Film 6: Stephen McGee

Somewhat confusing. Nice effects. Was the message that someone seeking truth finds only dead blueprints and bubbles in the church (without theology), because the actual sword (word of God) is stuck in the sand? Comment not intended as a vote, but my honest wonderings after watching. Sometimes the intended vision and message is lost in the 'style', of videos too. Keep trying, I think this had a good direction but not quite hitting the mark.

Very strong and well-composed images. Matched with great sound and dialogue.

Very interesting film. It's the only one I watched twice.

To get the back story on how god has moved through this film in my life visit my blog at www.stephenmcgee.wordpress.com.

The movie is about one Christian who sees that his church is focused more on going through the motions of religion. The author of the book writes that until recently his life was built on sand even though he read and believed the word of god.

In one section in this, his most recent book, "dug down deep", he talks about meeting the holy spirit in what he called 'the bubble church'. The bubble church he thought was great but focused too much on performance based faith.  I represented the bubble chruch as a ballerina with bubbles.  

So often christians name themselves specific parts of the body of christ, giving themselves opportunity not to serve in other ways than their "role". As The pastor is preaching from blueprints representing many Christians today who have ministry goals based on what works in other parts of the wiled in other churches the congregation goes through what looks like a workout routine.

The main character sees one group who are focused only on prayer, the next group on action and a third, the ballerina, on performance based faith. His search for truth brings him to the front of the church where he sees the ballerina. Beliving he needs also to take off his shoes to do the right dance to meet the holy spirit and become like her faith he takes off his shoes and sees that he had been walking on sand the entire time.  The main character walls over and takes the sword out of the sand and walks it out of the church which stops everyone. 

The main actor is a Ukrainian and so is the voice. Because of this film both got to see the love of chirst and were ministered to. To' see why I used ukrianian actors go to my blog at stephenmcgee.wordpress.com

An interesting and unique way of presenting the message of redemption through God's sacrifice. Well done Stephen.

I think this film tugged at my heart the most from all of the selections I viewed... the reason being that the heart of the message leads us to reflect on God's character and the cross, where God's great love for us through His Son, Jesus Christ was displayed. The style, music, and voice of the narrator cut to the heart of the difference between faith built on sand (whatever sand it may be: performance based Christianity, knowledge based Christianity, or religious tradition) and that built on the ROCK, which results in an authentic life-giving relationship with Jesus.

I enjoyed watching the movie. I knew the theme of movie that's why it's quite hard to evaluate clear understanding of the main idea. My first impression: I was touched... and enjoyed watching it. Very creative approach. Thank you, Steve, for sharing!

I relaxed and let go of trying to 'figure it out' and just allowed the words and images speak and soar.

Great video. Very interesting idea of presentation and great sound.. Combination of images and sound makes you want to watch it to the end. Good work!

you know, didn't see any such amazing film for a very long time! thank you, Stephen!

Enjoyed the glimpse into a Ukrainian setting, especially with meaningful message. Thanks Stephen!

Nice work, bro. I love how the people in the pews seems to be a representation of the people that go do go to church but are just going through the motions. The main character represents to me the section of God's followers that stand up and go forward to pursue the Word of God.

Well done, my friend.

Count this one as a vote.

I think this vid has a good message about going beyond the motions & seeking out truth. Cool vid.

This video had a dark, abstract beauty that demonstrates the mysterious connection God has with people. The slow shot with the ballerina is beautiful.

This was pretty cool. I am an abstract thinker at times and I like when I have to really dive in to what is being said. After some stewing, it was clear to me what you were trying to get across. Music, mood, message presentation and visual stimuli were definitely worth the viewing.

I think of the strength and courage that is involved with someone who is digging into God's foundation, Christ, and not allowing outside circumstances to sway them one way or another.

People will change and come to God by the Love we show each other. That may mean looking different even amongst those inside a church. I'm glad that the film shows this when everyone turns their heads and notices something different.

Beautiful! A beautiful visual of call to move past motions and into action. Thanks!!

Awesome!

I watched it once, read Stephen's blog on it and look forward to watching it again, hopefully with some friends to chat about it. I really liked the SOLID TRUTHS that the video had throughout it.

Great Job McGee !!!

nice work [vote]

Excellent film. Gospel message of redemption expressed in a unique way, using powerful images. Dialogue/sound was also excellent.

loved the accent'

Trust that it is all in divine right order! The community is more powerful then the individual so be the change you want to see in the world- you get all that and more for this film-
Stephen you are so very missed- we are so very blessed to have had you here in Ventura- Did you know the WOJ provided a permanent u-dome for River Haven residents this past year? When are you coming to visit? Ventura Film Society needs you- we need you- we miss you- heck I miss you- sending to the other 12 WOJ-blissfully yours xoxo, Patti

The body drives the body. Very cool film. Especially having a dance background, I love the incorporation of movement in this. Nice effects, good music, and good message.

Well done!

Sweet vid! I love how it's really edgy, artistic, and thought provoking! It would be cool to see this as a prat of a series of videos that would go along with the book. maybe one for each chapter as a discussion piece for small groups (like the Nooma idea).

I dig it! It's amazing how this looks and feels.

Love this video! The images and music set a great mood and the narration and story is very thought provoking!

Thought it was amazing! Great music!

"Vote"

Wow! That was amazing! I'd love to watch this with a group and discuss all the possibilities of symbolism and layers of meaning. Wow... so deep. So good. Thanks for following the call Stephen McGee!

Thank you for presenting something that has become too familiar, but in a hopeful way. Seeing how we like to make the church how we see fit - we become closed off to the opportunities that God has in store for us.

May it never be about us. May our lives be built on the rock that was laid out for us - Jesus Christ. May we give him the praise.

This was a beautiful way to show redemption in the midst of it all. Hearing that God loves us even when we try to make our lives how we wish.

I picked up the Ukrainian voice before I read your back story. Thank you. Many great memories were had over there. Many lives were changed. May we never forget those moments.

I vote for this film.

Something about his voice made this film so moving, I loved it.

I like that this film pushed beyond the idea of a straight-forward narrative and presented the material in a visually unique way which leaves me wanting more.

Awesome.

beautiful composition of images. loved it.

Great job Mr. McGee loved the imagery shown in the beginning of people as puppets going through the motion of church.