Editor’s Note: This article is apart of content that was published from 2005-2010 under the direction of Jason Wenell. In March 2012 Darrell and Allison Vesterfelt became the new owners of Prodigal Magazine. Check out the new vision and direction of the publication.
Last week, I got an email from a literary agency asking me if I would be interested in interviewing Michael Catt. Many of you may not know who he is. He is the Senior Pastor at Sherwood Baptist Church in Albany, GA and the creator of movies such as Facing The Giants, Fireproof and the newly announced production Courageous that will be hitting the big screen next year. God has moved in and through his church to be an encouragement to many, so I sat down with him today to discuss his role as a pastor, an author and a movie producer.
Pastor:
When people hear the name, Michael Catt, they immediately think Facing The Giants and Fireproof (Flywheel too for me) how do you get past the movie “fame” to pastor Sherwood Baptist Church?
We are just a church that God chose to bless beyond ways we have ever thought. It would be sad if the only thing that people know about is movies. Homeless that we have been feeding for over 10 years don’t care that we make movies. People who may live across the street not knowing how they are going to pay their mortgage bill, they don’t care that we make movies. God however, has used this church in a very special way to reach out in many different areas from Albany, GA.
What do you feel is the “heartbeat” of the ministry at Sherwood? What drives us is our prayer ministry.
We say we want to reach the world from Albany GA. Intercessory prayer and spirit of unity, that sense of oneness is the heart beat. We believe in the power of intercessory prayer. People are because they want to be here. We are not a perfect church and we may not all be on the same page on everything but a spirit of oneness is what we strive for. Everything that we do even those things related to the movie we take and elevate to pray about.
How do you successfully balance your many talents, tasks, and responsibilities?
Learn to say the word “no” to. Paul said this one thing I do not 40 things I dabble in. Good calendaring, saying no, blocking time. I was on a mission board years ago that required me to be gone for 45 days out of the year. I decided that I wanted to watch one daughter cheerlead and the other play softball so I resigned. Anyone can fill a position on a mission board, only one can be dad.
Author:
To me, you are beyond making movies. Not just as a pastor but as an author. Tell me a little bit about the series that you are currently involved with.
The Power of Surrender The 3rd of a 3 part series. The Power of Desperation was the first book. Until we are desperate for God with all of our heart, we won’t see change. The Power Persistence deals with prayer and our need to intercede on the behalf of others. Principals of prayer how to pray specifically about situations. Surrender needs to take place so that Christians can impact their culture.
Do you feel that these books may be the “flint” that will spark a fire in our nation to turn back to God?
I wrote those books from my life’s passion and ministry. In some way they all tie together. I’m hearing from pastors and other people that are reading them and how it’s helping them how to pray for revival and see revival among their own ministries and congregations.
I have read several interviews and articles on your take of what Revival is and how the word has been misused. Can you explain?
A lot of churches say they are going to have a revival. What they are saying is that they are having an evangelism crusade. When revival comes the attitudes change. We have a movement among our students right now. 75 students were at school an hour early praying for their lost friends to be saved. That is definitely not the norm. Sunday morning we had 200 people at the altar. Revival is where you restore the relationship with God. Burdens need to be laid at the altar so God can be glorified.
As a men’s magazine, we try to relate with relevant topics on a daily basis. What do you think the major down fall or temptation among young and middle aged men (married or single) and why?
Integrity is a big issue. We see government officials who don’t keep their word. The message is to cut corners and break rules and it says that you don’t trust God with your life. We need to be men of integrity and put more time into our walk with God and our relationship with Him than video games or outdoor activities. If we would do that, we would truly see a change. What if men put as much time into their video games, basketball, softball or other activities as they do in their walk with God, would they be successful?
Producer:
Fireproof was a huge success in the eyes of many families regardless of ratings. This movie has helped countless families, relationships and even church congregations. Will the Gospel be as clearly presented in Courageous as it was in Fireproof?
It will be. It is drawing men to the realization that they need to walk with God.
When does Courageous plan to hit the big screen?
Sometime in mid 2011
Is there anything else that you would like to share from the angles of a movie producer, author, or pastor?
I think it’s important for us to ask God to move in our land. Not because of politics but because it glorifies God. When He is glorified and honored in His church, baggage drops, attitudes are changed and lives are encouraged.
