C.S. Lewis fans, Hollywood and the churches are raving in anticipation about the upcoming Narnia film, which hits theaters Dec. 9, and the Christian community has not been out of the picture in promoting the motion picture with an evangelism twist
While the famous children's story had never been outdated, the popularity of The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe picked up speed via world-class technology, such as the giant movie screen and numerous websites. Adding on to the large mix, LifeWay recently announced the launch of its new website largely created for the purpose of outreach.
"We believe providing conversation starters and other suggestions for discussing the film will help generate opportunities for one to share their faith with a friend or colleague," said Gary McClure, LifeWay's e-business marketing manager, in a released statement. "Simply put, LifeWay's site is the Christian's complement to Narnia.com."
LifeWay.com/Narnia features background information on the famed author C.S. Lewis, articles and reviews on the upcoming movie, Narnia resources as well as a resource for churches to instigate and promote outreach. A Webinar section also helps viewers grasp the Christian themes of the film.
Produced by LifeWay's e-business group, the "dynamic" site – as McClure calls it – will be updated throughout the film's prerelease run in theaters and when it is shelved in stores for rental and purchase.
Disney had already announced the subsequent Chronicles of Narnia films as the "biggest film project in its history." McClure commented that he expects the first Narnia film to have as large a Christian impact as 2004's "The Passion of the Christ."
The fable, however, is expected to draw more of the unchurched people for its less direct Christian message.
"However, we anticipate greater potential to reach the unchurched through this film due to the indirect references to Christianity," said McClure.
In addition to the website, LifeWay will offer resources through LifeWay Christian Stores, Broadman & Homan and LifeWay.com.
"LifeWay wants to be the trusted resource to help individuals become fully engaged from a Christian perspective."
