Alex Kendrick's Blog

Honoring the Legacy Impact of Michael Catt on Our Lives

As we approach another Christmas day, we pause and remember a dear friend who also celebrated his birthday on December 25th.  It’s hard to put into words the significant impact our former pastor, Michael Catt, had on our lives. When Michael called us to serve on staff at Sherwood Church in Albany, Georgia, we had no idea the two-decade journey we would take together.

Michael became a beloved friend, counselor, and mentor to us. His wife Terri graciously poured into our wives. They prayed for us, blessed us, and believed in our families and our future. 

Michael instilled in us and our entire church family a greater love for scripture, a devotion to prayer, a passion for revival, and a stronger faith in the God of the “Himpossible.” 

He was a maverick. Fearing God more than human opinion, Michael constantly challenged Sherwood to pray about every major decision and not presume upon the Lord. 

Michael was a lamb in person, but a lion in the pulpit. No one questioned where he stood. He spent countless hours studying and it showed on Sundays. He refused to water down the Gospel or avoid the discipleship call to fully surrender to Jesus.  

Michael joyfully proclaimed the love and grace of God, but he also preached against sin, hypocrisy, legalism, and racism in our community. 

As a leader, Michael refused to sweep problems under the rug, but confronted anyone found to be divisive or toxic to the health of the church. He would shut down outdated traditions and programs if they became unfruitful. He would ask us in staff meetings, “Why are we doing this if there is no lasting fruit? Why are we wasting our time and the church’s money on this?”  

In staff meetings, Michael challenged his team to stay on their toes with new ideas, reminding us to redeem the time knowing we would give an account of our ministries to God one day. He hated the idea of any minister of Jesus Christ operating in low gear or coasting into retirement. But he also supported our wives and would tell the staff to go home and not use ministry as an excuse for neglecting our families. 

As the movies began to expand at Sherwood, Michael would invite us and the crew to the altar and call the church to pray over us. He would exhort us not to compromise and would sometimes pull us off to the side and warn us beforehand of how the enemy was likely to attack.  

Behind the scenes, Michael was one of the most generous men on the planet. Truly a hilarious giver. He personally gave to the ministries of the church and constantly gave books and resources to the staff. God used His example to form Sherwood into a deeply generous body. 

When guest ministers came, Michael and Terri would host them with love and encourage the church to give sacrificially to support their ministries.  Guests would cry as the church met their needs and Michael would cry as he watched our church give to men and women of God. As a pastor to pastors, Michael hated hearing of men and women of God being disrespected, underpaid, or mistreated by their congregations. He and Terri made Sherwood an oasis for them and encouraged them never to quit serving the Lord during the hard seasons.

For years, he led ReFresh conferences to bless thousands of ministry leaders across the nation. Many beat-up and worn-out pastors would remain in ministry because of how God used Michael to encourage them. His book “Prepare for Rain” has helped so many ministers to walk by faith and serve God in difficult circumstances.

One of our last, cherished memories with Michael was a lunch we shared in January of 2023 at a restaurant in Albany. We spent hours catching up, reminiscing about the past, and discussing the future and our desire to make a movie about discipleship. Michael was gracious, as always, and shared his support for us and The Forge while emphasizing the great need for the church to better understand and embrace Biblical discipleship. That meal was deeply meaningful and significant. Looking back, it would be our last meal together as a team this side of heaven. 

We had no idea that the first day of production on The Forge that summer would be the same day Michael entered into eternity. The following week, we paused movie production so our crew could attend Michael’s inspiring celebration of life service. (You can watch it here.) It was an emotional and powerful day for our entire church family. 

Michael believed and often said, “Whoever wants the next generation the most will get them.” He had that statement printed on the wall and fully integrated into the church’s ministries. Those words became a clarion call for the staff and our church body to invest in future generations and remain steadfast to fulfilling the Great Commission. We were grateful to include it in The Forge to pass on what had been invested into us.

As The Forge now takes the Gospel in 40 languages to the nations, we praise God for His faithfulness and recognize that Michael’s investment in us continues to influence others around the world. His life and ministry still inspire us and others to live with purpose and passion for Christ.  

Michael fought the good fight, finished his course, and kept his faith in Christ. We are so grateful that Michael was faithful to the Lord, to his wife Terri, to his daughters, and to pass the torch of ministry to future generations. He not only clung to Jesus, but has helped us and so many others to do the same. 

With love and gratitude,

Stephen Kendrick, Alex Kendrick, and Jim McBride

The post Honoring the Legacy Impact of Michael Catt on Our Lives appeared first on Kendrick Brothers Productions.

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By: Brenda Harris

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The Heart & Message Behind the new movie "The Forge"
Coming to Theaters August 23, 2024

Growing up it was a special treat to go to our one local theater on Saturday and watch a family-friendly matinee. Popcorn, laughter, and sticky floors were all part of the experience. I have always loved movies and remember being fascinated by stories, actors, excitement, and glamour.

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THE HEART OF THE PRODUCTION TEAM

Now for more than 10 years, God has given me the privilege of working with the Kendrick Brothers — making movies! Beyond the popcorn and entertainment, our commitment as a team is to follow the path the Lord lays out for us and to focus on His timing and instruction. Our ultimate purpose is to honor the Lord and challenge believers to go deeper in their walk with Him.

During production I have a front-row seat into what God is doing before the movie is even complete. In the summer of 2023, our crew gathered in Albany, Georgia, to begin work on the next film — The Forge. Long before production, God birthed the idea of this movie about discipleship in the heart of Alex Kendrick. He and his brothers, Stephen and Shannon, prayed for confirmation and direction before the first words of the script were written. When the focus of discipleship came together as a compelling storyline, the cast was chosen, the crew was enlisted, locations were secured, and all the pieces began to take shape. 

It’s my joy to serve as the prayer coordinator for the Kendrick Brothers. Prayer and Scripture are an integral part of every production day. About a year before the filming begins, I assemble a team of prayer warriors. These committed Christ-followers from across the country begin covering the entire film process in prayer, asking for God’s hand to guide in all decisions related to the movie.

Next, the search begins for local believers who are available and committed to come on the set and pray for the production team. Our cast and crew work hard, but they also have families, concerns for physical or emotional needs, and burdens that are waiting to be shared with someone who cares. That is our privilege as on-set prayer warriors.

We have high standards for on-set prayer warriors. In addition to having an active prayer life and being available, we seek out those who understand what cannot be communicated to the public during production. Prayer warriors cannot be movie fans on the set; they’re there to pray. They must demonstrate a welcoming air of love and compassion. We often need to be quiet and avoid being in the way while being present and available. Sometimes we prayerwalk the set; at other times we find a corner and pray. In addition to praying for all the people, we pray about the weather, safety, equipment, cast interaction, traffic noise, and unexpected distractions.

Each workday starts with devotion and prayer. Because our team trusts God’s Word, I ask the Lord for a “word from the Word.” Every morning as the cast and crew members arrive for breakfast, the prayer team interacts with them, shares the verse-of-the-day card, and finds out how to pray for them. It’s a great way to build relationships and establish why our team is there.

Salvation through Jesus Christ is free, but discipleship is costly.

THE MESSAGE OF THE MOVIE

The message of The Forge is discipleship. Salvation through Jesus is free, but discipleship is costly. It means prioritizing Him above everything else. Discipleship involves surrender. In Luke 9:23, Jesus said, “‘If anyone wants to follow after me, let him deny himself, take up his cross daily, and follow me.’”

The Forge tells the story of Isaiah Wright and his mom, Cynthia. Isaiah is a 19-year-old with no direction, no motivation, and no relationship with Jesus. As his mother prays and enlists the support of Miss Clara (from the Kendrick Brothers’ movie War Room), they see God at work. Isaiah encounters Joshua Moore, a seasoned saint who invests in him and shows him firsthand what it looks like to be a disciple of Jesus.

Jesus poured into His disciples so they could, in turn, pour into others who would become His disciples. He invited people into a deep, personal relationship with Him. Teaching others to live completely for Jesus every day is a vast need; it involves time and personal discipline to walk alongside others in their spiritual journey. But it’s a command given to us by Jesus Christ Himself: “‘Go, therefore, and make disciples’” (Matt. 28:19a).

The characters of Miss Clara and Joshua Moore inspire me to take advantage of every opportunity to disciple those in my circle of influence. Discipling others is what God allows me to do on and off the movie set. He brings people to me — camera operators, actors, and young people trying to “get their foot in the door” of the faith-based film world. My most important job is to point them to the One who loves them and has a unique plan and purpose for each of them. During these connections, I love them, pray for them, share Scripture with them, tell them of God’s faithfulness, and walk with them in their journey.

This on-set discipleship began for me in 2014 when we were filming War Room. Now 10 years and several movies later, I remain in contact with many of our former crew. I check on them, encourage them, challenge them, and love them. I do life with these precious folks, even from afar. And I have the privilege to pray for them. As I lift them to the Father, I know He knows what they need, He sees what I can’t, and He is doing a work in each of them.A MOVEMENT OF MULTIPLICATIONWhat about you? Whom are you discipling — your grandchildren, young people at church, or the neighbor who mows your lawn? Think about it: If you discipled two people this year and next yearthose two people each discipled two people and so forth, more than a million people would be discipled after 20 years. God’s directive to make disciples doesn’t expire as we age. No matter where you are in your journey, you can model the joy of growing as a disciple for someone along the way. That’s discipleship in action! LEARN MORE ABOUT THE FORGE

Brenda Harris finds pure joy investing in the lives of others as they pursue a love relationship with Jesus. Married to Mike for 52 years, Brenda is constantly amazed at how God finds ways to use her in His kingdom’s work.

From the movie producers of The Forge and War Room come exciting new resources for anyone who desires to grow spiritually and become an all-in follower of Jesus. Teaching the next generation to surrender to Jesus and live for Him is a great need, and one these resources are committed to meeting. As you read these books individually or in a group, you will be called to commit boldly to Jesus while also discipling those you know and love to do the same. Are you ready to join a discipleship movement? Learn more about these resources at lifeway.com/theforge.

The post Lights, Camera, Discipleship! – THE FORGE appeared first on Kendrick Brothers Productions.

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By: Brenda Harris

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This summer the Kendrick Brothers’movie, The Forge, will remind us of thejoy of being sold out to Christ

CONSIDER THE BLACKSMITH as he works diligently with his anvil and those hot, burning coals. His purpose is to reshape an object for a new purpose. Using extreme heat along with intense physical force, the blacksmith labors to forge and design a fresh and innovative creation. This type of forging is similar to what the prophet declared in Isaiah 54:16: “Look, I have created the craftsman who blows on the charcoal fire and produces a weapon suitable for its task; and I have created the destroyer to cause havoc.” In my mind’s eye, I see the work involved and the stunning result. The process is often raw and penetrating but the finished product is worth the time and energy exerted.

In the new Kendrick Brothers’ movie, The Forge, viewers will observe the work involved in trusting God and committing to be His disciple. Just as the blacksmith envisions the end result of his work, you’ll be challenged to understand and embrace the work of becoming a true disciple. And, just like the blacksmith, you’ll discover that discipleship means hard work.

Is true discipleship what Iwant for my children? Am Iwilling to be a disciple andmodel what that means formy children?

The Forge begins as an all-too-familiar scenario of our culture as it unfolds: an unmotivated 19-year-old named Isaiah, with no direction, no plans, and no relationship with Jesus. He seems perfectly content to follow his buddies in their devotion to video games and pick-up basketball games. For him, the future is too far away to worry about now. But never underestimate the power of a praying mother. As she presents her son with some new house rules, God begins to work, orchestrating details and dilemmas to capture this young man’s attention. Every challenge and opportunity points Isaiah to the God who loves him and the purpose God has for his life.

Taking the Lead Role

Discipleship takes center stage as The Forge follows Isaiah’s journey — from unmotivated cynic to godly young adult, forging his journey to true discipleship. Featuring Cameron Arnett and Aspen Kennedy, along with some friends from the film War Room (Priscilla Shirer, Karen Abercrombie, and others), The Forge will confront believers to assess their own level of discipleship.

Discipleship isn’t simple or effortless. The Bible tells us salvation is a gift: “For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Rom. 6:23); “For you are saved by grace through faith, and this is not from yourselves; it is God’s gift” (Eph. 2:8). But discipleship is costly: “If anyone by Brenda Harris wants to follow after me, let him deny himself, take up his cross daily, and follow me” (Luke 9:23). In the book, Count Me In (Alex and Stephen Kendrick and Travis Agnew), we’re reminded, “Discipleship is not an addition to your life. … It is stepping up to the life Jesus has designed you to live.”

Becoming a committed disciple is what we all want for our children — for them to be a devoted follower of Christ, studying God’s Word, seeking His guidance, telling others about the Savior, and pursuing Him above all else. That’s the correct “spiritual” response. But is it what we really want for our children? Do we want them to follow Christ and be totally sold out to Him in dedicated devotion, or do we want them to have a stress-free life with no struggles? Often as parents we do whatever we can to protect and shield our children from hard situations; we don’t want them to struggle. But Luke 9:23 clearly states denial is at the very heart of discipleship. It involves a daily surrender. In The Forge, businessman Joshua Moore tells Isaiah that taking up the cross may mean “something has to die.” Perhaps the real questions we must answer are: Is true discipleship what I want for my children? Am I willing to be a disciple and model what that means for my children?

Taking Discipleship to Heart

Jesus gave specific instructions to believers in Matthew 28:19-20a before He left this earth: “Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe everything I have commanded you. And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age” [emphasis added]. It’s not a suggestion; it’s a directive. This straightforward commission isn’t too difficult to understand, but it requires determined obedience. Because we know and rest in the authority of Christ, we make disciples, teaching them God’s Word and how to follow His instructions. In her book, I Surrender All, Priscilla Shirer says, “Discipleship is a divine invitation, an opportunity for us to take this new identity we’ve been given in Christ and start making our attitudes and actions match up with it, so that our daily lives become congruent with it.” Not an easy assignment for you or the ones you love, right? A disciple is a student, a learner, a believer who is growing in Christ. If that sounds like work, it is.

The Forge will confront believersto assess their own level ofdiscipleship.

Taking It to the Next Generation

Michael Catt was instrumental in the work of Sherwood Pictures, and he encouraged Alex, Stephen, and Shannon Kendrick in their pursuit of writing, producing, and crafting God-honoring movies. Michael often reminded people “whoever wants the next generation the most will get them.”3 The work of disciple-making is urgently needed. Intentional multiplication is crucial as we seek not only to introduce others to Jesus but as we invest in the work of growing deeper and stronger in Christ. The plan is clear and simple: One person committed to their own personal discipleship, investing in the life of another, and discipling them until they become a discipler. How does this happen? In the book, Devoted to Jesus, Stephen and Alex share this reminder: “The Great Commission is the most epic command and calling of all time. We as His followers are not here merely to attend church and do religious things, to soak up the blessings of salvation while we wait for His return. … Not just to know Him but to make Him known. Not just to be His disciples but to make His disciples. To fully follow Him by helping others follow Him as well. … His Great Commission! It’s what disciples do!” Not in our own strength but in the power and ability of our Father. It’s been His plan all along, and we’re privileged to participate in carrying it out.

1. Stephen Kendrick, Alex Kendrick, and Travis Agnew, Count Me In: The Daring Life of a Jesus Follower
(Nashville, TN: B&H Kids, 2024), 30.
2. Priscilla Shirer, I Surrender All (Nashville, TN: B&H Publishing, 2024), 52.
3. http://michaelcatt.com/about/
4 Stephen Kendrick and Alex Kendrick, Devoted to Jesus: From First Steps to Fully Surrendered, (Nashville, TN: B&H Publishing, 2024).

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INDIANAPOLIS (BP) – Before “The Forge” debuts in theaters across the country on August 23, Alex and Stephen Kendrick gave audiences at the Southern Baptist Convention Annual Meeting an early screening of their latest film.

Ben Mandrell, president and CEO of Lifeway Christian Resources, interviews directors Alex and Stephen Kendrick about their new film “The Forge” June 11. Photo by Sonya Singh

In two different screenings sponsored by Lifeway Films on Monday, June 10, and Tuesday, June 11, the filmmaking brothers shared their heart behind the movie to hundreds gathered to hear their story and watch the film.

Stephen Kendrick said “The Forge” provides a refocusing for churches and Christians on Jesus’ call to make disciples. “Our hope for every film is that it is an entertaining, inspirational ride you can watch and enjoy with your entire family. We love lifting up the name of Jesus in theaters. But our hearts’ desire is the kingdom,” he said. “Filmmaking is an excuse to make disciples, on set, through our films, through resources, and everything we do. Our hope is that this will be a tool for pastors to ignite a renewed passion for the Great Commission.”

The movie follows the story of 19-year-old Isaiah Wright, played by newcomer Aspen Kennedy, who is drifting through life – no job, no plans, no idea how to be a man. His mom, Cynthia, played by Priscilla Shirer, gives him an ultimatum – step up or move out. Enter Joshua Moore, played by Cameron Arnett, who not only gives Isaiah a job but much needed wisdom and spiritual guidance. Isaiah is forced to deal with his past, sacrifice his selfishness and discover how God might have a greater purpose for his life…..

Read the full story here: LINK

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THE FORGE is coming to theaters on August 23, 2024! And you will immediately recognize some of the stellar cast.

The film reunites beloved characters and themes from WAR ROOM and the additional actors from COURAGEOUS, OVERCOMER, and FIREPROOF. You’ll immediately smile when you see prayer warrior Miss Clara, played by Karen Abercrombie, as well as T.C. Stallings and Alena Pitts (Tony and Danielle). Priscilla Shirer reprises her character from WAR ROOM in THE FORGE and pulls double duty as Elizabeth’s twin sister Cynthia. Add to that Cameron Arnett from OVERCOMER and Ken Bevel from COURAGEOUS and FIREPROOF.

The Heart of the Forge

Superbowl champion, husband and father Benjamin Watson makes his Kendrick Brothers debut in THE FORGE, as do Aspen Kennedy, Jonathan Evans, and Tommy Woodard.

Prayer and discipleship are the themes of THE FORGE, featuring a committed Christian man who mentors a high school graduate unsure of what to do with his life.

“In our culture, so many people say they believe in God, but their walk with God is very lukewarm and half-hearted,” Stephen Kendrick said. “Discipleship means it’s time to get on fire and all in, and this movie will push you, encourage you, inspire you to be all in for Christ.”

“It’s a forging process to be a disciple,” Alex Kendrick added. “Jesus says, ‘Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny himself, take up his cross and follow Me.’ So in other words, this is a different level of following Jesus — not just belief that He is the Son of God … but also following Him with your life,” he continued. “You can’t be Jesus’ disciple in a lukewarm status.” 

Join us in prayer for God to do more than we could ask or imagine through the message of THE FORGE!

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After months of prayer, the Lord has given us clear direction concerning our next feature film. Even as OVERCOMER focused on our identity in Christ, WAR ROOM focused on prayer, and COURAGEOUS highlighted fatherhood, this next movie will unpack another pivotal issue in the life of future generations. The concept of mentorship will be featured in alignment with Jesus’s bold call for His disciples to die to themselves and follow Him.

We have been inspired with a fresh and unique storyline and are excited to produce this film and release it to the world next year. In the same pattern as our other films, this new movie will be family-friendly, relatable, inspirational, feature both laughter and tears, and will honor key life-changing principles from God’s Word. Our goal is to release the movie in August of 2024.

The Lord has graciously carried us in the past through 7 movie productions and we recognize our desperate need for His guidance and daily grace now. Please pray for our entire team and all the parts necessary to bring this movie to life. Pray for His inspiration, creativity, and discernment as we film the scenes. Pray for His blessing, favor, protection, and power to be on this project from beginning to end. And ask Him to strategically use this movie to bless churches, transform countless lives, restore broken relationships, and greatly impact the nations for His glory. Thank you in advance!

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The ministry of Jesus was to make a way to know the Heavenly Father. The last verse of the movie reminds us that “Anyone who has seen [Jesus] has seen the Father” (John 14:9). If you have longed for a father, then now is the time to start a relationship with Jesus. He will introduce us to the Perfect Father. What first step can you take today to start a relationship with Him?

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If you were to put words on a frame of glass that describe your concept of father, what would they be? Have you projected any of those attributes onto your view of God? How closely aligned are they to what you have learned about who God is as a Perfect Father? Are there any you need to erase? What words can you use to describe God the Heavenly Father?

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“The future could be different because I am living under the blessing of God and not the cursing of my dad,” says Dr. Tony Evans. Do you want to receive that kind of blessing from the Lord? How might the future look different?

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Stephen describes receiving a blessing as a depiction of his father’s heart. Think about that when you read this verse from Ephesians 1:3, “Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in Christ.” How is this a picture of God’s heart as a Father? If we have put our faith in Christ, this is what the Father does for us.

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