto their property. It’s a new, inspiring series that follows a young girl and her brother as they grapple with the challenges of moving from the city to the countryside until they encounter their new friend, who they name Shadrach.
Young Woman and the Sea (Disney Plus) — A young woman battles sexism and the sea as she becomes the first female to swim across the English Channel. This moving film is based on a true story about Trudy Ederle, an American woman who overcame long odds to achieve the feat in 1926. Due to content, this one may be best for older children and teens. Rated PG for thematic elements, some language and partial nudity (a man’s backside is seen in the distance.) ClearPlay offers a filter.
