All Saints (2017): 4.5/5 stars
I did not
see this film coming! Having seen a few American Christian films that used
clichéd and heavily out of context bible passages and theological thoughts, I
figured I had this one sorted before the opening credits. I expected a
triumphant view of ministry and church life (think 7th
Heaven). What I got instead
was a film that reflected a deep understanding of the nature of church life
with its day-to-day joys and the real struggles of ministry. With such a focus
on the helping the underdog and the realities of farming and hard work, I had
to remind myself that it wasn’t from Australia! For me, the most compelling
characters (though many in this film qualify) were Michael, Ye Win, and Forrest.
Michael
Based on a
true story (make sure you stick around for the credits to see those who
inspired the characters) this film focuses on the ministry of pastor Michael
Spurlock, his wife Aimee and son Atticus, in an Episcopal church on its last
legs in Tennessee. While All Saints
is about the church’s journey, Michael’s faith journey is particularly honest
and confronts the common difficulties of doubt and uncertainty when you’re a
ministry leader. We’ve heard from many clergy families about the complications
of being called to work in a small church context, so when the church members
of this church showed a mixture of emotions, ranging from hope to bitterness and
resignation in the face of the church’s foreclosure approaching, I was
encouraged that the filmmakers had done their homework.
Ye Win
It’s into
this captivating church context that a group of refugees from Myanmar arrive.
Led by Ye Win, this group reaches out to Michael’s church for help. Here too I
was pleasantly surprised, as the character of Ye Win was so convincing as the
young former Myanmar soldier now taking responsibility for the needs of the
largely non-English speaking refugees escaping persecution. Michael and Ye Win fight
to help the vulnerable refugees with the little resources available to their
small parish. His dogged determination, personal struggles, and frequent
exhaustion reminded and inspired me of the importance of perseverance in
difficult ministry situations.
Forrest
Enter
Forrest, the cantankerous retired farmer and Vietnam Vet who couldn’t talk
straighter if he tried! Having grown up in a church full of farmers myself, it
feels like this grumpy, wise man could have been based on any one of them. What
really rung true for me as we get to know Forrest, through his relationships
with Michael and Ye Win, was that for some parishioners, loyalty is very hard
won. But if it is, it can be fierce and invaluable. One of my favourite quotes
of All Saints comes from Forrest. When
Michael has somehow wrangled some resources out of thin air, Forrest looks at
him with concern and says “Michael, did
you let your stupid off the leash?!” It was a reminder of the importance of
having refreshingly honest people around while you journey through ministry!
I thoroughly
enjoyed this movie. In more ways than I have space for here, it reflects the
reality of ministry life, with imperfect characters living out their Christian
faith as best they can in difficult times. In particular it addresses the way
direction from God can be tested by unexpected challenges. All Saints is engaging, funny, sad, moving and I would highly
recommend it to both clergy families and churches in general.
- Matt
We enjoyed this movie so much we have two copies to share with you! If you'd like to enter our August Resource Giveaway, visit our Giveaway page before 24th August 2018.
www.australianclergyfamilies.com -- journeying together with clergy families
