Fight Church

Fight Church is a compelling 2014 documentary that revolutionizes the way that one might perceive faith, religion, and violence in today's world. Directed by Daniel Junge and Bryan Storkel, this film invites us to follow the exciting yet unconventional lives and pursuits of the pastors who are devoted to spreading God's words as well as practicing mixed martial arts. With captivating lead roles featuring pastors Paul Burress, John Renken, and Nahshon Nicks, Fight Church ingeniously challenges the customary notions of faith, combat, and the reconciliation between both worlds.

The film begins by introducing us to Pastor Paul Burress, a man devoted to his faith, and his unconventional manifestation of it. Burress serves as the charismatic pastor of the Victory Church in Rochester, New York. Simultaneously, he doubles as a professional MMA (Mixed Martial Arts) fighter and trainer. His seemingly incongruous passions are mirrored in other individuals in the film.

One such person is Pastor John Renken, the leader of Xtreme Ministries in Clarksville, Tennessee. Renken, a professional martial artist veteran, uses Fight Ministry to invite fighters into the church while teaching them about martial arts and the Word of God. He dictates an insightful perspective on the interpretation of the Bible, which is explored in this film.

Nahshon Nicks, a pastor and a fighter from Jacksonville, Florida, embodies the same unexpected duality. Nicks uses martial arts to empower the youth, encouraging commitment and determination through his programs while instilling them with Christian teachings.

Fight Church chronicles the provocative intersection of faith and fighting, exploring how these men reconcile their love of combat with the teachings of Jesus Christ. From the pulpit to the ring and back again - the documentary gives an unprecedented insight into these ministers' lives, torn between turn-the-other-cheek pacifism and eye-for-an-eye justice.

The film isn't scared of traversing the murky ethical grounds and continuously challenges viewers to reflect upon their preconceived notions about religion and violence. The filmmakers juxtapose interviews and scenes of ferocious MMA fights with peaceful, sermonic speeches about God's love and forgiveness, highlighting the dichotomy at its core. It's a clear contradiction of Biblical verses, creating a theological conflict that pulls viewers toward an enthralling discourse about the blurry line between sport and violence, love, and war, religion, and ethics.

Fight Church delves deeper into the controversial issue by highlighting the differing opinions among the Christian community. Scott 'Bam Bam' Sullivan, a former pro fighter, now theologian, debates the idea of fighting for sport, arguing that it contradicts the spirit of Christianity. Others, like professional UFC fighter Ben Henderson, believe their faith and their fighting careers are not mutually exclusive but coexist harmoniously. They see fighting as a sport, a test of skill, courage, discipline, not as a means to inflict harm.

The film also explores how this polarity affects the fighters' families, drawing attention to the impact of their conflicting professions on their loved ones. It examines the tension that arises from the unconventional combination of being a father, a husband, a pastor, and a warrior. As much as the film explores the world of Christian faith-based fighting, it also unravels a profound study on human nature and the pursuit of one's passion, irrespective of societal standards and conventions.

With exceptional cinematography capturing scenes of intense fights and tranquil sermons, this thought-provoking documentary brings us face-to-face with an unlikely collision of worlds. It manages to be both a hard-hitting exploration of a controversial topic and a gracious tribute to men of faith living out their belief in unique ways. Fight Church is destined to spark conversations about the esoteric edges of religion and violence, making it an intriguing viewing for the curious mind, whether you're a lover of film, fighting, faith, or all three.