Faith Facts

• Alex Kendrick and his brother Stephen are remaking their first Christian film “Flywheel” more than 20 years after its original release
• The remake is being produced in the Philippines with a new generation of filmmakers and cast
• Kendrick warns that Christian filmmakers face spiritual danger when they seek personal glory rather than honoring God

More than two decades after launching their groundbreaking ministry in Christian cinema, filmmakers Alex and Stephen Kendrick are returning to where it all began. The brothers behind beloved faith-based films like “Fireproof” and “War Room” are now overseeing a remake of their very first movie, “Flywheel,” but with a powerful twist that underscores their commitment to raising up the next generation of believers in filmmaking.

This time, the story is being retold thousands of miles away in the Philippines, with an entirely new cast and crew of Christian filmmakers eager to share the gospel through their craft.

The original “Flywheel” was created in 2003 on a shoestring budget of just $20,000 in Albany, Georgia. Despite its humble origins, the film resonated with audiences and laid the foundation for what would become one of the most successful Christian film ministries in modern history. The Kendrick brothers went on to produce several box office hits that have touched millions of lives worldwide.

Now, as the story gets new life in a different culture, Alex Kendrick is using the opportunity to share a crucial spiritual warning with Christian filmmakers and content creators everywhere.

In discussing the remake, Kendrick emphasized the spiritual dangers that come with success in Christian media. He cautioned that believers working in film and creative industries must constantly guard their hearts against the temptation to pursue their own glory rather than God’s.

“We have to resist the urge to make it about ourselves,” Kendrick explained, highlighting the subtle but dangerous shift that can occur when Christians in media begin to focus on personal recognition rather than Kingdom impact.

The decision to empower Filipino filmmakers to remake “Flywheel” reflects the Kendrick brothers’ commitment to mentoring and equipping believers globally. Rather than simply exporting American Christian films, they’re investing in indigenous storytellers who can reach their own communities with culturally relevant but biblically grounded messages.

This approach aligns with the Great Commission’s call to make disciples of all nations, recognizing that effective evangelism often requires local voices and cultural understanding.

The remake also serves as a testament to the enduring power of stories centered on repentance, redemption, and transformation—themes that transcend cultural boundaries. “Flywheel” tells the story of a dishonest car dealer whose life is turned upside down when he commits to living with integrity and honoring God in his business practices.

For Christian filmmakers and content creators, Kendrick’s warning about pursuing personal glory comes at a critical time. As faith-based media continues to grow in influence and profitability, the temptation to prioritize acclaim, awards, and recognition over faithful stewardship can become increasingly powerful.

The Kendrick brothers’ model offers a different path—one focused on equipping others, sharing resources, and ensuring that God receives the glory for any success that comes.

This commitment to humility and servant leadership has characterized their ministry from the beginning, and it continues to guide their work as they expand their influence globally.

As the Philippine remake of “Flywheel” moves forward, it represents more than just a new version of an old story. It’s a practical demonstration of what happens when Christian leaders prioritize raising up the next generation over building their own platforms, and when they recognize that God’s Kingdom work extends far beyond their own projects and productions.

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Faith Facts

• Columbia Theological Seminary President Victor Aloyo Jr. announced his retirement effective end of 2025
• Aloyo has served as president since 2016, leading the Presbyterian institution through significant challenges and growth
• The president cited desire to spend more time with family as his primary reason for stepping down

Columbia Theological Seminary is entering a new chapter as President Victor Aloyo Jr. announced his decision to retire at the end of 2025. The announcement marks the conclusion of nearly a decade of leadership at the helm of the Presbyterian seminary.

Aloyo, who has served as president since 2016, made the first person of color to lead the historic institution. His tenure has been characterized by steady leadership through challenging times for theological education in America.

In his announcement, Aloyo emphasized his desire to prioritize family during this season of his life. The decision reflects the biblical principle of stewarding relationships and honoring the God-given responsibilities of family life, a value deeply cherished in the Christian conservative community.

“Led with wisdom, integrity and pastoral spirit,” colleagues noted in recognizing Aloyo’s contributions to the seminary. His leadership style has been marked by a commitment to both academic excellence and spiritual formation.

Under Aloyo’s leadership, Columbia Theological Seminary has navigated the evolving landscape of theological education while maintaining its commitment to training pastors and church leaders. The seminary has faced the same challenges confronting many Christian institutions in an increasingly secular culture.

The board and faculty praised Aloyo’s dedication to the mission of preparing ministers for service in Presbyterian churches across the nation. His pastoral approach to leadership has been particularly valued during his time at Columbia.

The seminary will now begin the process of searching for Aloyo’s successor. This transition comes at a critical time for Christian theological education, as seminaries across America work to equip the next generation of pastors to lead churches in a culture that increasingly challenges traditional Christian values.

Aloyo’s retirement provides an opportunity to reflect on the importance of faithful leadership in Christian institutions. His decision to step back for family commitments serves as a reminder that even in significant ministry roles, believers must prioritize their God-given responsibilities to their families.

The Columbia community expressed gratitude for Aloyo’s years of service while preparing to support new leadership in continuing the seminary’s mission of training faithful ministers of the Gospel.

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Faith Facts

• A U.S. Forest Service officer was initially denied religious accommodation to observe Sunday as his Sabbath but has now secured that right with legal assistance.
• The officer’s request for exemption from Sunday work assignments was contested by his supervisors until First Liberty Institute intervened on his behalf.
• This case demonstrates the ongoing need for federal agencies to honor religious freedom protections guaranteed under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act.

A U.S. Forest Service officer has successfully obtained a religious exemption from mandatory Sunday work after initially being denied by his superiors. The victory came after the officer sought legal representation to protect his constitutionally guaranteed right to religious observance.

The officer, whose faith convictions recognize Sunday as the Lord’s Day, requested accommodation to honor his religious commitment to worship and rest on the first day of the week. Federal employers are required under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 to provide reasonable accommodations for employees’ sincerely held religious beliefs, unless doing so would cause undue hardship to the employer.

Despite these clear legal protections, the Forest Service initially rejected the officer’s request, forcing him to choose between his livelihood and his conscience. The decision placed unnecessary pressure on a dedicated public servant whose religious convictions align with traditional Christian practice observed by millions of Americans.

With the assistance of legal counsel, the officer challenged the denial and ultimately prevailed. First Liberty Institute, a religious freedom legal organization, has been at the forefront of defending Americans whose faith is sidelined or penalized in the workplace.

This case serves as an important reminder that government agencies—like all employers—must respect the religious convictions of their workforce. Sunday observance has deep roots in American Christian tradition, and federal law explicitly protects employees who seek to honor the Sabbath according to their faith.

Religious freedom advocates have noted that cases like this should never reach the point of legal intervention. Reasonable accommodations for Sabbath observance are typically straightforward to implement and reflect the pluralistic values enshrined in our constitutional framework.

The officer’s perseverance in defending his faith demonstrates the courage required to stand firm when religious liberty is threatened. His victory not only secures his own right to worship freely but also reinforces protections for countless other Americans who face similar challenges in their workplaces.

As cultural pressure mounts against traditional Christian values in public life, cases like this underscore the critical importance of vigilant legal defense. Organizations dedicated to protecting religious freedom continue to play an essential role in preserving the rights our Founders guaranteed.

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