When Hollywood Christians Come Together
/I attended seminary in the Bible Belt and know first-hand that seminarians love to debate theology. Sometimes these are important conversations we have to further deepen our understanding of our infinite God. Sometimes these conversations are rather tedious and get caught up more on semantics than intention.
BY SPENCER T FOLMAR
Even outside of seminary halls, it is easy to see how divided Christians can become. We need to look no further than our church history filled with denominations, splits, wars, and schisms.As a student of religion and matters of theology, I would certainly argue that a deep understanding of one’s faith and convictions matters, but after living outside the Bible Belt for sometime and growing up outside of the church, I see that our particular convictions should not be so supremely important to the point where the church can no longer work together.Historically, when Christians have a mission, they are typically less divisive and more on-mission together. For example, when the early church was first persecuted, there was not time for theological divisions, as Christians were daily being martyred for their faith and used as torches for royal parties. Christians organized and came together when the Reformation was spreading across Europe and whole countries were purifying the faith.Even in our backyard, after horrific events as recently as 9/11 we witnessed Christians rallying together against hatred and terrorism to unify and rush to churches and to service. These rare times, when Christians from different backgrounds, classes, and creeds unite, is when the body of Christ feels most visible.As a Christian living in Hollywood, unity amongst brothers and sisters is something I get to enjoy (if I choose to) on a daily basis. Overall, I feel that Christ followers living a missional lifestyle in the entertainment industry realize that bringing light to stories and cinemas is sometimes an uphill battle. There are many post-Christendom trends on the coasts of America, but California can sometimes embody most of the skepticism about these weird “Jesus Lovers.”It’s not that we haven’t earned time and time again the suspicion of non-believers with our obsession of trivialities and being known more often for what we hate than what we love, but regardless, there is a lot a lot of work to be done and we know it.Christians I know in Hollywood are on a unified mission. There is much work to be done, and there are few laborers. I was struck by this singular mindset and mission when I attended my first Hollywood Prayer Network event for the Oscars Prayer Walk. I had visited Los Angeles a few times before actually moving here nearly three years ago, and I was familiar with this and other ministries, but finally this past winter I actually attended one of the events. I had no idea what to expect, but love the Academy Awards, love Jesus, and am slowly learning to love others better, so I attended the event.
Like most events (especially Christian), there is a lot of awkwardness in meeting new people - especially a mob of Jesus people. I’ve never done a prayer walk before. I had corresponded with the leader, Karen Covell, and I was so relieved to meet her and her husband Jim early on. I made small talk and recognized a few faces in the crowd, but then the time arrived to break up in groups and walk and pray or something like that. I walked around with Jim Covell and Shun Lee (Green House) and these two wise men just started us off. The night was amazing, I made great new friends I see regularly, and I have since become more and more active with this incredible ministry.After reflecting on my first prayer walk in Hollywood with a group of mostly new friends, I came to realize that unlike my days in seminary, the churches I have been members of, or ministry jobs I have applied for, there was no prior discussion of theological convictions before praying with these new brothers. I didn’t know if they agreed or disagreed with me on baptism or spiritual gifts, if they were Predestinarian or Arminian, or really anything else besides simply we were all there for a greater purpose than ourselves in the name of Jesus. That’s really beautiful to me and was such a gift.Honestly, I don’t consider that night to be exceptional, but it made me realize that many on-mission Christians in Hollywood don’t get caught up in the trivialities. In fact, sometimes I know that the person I am working or praying alongside has almost nothing in common with my belief besides repenting and believing in Jesus, but that’s really okay.There is much work to do not only here in Hollywood but worldwide, as God’s creation waits in eager anticipation for Jesus’ return. Until that day, let’s pray together?Director Spencer T. Folmar’s theatrical debut, “Generational Sins,” has spurred a national debate surrounding the interplay of faith and film. Folmar coined the term “Hard Faith” to describe this new genre of film, written for audiences who are hungry for hope in the midst of gritty real-life stories. Folmar’s films are now released under his Los Angeles production company Hard Faith Films, which is currently developing several projects that will reflect today’s multifaceted culture and audience.Hollywood Prayer Network (HPN) is a nonprofit 501(c)3 organization led by entertainment industry Christians, seeking to impact our culture for Christ through prayer. We are committed to asking Christians everywhere to pray for the artists and professionals, projects and productions, and global impact of Hollywood: the world’s most influential mission field. With an attitude of love, it is our passion to mobilize people around the world to engage in culture, pray for the media, and help transform the spiritual climate of Hollywood. Whether you’re an industry professional who wants prayer and support or a Christian with a heart for prayer, we want to build the bridges, light the way, and bring hope and healing to an industry that dramatically shapes our world.
These are the people I reached for Christ for a period of three years. From 2008 to 2010, I was a full-time extra who worked on many films, TV shows, and commercials. During this time, I was able to evangelize and give tracts out to many people I worked with on set, some of whom included famous celebrities. This was an adventurous, and often times scary, time of my life.When I went into the entertainment field, it was not initially to do any sort of evangelism. I went in to pursue my high school dream of becoming a film director. I used the acting platform for getting exposure in Hollywood. In an unusual turn of events, it was there that I truly met the Lord and found a newfound passion, which was to advance the kingdom agenda in Hollywood.While working on a TV show at Universal Studios Hollywood I met a Christian who was a fellow background artist. He was really no ordinary guy. He was an on-fire believer who was Great Commission focused. He spoke to half of the people on set about Jesus and gave them gospel tracts so fearlessly. I was impressed and got a chance to hear both his salvation testimony and his outreach efforts in Hollywood during the previous five years.This man, Jonathan, evangelized even famous celebrities. The list includes the likes of Dan Aykroyd, Orlando Bloom, Will Smith, Jackie Chan, Annette Bening, Ed Harris, and Steven Spielberg. He even told me of an encounter he had with Harrison Ford on a movie called Crossing Over, where he gave Harrison a gospel tract (from Living Waters Ministry) and was asked to leave the set later on.I thought, "This was crazy stuff!" But I was curious and wanted to know more. I learned more about the gospel and the importance of evangelism through Living Waters Ministry, via the TV show The Way of the Master. It convicted me so much that I knew that instead of being disobedient I was supposed to be doing what I have been called to do as a Christian. I thought, "Why was I living so much for myself when other people who don't know Christ will spend eternity in hell? Isn't Jesus suppose to come back soon?"That's when I gained a new desire to evangelize the lost. I no longer saw my film career as a priority. The saving of lost sinners was and is more pressing. Over the course of the next two-and-a-half years, I started to verbally preach the gospel to others on set and to give out gospel tracts to them. I started to evangelize celebrities myself. I thought, "Who else was going to reach them if people like me don't? How many of them actually have Christian friends who can tell them this kind of stuff?"It had been two years of joyful moments and challenging times. There were some people who were receptive to my work. Everyone from security guards to singers like Rob Thomas (Matchbox 20) and William Friedkin (director) showed interest. But there was also some heat that came on me at times. One time, I got seriously scolded by a Production Assistant for giving a gospel tract to actor James Wood while filming an episode of the now defunct show Shark. Nevertheless, I pressed on, but it wasn't easy.The most memorable story was, of course, the Brad Pitt incident, which I have shared on many media outlets. We were working on the movie Moneyball at the Sony Studios in Culver City. At the end of the shoot, around 12:30 am, I went up to Brad when he was about to head back to his trailer. I gave him a gospel tract with the “million dollar bill” design. Interestingly, it was the Living Waters edition that had his cartoon caricature on it. He took it and said that he was going to look at it later. As I left the set, I was able to also give a gospel DVD to the cinematographer, Wally Pfister.WATCH VIRAL YOUTUBE VIDEO: "ACTOR LOSES CAREER AFTER EVANGELIZING BRAD PITT" BELOWAbout 10 days later, I received a letter from Central Casting, stating that I got terminated. They provided no reason, but I can only guess that it was because of this incident. It just shows that when the gospel is presented, people will either love it or hate it. But that was the price I was willing to pay to see the lost come to saving faith in Jesus, especially when I was in Hollywood. I continue to pray for many of the famous actors in the business.Since my termination from Central Casting, I have moved onto other endeavors, which has led me to where I am today, as teaching pastor of Grace City LA. The Lord was able to open up opportunities to tract celebrities outside of set, the most recent occasion being Wilem DaFoe and Gwen Stefani.This, as well as many more stories, can be found in my book 
White was at the Los Angeles premier of God’s Not Dead: A Light in Darkness at the Egyptian Theater in Hollywood Tuesday evening, just a couple days after the highly successful opening of I Can Only Imagine. The Roadside Attractions-Lionsgate’s movie “crushed early box office forecasts with a surprisingly strong $17.1 million at 1,629 locations in North America,” 
When asked about what the current faith-based film trifecta and God’s Not Dead coming so shortly after the box office smash means, White didn’t attempt any red carpet prophecy.“Whether or not it happens again we really don’t know. We don’t control that,” he said.
When asked the same question, I Can Only Imagine Producer Kevin Downes said it’s a win-win situation for the faith-based film industry.“I think it’s a jolt of energy. At the end of the day, we all root for each other,” Downes said. “The LA Times came out with an article recently ‘wondering’ if Christian films were in a slump, but guess what, God showed up, and the audience showed up, and the numbers are huge.”He added, “Whether it’s my film or someone else’s film, it’s just energizing. We are alive and well. Jesus is alive and well, and it’s a great time to be making films.”
I have worked in Hollywood for over 25 years as an actor and producer so when the Harvey Weinstein sex scandal erupted recently I wasn't surprised. Unfortunately, the "casting couch" still exists today and is sometimes used by those who are in powerful studio and production positions. They prey on the vulnerable who are young and beautiful and use their positions of influence to manipulate the desperate who want to become famous.I also speak and teach on faith, media, and culture and it's a regular occurrence for me to be asked how to navigate the pitfalls and challenges of Hollywood — and the sex and nudity question always comes up. How should aspiring actors and other entertainment professionals confront the sexual harassment and nudity issues as a Christian working in Hollywood?Here are 3 things I always say:Take One – Don't come to Hollywood unless you're ready.I'm not just talking about studying and working on your talent. I'm talking about being firm in your faith and what you believe. The Bible challenges us to "defend our faith." In the Old Testament Daniel was chosen to be the king of Babylon's showcase star. He was told to conform to the culture and to eat and drink food which was against his values. So he made a stand. Did God protect him and save him? You bet, and then elevated him to a higher position. Daniel was prepared because he put God first.Take Two – Don't come to Los Angeles or New York if you aren't able to handle money – or the lack of it.It's expensive to live in LA and NYC. Rent, food, and transportation costs continue to skyrocket. It's when your rent is due, your car is in the shop, and you're eating Top Ramen for every meal that suddenly the request to undress for a scene starts to not look so bad. And it's not just about women — pornography and solicitation are nearly as prevalent for men as it is for women. When the need to survive is staring back at you, the lure of big bucks and stardom is easy to understand and that's when actors begin to succumb to the pressure.[ictt-tweet-inline hashtags="" via=""]Hollywood moguls like Harvey Weinstein have used their power since the beginning of the industry – but the truth is, it happens everywhere.[/ictt-tweet-inline] The competitive world of Hollywood just has an overabundance of desperately seeking individuals looking to be famous. So don't come into this business unless you can survive on the roller coaster of financial ups and downs.