PROCLAIM19 DISCUSSES WOMEN IN THE INDUSTRY

National Religious Broadcaster recently wrapped up their annual International Christian Media Convention, Proclaim 19. The convention took place in Anaheim Convention Center in Anaheim, California from March 26-29, 2019

This gathering included the most talented and successful producers, organizers, directors, and musicians in the Christian entertainment industry, making for an enriching experience for all creative leaders worldwide. In addition to the amazing networking opportunities when you gather so many creative minds together in one space, you may also find yourself amongst some of the most important and necessary players in the industry. Sometimes, when it comes to ministry, things can require reaching for resources more outside of the box; the lawyers and the advertisement companies, the webmasters and travel agencies, came together to learn more about the industry in which they are all so uniquely intertwined between faith and profession.

With endless knowledge being shared at such an event as this one, there is also an opportunity to open the floor and shed light on specific issues in the industry by facilitating a healthy and educated conversation around them. One of the several panel sessions at Proclaim 19 was titled ‘Women in Entertainment’. The panel was moderated by Evy Baehr Carrol, host and director of creative content at Movieguide, and the first of its category at the annual convention.

One of the panelists, “War Room” actress Priscilla Shirer, speaks about the balance that working in the industry requires of her. For a Christian woman, this balance is not between fame and success, but rather in Priscilla’s case, it is all about prioritizing and seeking God’s face. “There are seasons to a woman’s life, and certain things the Lord calls you to prioritize in one season are going to shift in another season,” Shirer said. “Our task is to tune in and ask the Lord, ‘What will honor You in this particular season of my life? What do I need to prioritize so that my priorities align with Yours during this season?’ And I give myself to those fully.” All the panelists could agree on one thing, it takes constant turning to and relying on God’s direction and discernment when choosing what and how much to take on in the film industry.

Here is a trailer for the movie ‘War Room’:

On the other side of this unwavering devotion to remain in God’s will and continuously seek Him first is the side of the industry. With trusting in the sovereignty and omnipotence of God, producers and directors find themselves to be quite satisfied with the work but must remember just as well to hold it loosely, trust in the Lord and always be willing to let go of something for Him to take it away.

In closing words, Carrol spoke of the encouragement that came from this session and states “[God] has shown us His faithfulness and hope in the entertainment industry. This is exactly our desire at Movieguide, to help encourage women and men to make great faith-filled content in the entertainment industry and fulfill God’s purpose in their lives.”