Hey everyone, I’m Justin Trapp, and this is the Ministry Minute podcast.

Today’s episode is about a local church that decided to make a movie with a borrowed camera and no Hollywood connections. That film not only reaches millions, but it has also helped spark a revival in Christian filmmaking.

In 2003, Sherwood Baptist Church in Albany, Georgia, launched something bold: a church-based film ministry called Sherwood Pictures. It all started with Flywheel, a $20,000 film made using donated gear and an all-volunteer crew made up of pastors, teenagers, and church members.

No special effects, no distribution deal, just a clear message, and a lot of prayer. That step of faith led to Facing the Giants, which grossed over $10 million on a $100,000 budget. Then, Fireproof was the top-grossing independent film in America in 2008. than courageous. These weren’t just movies. They were in motion. What Sherwood started helped lay the groundwork for what we’re seeing today, a new era of Christian media.

In 2024, Amazon increased its faith-based library by over 200%, more than doubling its content in a single year. One of its newest series, House of David, attracted over 22 million viewers in 17 days, and the network renewed it for a second season.

Meanwhile, The Chosen has reached an estimated 280 million viewers worldwide. The Sound of Freedom movie surpassed $180 million at the box office. And just this past Easter, four of the top 10 box office films were faith-based.

What used to be niche is now mainstream. Christian storytelling is rising, and churches have helped lead the way. It all traces back to the ordinary people with a camera and a calling.

Sherwood didn’t just make movies. They made a mark on the entire film industry. Because God can do extraordinary things through ordinary obedience.

Sherwood didn’t wait for the perfect resources or credentials. They started with what they had, and God did the rest. Your church may never shoot a movie, but perhaps you have a dream on the shelf that needs dusting off.

Maybe it’s your turn to say yes, even if it feels small. You see, you don’t need a studio to make an impact. You need a spark and the courage to fan it into a flame.

This is the Ministry Minute. I’m Justin Trapp. Thanks for tuning in.

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