The Second Chance

Last night, together with my good friend Ivan, his family and Sathy, we watch the movie "The Second Chance". I came across this movie when I was at the Baptist Book Shop two weeks ago. The film is heartfelt and realistic. It touches on controversial issues in an honest way and it challenges us as well. Somehow as I watch this film, I am reminded about the crisis that is rocking in one of the large Malaysian church that was reported in The Star recently.

The Second Chance movie is an honest story about church politics, self interest, and reconciliation. The drama revolves around charismatic Pastor Ethan Jenkins (Christian music star Michael W. Smith), the image-conscious "rock star" personality of a megachurch known as The Rock. A one-time community church, it has been transformed into a global ministry and lost touch with its inner-city roots, which are now ministered by the passionate Pastor Jake (jeff obafemi carr).

Jake is an angry, tough-love minister whose confrontational style makes the ministry's board nervous. Ethan is sent to "observe and learn" as a kind of penance for his "reckless" style. It's no surprise that the initial antagonism soon smoothes out into a lesson in humility for both.

The film challenges us to bear one another's burdens, to be wise, and also to stand firm for what's right. It's a reminder that our faith must reflect works. We must as the Savior said, "Bring forth fruit fit for repentance." The movie also makes the point that so often the church's response to a situation is to only send money, rather than becoming involved in people's problems, and being the hands that are needed to bring healing to people's lives.

There's great reason for the Church to take notice at this film. It raises some key issues that both mega churches and the small churches need to answer. The churches need to reflect back again it's reason for existence and it's ultimate purpose. I like what Ps. Gideon said on Sunday Service - "The church is suppose to be more a hospital for sinners rather than a country club for believers".

Be Blessed.