In the fall of 2008, Memphis optometrist and Calvary Church’ s resident producer, David Evans, began to dream about the potential to produce a faith-based film. The Grace Card is Calvary’s first film project, but having produced a live, full-scale, multimedia Easter presentation (The Passion Play at Calvary Church) in the Memphis community for fifteen years, a solid base of creativity and practical experience supported the idea. After prayer and confirmation of the project, planning began in January 2009.

The original story is about two policemen - one white, one black – who experience the destructive power of anger and the healing power of forgiveness, and this story comes straight from the heart and experiences of Dr. Evans. After several edits, the original script was given to professional screenwriter Howie Klausner (Space Cowboys) who further developed the screenplay.

Over fifty Memphis churches were represented at the open acting auditions in April 2009. Except for actor/comedian Michael Joiner and veteran actor Louis Gossett, Jr., all actors were discovered at Calvary Church or in the Memphis community and were new to the medium of film. The people of Calvary were involved at almost every level of the production, and several major areas (catering/craft services, hair/make-up, transportation, extras coordinator) were completely staffed and managed by Calvary volunteers.

While Dr. Evans and his wife served as executive producers (Graceworks Pictures) guiding and directing the movie, Pastor Lynn Holmes and Pastor Mark Hodge served as associate producers (Calvary Pictures) and were the liaisons between the army of volunteer cast and crew and the massive creative and technical staff who actually created the film each day. Filming was completed in just 30 days, and all scenes were shot on location in Memphis with support from the Memphis Police Department, St. Francis Hospital, and a long list of local businesses and agencies.

Since he began leading Memphis Calvary Church of the Nazarene fifteen years ago, Pastor Lynn Holmes has wanted Calvary to be an authentic “community” church. Ministry at Calvary is relationship-focused, and The Grace Card has already given us new and deeper relationships with the Memphis community. We are contemplating more film projects and more outreach. By establishing that we are M.A.D. (Making a Difference) for Memphis, Calvary Church is mobilizing an army of missions volunteers and releasing them into the community. Our future vision includes an expanded facility that will serve as a community center and a mobile vision clinic that will provide free eye care for families who cannot afford it.

Calvary Church continues to meet the challenge of our rich, diverse local culture with The Grace Card.

For more information about The Grace Card, go to thegracecardmovie.com. You can follow this movie at facebook.com/thegracecard.