A new faith-based movie called "Small Group" hits theaters this weekend.
Writer/director Matt Chastain, himself a Christian, got the idea for the film when he joined one of these groups several years back. His first feature film, Small Group uses heavy comedic elements as it endeavor's to present an outsider's view of today's Church.
Protagonist R. Scott Cooper, played by Sterling Hurst, is an unbeliever documentary filmmaker who deceitfully infiltrates a small group in order to do a "hit piece" making Christianity look bad. But Cooper's relationship with the group unexpectedly blossoms, which does not sit well with his producer. He, in turn, exposes Cooper, thus wounding the small group members as they realize their trust has been betrayed.
Home Bible study groups are, of course, hardly a new phenomenon, having been the backbone of the Church since the 1st century. Now almost universally dubbed 'small groups,' they do seem to have breathed a new energy into the Body of late.
If screenings are any indication, this film could help foster the trend. According to an interview Chastain gave The Christian Post, the movie is touching audiences irrespective of whether they are currently in a small group or not.
"They walk out of the theater saying that they laughed and they cried and their group was energized. It makes people who aren't involved in group ministry want to be."
Small Group debuts in very limited release October 19, meaning it won't be easy to see. If you cannot find it at your local multiplex, you can organize a showing via Theatrical on Demand through the movie's website. Here's the trailer to whet your appetite.