That was my father's philosophy at his church
years ago. The church was a place to recharge, to get
focused and to just rest and worship in God's presence so
you could minister to the world with a clear heart
and mind, with a renewed spirit. "They they wait upon
the Lord, shall renew their strength, they shall
mount up with wings like eagles."<br><br>"Church Drama"
seems to be heavy on the "Cheese Factor." I find it
hard to believe that some of the "skits" that are
performed in churches can really minister effectively to
the lost. Especially to the lost in the entertainment
industry. They are used to seeing high quality work (at
least higher quality) and won't settle for the stuff
that passes for cute in church. I know that sounds
somewhat elitist. And I know there is a place for those
skits if the performers' hearts are in the right place,
if they are worshipping God. God uses those cheese
skits just as powerfully as a brilliant script with
brilliant actors. I believe, though, that the entertainmnet
industry is really an untapped mission field just waiting
to be swept up in the "reckless,raging fury that
they call the Love of God." They are searching for
something to fill the void they have inside. I believe God
has prepared or is preparing them for the Truth. In
order to show them the Grace of God, we as actors must
be fully equipped, both spiritually and
professionally. We must be ready to witness to everyone we come
in contact with, whether it's your agent,CDs, other
actors at auditions, directors, producers, etc. But we
must also keep our tools as actors sharp. The lost are
more apt to take us seriously about our faith if we
work hard in our profession, if we do GOOD work, if we
are dependable(showing up on time for auditions, know
our lines, pleasant on the set, etc.) We could be
"good Christians" but lazy actors. And that will only
hurt our witness. Like y'all have said, we want them
to ask us why we are so joyful. Not why we are late
for rehearsal without our lines!<br><br>I haven't
seen "Left Behind" yet but I agree with you, paully.
They settled for safety and possibly disabled their
witness, speaking in terms of distribution. Maybe they
should have kept knocking on those doors to the major
studios. Maybe some more money could have opened up to
them to streamline the production. I believe that the
movie will reach many people, and like I said, I
haven't seen it yet, so I can't comment on the quality of
the film, but maybe the Production Co. sold
themselves short.<br><br>I look forward to meeting the
others in this club and growing in God's grace with all
of you. <br><br>Until then, it's just you and me,
paully.<br><br>God bless you,<br>Brandon

I can totally relate to your concerns about
getting "stuck" in the church. I don't even attend the
church that sponsors the drama group. My church has
tried to start a drama ministry, but they don't have
any vision (and unfortunately, aren't that good) I
was asked to join it, and I considered it, but I
really felt that I didn't have the time to try and help
people who didn't share my vision of reaching the world.
To go to extremes, I honestly felt that it would be
not only a waste of my time and talents, but
tantamount to sinning by not following what God has called
me to do allowing myself to be distracted by other
pursuits, as noble as they might be. They didn't appreciate
it, of course, and I was grumbled against by the
music minister (he actually told a friend of mine that
I should be more loyal to my own church). Luckily,
my senior pastor (who is friends with the other
church's pastor) sees nothing wrong with sharing resources
within the body of Christ) <br><br>Just guard yourselves
and whenever something like that comes up, ask
yourself, is this promoting the vision God has given me -
and don't just ask yourself, pray about it. Jesus
will reveal the answer to you. <br><br>I helped out my
church last year, producing their Christmas program,
which basically consisted of me coming on the scene a
week before Christmas eve and making sure everything
worked out. It did, thank God, but I had to make a lot
of changes those last few days to make things work.
I've never understood how people can not see the
problems that I see when I look at certain projects, etc.
I always thought it was obvious, but I guess not.
Anyway, my point was the Lord blessed that, and there was
no conflict.<br><br>On an interesting side note -
and open discussion to all - I think one of the
problems with the recently released Left Behind
video/movie was the "safe haven" of the church. Namesake, the
company that owned the rights was laughed out of a few
interviews with the Hollywood bigwigs, so they ran back to
the safe Christian world and hired Cloud Ten to
produce the film. I would have liked to have seen what
would have happened if they hadn't had that option.
George Lucas went through the same struggle trying to
make Star Wars, only he spent 4 years talking to
everyone before Twentieth Century finally anted up, but
had so little faith in it that they barely promoted
it - and look what happened. What do you guys think
(put your Jimmy Stewart; It's a Wonderful Life caps
on)<br><br>Later!

Your troupe sounds awesome! And the haven sounds
truly wonderful. I will be praying for you and your
team. <br><br>The church where my wife and I attend has
asked us to help direct their Living Nativity this
year, which is seen by about 8000 people in the city of
Austin. It's a great witness of what the Christmas season
is truly about. We feel blessed that God has given
us this outlet to use his gifts while we wait for
callbacks and other auditions. They have also expressed
interest in developing a drama ministry that would be an
essential role in a new multi-media contemporary service
they are starting. Kind of a "Sunday Night Live" that
would bring in unbelievers who are turned off by your
average Sunday morning church service. We are excited
about that but also want to remain in the world,
auditioning, performing in studio films and professional
theatre and sharing the gospel. Church ministries are so
consuming(my father is a pastor)and can often take the place
of your mission because it's a safe environment. We
want to help this church but we don't want to get
sucked into that trap. Any prayers and advice would be
great.

That's great news. I'm sorry your previous church
was not supportive, but thank God for your
persistence at trying to do His will and what you feel you
are called to do. I wish you were near me. <br><br>I
worked in "secular" theatre for 4 years (I still fill in
as an understudy from time to time), then by
coincidence (read Hand of God), about a year ago, I
discovered a Christian theatre troupe at a local church. I
know this sounds counter to what I preach, but really
it isn't, because the people in the group are all
artists, actors, writers, etc., that all feel the same as
I do, that we should be taking our message far
beyond the church walls, and we have done our best to do
so. Thank Jesus for 2 pastors at that church who
share our vision as well... <br><br>We created a sci-fi
styled multimedia presentation (live-action drama,
video, audio, film) for Easter and it actually took the
place of the worship service, in a rare move.
<br><br>For the Christmas season, we are doing "An O.Henry
Christmas," and inviting the public - not as a church
outreach or "Christian" performance, but as a community
drama presentation, offered free in the spirit of the
season...<br><br>And we have plenty more planned - including a haven
for artists that does not insist that they be
Christians, so we may minister to those who see the world teh
way we do in some aspects and show them our other
views, through honest, caring, supportive and
professional relationships. <br><br>God is always at the
center of what we do, whether the public hears his name
or not, and we always hope for the person who asks
to know why we are joyful.<br><br>God bless you and
your wife, brother, and I'll get you that info when I
can.

Hey paullybuchman, thanks for responding so
quickly. My job allows me to spend ample time on the
internet, so I can chat during normal work hours if anyone
is available. I am a temp (of course), and my
current job consists of answering a phone that never
rings. My boss even told me to bring a book or surf the
net. So, basically I have permission to pursue my
acting career and study God's word. What a blessing.
<br><br>paully, I totally agree with you that Christian actors
need a support base with which to stay grounded and
draw strength and guidance from. And, I agree that
that is all they should be-support, and not a
year-round "church-camp." This is how my wife and I have
operated for the past few years. We have done nothing but
secular theatre for over six years and have maintained a
witness without the support of a church(they disagreed
with our positions in the art community)but with the
support of family and through the Grace of God. We are
used to swimming against the stream, often times by
ourselves. So, I believe that there is strength in numbers
and the larger your support base the more you can
accomplish. By the way, any contacts you might have would be
greatly appreciated. <br>Again, thank you for your
endeavors and God Bless,<br>Brandon

There's a popular argument out there that people
who do what we do are not "full-time" ministers
because we are not pastors, missionaries, or music
ministers. Also, there is always the struggle among people
who do what we do not to give in to our egos. It's
always a VERY fine line, just because of the makeup of
who we are and what we have to be willing to do to
find/make success in this business, but a word of advice
from a sage who walked that path, not as an actor, but
as a manager promoter, Bob Briner<br><br>"Does what
I am doing draw people to the savior or repel them?
Does what I am doing tell people who Jesus is and why
He came? Does what I am doing give people reasons to
reject Jesus rather than reasons to accept
Him?"<br><br>Some food for thought.

Brandon - thanks for your
enthusiasm.<br><br>There are Christians in the Austin filmmaking
community, you just have to look for them. If you would
like, I can ask two friends of mine who are in the
filmmaking community to give me some leads I can pass along
to you, if they have any (he is a screenwriter, so
I'm not sure how close he is with casting agents,
etc.)<br><br>Honestly, I think that while having a support group
community of Christians who are like minded (film-wise -
too many Christians think we should run away from
these type of ventures), a support group is all it
should be. We need to be salt and light to a dying
world, and the best way to do that IMHO, is to work in
and amongst the rest of the world, with lots of
prayer support from our Christian friends. We are
missionaries and should see our duties as such. Just as
missionaries (including the Apostle Paul) work in the places
they serve, we should work in the film community at
large - do our best - and "always be prepared to give
an answer to everyone who asks you to give the
reason for the hope that you have. But do this with
gentleness and respect, keeping a clear conscience, so that
those who speak maliciously against your good behavior
in Christ may be ashamed of their slander." <br>I
Peter 3:15-16<br><br>We should not isolate ourselves
from the world, but do our best to work within it,
while shining the light of Christ. "My prayer is not
that you take them out of the world but that you
protect them from the evil one." John 17:15

I am so glad that this club has formed. The Lord
led me here at just the right time. My wife and I are
both actors who have just moved to Austin, TX.(4
months ago) We have been discouraged due to the lack of
other Christians in the film industry here, and
everywhere else for that matter, and often wonder where God
truly wants us to use the talents He's given us. After
reading the posts, my soul is encouraged by the similar
questions and concerns you all have, as my wife and I have
wrestled with them as well. The spirit of this club seems
bold and Christ-filled. I encourage all of you to
persist in your faith and in the Grace of our Lord as you
share the Gospel in your personal mission-fields. You
are an inspiration to all Christian actors,
professional and amateur alike. I look forward to
corresponding with you all and gleaning wisdom from those of
you who have "blazed the trail." On a note of
business, My wife and I are getting new headshots and will
soon be getting a scanner so we will post them
a.s.a.p. I am interested to hear of any success stories
you all have had in regards to casting from this
site.<br><br>Peace of Christ to you,<br>Brandon

Anyone interested in setting a time or two per week we try to "meet" in the club
chat room?  Might be a good way to build some community of sorts, and share
ideas, prayer requests, etc.

From "My Utmost for His Highest," by Oswald
Chambers, @1935, 1969, 1992<br><br>"If I dwell on the Cross
of Christ, I do not simply become inwardly devout
and solely interested in my own holiness - I become
strongly focused on Jesus Christ's interests. Our Lord was
not a recluse nor a fanatical holy man practicing
self-denial. He did not physically cut Himself off from
society, but He was inwardly disconnected all the time. He
was not aloof, but He lived in another world. In
fact, He was so much in the common everyday world that
the religious people of His day accused Him of being
a glutton and a drunkard. Yet our Lord never
allowed anything to interfere with His consecration of
spiritual power.<br><br>It is not genuine consecration to
think that we can refuse to be used of God now in order
to store up our spiritual power for later use. That
is a hopeless mistake. The Spirit of God has set a
great many people free from their sin, yet they are
experiencing no fullness in their lives - no true sense of
freedom. The kind of religious life we see around the
world today is entirely different from the vigorous
holiness of the life of Jesus Christ. 'I do not pray that
You should take them out of the world, but that You
should keep them from the evil one.' (John 17:15) We are
to be IN the world, but not OF it - to be separated
internally, not externally (see John 17:16)<br><br>We must
never allow anything to interfere with the consecration
of our spiritual power. Consecration (being
dedicated to God's service) is our part; sanctification
(being set apart from sin and being made holy) is God's
part. We must make a deliberate determination, when
faced with a perplexing problem, to ask yourself, 'Is
this the kind of thing in which Jesus is interested,
or is it something in which the spirit that is
diametrically opposed to Jesus is interested?'"

From the November 2000 issue of "Written
By"<br><br>Written by Steven Zaillian <br><br>There are no religious
objects in my house, but what there is is a kind of
shrine to Father Kieser on a shelf I pass each day. It's
made up of three things: three Christmas presents he
sent out during the years. Not bottles of wine like
you receive sometimes at Christmas; these are
interesting things. Unusual things. After receiving the first
one, and the note that <br>came with it, my wife,
kids, and I would eagerly look forward to the next.
<br><br>The first was a clay figurine of the sorrowful clown
Emmett Kelly, looking skyward and forsaken with an
orange balanced on his head. The accompanying note from
Father Kieser said something like, "I've always liked
clowns, <br>especially the sad ones who somehow bring us
joy through their tears." <br><br>The second gift was
a South American flute made of wood and colored
string. The note that came with that one informed us that
although we were not the composer or conductor of life's
symphony, we were in the orchestra and that each of us made
a unique contribution to the overall richness of
the music, a harmony so profound it could even
incorporate the occasional false note and use it as
dissonance. <br><br>Last year, he sent out what would be the
last of his gifts, completing our trinity. It's a
small gray-and-white wax bird, a common sparrow, very
<br>lifelike and as delicate as a real bird in your hand. This
is what the note said that came with it: <br><br>I
have always loved birds. Their ability to cast off
from the earth and glide so gracefully through the
sky, riding its shifting currents and <br>sailing so
freely and joyously across its expanse, fills me with
wonder. This Christmas, as we celebrate the immersion of
God's transcendence in our earthiness, I pray that you
may take time to let your spirit soar. <br>Fondly,
Fr. Ellwood E. Kieser, C.S.P. <br><br>Steven Zaillian
received a Humanitas Prize and Academy Award for his
screen adaptation of Schindler's List.

From the November 2000 issue of "Written
By"<br><br>Written by Steven Zaillian <br><br>I didn't go to church
when I was a kid because my father was suspicious of
religion. He was less suspicious of television for some
reason, so that's where I'd be Sunday mornings instead,
sitting in front of it. <br><br>I remember one Sunday
watching a program called Insight, which I liked very much
until the end when a priest came on to say a few
words--a really big priest--and I thought, Oh, no, it's a
religious show. <br><br>Counseling Jack Klugman for an
Insight production <br><br>I was fooled because it so
didn't seem like one. It was well-written, for one
thing, though I'm sure I didn't know that at the age of
11 or 12. For several Sundays after I watched it, I
worried the whole time I was somehow being very cleverly
indoctrinated by this big priest and wouldn't find out until 30
years later when I finally met and got to know him...
that I was. <br><br>Father Kieser was on a lifelong
mission to remind us writers we could do better
communicating ideas that matter. He did this not by criticizing
us <br>when we forgot but by applauding us when we
remembered. He would even reward us with money, which seemed
strange. Didn't he know it was his <br>outsized praise
that made us want to write more meaningfully and
responsibly, if only to please him again? Maybe he was just
making sure. <br>Maybe he knew us too well. <br><br>In
my case, when he'd see me, all he had to do was ask
what I was working on. If I said it was some story of
a man struggling in some way to do the right thing,
he'd say, "Very good." If I said it was Mission
Impossible, he'd also say, "Very good," in exactly the same
tone. Of course, it was only the first "very good" that
meant "very good." <br><br>To this day, when I'm about
to get involved in something, I wonder what he'd
think of it. Would he approve or not? Would he think
it's of value or not? Does it shed any light
whatsoever on our common humanity or not? Does it contribute
anything? Of course, I know without asking because his
opinion is exactly the same as my conscience.

From the November 2000 issue of "Written
By"<br><br>Written By Tom Fontana <br>In Kenya, 1980 <br><br>I have
a confession to make: Every time I saw Father
Kieser's name on my phone sheet, I was filled with dread.
Not because I didn't like the man. I did, very much.
But because he was, <br>invariably, calling to ask
for something. And usually it was something that I
didn't want to do. <br><br>Father Kieser (he always
wanted me to call him Bud--I swear to God, I tried, but
I couldn't) first phoned me right after I'd won the
Humanitas <br>Prize. He asked if I would adapt Henry Van
Dyke's short story, The Fourth Wiseman, into a teleplay.
I said no. I said I was too busy working 90-hour
<br>weeks on St. Elsewhere. I said I was a bad Catholic. He
said he'd pray and call again. <br>Pray? No one had
ever prayed for me to write something. In fact, they
often prayed for me not to. <br><br>By the time he
called back, I had turned my resolve into steel.
Absolutely, positively no. I don't remember exactly what he
said, but within moments I had agreed to do the
adaptation--writing at night and on weekends. <br><br>And it was ever
thus: For nearly 20 years, whether he wanted me to
kick-in a donation or join the board or participate in a
workshop or give the keynote address at the annual awards
luncheon, the good Father would call. I'd avoid the call.
He'd call again. I'd say no. He'd pray. And I was his.
<br><br>Most recently, Father asked me to write an MOW for ABC
about Judas Iscariot. I was in the middle of doing OZ.
He said he'd wait. I gave him a <br>list of 10 other
writers who could do a better job than I. He said he'd
wait. So there I was, at 5:30 in the morning, reading
the Bible and then <br>going to the OZ set to watch
anal rape. When I told him that, he chuckled, "The
Lord works in mysterious ways." Yes, indeed. Judas and
Jesus is the last script Father will have developed for
television. <br><br>On A.M. Los Angeles in September 1978
with Regis Philbin and Sarah Purcell <br><br>He was
known as the Hollywood Priest, a wonderful cross
between Aaron Spelling and Saint Francis of Assisi. He
cared about the Nielson ratings and the world family.
He could run a press junket and preach in South
Central. He could dine with Lew Wasserman and go to
Ethiopia to fight hunger and disease. When Bruce Paltrow,
John Masius, and I visited Ethiopia in 1986 at the
height of the famine, Father prepped us for what we'd
see <br>and how we would react emotionally. He
understood the human heart, like few others.<br> <br>Saints
gain sainthood by performing miracles--curing lepers,
walking on water, and all those other special effects.
Father Kieser performed a <br>different kind of miracle:
He got those of us in the entertainment industry to
tap into the best part of ourselves, to explore the
true value of the human spirit, to include the voice
of God in our scripts. <br><br>No matter how much I
didn't want to do what he was asking, when I finally did
do it, the experience always made me a better
person. He knew it would. He believed in me. He believed.
<br>As I said, I used to dread seeing Father Kieser's
name on my phone sheet. Now I dread not seeing it
there. <br><br>Tom Fontana has been nominated numerous
<br>times for the Humanitas Prize, winning in 1985 for a
St. Elsewhere episode (with John Masius).

From the November 2000 issue of "Written
By"<br><br>The passing of Father Ellwood "Bud" Kieser leaves a
void in the soul of the Writers Guild. Throughout the
course of his life, he had a significant impact on some
of our finest writers. He was a man who challenged
writers to give their best. The Oscars and the Emmys
bestow credit on artists who demonstrate great artistic
and commerical success. The Humanitas Prize
<br>bestowed credit on writers who used their medium to
demonstrate higher human values. Bud Kieser challenged
writers to be more than commercially <br>successful. He
constantly reminded them of why they had become writers in
the first place. --John McLean <br><br>Written By
Charles B. Slocum <br>With Mother Teresa, 1973
<br><br>The Christian community (if as diverse a group as
that can be referred to by any single name) mostly
objects to Hollywood (if such a diverse group as that can
be referred to by any single name). Father Ellwood
Kieser was an exception. He was a Christian in Hollywood
and thus understood that neither name had much
meaning behind it. <br>The ranks of such an unlikely
group as Christians in Hollywood have seemingly grown
during the past decade, but Father Kieser was the
pioneer. <br>The path he laid bare in four decades of
plodding Beverly Boulevard, Alameda Avenue, Avenue of the
Stars, and the other standard byways of television and
film is now well-traveled. We are fortunate for it.
<br><br>His way was not the one people would expect from a
clergyman. Perhaps it grew out of the particular perspective
of the Paulists, his religious order: looking from
inside the church outward, ministering to those outside
the church. That was, it seems, freeing to him. He
started with the assumption that many he would deal with
were not of the same belief as he was and indeed might
have no particular belief about God at all. That was
fine with him, though he would poke and prod for an
opening to discuss God, if an opening was there to be
found. He would mostly meet those who crossed his
Hollywood trail on the secular, artistic ground they
shared, and that was all the common ground he needed.
<br><br>With Ed Asner and Bob Hope<br><br>Father Kieser was an
active priest in parish ministry. His tall frame was a
standard presence in St. Paul Parish in Westwood. Father
Kieser was also a successful producer. He produced more
than 250 episodes of television, a number of MOWs and
specials, and several feature films, including the
critically well-received Romero. That body of work compares
favorably with any independent producer (and many who
worked alongside him saw the same drive and stubborn
zeal they see in other producers). <br><br>Father
Kieser also leaves a legacy in the form of the Humanitas
Prize, given to television and film writers each year
who illuminate the human condition in their scripts.
He used a Chinese proverb to explain its purpose:
"It is better to light a single candle than to curse
the darkness." The Humanitas Prize will surely be the
most visible reminder that he lived and worked here in
Hollywood. But not the most significant. <br>The most
significant legacy Father Kieser leaves is the changed lives
of those he met. He was a priest. He was a producer.
But the witness of many writers in the wake of his
passing has been to something much more important--he was
first, and always, a pastor. For a man of his calling,
no greater accolade can be said. <br><br>John McLean
is the executive director of the Writers Guild of
America, west. <br><br>Charles Slocum is the strategic
planning director of the Guild and a contributing editor
to Written By.

That's a good question. One thing I might point
out is that Jim Cavaziel, one of the strongest
Christians I know of in Hollywood is in theatres now playing
a junkie who tries to reform, fails, then tries
again in the movie Pay It Forward. I think a lot of
Christians are confused about who we're doing this for. If
you're just looking to serve Christians, than I suppose
they would be right. However, if you're looking to be
a witness to the world (which I'm pretty sure is
what we are called BY GOD to do) then we need to be
where the people are. There is nothing wrong with
playing a person of questionable moral character as long
as you yourself are not of questionable
moral/spiritual character. I'm a little radical, but I truly feel
that we should be out there in the world, being a
witness, waiting, praying for an opportunity to tell
people why we are different - especially when we don't
live the lives our characters live. In fact, I think
it is close to, if not a sin for us not to use our
gifts to the best of our ability where EVERYone can see
it. <br><br>As for method acting - you're only doing
that while you're on-set. I guarantee you that when
Anthony Hopkins (a strong advocate of method acting) was
playing Hannibal Lecter, he did not have to worry about
whether he was going to kill his family when he went home
at night, despite the fact that he shot for about 4
months (for each movie).<br><br>Back to the original
topic, I recommend that everyone get a hold of a copy of
the book Roaring Lambs by Bob Briner and read it as
soon as you can. Briner was a TV sports producer and a
strong Christian who makes his views very clear and
leaves little room for confusion or argument. And his
main audience is Christians interested in getting into
media, music, TV, films, and acting. I HIGHLY recommend
it.

Perhaps their opinion was shaped by their acting
method. Some actors who espouse method acting may be
caught up or drawn into habits or lifestyles that they
are not strong enough to resist. I think the apostle
Paul has some valuable insight in Romans 14 and 15.
"We then who are strong ought to bear with the
scruples of the weak, and not to please ourselves." If it
goes against a person's conscience to play a character
like a prostitute or drug addict, then it is wrong for
them. It may also depend upon how literally the
director or playwright shows the actions of such a person
in the play. I would think that most Christian
actors would welcome the opportunity to play the part of
a prostitute or an unsavory character who had their
life changed by Jesus. He came to save the unwanted,
the dregs, the outcast - and sometimes the way to
reach them with that message is to show and teach them
through characters in a play or a movie who resemble
themselves.

I wanted to thank everyone for their advice on
working in secular productions. Everyone was very
helpful. Here's something interesting, there was a similar
discussion (I didn't start it) on the Christian Drama Forum.
It seemed that just about everyone who responded
felt that playing a character with questionable morals
(just about every character in secular productions)is a
bad witness. I'm not talking about pornography or
anything like that. They gave examples of drug addicts,
prostitutes, etc.<br>Anyway, my question is: Why do you think
the opinions in that group differ so much from those
in this group?

AMEN, Brother!

I have never worked on a "Christian" film per se;
all I've worked on have been secular films, TV shows
and commercials. And I have no problem with that
because that is where the work is. However, I am
selective in what I do. I don't work on projects that are
overtly in opposition to my convictions (i.e.
pornographic films or condom ads). Likewise, when I worked for
Xerox I worked on "secular" copiers AND "church"
copiers. No scandal there and there shouldn't be a scandal
over me, or any Christian, working on something some
would label "non-Christian." Hopefully, when I worked
on copiers, as now when I work on a movie, I am an
ambassador for Christ.

I'm totally with you there. I spent 4 years
working on an on-going show where I was the only
Christian. There is absolutely NOTHING wrong with working
for whoever will pay you. I will stipulate that
pronography should not be entered into, and when deciding to
take any job/role, you should pray and consult your
conscience about things, but I'm guessing you do that
anyway. Your friends' concerns are most likely misplaced,
but regardless, you need to do what you are called to
do. Jesus did not back down from going into homes of
tax collectors, talking to prostitutes on the street,
and encouraging everyone. You need to follow YOUR
call, not worry about your Christian friends. If it
gets really bad, ask them for scripture references
showing that you should not be in these productions or
playing these roles. I guarantee you they have very
little ground to stand on. You, however, have the words
of Jesus Christ, in John 17:15 "My prayer is not
that you take them out of the world but that you
protect them from the evil one," and the writings of
Paul, specifically, 1 Corinthians 9:22-23 "To the weak
I became weak, to win the weak. I have become all
things to all men so that by all possible means I might
save some. I do all this for the sake of the gospel,
that I may share in its blessings."<br><br>The kissing
thing is something you need to discuss with your
spouse. I honestly don't think it's cheating, but then,
I'm not married either. It seems to me to be a
judgement call, based on open and honest communication with
your spouse. Because no matter what you or I or anyone
else personally thinks or can justify, if your husband
thinks it's cheating and will have a problem with it,
then that's what you have to assume and deal
accordingly.

There's nothing wrong with being salt and light
while working on non-Christian productions. However, I
would encourage you to stay in the word and seek the
leading of the Holy Spirit in each case. Be willing to
loose work if needed in order to maintain your
integrity as a Christian. You might want to contact Dennis
O'Neill and get some encouragement along this line. He
runs an organization called "Actors For Christ". Their
web site is www.actorsforchrist.org

I was wondering how everyone felt about
Christians working in secular productions. I was in the
musical Grease, and got a lot of flack from my Christian
friends. I also play a saloon girl in a "Branson" type
production. They don't like that either. I'm also working on
an Old West Indie film where the lead characters
were prostitutes. In all of these productions my
characters never do or say anything that I feel would
compromise my faith. Am I wrong for getting involved in
these? I really don't feel like I am, but my friends are
causing me to second guess what I'm doing. Also, if my
character has a kissing scene, is that the same as cheating
on my spouse? That hasn't happened yet, but I just
want to be prepared just in case. If it wasn't for
secular productions, I'd never work!

I am so thankful that someone has taken the time
to put this club together. I have been trying for
many years to find full-time paid work as a Christian
actor and have had NO luck. Maybe now with this club in
place, our voices will be heard and we can make a dent
in the film world. ANYTHING I can do to help, feel
free to contact me. GOD BLESS!!!

Perhaps some actors would prefer being contacted
via their agent. Those actors should have their
agent's contact e-mail info. on the Picture or Profile
section. We understand there may be concern with Union
actors over working on non-union/non-SAG projects, and
an agent would help ascertain whether or not a
particular actor is eligible to work on a particular
project. <br> <br>One of our goals as a Christian
filmmaker Ministry organization is to contact the unions
and work out a special deal for Christian actors who
would like to work in this field as a ministry (but
still getting paid for their work.) This is something
that's in our plans and should come to pass in the near
future. That's why is so important to have as many
members as possible in a Christian organization like this
one because there is power in numbers. Christian
filmmakers and actors Must unite (in one Spirit and with the
mind of Christ) to be able to do the Lord's work in a
bigger greater scale... and WE WILL! <br><br>Please
understand that this Actor's club and everything else
related to the Christian Filmmaker Ministry belongs to
the Lord 100%. This is God's ministry and no one
should ever take credit for what the Lord is doing
through this web site, and even I have declared myself to
be the least of the Christian filmmakers. It is
Jesus Christ who should be uplifted and Glorified in
everything we do.<br><br>I would like to hear your comments
about any of the above matters. <br><br>In His
Love,<br>Norton

Thank you for responding to the actor’s club
membership invitation (when I say actors I mean male and
female.) I contacted over 100 Christian actors, I know
there are more of you out there, please join the club!
:-) Be a Light.<br>I noticed that some of you still
have a "Private E-mail" on your personal profile, let
me explain why having a private e-mail doesn't work
well in this type of club. Most film producers when
they find your picture and resume on the club or on
the Profile Info., they will want to contact you to
arrange a casting, or so you can send them a video demo
of your work, but if you have a Private e-mail, how
can anyone contact you? I understand your concerns,
this is the Internet after all. Here is a simple
suggestion: You can create a new FREE Yahoo e-mail (from
Yahoo). It's free and it's easy, this way others have a
way to reach you. <br><br>Also, some of you have
posted photos in the wrong categories. That's fine, I
knew this would happen because it's just a new club
and a new way of doing things. Please, read carefully
before posting your photos and DO NOT post your photos
more than once. One good photo of you is all is
needed. <br>And please understand that we are not trying
to separate ourselves from actors who are not of
the<br>same faith, all we are trying to do with this club
<br>is to have a place where Christian actors and
filmmakers can communicate freely and openly about their
faith. Christian actors and filmmakers need to
communicate with one another in one mind (the mind of Christ)
and one Spirit (The Holy Spirit). Besides, the
secular market has lots of resources out there, and we
(Christians in the film industry) have very few. Also,
non-believers are not going to understand our ways or our
faith. I believe that we have played their game for many
years, working in the secular industry, it’s time they
make the cross over and check us out to see what we
are all about, and perhaps they may like what they
see and get saved along the way! It’s all 100% about
Jesus and 0% about us.<br>Amen.

This was a great idea. I don't have a lot of
Christian actor friends & this is the perfect place to go
to find them. Soooo.... if you're not a member,
join!! And if you are, talk to me!! If they haven't
displayed this, my screen name here is artsychica724. My
name's Emily & I'm a girl (if you haven't already
figured that out!) ;)

thanks for everything. let me know if anybody needs actors. thanks and God bless

I look forward to working with all of you, developing new ventures and letting
our light shine and our salt flavor the TV and filmmaking communities.

Become a member! Be a light to the world.

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