"The Forge" from The Kendrick Brothers Aims to Strengthen the Church

The Christian duo will release their new feature film later this month.

Priscilla Shirer, Alex Kendrick, and Karen Abercrombie (from left) take a selfie during production of "The Forge." Image: Affirm Films.

Filmmakers Alex and Stephen Kendrick have pulled together a host of acting talent from past hits for their latest picture, The Forge. The movie will feature Cameron Arnett (Overcomer), Ken Bevel (Fireproof and Courageous), and Priscilla Shirer, Karen Abercrombie and T.C. Stallings, the latter three of whom starred in the brother's biggest box office success, War Room.

Shot in the Kendricks' hometown of Albany, Georgia, this new movie follows an unmotivated and aimless 19-year-old man - played by newcomer Aspen Kennedy - who is driving his single mother, portrayed by Shirer, to distraction. That is until Arnett's successful businessman character takes him under his wing and begins to disciple him in the Faith.

In an interview with The Christian Post, Alex Kendrick stated that their movies "are not aimed to win Academy Awards," but rather to help the Church line up "with Scripture under the Lordship of Jesus." So, while it is still entertainment, there is a clear underlying Gospel message in each screenplay the brothers have written.

"We want to go after the hearts, minds and lives of the viewers because love will desire God's best for them in every area of their lives."

Former pastors and each a father of six children, the Kendricks prayed about this film before writing it and say that the Lord directed them toward the theme of discipleship. They endeavored to put a modern spin on Paul's relationship with Timothy from the New Testament, with Stephen Kendrick, who produced the film (Alex directed it), pointing out the impactfulness of living out the Faith.

"Following Jesus and making Him the top priority is profound. Embracing the Scripture that says, ‘deny yourself, take up your cross and follow Him,’ (Luke 9:23) is a lot to process. It means something has to die to honor the Lord with our lives."

The Forge is scheduled to hit theaters nationwide on August 23rd. In the meantime, check out the trailer below to get a better feel for what to expect.