Most churchgoers believe Christian movies are effective evangelism tools, a new Lifeway Research poll found. In addition, many say they have discussed a film’s biblical themes with unbelievers.
The poll of more than 1,000 U.S. Protestant churchgoers found that 81 percent say Christian movies are effective evangelical tools and that two-thirds have watched a Christian movie in the past year. In fact, Christian films are more popular than secular movies among churchgoers, with 68 percent saying they have seen a Christian movie in the last 12 months. compared to 48 percent who say they have watched a secular film.
Among the other key findings:
- 21 percent have discussed Christian themes found in a secular movie with a non-Christian.
- 30 percent have discussed Christian themes found in a secular movie with a Christian.
- 12 percent have invited a non-Christian to watch a Christian film.
- 72 percent intentionally watch movies with Christian messages.
The Christian movie genre has boomed in the past two decades, with hits such as “War Room (2015), “I Can Only Imagine” (2018) and “Jesus Revolution” (2023). Filmmakers Alex and Stephen Kendrick helped launch the modern Christian film movement with 2006’s “Facing the Giants” and are continuing with their latest movie, “The Forge.”
“We live in a visual, video-driven generation,” Stephen Kendrick said/ “Movies can be great tools to reach people where they are and share biblical truth in the context of an emotional and memorial story. Countless people have come to Christ through watching a Christian movie. The Holy Spirit continues to use art to point to the glory of Christ and the gospel.”
The poll also found that Baptist (84 percent) and non-denominational (84 percent) churchgoers are more likely than Lutheran (75 percent) and Presbyterian/Reformed (68 percent) churchgoers to believe Christian movies are effective evangelism tools.
“It can be easy for Christian resource providers to design resources they hope are helpful, but Christian movies are something churchgoers want to see,” said Scott McConnell, executive director of Lifeway Research. “They don’t assume every Christian movie is a fit for non-Christians they know, but they agree films can be an effective way to share the gospel.”
–Dwight Widaman