Dallas Jenkins Shares How God’s Word Is Changing Lives On the Set of ‘The Chosen’
The creator and director of the hit series The Chosen says he’s seen the power of God’s Word on set, even in the work of cast members who aren’t professing Christians.
Dallas Jenkins recounted behind-the-scenes stories during an appearance at North Church in Oklahoma, where he traced the history of the series, shared his heart for the project, and previewed future episodes. Pastor Rodney Fouts interviewed him.
Noting that more than 50 percent of the cast and crew are not Christians – “we're always just looking for the best people to do the job” – Jenkins said he and his wife Amanda long ago realized that their “first target of ministry” was not the millions of viewers around the world but, instead, the individuals they see daily on set.
Some of the actors and actresses, he said, have come to Christ since Jenkins first met them. One such example, he said, is Elijah Alexander, who portrays the Roman investigator Atticus, an opponent of Jesus. Although Alexander opposes Jesus in the series, he follows Him in real life.
“Through the process of making this show, he has come to understand Jesus more,” Jenkins said. “And last year he texted me and he said, ‘Dallas, for the first time in my life, I fully believe and I am His now.’ And he said: ‘And I have you to thank for making the introduction.’”
Choking up, Jenkins said such stories have deep meaning to him.
“Is there anything better to hear in the world than ‘thank you’ for making the introduction to Jesus? I want that on my tombstone,” he added.
Alexander testified to his new faith by being baptized – on set.
“We actually have a lake that we use as the Sea of Galilee. And during a day of filming, Elijah got baptized in the Sea of Galilee set in Texas,” Jenkins said to applause.
Jenkins recounted other examples of the power of God’s Word on the cast and crew, such as when actors and actresses begin choking up while citing Scripture.
“There's moments where Scripture is actually being quoted – and I can't tell you how often this happens – it's dozens of times where an actor is saying the words of Scripture, and something overwhelming happens, and they'll start being emotional even when the scene isn't calling for it,” Jenkins said, smiling. “And I'll have to do multiple takes until they stop crying. And then afterwards, they'll say to me: ‘I don't know what's going on, Dallas. I just couldn't get through that line.’ And I'm like, I know exactly what's going on. You're speaking the words of Scripture. … God does something very important in those moments.”
Season 5 of The Chosen is currently streaming on Prime Video and The Chosen app. The first episodes of Season 6 are scheduled to launch in late 2026.
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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.
Listen to Michael's Podcast! He is the host of Crosswalk Talk, a podcast where he talks with Christian movie stars, musicians, directors, and more. Hear how famous Christian figures keep their faith a priority in Hollywood and discover the best Christian movies, books, television, and other entertainment. You can find Crosswalk Talk on LifeAudio.com, or subscribe on Apple or Spotify so you never miss an interview that will be sure to encourage your faith.
Originally published November 14, 2025.
