Westwood Baptist’s ‘Jesus’ character known worldwide

Joel Lagrone has grown accustomed to heads turning when he walks by. After all, when you resemble Jesus Christ as much as he does, people are bound to take a second look and in many cases make a joke or comment. And that’s just the opportunity for which Lagrone looks. “What better way to talk about Jesus than when the other person brings Him up,” said Lagrone, who recently wowed crowds in Birmingham.
   
The native Texan starred in the title role of Jesus of Nazareth in the Easter drama “The Promise” at Westwood Baptist, Forestdale.
   
Sixteen years ago Lagrone was asked by the minister of music at his church — Glen Rose Baptist Church in Fort Worth, Texas, — to play Jesus in their production of “The Promise.” He assumed it was because of his long hair, beard and singing ability. What he didn’t know was that God was laying the foundation for a unique ministry calling — the portrayal of Jesus in more than 10 different musical productions around the world. “I’ve been in over 500 performances as Jesus Christ and I’ve been crucified over 350 times,” he said.
   
Lagrone said when he looks in the mirror he simply sees a reflection of himself. Others, however, see a remarkable resemblance to the biblical image of Jesus of Nazareth — as evidenced by his dark beard, long flowing hair, illuminating eyes and radiant smile. Combine these characteristics with a strong resonant voice and the result is mesmerizing.
   
“I realized after several years of playing Jesus that I was being called into religious drama,” said the 38-year-old full-time aerospace engineer at Lockheed-Martin. 
   
Noting he is not the typical image of what people expect of an aerospace engineer, Lagrone said, “My bosses jokingly tell visitors that they have Jesus designing F-16s for them.
   
“I’ve been able to effectively use my testimony at work because of my ‘Jesus’ look,” he added. “I tell people that you don’t have to be a rocket scientist to be in a musical production — but it helps,” he said jokingly.
   
In answer to God’s calling, Lagrone started his own production company, Ten Talents Ministries, which travels nationally and internationally performing the musical drama, “Kingdom of Grace.”
   
A graduate of Southern Methodist University in Dallas, Lagrone admits to having no formal training in voice, music or drama other than his involvement in playing lead guitar in a rock band in high school. He has, however, polished his God-given talents to the point that his portrayal of Jesus is highly sought after during Easter pageant productions every year.
   
Westwood members consider themselves fortunate to have booked Lagrone last year for the role of Jesus in their first production of “The Promise.” The response was so overwhelming that praise and worship leader, Paul Strozier, felt led to repeat the production this year with Lagrone’s willing agreement to return.
   
Strozier met Lagrone while previewing “The Promise” at Glen Rose several years ago. “God definitely had a hand in bringing Joel to us,” Strozier said. “I normally don’t repeat the same Easter production two years in a row but Joel’s performance in ‘The Promise’ was so powerful and the cast and congregation were so moved by it that I felt led to repeat it,” Strozier said. “Joel is phenomenal at what he does. It’s not just his appearance but his presence,” Strozier explained. “He is a tremendous asset to this production. His testimony just radiates.”
   
Lagrone said one of the many blessings he receives during his performances around the country is being exposed to the community of God’s people in different churches. “People truly love you. It’s genuine, you can feel it. They are so giving and nurturing,” he said. A prime example of this sentiment was evident when Westwood member Mike Estes, who plays the role of James in the production, took time off from his full-time job as a truck driver to drive Lagrone to the Talladega Speedway auto-racing museum. Estes, who has been a Christian for three years, also works part time as a flagman at Birmingham International Speedway. “They know at this time of year not to book me for any races. My commitment to God and this production at Westwood comes first,” he said.
   
A newcomer to this year’s production was Janet Rubino and her daughter Angela. Rubino,who leads the choir at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Adamsville, was so moved by last year’s production of “The Promise” that she asked Stozier if she could participate in this year’s play. He agreed, requiring only a commitment to rehearsals. “Being a part of this  has been an absolute joy for me,” she said.
   
“Playing the role of Christ is a humbling experience,” said Lagrone, the father of two and husband of 16 years. He said that portraying Jesus in different productions has come with a few bumps and bruises but “it’s all part of the job,” mentioning a twice-broken nose, a scorpion sting, broken toes and being attacked by birds during an outdoor production.
   
Lagrone grew up a Southern Baptist and was baptized at the age of seven. Although he jokes about the additional 350 baptisms he has experienced, he quickly clarifies that each time the John the Baptist character immerses him during the baptism scene, he never fails to experience the awesomeness of the role he is playing. “I am so blessed,” he said.
   
Lagrone’s parents always wanted to be missionaries and he said they instilled in their children the importance of the missions field.
   
“They told us we could be missionaries even in our own communities.” And that is exactly what Lagrone has chosen to do.