now Available on DVD, Blu-Ray, and streaming platforms

audience testimonials


We’ve been hearing from viewers all across the world who’ve been impacted by this powerful documentary. Here are just a few examples of what the audience has been saying about The Essential Church!

Our group was overwhelmed with emotion. We all clapped, and I barely could get through a closing prayer because the tears kept coming.
We were blessed.
— Alan Quinones
Attentive..teary-eyed…with quieted spirits… The movie deeply spoke to me about the reality of persecution as written in the pages of Scripture, coming alive in the history of the early church up until today’s generation.
— Viewer
The film itself was superbly done. All the right notes were hit. We appreciated the link to the persecution of our church fathers as it is important to look to them for insight and guidance.
— Ray Masters
When it was finished the room was filled with tears and applause. People were truly encouraged and emboldened in their commitment to stand bold in this world for Christ’s church.
— Tom Buck
The film was filled with the Gospel and exalted Christ which lifted our spirits.
— Cory Keesee, Pastor

FAQ

  • PG-13 for thematic materials and brief depictions of violence.

  • When governments use Covid edicts to restrict the gathering and worship of the Church, three pastors facing the risk of imprisonment re-open their churches in the face of a world that has chosen to comply.

    This feature-length documentary, The Essential Church, explores the struggle between Church and government throughout history. It takes us to multiple countries and parallels today’s conflict with those from the past who sacrificed their lives for their beliefs.

    Journey with them as we rediscover why the Church is essential and how their stand remains true from a scientific, legal, and, most importantly, Biblical perspective.

  • Prayer is always our number one answer. No one is more powerful than our God and your prayers to Him, help encourage and strengthen us. Second, we would love for you to tell others about The Essential Church documentary. We want this to be an encouragement to Christians and all people around the world that our God is sovereign and in control over all things. Finally, if you feel led to donate to Grace Productions, this will help us continue to produce God-honoring content for years to come.

  • Grace Productions is a department within Grace Community Church that produces God-honoring, media content for our church and the Church worldwide. Our mission is to spread the gospel and honor our Lord, Jesus Christ through engaging video content and storytelling.