Charity's Place.com

THE SECOND CHANCE

REVIEWED BY CARISSA HORTON

Our rating: 5 out of 5

Rated:

There comes a time when Christians need to see the world outside their own comfortable existence. But it’s never pleasant, even when it’s the best thing for us. And that’s what Ethan Jenkins (Michael W. Smith) comes to discover. His daddy (J. Don Ferguson) is the minister of The Rock, a televised mega-church gaining popularity by the minute. They’re growing even more and planting new outreaches around the world. Ethan followed his musical dreams for a time and became the associate pastor along with musical director. And yet he still has much to learn and it all starts with a small church planted on the other side of the tracks known as The Second Chance Community Church.

Ethan’s father began the inner-city church over twenty years previous, but the ministries now are as different as night is from day. It’s a "minuscule outreach" thought of only when the congregation conscience is roused. Or when its African-American minister, Jake Sanders (Jeff Obafemi Carr) speaks strongly about getting down and dirty rather than simply offering money to solve the world’s woes. When Ethan’s creative ways and somewhat rebellious nature begin irritating the church committee, he is sent off to learn a lesson. He’s ostracized, for a time, to Jake Sanders humble church.

Jake is not a bit pleased. He and Ethan’s personalities constantly clash and throwing them together highlights how vastly different their perspective worlds are. Ethan is the white, handsome, wealthy, musically-talented son of a preacher who wants for nothing. Jake is black, outspoken, tough, and his roots are in the slums of the city. What could they possibly have in common? Nothing. But than the miraculous happens and something the church committee did not expect. Ethan’s eyes open to the glorious miracles of God taking place in the un-likeliest of neighborhoods. Slowly, all desires for personal gain fade until he finds that he can never go back to his past way of thinking. Now to show Jake that he really means business, and that won’t be an easy task.

Most current Christian films highlight the end times. And as enlightening as the subject is, there needs to be more of a selection in Christian movies. Films must be made that challenge our ideas, our perceptions, our concepts of what the church should be like. No one man is an island, no one concept is entirely right because we, as flawed humans, are not fallible. And that is what The Second Chance teaches. It’s a racial struggle within the church with all of its ugly and beautiful aspects laid bare for all to see. There’s some minor language and words cut off before they’re completed. There’s some mild innuendo, along with women caught up in prostitution. But more than that, there’s the presence of hope.

I wasn’t even aware until this morning that Michael W. Smith and Steve Taylor had teamed up to make such a dynamic film. And what does that say about me if such a movie nearly escaped my notice. The Second Chance was not made for outreach, it wasn’t made to recover lost souls, it was made for revival within the church. To remember our roots and what we’ve been called to do on this earth until Christ’s glorious second coming. We are here to reach others for Christ. We are here to love our enemies, to make a difference in Jesus’ name. Often we’re so focused on our ministry overseas that we forget about the ministries right on our own soil. There are people in your neighborhood, right down your block, at your employment, even within your family who need the love of God. Our personal differences within the faith must be overcome as we join together for a single purpose; ministering to the lost. This movie isn’t for the lost. It’s to teach us what our ministry is all about.

You don’t have to be a Michael W. Smith fan to appreciate the depth of this film. We’ve got new Christian actors on the block; ones who are just trying their wings for something they passionately value. It’s watching the rejuvenation of men and their churches. This is one film that makes it past the dreaded B grade given to most Christian flicks. This is one film which can and will make a difference if you allow it access to your heart. You don’t have to agree with everything said and done. Just know that God is at work.

Take my advice. Heed the call. Find a theater near you with The Second Chance on its billboard. Don’t stop to think about it. Don’t contemplate other new releases you’ve been waiting to see. Just go. It all starts with the planting of a single seed.