New film forges path to discipleship

“Whoever wants the next generation the most will get them.”

That’s the tagline of The Forge, the newest film from the Kendrick Brothers. While The Forge is evangelistic in its message, the focus of the film is its powerful illustration of true biblical discipleship – the intentional act by a believer of building a relationship with another person to teach that person what it means to love, know, obey, and live for Jesus, which in turn leads to the multiplication of new Christ followers.

The Forge tells the story of Isaiah Wright, a 19-year-old young man fresh out of high school with no direction for his life. He spends his days either playing basketball or video games. His single mother instructs him to find a job and contribute to the household … or move out. He gets a job at Moore Fitness, where Isaiah finds himself under the intentional discipleship of his new boss and successful businessman, Joshua Moore. Mr. Moore shows Isaiah the love of Jesus and helps him find God’s purpose for his life.

Rated PG for thematic elements, The Forge is family friendly and releases exclusively in theaters August 23.

In a recent interview with The Stand, The Forge filmmakers, brothers Alex and Stephen Kendrick, discussed the film and explained the importance of discipleship in today’s world.

The Stand: Tell me about The Forge.

Alex Kendrick: Our new film, The Forge, takes place in the same world as our film War Room that came out several years ago and contains a lot of those same characters. … Crucially important is [its focus on] discipleship – taking followers of Christ to a deeper level. … That’s what we need believers doing in our culture today, in our churches, to make a difference and to be salt and light.

TS: Why is discipleship a timely message?

Stephen Kendrick: We are looking at a generation that is digitally savvy but relationally disconnected. We believe that one of the reasons churches are not growing and many people are dropping out of the ministry is because we’ve been using a different model than Jesus gave us. The church needs to refocus on the Great Commission and make this generation of disciples desperately want relationships, while having someone say to them, “Follow me as I follow Christ.”

TS: When it comes to faith-based filmmaking, how do you balance a film’s entertainment value with its deeper spiritual meaning?

SK: If the movie is not engaging but has at least a healthy amount of entertainment value, fewer people see it. We think The Forge is going to resonate with a lot of people because the movie is about common temptations, common issues that we face in our culture today. But it [also] leaves us with hope and inspiration and a desire for a deeper walk with the Lord.

TS: What do you hope viewers will take away from The Forge?

SK: With every film that we make, we desire for people to have an encounter with the Lord as they hear the Word of God communicated on the screen. We are hoping the church in our generation will catch a new, fresh vision for discipleship and that The Forge can be a tool to show them what it could look like in their local communities.

Who are the Kendrick Brothers?

By Jordan Chamblee

Alex and Stephen Kendrick are significant influencers in the faith-based film industry. Raised in a Christian household in Georgia, they developed a passion for filmmaking from a young age. Each brother pursued an education in communications and ministry, and they began their filmmaking journey while on staff at Sherwood Baptist Church in Albany, Georgia.

Their first feature film, Flywheel (2003), was made on a modest budget with church volunteers. Its unexpected success led to more ambitious projects, including Facing the Giants (2006), Fireproof (2008), and Courageous (2011). Each film grew in scale and impact, addressing themes of faith, family, and spiritual growth.

In 2013, the brothers expanded their ministry to mentor other Christian filmmakers. They continued producing successful faith-based films like War Room (2015) and Overcomer (2019). The Kendricks also ventured into documentaries with Show Me the Father (2021) and are now returning to the big screen with their August 23 release of The Forge (2024).

Throughout their career, they have remained focused on creating inspirational and evangelistic entertainment that explores Christian themes, the gospel, and stories of faith.

AFA has a longstanding relationship with the Kendrick Brothers and appreciates their efforts to promote Christian values and strengthen families.

DISCIPLESHIP RESOURCES

“Discipleship on the big screen is powerful. Discipleship in everyday life is a game-changer,” according to the film’s website.

Visit theforgemovie.com to find more information about the movie as well as the following books, Bible studies, and discussion guides that will help viewers turn this movie into a movement.

The Forge Bible Study 
In a five-week, small-group format, this study uses scenes from the film to ignite a passion for knowing Christ and making disciples.

The Forge Novelization
A book version of the movie, this novel was written by the Kendrick Brothers and Chris Fabry.


Devoted To Jesus 
This book, written by the Kendrick Brothers, is designed to help young, growing, and mature believers.


I Surrender All
In this book from The Forge actress Priscilla Shirer, women are challenged to surrender everything to Jesus. 

Count Me In
Authored by Todd Agnew, along with the Kendrick Brothers, this book walks students, ages 14 to 18, through the Gospel of Luke and Jesus’ invitation to follow Him daily.