By Sarah Whitman
Senior Staff Writer
Is it time to ‘fireproof’ your marriage?
It’s a question many couples ask after seeing the movie “Fireproof,” the highest grossing Christian film of all time. To help couples answer that question, Idlewild Baptist Church in Lutz is hosting a conference inspired by the movie March 26 and 27.
“Fireproof” is about a husband and wife who have stopped communicating,” said Mike Kahn, minister to adults at Idlewild. “Our church has been very receptive to the movie. We hope people who liked the movie will come to the conference.”
The conference will feature a variety of speakers including “Fireproof” writers and producers Michael Catt, and Stephen and Alex Kendrick. Psychologist Charles Lowery will provide marriage counseling and gospel artist Alicia Williams Garcia will perform.
The two-day event includes lectures on a wide of range of topics. Sessions include “Speaking the Language of Love” and “Crossing the Finish Line.”
“The speakers will talk about how important it is for a husband and wife to meet one another’s needs,” Kahn said.
Kahn said the success of “Fireproof” is great because the movie helps married couples tackle tough issues. The film’s main character Caleb Holt, played by Kirk Cameron of “Growing Pains” sitcom fame, deals with issues like anger and resentment.
“It gets couples talking,” Kahn said. “It is important for couples to talk, not just about practical things but about their feelings.”
The “Fireproof” phenomenon began at Sherwood Baptist Church in Albany, Georgia, the home of Sherwood Pictures. The church began making films in 2003 with the release of the family film “Fly Wheel.” Senior pastor Michael Catt acted as executive producer. The Kendricks were writers and co-producers.
“Fireproof,” was Sherwood’s third film and went to theaters in fall 2008. It grossed more than $33 million in theaters and has went on to gross almost $70 million through books and bible studies written by the Kendricks, including the book “The Love Dare,” which challenges couples with 41 daily devotions. Attendees of the Idlewild conference will receive the book as part of the $40 conference fee.
“’The Love Dare’ is a book that was birthed around the same time as “Fireproof,” Stephen Kendrick said. “They work together. ‘The Love Dare’ gives readers a daily challenge to lead them back to falling in love with their spouse.”
Conference attendees will have heard Kendrick’s philosophies on love and marriage.
“When a man or woman comes to me and says I have fallen out of love with my spouse, what I hear is I don’t really understand what that love is about,” Kendrick said.
The conclusion of “Fireproof” isn’t the typical end to a romantic film. It represents a beginning. Through the healing powers of Christ, the main characters discover the meaning of unconditional love and start a renewed life together.
Kahn hopes couples will leave Idlewild’s conference feeling renewed as well.
If You Go
- What: Fireproof Your Marriage Conference
- When: 7 – 9:30 p.m. March 26 and 8:30 a.m. – noon March 27
- Where: Idlewild Baptist Church
- How much: $40 per person, $80 per couple
- Register at www.idlewild.org or www.lifeway.com
