Rose Heights Church is producing a new version of its film, “The Journey,” about the life of Christ. The film plus live performances will be the church’s 2017 Easter production. Courtesy

Sunday sermons are the standard method of evangelizing for churches around the world. However, one Tyler church is using a new medium to spread the Gospel.

Rose Heights Church, located near The University of Texas at Tyler, is once again producing a movie to increase its evangelical reach.

Ben Watson, the church’s media director, said a lot of people come to the Lord through the messages portrayed in film.

“We’re not trying to be famous, we want to make Him famous by using our gifts to glorify Him,” Watson said.

More often than not, movies about Jesus, whether in Hollywood or short films, are told from the point of view of the four Gospel writers, Matthew, Mark, Luke and John.

However, “The Journey,” written, directed, filmed and edited entirely by church staff, is the story of Jesus from the perspective of James, Jesus’ brother.

Breaking away from the traditional narrative, “The Journey” offers viewers an alternate sequencing of the story, designed to grab to their attention and engage them from the beginning.

In last year’s version of the movie, viewers were immediately gripped by Jesus’ crucifixion. This year’s movie will have an alternate beginning designed to have the same effect.

The film will be accompanied by live on-stage performances that will seamlessly supplement it, Watson said. The stage performance will include some of the most intimate episodes in Jesus’ life.

Watson said the church chose to use film because it has become a paramount form of communication in today’s society.

“The Journey,” with the live performances, will be the church’s 2017 Easter production. The film will be available on Roku, Apple TV and DVD.

 

A Closer Look

To stay updated on production of “The Journey,” visit Rose Heights Church on Facebook, Vimeo at https://vimeo.com/roseheights or at www.roseheights.org.