Revival, Redemption & Storytelling: A Conversation with Andy Erwin on Faith, Film, and the Power of Testimony
What happens when art, film, faith, and real-life transformation collide? In this inspiring episode, filmmaker Andy Erwin sits down with pastor Greg Laurie for a candid conversation about the intersection of creativity, storytelling, and spiritual revival.
Greg Laurie—whose own life inspired the hit film "Jesus Revolution"—shares never-before-heard stories behind the making of the movie, his early love for the arts, and how testimony and cinematic storytelling can open hearts to life-changing truth. They explore the crucial role of authentic narrative, why emotion matters in both sermons and screenplays, and how film can be the "opening hook" that invites deeper engagement with the gospel.
Highlights include:
- The unforgettable moment Greg Laurie guided 50,000 people in the Lord’s Prayer for a pivotal movie scene, revealing how spontaneous acts of faith become cinematic gold.
- A behind-the-scenes look at how true stories are adapted for film—with all their messiness and miracles—and why embracing artistic license can help reach a new generation.
- Greg Laurie's moving reflections on mentorship from Billy Graham and the importance of humility, authenticity, and community in a life of faith and public leadership.
- Candid discussion about the new wave of baptisms and spiritual awakening sparked by the Jesus Revolution film, pointing to a surprising, ongoing revival in today's culture.
From poignant childhood memories to powerful lessons on integrity, loss, and the unchanging message of the Gospel, this episode is a masterclass on the power of story to connect, heal, and transform.
Don’t miss this heartfelt conversation filled with wisdom, humor, and hope. Subscribe now for more behind-the-scenes stories and real-life inspiration from the storytellers shaping our world.
CHAPTERS:
00:00 We've Been Disney-fied: Chasing "Happily Ever After"
00:43 How the Jesus Revolution Movie Began Over a Burger
03:28 The Church and Film: From Skepticism to Embracing Storytelling
04:13 Childhood Escapes: Drawing, Art, and a Letter from Schulz
06:26 Movies That Shaped Me: From Disney to The Godfather
08:58 Storytelling as Evangelism: Hooks, Emotions, and Lasting Impact
10:40 The Gospel Hidden in Zombie Movies: “Warm Bodies” Analogy
13:07 Testimonies as Powerful Evangelistic Tools
16:01 Life Imitates Art: Baptism Movement Sparked by Film
17:55 From Laugh to Faith: An Irish Influencer's Movie Conversion
21:07 Why Gen Z Is Hungry for Spiritual Awakening
24:20 Behind-the-Scenes Memories Filming Jesus Revolution
28:28 Meeting Billy Graham: Letters, Hats, and Humility Lessons
34:05 Billy Graham’s Secret Sauce: Fame, Friendship, and Roast Beef
39:10 Grief, Authenticity, and the Value of Friendship in Ministry
44:40 Behind the Scenes of “Imagine 2”: Confronting Broken Happily Ever Afters
48:34 Desert Island Films: Greg Laurie’s Movie Favorites Revealed
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In 1990, Laurie founded the Harvest Crusades, a series of large-scale evangelistic events designed to present the gospel to broad audiences. These events have since drawn more than 11.5 million participants in person and online. In 2012, he launched Harvest America, a nationwide outreach event that utilized HD livestreaming to broadcast to thousands of venues across the United States. Collectively, these efforts have resulted in over 700,000 documented professions of faith.
A prolific author, Laurie has written over 70 books, including House of David, Billy Graham: The Man I Knew, Steve McQueen: The Salvation of an American Icon, Revelation: A Book of Promises, and Jesus Revolution.
His filmography includes Lost Boy: The Next Chapter, Hope for Hurting Hearts, Steve McQueen: American Icon, and Johnny Cash: The Redemption of an American Icon. In 2023, Greg and Cathe Laurie’s life and conversion during the Jesus Movement of the 1960s and ‘70s were depicted in the Lionsgate film Jesus Revolution, starring Kelsey Grammer and Jonathan Roumie.
Greg Laurie has been married to Cathe Laurie for over 51 years. They have two sons and five grandchildren.
Want more from Greg Laurie? Visit harvest.org
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