Coming Together as One

In the opening two verses of Philippians 2, we read Paul encouraging the church with these words:
“If you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any fellowship with the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and purpose.”

We’re pretty sure (okay, we’re certain) that Paul wasn’t referencing movies when he wrote these words. But if you want an example of people being “like-minded … being one in spirit and purpose,” all you needed to do was be at a movie theater yesterday that was showing FIREPROOF. People from every kind of church, large and small, were in the seats ... lots of seats!

Playing on 839 screens, FIREPROOF was the No. 3 movie in the nation on Friday! Read that again: the No. 3 movie in America! To put that in perspective … well, you can’t. Okay, we’ll try. Movies 4-8 on the list were on between 2,300 screens and 3,000 screens. Each.

You have flabbergasted Hollywood for a day. Thank you!

Now who’s up for doing it again today and tomorrow?

If you haven’t seen FIREPROOF yet, please make a concerted effort to go between now and Sunday night. If you saw it yesterday, think who you know that needs to see it this weekend ... and take them with you.

Let’s continue to be one in purpose for building strong marriages ... and making an impact on Hollywood this weekend.

Welcome to Opening Day!

Did you notice? No more countdown clock on FireprooftheMovie.com.

It is here! FIREPROOF is opening in 839 theaters nationwide today!

USA Today has a story about the movie ... and soon, you may as well. Let us know ...

• Are you going to see the movie today?
• Where are you seeing it?
• What are you most excited about?
  

So relax ... take off that tie. Get some popcorn and let’s go grab some seats to see FIREPROOF ... on Opening Day!

Countdown Wind Down

While most of us have to wait a few more hours before we can see FIREPROOF, it is actually playing right now on eight screens in Knoxville, Tennessee.

The Action Squad efforts there were highlighted in a recent eBlast. A quick recap: Forever Families helped lead the effort to purchase 2,000 tickets! To ensure there would be seats for moviegoers on Friday, they took over a local theater this evening.

Here is what it looked like outside the theater. Way to go Knoxville!

Action in Mississippi

An Action Squad, led by Mt. Manna Baptist Church, is how Senatobia, Mississippi will be seeing FIREPROOF when it opens this weekend. Senatobia is one of 98 communities that rallied together to commit to purchasing at least 1,000 tickets so that FIREPROOF could open in their towns.

Despite locking in their theater only last week, Pastor Jay Thomason says they have already sold more than 1,150 tickets. He tells us that he is grateful that this movie will help his and other churches reach more than a thousand people in their community.

We are grateful for leaders like Pastor Jay that see the impact that this movie can have on marriages all across the country!

Ticket Booth

Lora Rice of First Baptist Church in Greenwood, Arkansas filled us in on what her church is doing with FIREPROOF.

“We were able to reserve the theater for a Thursday night sneak peel. We have sold all 302 seats in the auditorium. We had a ticket booth, which we placed in the church lobby.

“Free childcare is being offered and we are expecting 82 children. We handed out the 10 Great Dates questions along with tickets. Our next three Sundays (sermons and Bible studies) are going to be based on the movie, using movie clips and teaching aids.”

Mentoring Matters

We heard from Dewey Wilson, the president of Marriage Mentors in Texas. Marriage Mentors is one of the scores of ministries with helpful tools and resources available on FireproofmyMarriage.com.

“Two weeks ago we purchased 100 tickets for a Friday show time, as well as the complete 571-seat auditorium for the Saturday evening show time. Our intent is to introduce folks to FIREPROOF, along with the follow-up material, and introduce them to Marriage Mentors. As of this morning, we are completely out of tickets.
two’s
“We are excited about this weekend. We plan to continue doing what we can to help couples discover the real answer for their issues and how to live in a Christ-centered marriage.”

More Listening and Viewing Opportunties

Lots to listen to and watch when it comes to FIREPROOF on Wednesday and the rest of the week. Hope you have lots of time available!

FamilyLife Today starts a three-day series of interviews with Alex and Stephen Kendrick on the program. The overall interview series is entitled “Making Movies for God.” Wednesday’s broadcast is called “Lights! Cameras! Action!” Thursday’s program is “Never Leave Your Partner Behind?” and Friday’s is called “Entertainment with a Purpose.” Be sure to listen as Alex and Stephen join Dennis Rainey and Bob Lepine on the programs.

HomeWord also has three programs about FIREPROOF this week. On Wednesday and Thursday, Kirk Cameron joins host Dr. Jim Burns for two programs called “Trading Hollywood Glory for Eternal Riches.” The Kendrick Brothers are the guests Friday for “Making Your Marriage Fireproof.” Find a HomeWord station near you.

But wait ... that’s not all! Kirk Cameron will be on a pair of morning TV shows on Wednesday. He joins Fox & Friends on the Fox News Channel at 9:05 a.m. EDT and then the syndicated Morning Show with Mike and Juliet at 9:40 a.m. EDT.

And after you have listened to and watched all of these on Wednesday, you can catch “The Making of FIREPROOF,” a behind-the-scenes special, on Daystar Thursday at 9 a.m.

Paging Dr. Phil ...

While you have long known that FIREPROOF opens in theaters on Friday, that is probably news to most viewers of Dr. Phil. Fortunately, on Thursday, the popular show’s audience will find out.

In an episode called Fireproof Your Marriage, Dr. Phil talks with two couples that are dealing with the pressures that come with firefighting and police careers. In addition, Dr. Phil talks with Kirk Cameron, Alex Kendrick, and Michael Catt about a certain movie!

As Dr. Phil’s website says, “Kirk and the moviemakers join Dr. Phil and share why they were so passionate about getting this movie made.”

Please note: the show airs Thursday (not Friday as indicated in the FIREPROOF eBlast). Be sure to check the listing for time and station where Dr. Phil airs in your market.

Only Three Days!

Opening day Friday is coming quickly ... but not fast enough for some of us. We thought we would help ease the wait for everyone that is planning on seeing FIREPROOF on Opening Weekend by giving you a glimpse at a scene from the movie.

As they say in Hollywood ... and Albany: Action!

Fans at Fandango

Many movie theater circuits (the industry word for chains) use Fandango for their online, pre-purchase ticketing system.

It seems that you, the fans of FIREPROOF, have made this action-packed love story the hottest ticket on the website, as of Monday evening. Kind of fitting: FIREPROOF ... hottest ... never mind.

Thanks!

Multi-Media

Lots going on with FIREPROOF and the media as the movie prepares to open in nearly 850 theaters this Friday!

There is a great review by Father Robert Lauder in The Tablet, the weekly newspaper of the Brooklyn Diocese. Within the review, Father Lauder says, “FIREPROOF is an exceptionally good film. The story is good, the acting is good, the direction is good, the music is good and the editing is exceptionally good. This is a film that we should strongly support so that filmmakers will learn that there is a large market for this kind of film.”

Also, throughout today, you can hear about FIREPROOF on the more than 200 K-LOVE stations across the country and online. In their hourl updates, they are letting their listeners know about this action-packed love story!

And be sure to watch (or DVR) The Today Show on Tuesday morning, both in the 8 a.m. and 10 a.m. hours. Kirk Cameron, who plays Capt. Caleb Holt in FIREPROOF, is a guest in both of those segments of the program.

Quick Update: We have received segment start times for Kirk’s appearances on The Today Show tomorrow morning:

• 8:19 a.m.
• 10:14 a.m.
• 10:30 a.m.
  

Focusing on FIREPROOF

Focus on the Family has been excited about the potential impact of FIREPROOF since Mitch Temple, the director of Marriage for the ministry, was on the movie set in Albany, Georgia last autumn.
On Monday and Tuesday, September 22-23, FIREPROOF will be highlighted on the ministry’s flagship radio show as Alex and Stephen Kendrick are interviewed by Dr. James Dobson. You can listen on your local Christian station or online.

You can also check out a partial transcript on CitizenLink from a recent interview with Alex and Kirk Cameron on Focus’ Boundless podcast. Kirk shares his excitement about the movie in that interview, saying:

“I think FIREPROOF is really going to point people in a new direction and give them practical steps on how to change the future of their marriage.”

In addition, Mitch has a great story about the movie on the Focus website. Be sure to check out the resources listed there, and if your marriage is in immediate trouble, check out the 911 section at FireproofmyMarriage.com. The Focus hotline (1.800.A.Family) can be your marriage’s lifeline.

We’re excited about all that Focus is doing to connect people to FIREPROOF. So be sure to tune in to Focus on Family Monday and Tuesday. And let us know what you think of the shows.

Churches Gearing Up

Just one week from the opening of FIREPROOF in more than 800 theaters across the nation, we are excited to hear about how individuals and churches are supporting this movie. In the eBlast that went out today, we talk about how a couple of churches are supporting the movie.

Here are a couple of more quick highlights:

Pastor Jerry McQuay encourages the people of Christian Life Center in suburban Chicago to take advantage of the movie, while Mike Hurt does the same for the people of Parkway Church in Victoria, Texas.

Feel free to post a comment here or at the Stories page on the website to let us know how your church is utilizing FIREPROOF.

And, we almost forgot ... there is also First Baptist in Bartlett, Tennessee, which talked about the movie from their pulpit last weekend. They even had one of the firefighters from the movie, Stephen Dervan, talk to their church. Of course, the fact that Stephen is their youth pastor helped them get connected with “Wayne!”

Investing Wisely

Recently, we shared the 5-Dove review that FIREPROOF received from the Dove Foundation. Dick Rolfe, the co-founder and CEO of the Dove Foundation, has a great story online that gives you the background of Sherwood Picture and his impressions of FIREPROOF.

His closing thoughts in the piece:

“If you have any doubts about whether to see FIREPROOF, take it from me … you’ll find the price of admission is more than money well-spent, it’s an investment well made.”

Way to Go WAY-FM!

As WAY-FM (88.1 FM) in Huntsville, Alabama gets ready for their special listener screening of FIREPROOF tonight, Lisa Shelton, the Business Development Director for the station, reports in about Opening Weekend in Huntsville.

“Monaco Pictures. where our screening is being held, has offered a special rate to our area churches if they want to buy group tickets for opening weekend. I have helped them sell two complete show time buyouts for opening weekend by referring a church I work with to them.

“So, a huge thanks goes to my friend David Bier, General Manager at Monaco Pictures in Huntsville, for making this opportunity happen for our area churches to help promote FIREPROOF in this way!”

The Love Dare

A story about The Love Dare ran earlier this week on The Christian Post website. John Thompson of B&H Publishing Group is quoted as saying, “This is the fastest-selling book we’ve ever handled.”

Take a look at the story. And be sure to let us know if you have started going through The Love Dare.

A Powerful Endorsement

On the home page of the newly revised FireprooftheMovie.com, we have a number of wonderful endorsement quotes from Christian leaders that have seen and been impacted by FIREPROOF. Today, we highlight a brand-new recommendation right here on the Blog.

Dr. Tony Evans, the senior pastor at Oak Cliff Bible Fellowship in Dallas (and the host of the popular radio show The Alternative) has this to say about the movie:

“FIREPROOF went beyond my expectations! It captures the real-life issues of marriage in a moving, emotional, and riveting way. It inspires you to put your faith in action and fight for your marriage. I encourage anyone who is married or even thinking about getting married to see this movie.”

Fireproofing Fort Myers

Brad Branson, the minister of education and youth at Crossroads Baptist in Fort Myers, Florida reports in on what their church is doing for opening day of FIREPROOF, September 26:

“We have purchased an entire showing at the Regal Cinemas Bell Tower Theaters for opening night at 7:20 p.m. It has over 200 seats. We are also offering childcare at our church and paying for those workers to attend FIREPROOF at another showing. We are also asking for people to buy additional tickets that we will present as gifts to our local fire service personnel. We will begin a six-week Fireproof study in our Sunday morning Bible study groups. We hope that the enthusiasm created in our church family will generate outward to friends, neighbors, and relatives, as they recommend the movie and take others with them to see it again.”

Mssrs. Kendrick (and McBride) Go to Washington

Three distinguished gentlemen from Albany, Georgia ventured to Washington, D.C. late last week for a special pre-release screening of FIREPROOF. And when in D.C., you have to visit the White House, right?Alex Kendrick, Jim McBride, and Stephen Kendrick (l-r)

Great Blog Posts About FIREPROOF

There have been a series of great posts over the past few days from people that are excited about the September 26 opening of FIREPROOF. If you get a chance, be sure to read these:

• Sharon and Adam
• A Special Blend
  
• Kayte
• The Christian Journey
• Thoughts Along the Way
  

Thanks for all of the kind words!

A Gift to Moviegoers

People are sharing some amazing stories at FireprooftheMovie.com about how they are planning on utilizing FIREPROOF when it opens on September 26.

If you are wondering what one person can do to make a difference, take a look at what Jessica sent in:

“My sisters and I don’t have the funds to provide tickets for people, as much as we would like to. Instead, we’re offering ‘tickets’ for free baby-sitting to several families we know. On the coupon, we wrote that it is good for a night of free sitting so the parents can see FIREPROOF. It’s our hope that they will use them, and that God will use our small offering to work in mighty ways.”

Coming to a Theater Near You!

With just two weeks until FIREPROOF opens in nearly 800 theaters across the nation, billboards have begun popping up around the country. If you are in Atlanta, Fort Lauderdale, Dallas, or Washington, D.C., be sure to keep your eyes peeled for FIREPROOF billboards!

North Dakota on Fire

In the eBlast this week, we mentioned that Penny Crowder had made a commitment to purchase 1,000 tickets so that FIREPROOF could open in Fargo, North Dakota.

Baptist Press has written a story about Penny. Take a look and join us in saying: Way to go Penny!

Firefighter for FIREPROOF

Phil Pounders is a 23-year firefighting veteran. He serves as a Battalion Chief for the North Little Rock, Ark. Fire Department. He saw FIREPROOF recently at a pre-release screening. We asked him his thoughts on the movie:

“There are not a lot of movies that cause me to experience the range of emotions that this movie did. I cringed and squirmed through the awkward confrontations, I was heartbroken during their times of struggle, and I wanted to cry for joy when relationships were restored after the heartache. I believe that everyone who sees this movie will laugh at the fire-station humor and relate to the personal struggles of the relationships, especially marriage. FIREPROOF is very well written and it left me inspired through the hope and healing that only God can provide.”

Newly Revised FireprooftheMovie.com

With FIREPROOF opening two weeks from now in 800 theaters, we are getting ready by updating FireprooftheMovie.com. Head on over and take a look at the revised Home page, a new Stories section, and an updated About section, which now features endorsement quotes and answers to FAQs.

There is lots to see, so check it out ... and then let us know what you think.

Check This Story Out ...

Sorry for the delay in new posts ... we have some exciting things going on at FireprooftheMovie.com that we will let you know about a little later today. One thing is the addition of stories from you guys. Check this one out from Dr. Jack M. Jacob:

“It took some doing, but we finally have our local theater convinced of the power and impact of this movie. We purchased 1,000 tickets to help the booking agent see the opportunity to send it to our town of 20,000.

“We have an army of walkers that will distribute door hangers throughout the city. We have a few teams of car washers that will be washing cars (for free) and passing out information about the movie. We are helping with a family day in the park next to our church. We will have inflatables and sno-cones for the kids and information for their parents about the movie.

“We will have small groups geographically located throughout our area for couples to engage. We have also made arrangements to move our church services on Sunday, the 28th, to the movie theater. We will have praise and worship time and then view the film with an invitation for follow-up.

“Our local firefighters have all been invited and the local Fire Chief seems excited about the film. We will have church folks at the theater every night to man an exhibit booth for information about marriage ministry and The Love Dare book.

“Lots going on. We are hoping and praying for sell-out crowds each night and to have small groups that will lead in to a marriage retreat scheduled for November. We are thrilled about the possibilities! Go God!”

Indeed!

Story Time

Through this blog and the weekly FIREPROOF eBlasts, we have shared with you some great stories about how groups all across the country are using the opening weekend of FIREPROOF to impact their communities.

While every one of those Action Squads will make a major impact in how the movie does on the all-important opening weekend, we need every person that is excited about this movie to do something to help make FIREPROOF the surprise hit on September 26-28.

In addition to the huge groups, we want to share stories of how individual people are getting their neighbors, small groups, co-workers, and other groups together to see the movie on opening weekend.

So ... tell us your story in the comments section. Thanks for all you are doing!

Excitement in NC

With FIREPROOF opening in theaters three weeks from today(!), we heard a great story from Rod Kerr, the Minister of Education at First Baptist Church-Salisbury—a town north of Charlotte. He writes:

“We bought 200 tickets for opening weekend: 100 for Saturday, September 27 at 4 p.m. and 100 for Sunday September 28 at 4 p.m. We will have a reception Sunday at 6 p.m. to invite people to our 6-week follow up classes. We are hoping to team up with local fire departments for the reception and ticket distribution.

“We are also co-sponsoring a booth with the Salisbury Fire Department at our Downtown Family Festival on Friday, September 5 to promote the movie. I am going around now speaking at various community clubs promoting the movie. Our community goal is to have 1000 couples see the movie, 500 couples involved in Fireproof Your Marriage classes after seeing the movie, and 10 churches begin intentional marriage ministries.

“We already have 12 churches participating.”

Way to go FBC-Salisbury!

FamilyLife Review

This month’s edition of The Family Room, the electronic magazine from FamilyLife, arrived in email boxes today. With stories to help strengthen marriages and families, the ezine is a welcome arrival each month.

The September issue has a review of FIREPROOF by Bob Lepine, the co-host of the FamilyLife Today radio show. In addition, Dennis Rainey, the President of FamilyLife, provides Nine Steps to Fireproof Your Marriage.

Here is a short excerpt from Bob’s review:

“Stephen and Alex Kendrick, the two brothers who produced and directed the movie, respectively, and who wrote the screenplay together, successfully capture the reality of a marriage that has moved to isolation. Their pastoral experience working with real life couples in marital distress enables them to bring authenticity to the screen.”

His one-line overview: “FIREPROOF ultimately triumphs (just as Facing the Giants did) because it is a powerful story told well.”

Well said, Bob. You can read the entire review here. And if you don’t get the FamilyLife ezine, you can register for it now.

Make a Friend

Looking for a new friend on Facebook? How about FIREPROOF? That’s right ... you can friend the movie that hits theaters in just two weeks. Read the latest comments on the wall, check out the latest photo albums, and find new or mutual friends.

When it comes to FIREPROOF, you have a friend.