The true story behind "Jesus Revolution": Director Jon Erwin shares how the Holy Spirit moved on set

Jon Erwin, director of Jesus Revolution, joins Dr. Mark Turman and Mark Legg to talk about the inspiration for Jesus Revolution, the true story behind the movie, how the Holy Spirit moved on set, and his hope for a new Jesus movement among Gen Z.

 

Show notes:

 

Acclaimed director Jon Erwin shares his heart behind moviemaking, how he got started with humble beginnings in Alabama, and why he loves to tell true dramas (3:41). He shares the reason for making Jesus Revolution in particular and how Time magazine’s 1971 cover story inspired his interest in the shocking true story (11:52).

Erwin talks about how they were connected to Lionsgate and Kelsey Grammer and the resurgence in Christian media in Hollywood (18:31). He discusses the striking similarities between Gen Z and the generation that took part in the counterculture movement in the 60s and 70s portrayed in Jesus Revolution.

He expands on this theme by encouraging Christians to go on the spiritual offense by living on mission with optimism. (28:57) Erwin shares his favorite theme and scene in the movie, why “Pirate’s Cove” in California is so important to Jesus Revolution, and the way the Holy Spirit moved in miraculous ways while they filmed (40:53)

He closes by challenging the audience to trust Jesus, get out of their seats to reach Gen Z, and watch for God to work in this generation. (49:53)

 

Resources and further reading:

 

• Jesus Revolution tickets, showing everywhere Friday, February 24
• “Why are teens sadder, lonelier, and more depressed than ever before?” Mark Legg
• “The Fifth Great Awakening,” Jim Denison
• “Asbury revival draws massive crowds” Jim Denison
• “Is God bringing revival to Asbury and America?” Jim Denison

 

About the hosts 

 

Mark Turman, DMin, is the executive director of Denison Forum. He received his DMin from Truett at Baylor and previously served as lead pastor of Crosspoint Church.

Mark Legg is an Associate Editor for Denison Forum. He graduated from Dallas Baptist University in 2021 with a degree in Philosophy and Biblical Studies.

 

About the guest

 

In 2002, Jon Erwin founded a production company with his brother, Andrew Erwin. Their first ventures were commercials, documentaries, and music videos. The brothers soon directed videos and produced concerts and television programs for platinum recording artists such as Amy Grant, Michael W. Smith, Casting Crowns, Switchfoot, Skillet, and others and received eleven GMA Dove Awards nominations and three wins for Music Video of the Year.

Alongside their award-winning music videos, Jon and Andrew have also produced and directed several documentaries. These include the multi-award-winning 9/11 story, The Cross and the Towers.

Their features have all opened in the top ten box office on opening weekend, and they have received the coveted A+ Cinema Score twice. Their features include October Baby, Mom’s Night Out, Woodlawn, and the 2018 surprise hit I Can Only Imagine, which became the #1 independent film of 2018, earning over $83 million at the box office.

In 2019, Jon and Andrew launched Kingdom Story Company, alongside their partners Kevin Downes and Tony Young, with a first-look deal with Lionsgate. Jon serves as Chief Executive Officer at Kingdom Story Company as well as writes and co-directs feature films with Andrew. He is also the author of the upcoming book For Love and Honor.