WHY WE DECIDED
TO MAKE A
D O C U M E N TA R Y. . .
This film began as a small project that would commemorate and
project, that this story would be helpful for a larger audience than
celebrate ten years as a local church. We wanted to tell the story
our community. As our focus shifted to align with what we believed
of God’s faithfulness in a creative way that would inspire future
was Christ’s heart for His Church, some universal ideas, desires,
generations to see and praise God. In the middle of the production
and goals began to emerge, and we agreed that we wanted this
process we realized that God had a much grander vision for this
story to fuel faith, risk, and obedience in anyone that sees it.
“THE KINGDOM OF HEAVEN IS LIKE A TREASURE
HIDDEN IN A FIELD, WHICH A MAN FOUND AND
COVERED UP. THEN IN HIS JOY HE GOES AND
SELLS ALL THAT HE HAS AND BUYS THAT FIELD.”
MATT. 13:44
This is a story of risk, and adventure. Of yeses! and “going again.” It’s a
THIS IS A
S TO RY. . .
story of Community on mission. Friends and vision. It’s the story of the
kingdom of Heaven marching steadily on and taking hold of good ground
through bad people, made whole. It’s the Church, wholly captivated by the
One who all of Heaven and Earth stand at attention for. The Church, living
with one thing as their greatest aim - to see Jesus’ Name and Renown
become the desire of every heart.
During the production of this film some very clear ideas directed our conversations. They became the fuel for our conversations
and the ideas we hoped came through loud and clear. We wanted to pull you into the production room with you in a bit of a
behind the scenes look. The conversations that fueled this film began with these thoughts:
• SIN HAS COMPLETELY AND UTTERLY
• GOD IS SOVEREIGNLY CALLING AND
DEMOLISHED ANY CHANCE OF
PERSONALLY INVITING EACH ONE OF
ABUNDANT AND ETERNAL LIFE.
US TO PARTNER WITH HIM IN HIS WORK
IN THE EARTH.
• FRIENDS LIVING WITH VISION
TOGETHER CREATES AN IDEAL
• WE ALL HAVE A CHOICE IN WHETHER
ENVIRONMENT TO CULTIVATE THE
WE WILL SAY YES TO THE RISK IT
KINGDOM OF HEAVEN.
WILL REQUIRE TO FULLY TRUST AND
WHOLEHEARTEDLY OBEY. OUR
• GOD IS WORKING IN AND THROUGH HIS
PEOPLE, THE CHURCH, TO BRING HIS
KINGDOM INTO EVERY ASPECT OF LIFE.
OBEDIENCE SETS A FOUNDATION
FOR GOD TO MASTERFULLY AND
BEAUTIFULLY CREATE NEW LIFE FROM
DEATH.
& WE HOPE...
You see yourself in this story. Our prayer from the beginning has been, “God, would you use this film, the story of this little church in
California, to reveal your nature and character. And in that, awaken faith in each person that sees this.” We hope this story inspires:
• FRIENDSHIP & VISION
• FAITH & RISK
• OBEDIENCE & ENGAGEMENT
I N S P I R AT I O N
AND
INSTRUCTION
STEP 1: INVITE
Make a list of the people you want to grow in discipleship alongside. Set a date to gather for a meal and to watch the documentary together.
Invite them. Be intentional and thoughtful, and share some of the creative ways you are inviting folks to your viewing party with us at:
[email protected] or on instagram - @radiant.films
STEP 2: PLAN
Whether you’re an elite foodie or know how to use a microwave like a boss, you can host a viewing party, no problem. All you need is a bit of
a plan. So we encourage you to think about what you want your time to be like. We encourage you to eat a meal together, watch the film and
then discuss what stuck out most over dessert or coffee. The beauty is that as the host you can shape your evening. Need tips? let us know.
S T E P 3 : E AT & WATC H
There’s nothing like having a group of people you care about over for a meal. Here’s what we encourage you to do once you’re all together:
EAT. If nothing else, this will be a great chance to have a meal with friends. WATCH. Our prayer is that you would find this film to be
challenging to your faith and encouraging to your soul. You can watch the film online at: WWW.RADIANTVISALIA.COM/FILMS
STEP 4: DISCUSS
Our vision for this Hosting Kit culminates at this point. The goal of the night is to get to the heart of things. What will you and your friends
create? How will you impact the people and places around you? What is the very next thing God is asking you to do? What are you afraid
you’ll lose by fully surrendering to God? These questions and more are found below to help you lead a hearty vibrant conversation. Have at it!
FRIENDS
AND
MISSION
“Christianity began in Galilee
as a fellowship of men and women
centered on Jesus Christ.
It went to Greece and became a philosophy.
It went to Rome and became an institution.
It went to Europe and became a culture.
It came to America and became an enterprise.
We need to get back to our roots.”
(Richard Halverson, former chaplain to the U.S. Senate)
Sitting staring into the flames of an open fire one night my friend Jim (who is one of the wisest people I know) said something that has helped me
ever since. He observed two equal motivations in my life: friendship and vision. I am always dreaming up new schemes and creating adventures, but if
my friends don’t want to join me in pursuit of the vision, I often lose my heart for it, too. Conversely, if my friends have no vision and sit around doing
nothing with their lives, I quickly become bored and frustrated. But when vision and friendship marry in adventures of conspiracy and camaraderie, I am
always at my happiest. Friends dreaming together — that is, for me, the dream in itself.
Pete Greig - the Vision & the Vow
W E E N C O U R A G E YO U TO G R A B S O M E F R I E N D S , WATC H T H E F I L M , A N D
D R E A M A B O U T H O W G O D W I L L U S E YO U R F R I E N D S H I P S TO A DVA N C E T H E
K I N G D O M O F G O D I N YO U R C I T Y.
DISCUSSION
QUESTIONS
ASK.
These questions are designed as a jumping off point for your discussion time. Make time and space for this
portion of the evening, you won’t be disappointed. Don’t feel bound to these questions, let the conversation flow
naturally and encourage everyone to participate. We pray that these moments would transform your friendships.
PRINT OUT THE DISCUSSION QUESTIONS FOUND BELOW AND GIVE ONE OR TWO
TO EACH PERSON. ENCOURAGE EVERY PERSON TO ASK THEIR QUESTIONS TO A
SPECIFIC PERSON AND THEN ALLOW OTHERS TO CHIME IN.
I N TO T H E E Q U AT I O N A N D YO U ’ L L B E I N F O R A G R A N D T I M E .
THROW A DESSERT
END THE EVENING BY
P R A Y I N G F O R E A C H P E R S O N I N D I V I D U A L LY .
HOW DOES HEARING
DESCRIBE A TIME IN YOUR LIFE
A B O U T T H E FA I T H
WHERE YOU’VE BEEN HURT IN
AND RISK OF OTHERS
R E L AT I O N S H I P A N D D E C I D E D
TO “ G O A G A I N ” ? W H AT I M PA C T
ENCOURAGE /
D I D T H AT G E N E R AT E I N T H AT
CHALLENGE YOU?
R E L AT I O N S H I P ?
W H AT C O M P E L S YO U TO
DESCRIBE A TIME WHERE
BE “ON MISSION”? DO
Y O U C L E A R LY F E LT G O D
F R I E N D S P L AY A R O L E I N
WAS CALLING YOU TO
T H AT F O R YO U ?
TA K E A R I S K .
W H AT A R E S O M E O F T H E
F E A R S YO U H AV E I N
F U L LY S U R R E N D E R I N G
TO GOD?
HOW WOULD YOU
DESCRIBE THE MISSION
OF GOD?
ASK.
These questions are designed as a jumping off point for your discussion time. Make time and space for this
portion of the evening, you won’t be disappointed. Don’t feel bound to these questions, let the conversation flow
naturally and encourage everyone to participate. We pray that these moments would transform your friendships.
HOW HAS GOD ASKED
W H AT O N E T H I N G F R O M
YOU TO RISK AND TRUST
THE FILM STOOD OUT
HIM?
MOST TO YOU?
W H AT D O E S I T M E A N TO
YOU TO BE FRIENDS ON
MISSION? HOW WILL YOU
“FLESH IT OUT”?
W H AT D O E S I T LO O K L I K E I T F O R
SOMEONE WHO IS A MOM / LAWYER
E L EC T R I C I A N / C H E F, E TC .
TO PA R T I C I PAT E I N P L A N T I N G
CHURCHES?
F R O M YO U R VA N TA G E
P O I N T W H AT K I N D O F
W H AT D O YO U S E E J E S U S
PEOPLE DOES THE
DOING IN YOUR CITY /
CHURCH NEED MORE OF
COMMUNITY?
TO DAY ?
W H A T K I N D O F C U LT U R E /
COMMUNITY DO YOU
WA N T TO C R E AT E H E R E
AMONG OUR FRIENDS?
W H AT I S T H E V E R Y N E X T
THING GOD IS ASKING
YOU TO DO?
RESPONSE
WE CANNOT THINK
O F A B E T T E R WAY TO A P P R E C I AT E
THIS FILM, THAN TO RESPOND
We’ve heard it said that there is no greater compliment to a chef
of God. That the treasure of Kingdom of Heaven would grip your
than to eat every last bite on your plate, or a standing ovation for
heart in such a way that you would “in (your) joy, go and sell all that
the broadway play. Since you’ve made it this far, we’re guessing
(you) possess” (Matt. 13:44). Namely, you would respond to the
you appreciate this film and the message that it tells. What we’ve
message of the Gospel of Jesus Christ with wholehearted devotion
prayed for is that this film would catalyze a response in the people
and obedience. Jesus is worth it all. Let’s conspire together.
SHARE HOW YOU’RE CONSPIRING. SHARE PHOTOS AND
F E E D B A C K F R O M YO U R G AT H E R I N G S U S I N G
#CONSPIREWITHUS
CONNECT
WITH
US HERE
@_RadiantVisalia
@ RA D I A N T. F I L M S
WWW.RADIANTVISALIA.COM/FILMS