Published on February 6, 2024, 1:41 am

Image source: Fox News

“Multiplied,” an innovative film directed by Chris Worthington, unearths a fresh perspective on the flourishing state of Christianity globally and portrays the impact of evangelism in a society marked by narratives of Christian decline. Showcasing across theaters courtesy of Fathom Events between May 20-21, the film documents the journey embarked upon by twenty-four-year-old filmmaker and founder of Every Nation Will Bow.

Inspired by the life and legacy of Billy Graham, Worthington explored what the future of evangelism might look like post-Graham and following the passing of Reinhard Bonnke, another massive influence in African evangelism. This led him to Daniel Kolenda, Bonnke’s successor, and resulted in an introduction to “multiply” – his concept for sparking a new chapter in global evangelism.

“Our God is unfaltering but He operates within time. We have arrived at a significant moment on His calendar,” explained Worthington. The in-depth exploration saw him traverse Brazil while also visiting Ghana and Nigeria. He documented vibrant denominations of Christianity around traditional cultural settings as well as large-scale Christian congregations like those found during a three-stadium event in Brazil.

This venture provides insights into towering growth but also numerous hurdles for Christianity across divergent corners worldwide. However, not all countries demonstrated similarly embracing attitudes towards Christianity or those propagating it.

Worthington shares his experiences from Nigeria: “In contrast to Brazil where mass preaching is encouraged, our time in Nigeria was considerably different…and equally perilous,” he recalls. Following reported incidents related to persecution faced by Christians there including an attack terrorizing a pastor’s entire family just ahead of their half-million-strong Gospel event, their journey through Nigeria proved daunting due to environmental obstacles prominent highway dangers.

He shared how they miraculously escaped an encounter with an armed man who recognized them pointing directly at them with intent Stanley Kubrick would be proud to capture. “The blatant malevolence in his gaze left us fearing for our lives,” said Worthington.

Despite adversities encountered, their mission remained fueled by an enduring purpose – a willingness to face the risks integral to their larger spiritual duty as bearers of the Christian message and worldview. Worthington believes that the obstacles denoted spiritual warfare but simply motivate them more. “These struggles only signify that you’re making spiritual headway. Continue pushing through, because you’re facilitating global change this way,” he stated.

Worthington’s objective with “Multiplied” is to deeply influence viewers, especially skeptics doubting Christianity’s vibrancy in cultures increasingly secularized. He saw firsthand how Christianity was thriving, particularly in Africa, and captured it for audiences to witness how ordinary individuals are sharing the Gospel widely.

“The film serves as a testament that evangelism isn’t solely dependent on well-known evangelists; it involves common people too, including you and me,” adds Worthington

His film not only offers vivid local perspectives but also brings to theaters unique performances by leading artists such as Alexander Pappas and Kim Walker-Smith, Brian “Head” Welch of Korn and Scott McNamara.

Contemplating the transformational potential of documentary filmmaking in evangelism, he emphasized its capacity to connect with audiences powerfully. Film serves as an invaluable vehicle for trusted news dissemination in real time besides documentaries like ‘The Chosen’ and ‘Jesus Revolution,’ which exemplify film’s success at reaching hearts across nations.

Reflecting on his personal faith journey initiated by a transformative encounter with Jesus during a Hillsong United concert in 2013, he shares how it informed his approach towards filmmaking: His work is emboldened by that experience of transforming from skepticism into fervent belief in Jesus’ power.

“All my films are designed as pointers towards Jesus Christ. If they don’t accomplish that, their purpose is lost,” states Worthington. He further explains, “their ultimate worth will be assessed by their ability to redirect individuals not towards themselves, but towards Jesus Christ.” With a conviction like this, and the power of spreading real news captained by passionate individuals, the future of the Christian worldview – especially in film – seems to have cause for optimism.