JEFFERSON CITY – “Courageous” is opening in theaters Sept. 30 and the pro-family movie needs your help.
Made by Sherwood Baptist Church in Albany, Ga., the same church that produced “Fireproof,” “Courageous” is set to open in 900 theaters across America.
How it performs at the box office that first weekend determines how long it will be in theaters, and how many other theaters will pick up the movie.
“That opening weekend is make or break,” said Joe Ulveling, family ministries specialist for the MBC. “The theaters look at the dollars brought in, and they need to know it’s worth keeping or putting in their theaters. ‘Fireproof’ did very well the first weekend, and that’s why it started small then grew. We’re trying to get the word out: Go see it.”
To find the nearest of the 19 theaters slated to show the movie in Missouri opening weekend, see the list below.
The movie centers on four police officers. Though they stand courageous in their daily duty, being a true father offers a difficult kind of challenge. Along the way, it emphasizes that a true man is one who follows after God.
“I was able to go to a screening a few weeks ago and it’s a fantastic movie,” said Rick Seaton, men’s ministry and missions specialist for the Missouri Baptist Convention (MBC). “It’s powerful. It’s practical and well-done. There’s a good mix of comedy, drama, and it has a very powerful message.”
It has action as well.
“Compared to ‘Fireproof,’ I’d say there’s even more action,” Ulveling said. “It grabs you from the very first scene. And I’d say the quality of filmmaking is even better than ‘Fireproof.’”
The movie is aimed specifically at fathers, but that doesn’t mean only fathers should see the movie.
“It’s not just for Dads,” Ulveling said. “Mothers should see this movie; kids should see this movie; men who don’t have kids should see this movie; teenagers should see this movie; everyone should see this movie.”
Following are ways churches can support and use the movie for ministry:
• Buying all the tickets for a showing. Churches can rent out a theater so their congregation can see the movie together. Towns where “Courageous” is not playing can also get in the action and bring the movie in by pledging to purchase 1,000 tickets. (For more information go to CourageousMovie.com and click “Take Action.”)
• Having church at the movies. Instead of a traditional Sunday morning service, churches can call their theater to set up a morning showing and provide childcare back at the church nursery for families who attend.
• Giving tickets to chaplains, law enforcement officers and first responders.
• Inviting unchurched friends, coworkers or family to see the movie.
• Putting up posters and flyers to promote the movie on church campuses or in the community.
• Embedding the movie trailer on church websites. (To find the trailer, go to the movie’s website and click on “Click Here to Watch the Trailer.” Then copy the code beneath the video.)
• Planning a sermon or series on fatherhood either leading to or following the movie’s release.
• Using Courageous material to start a men’s ministry or to study in an existing one. (Resources, including small group guides, can be found at www.CourageousResources.com)
• Reaching out to men with an event like a breakfast or special service honoring fathers.
• Purchasing “The Resolution for Men” or “The Resolution for Women,” and sharing it with church members. All materials will be released in September and published by B&H Publishing Group.
“[The film] is needed because of the state of fatherlessness in America,” Jim McBride, the movie’s executive producer, told Baptist Press. “In 36 percent of all homes, the children are fatherless. But all of us know that even beyond that there are a lot of homes where the Dad is present physically but not mentally. I think this movie is much-needed because it’s going to challenge dads to step up into their role as husband and leader and father in the home.”
Missouri theaters Showing ‘Courageous’ opening weekend (updated 9/10/11). Up-to-date listings can be found at www.courageousmovie.com.
BRANSON BRANSON MEADOWS
BROOKFIELD REEL TIME CINEMA 3
CAPE GIRARDEAU TOWN PLAZA FIVE
CHESTERFIELD CHESTERFIELD GALAXY 14 CINE
CHILLICOTHE GRAND 6
HARRISONVILLE CINEMA SIX
HIGGINSVILLE DAVIS THEATRE
INDEPENDENCE INDEPENDENCE COMMONS 20
JEFFERSON CITY CAPITAL 8 THEATRES
JOPLIN NORTH STAR 14
KANSAS CITY BARRYWOODS 24
KANSAS CITY NORTHGLEN 14
LEE’S SUMMIT EASTGLEN 16 THEATRE
MOBERLY MOBERLY FIVE
MONETT PLAZA EIGHT
MOUNTAIN GROVE CONNXTION CINEMAS
OSAGE BEACH OSAGE CINEMA FIVE
POPLAR BLUFF SHOWPLACE 8
SAPPINGTON RONNIES 20 CINE
SPRINGFIELD CAMPBELL 14
BRIAN KOONCE/staff writer
bkoonce@mobaptist.org