The Unintended Consequences of The Second Chance
by Dr. Marc T. Newman
February 17, 2006
(AgapePress) - - In discussing Christianity there are debates to be had in the world and other debates that should remain in-house. Debates over Calvinism and Arminianism fall within the in-house scope. Arguments about abortion fall into the category of debates the church needs to have in the world. Unfortunately, Steve Taylor's new film, The Second Chance, takes an in-house debate -- how should churches of divergent socio-economic levels relate to one another -- and put it out in the world. The Second Chance tells the story of Ethan Jenkins, the associate pastor of The Rock, a huge suburban megachurch, and parent church to the urban Second Chance congregation. Ethan has had some substance abuse problems, but after writing a tell-all book, he is being groomed to take the mantle from his father, the senior pastor at the Rock. Meanwhile, Jake Sanders, the black pastor of the inner-city Second Chance Church, is upset that the Rock sends money but no people to help minister to his struggling flock. Against his will, Ethan is sent from the Rock to The Second Chance so that he can observe and learn, while gaining maturity. The film chronicles Ethan's struggle to find his place and to discover the true heart of ministry.
Few Christians attempt to make feature films. The attempt to complete something so complex, expensive, and time-consuming is laudable in itself. But while the makers of The Second Chance have some good things to say, they have chosen precisely the wrong venue in which to say them.
Visit the website for The Second Chance
What Second Chance Does Well
Taylor's film certainly does some things well. There are a couple of standout performances, particularly Jeff Carr and Lisa Anderson as Jake and Amanda Sanders, the pastor and wife team at Second Chance Church. Jonathan Thomas as Tony is effective as the young man who puts himself on the line for a gangbanger. And David Alford seems to relish his role as the straying elder turned political glad-hander. Other performances, unfortunately, are more stilted.
The message of The Second Chance can be worthwhile as well. The movie challenges the church to be more involved in reaching out across racial and economic barriers with more than just talk and spare change. Stewardship of money and the meaning of ministry are all topics worthy of in-house debate. The Second Chance would be a fine film to screen in churches, to open up dialogue about the roles and responsibilities of large and wealthy congregations toward their poorer brethren. But out in the world of commercial cinema it will not gain traction. The initial proof of this claim is in the fact that Sony Pictures is opening the film on only 80 screens nationwide. I will be surprised if it ever opens wider. The limited exposure of The Second Chance in commercial theaters may be a blessing in disguise, because though I think the producers mean well, the film will lead to some unintended consequences that could be damaging to the church's outreach.
Unintended Consequences
It is not uncommon for those who have much, to sometimes feel guilty about their wealth. Paul gives instruction to rich people, and his admonition would include wealthy congregations. They are to be rich in good works, generous and ready to share (1 Tim. 6:17-18). In the film, The Rock is identified as providing $2 million annually to The Second Chance. Where they fail, according to the pastor of the inner-city church, is in their unwillingness to go down to the church and help directly. The Rock, and by extension other megachurches, has lost its way.
If this is merely a dramatic device, why get worked-up about it? The Second Chance gives anyone who ever has been invited to attend a megachurch all the ammunition necessary to reject the invitation. These churches are portrayed as rich, powerful empire-builders who are more concerned about their television programming than they are about their neighbors. The elder board meetings are composed of people who act less like shepherds and more like corporate sharks. To the film's credit, one elder resigns in disgust -- but this furthers the notion that the majority are corrupt. Additionally, one of the elders is seen to be cooperating with a local politician to tear down Second Chance in order to build a baseball stadium -- all without consulting the affected pastor or his congregation.
Michael W. Smith's character, Ethan, is clueless -- parking his ostentatiously expensive car on the street in a crime-ridden area where it is inevitably broken into and the golf clubs (naturally) are stolen from the trunk. He wears designer clothing to his forays into the 'hood. He might as well be walking around with a "rob me" sign stuck to his back.
Jake Sanders is not without his own problems. He has served time in jail. He has a problem with cussing. And he tends to shoot from the mouth without carefully considering the impact of his words. He makes mistakes. There is a humorous scene about "ownership" of an area to feed the homeless that demonstrates that Jake may have some empire issues of his own. But in the final tally, what viewers will walk away with is a simple calculation: inner-city church = good; suburban megachurch = bad.
Final Thoughts
The Second Chance is not a bad movie. It certainly is at least as good as some other films that see theatrical release. It has a lot in common with The Gospel, another film that was really about church politics that managed to gross over $15 million on a budget of $4 million. But The Gospel had a distinct advantage over The Second Chance because it featured outstanding musical performances that appealed even to those outside the church, and it opened on ten times the number of screens.
Themes of racial reconciliation can make for great film. Glory Road was a good example of a movie of this type. But when movies focus on church politics we cannot expect that many people outside the church will want to see such fare. And even if a few do, will they come away with the right message? Filmmakers who share a Christian worldview need to rethink the best way to use the medium to move the Gospel forward. One hint -- it starts with a more compelling and accessible story.
Marc T. Newman, PhD (marc@movieministry.com) is the president of MovieMinistry.com -- an organization that provides sermon and teaching illustrations from popular film, and helps the Church use movies to reach out to others and connect with people.
