Tuesday, May 5, 2009

"The Road to the Cross" The Making of the Passion Play

Have you ever thought about how a good idea comes to fruition or what happens if it doesn't? Over the past few months, I certainly have. The FBC Media Ministry recently produced a 21 minute documentary called, "The Road to the Cross: The Making of the Passion Play." The release is scheduled for this Sunday and we have already received more pre-orders and inquiries than last year's program in total. However, it all began with a little creative discussion....


The FBC Media staff was mired in one of our weekly staff meetings. We were discussing ways to connect to our audience and become more revelant and creative with the tools that God has given us. (Doesn't everyone have this discussion at some point?) Our Senior Video Editor, Jonathan Cordell, suggested shooting video of rehearsals and preproduction meetings of the upcoming Passion Play in order to provide some "behind-the-scenes" footage. At the time, I was thinking we might shoot some typical behind the scenes footage and produce a 1-2 minute video. However, Jonathan had a vision larger than any of us could have imagined.


Soon, Jonathan's vision became everyone on our team's passion. Ideas began to flow, plans were laid, and the commitment was made. After months of work, we have a two-DVD set which includes the 2009 Passion Play on Disc 1 and a high-energy featurette on Disc 2. The second DVD includes lots of bonus features, such as interviews from Dr. Jim Whitmire (Pastor of Worship), myself (Media Pastor and Video Director), Gary Hackney (Worship Producer), and Rachel Hanberry (Drama Director). There are sound bites from Laurie Clifton (makeup artist) as she is applying makeup to Luke Whitmire who plays the role of Jesus. The DVD also includes a photo gallery, deleted scenes, and fun and intriguing facts. Do you know many hours it took to put make up on Luke Whitmire? Did you know we utilized a pit choir of 24 singers located under the passion play stage? What about wireless microphones and light cues?


As you can see, the production and duplication of a service became a creative ministry outreach and opportunity--thanks to the power of a simple idea, a willingness to share it, and a supportive atmosphere in which to translate it to reality. I challenge you to look at your own ministry and organization. Do good ideas become reality or are they lost in the day-to-day ministry or work? How many opportunities have you missed because you didn't take the time to listen, to dream, to empower your team?

Below you can view a three minute sneak preview of what you receive in the 21 minute version of "The Road to the Cross," To preorder your copy of the 2009 Passion Play, call 1.888.827.1826 or email mediasales@fbcjax.com.

This Sunday on our local broadcast WTLV-12 at 8:00 a.m. you'll be able to watch the 21 minute version of "The Making of the Passion Play" and a message that our pastor delivered to our congregation on Palm Sunday.


Jeff Stoll
Media Pastor





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