It’s hard to believe we’re less than a month away from debuting “Irreplaceable,” Focus on the Family’s first-ever movie. We’re working hard to be ready for the big one-day event that will take place on May 6 in more than 700 cinemas nationwide – we’re making final edits to the film and spreading the word via media interviews (like this one I gave to Janet Parshall at the 25-minute mark).
As we prepare to launch “Irreplaceable” we’re also looking ahead to “The Family Project” – the small-group DVD-based curriculum to be launched this summer that will continue to explore the themes introduced in our documentary.
The two projects have been designed to work hand-in-hand in helping viewers understand God’s design for family. These projects don’t give you a list of “how to” be a better husband or wife/mom or dad… they explore the why. Why does God’s design matter? Why is it best for mom and dad to stay together and raise their children?
As we explore these topics, what we ultimately find is this: when family is healthy, culture is healthy.
With all our team has been doing, it’s been very gratifying to start reading some of the reviews from some of our trusted ministry friends. It’s been humbling and encouraging to read what these respected men and women have had to say about “Irreplaceable” and “The Family Project.”
Author, radio show host and money guru Dave Ramsey said:
“The Bible says, ‘A good man leaves an inheritance to his children’s children.’ That’s much more than a financial principle. The investment you make in your family is the most important investment you’ll ever make on earth. Don’t leave your legacy to chance. Get involved and leave a legacy that lasts for generations to come.”
Dr. Russell D. Moore, president of the Southern Baptist Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission, said:
“When you look at a family, you're looking at a God designed picture of the gospel. This has profound implications for the Church and for society.
“I’m looking forward to the release of Focus on the Family’s new documentary film, ‘Irreplaceable,’ and the companion small group experience, ‘The Family Project.’ These important resources explain why the institution of the family is a signpost pointing us directly to God Himself, and why this truth has profound implications for both the Church and society.”
Woodland Hills Family Church founding pastor Ted Cunningham called the project “rich in theology,” adding:
“Focus on the Family has given the Church an invaluable resource that will open hearts and minds to the beauty of God’s design for the family.
“The institution of the family is on the ropes. But hope is not lost! “Irreplaceable” reminds us that healing and restoration are found in God’s wonderful design for the family. This movie paints a beautiful picture of redemption. There are no perfect families, but every family can be redeemed.”
Mark Burnett and Roma Downey, the producers behind the hit miniseries and movie “The Bible” and “Son of God” also picked up on this theme of redemption. They said:
“We have a loving, blended family, and the themes of this study relate to our situation in a powerful way. One of its primary messages is that there are no perfect families. “The Family Project” reminds us that our loving God is in the business of healing, loving and restoring imperfect families for His glory!”
Andy Stanley, senior pastor of North Point Ministries called “The Family Project” a “timely message for the Church and the culture at large.”
Authors and marriage experts Drs. Les and Leslie Parrott called it “an epic game-changer” and “compelling, contemporary and riveting.”
Calling them “inspired,” popular author Gary Thomas promised these works will “blow away the deception that we can think of family apart from the God Who created it.” He added that it will “engage your heart, mind, and soul with the rich abundance of a truly biblical view of family—relationally, spiritually, and theologically.”
If you’re on the fence on whether you should join us on Tuesday, May 6, I hope these observations help nudge you in the direction of attending “Irreplaceable” and later participating in “The Family Project.”
You can buy tickets for “Irreplaceable” online – and won’t you please consider inviting your small group, neighbors and friends? We’re at such a pivotal time in the culture and families are feeling the attacks more than ever – learning about God’s plan for family will be a beautiful way to encourage, inspire and equip those you love in their journeys. (Watch the “Irreplaceable” official movie trailer from a mobile device.)
Learn more about “Irreplaceable,” the one-night theatrical event showing on May 6
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