State Baptist churches encouraged to respond to ‘The Da Vinci Code’

As the opening of the movie version of “The Da Vinci Code” draws near, Baptist churches across the state are preparing in a myriad of ways. 
   
Some are discouraging members from seeing the movie, while others are encouraging it. Some are providing no special tie-ins with the movie, while others are planning special sermon series, Bible studies and other activities.
   
According to Lee Strobel, best-selling author of such books as “The Case for Christ” and “The Case for a Creator,” “Church members need to be able to invite their friends and neighbors to church to experience a ‘Da Vinci Code’ sermon series or special event.” 
   
Some resources from Strobel that churches can use as a springboard for discussion can be found at www.ccn.tv/ccn/DaVinci/index.html.
   
McElwain Baptist Church, Birmingham, in Birmingham Baptist Association is one congregation incorporating a number of different activities in conjunction with the movie’s release. 
   
A letter will be sent to every person on the church roll with information about the movie. 
   
“In that letter, I encourage them to see the movie with their unbelieving friends and family and then to follow up with the discussion,” Pastor Mike Miller said. 
   
Later a movie on Da Vinci produced by the Watchman Fellowship will be shown. Everyone in attendance will be given a viewer’s guide written by Josh McDowell and the opportunity to pick up a copy of McDowell’s book, “The Da Vinci Code: A Quest for Answers.”
   
Miller said he sees the movie release as “an excellent evangelistic opportunity” and because of that, will involve his congregation in it.