‘The Forge’ Actress Priscilla Shirer Says Church Must Spend as Much Time on Discipleship as Evangelism
- Michael Foust Crosswalk Headlines Contributor
- Updated Aug 26, 2024
Actress Priscilla Shirer believes the church has frequently prioritized evangelism over discipleship and hopes a renewed focus on discipleship is on the horizon. The author, speaker, and actress stars in a new movie, The Forge (PG), which follows the story of a young, irresponsible man who discovers faith and life lessons under the guidance of a wise mentor. Shirer portrays the young man's mother.
The film opens in theaters this weekend and was made by the same filmmaking team (the Kendrick Brothers) that produced War Room and Overcomer.
"I think we focus so much on getting people in the building, but then not necessarily developing them once they're there," Shirer told Crosswalk Headlines.
The film, she said, is a "reminder that one-on-one, walking together" discipleship changes lives.
"It's important because it is a clear representation of what mentorship can do in the life of a young person -- discipleship, really walking with someone, helping them to come to maturity," Shirer said. "So to see that demonstrated on film will really remind people about the importance of doing it in their own lives."
The Great Commission in Matthew 28, she noted, commands Christians to "go and make disciples." The movie's poster includes a tagline: "Whoever Wants the Next Generation the Most Will Get Them."
Benjamin Watson, a former NFL player and author of The New Fight for Life, said discipleship is often overlooked because it's difficult. Discipleship is needed, he said, "not only in the church but just in general, in our communities and our families." Watson has a role in the film.
"We need a better understanding of what discipleship looks like," Watson told Crosswalk Headlines. "Discipleship is painful. It's about relationships. It takes time, it takes intentionality, and we're often not willing to do that. And so what this movie is about is a relationship. It's about a man who steps out of his comfort zone and helps somebody else, and that's what we need more of in our churches and in our homes."
Photo Credit: ©Sony
Michael Foust has covered the intersection of faith and news for 20 years. His stories have appeared in Baptist Press, Christianity Today, The Christian Post, the Leaf-Chronicle, the Toronto Star and the Knoxville News-Sentinel.
