Finding God In Hollywood

By Phil Cooke

Published: June 04, 2008

Hollywood. Tinsel town. The movie business. For most people, those words invoke images of romance, thrills, heroism, suspense, and celebrity. On the other hand, for many Christians today, it generates images of illicit sex, unchecked violence, and moral depravity.

I understand this more than most, because I’m a preacher’s kid with a Ph.D. in Theology who has grown up in the church. And I’ve spent nearly 30 years working with Christian leaders like Joel Osteen creating successful and effective Christian programming. But I’m also a working producer and director in Hollywood, so I have a ringside seat from both perspectives.

The movie industry is a remarkable business, and has had a profound impact on the world since it’s birth at the turn of the century. That’s one of the reasons there are thousands of Christians working quietly (and not so quietly) in the mainstream entertainment industry, trying to make a difference in the quality, moral values, and direction of movies and television.

Sometimes, their work is obvious, such as Martha Williamson, Executive Producer of the “Touched by an Angel” television series, while other Christians work quietly in the background.

Some believers have been active in Hollywood for years, such as Gavin MacLeod, best known as the former star of “The Love Boat” (who could forget Captain Stubbing?) but who has also been a respected movie and television actor for decades.

Gavin’s bold faith as well as his determination to be a light in dark places has made him a source of inspiration to many younger Christians in the industry.

There are plenty of stories of Christian professionals, who are making a difference everyday.

But the question remains: Are these and other Christians making a difference in Hollywood, and if so, how can we support their efforts?

While the major stories of Christian boycotts, controversy, and condemnation of Hollywood sometimes make the headlines, few stories of hope ever do. And yet everyday in Hollywood, Christians experience situations that are a great encouragement to the Body of Christ.

A director on a network series said, “I don’t make a big deal to my fellow workers about being a Christian, but it’s amazing how people who are experiencing a divorce, or are having family or drug problems, always seem to seek me out.”

One film crew member took the bold step of asking if she could pray with everyone before a big day at the studio. To her surprise, the series star stepped up and said “I’ve always hoped someone would say that,” and the entire crew held hands and prayed.

If God chose to speak through a donkey, and if stones are capable of crying out in praise, then God certainly can work through the movie and television industry – but we need your help.

Here’s what you can do to make a difference in Hollywood.

Consider Hollywood a mission field.
We don’t boycott or humiliate a tribe in Africa because they don’t understand Christian values, so why do it we do it to Hollywood? Let’s begin approaching Hollywood as a mission field - people who are made in the image of God, but who need to know about his loving plan for their lives.

Support films with Christian values like “The Passion of the Christ”
It’s absolutely critical that Hollywood studios realize there is an audience for films with a Christian worldview. I would especially urge you to see these movies on their opening weekend, since that’s when studios make the decision about how long the film stays in the theaters.

Pray for Christians in the industry.
Every day Christians are working in an often hostile environment in a heroic effort to write, act, direct, and produce stories that celebrate faith in God. But we can’t do it alone. We need the help of every Christian to provide the kind of prayer support that will open doors, soften hearts, and sometimes make a way where there is no way.

Understand how the media can be used as a tool for evangelism.
Encourage Christian young people to pursue careers in the media, businessmen and women to fund Christian media projects, and churches to use the media in their outreaches. Movies, television, and now the Internet are the communication tools of this culture, and if the church doesn’t take them seriously, we’ll lose this generation.

It doesn’t take much looking to see that more and more, entertainment professionals are exploring themes of spirituality, redemption, and faith. The question is, are Christians ready to point the way to the answers?

Phil Cooke is a filmaker, author, and highly sought after media activist. Considered by Christianity Today as a leading "media guru," Phil is the author of Branded Faith: Why Some Churches And Non-Profits Impact The Culture And Others Don't. You can find more about Phil by visiting his blog and website: http://www.philcooke.com

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