Paul’s Promise, a film produced by Damascus Road Productions, tells the story of late Nazarene pastor Paul Holderfield Sr. as he started one of the first racially integrated churches in the South, Friendly Chapel Church of the Nazarene in North Little Rock, Arkansas.

The USA/Canada regional office and The Foundry Publishing have partnered with the film to produce a discussion guide and Bible study based on the movie.

Holderfield Sr.’s story was originally told in a Nazarene missionary book written by Kathy Tharp with Holderfield Sr. in 1981. Holderfield Sr., known as “Brother Paul,” was a gruff boxer and fireman who had been overtly racist to a childhood friend. After he was radically transformed thanks to the prayers of his mother, Brother Paul began to counteract the racism he had been a part of by planting Friendly Chapel Church of the Nazarene in the inner city of Little Rock, Arkansas.

“Paul’s Promise is a heartwarming movie that reminds us of the power of a mother’s prayers and the ability of the Holy Spirit to forgive and give victory over all sin,” said Stan Reeder, USA/Canada regional director. “The transformation of Paul Holderfield’s life from anger and racism to a loving pastor gives us hope that none are beyond the reach of God’s redeeming grace. We are thankful for this wonderful movie, the accompanying discussion guide, and the ongoing, amazing ministry of Friendly Chapel Church of the Nazarene.”

Tharp wrote the dialogue guide to provide an opportunity for those who watch the movie to have further guided discussions.

“Each day in this discussion guide includes a relevant theme and clips from the movie to explore through Scripture, reflection, and discussion,” Tharp says in the introduction. “Just as Paul’s transformation propelled him to engage in service and to start a racially integrated church in the highest crime district in North Little Rock, Arkansas, so are we also called to take action steps.”

To download the guide, click here.

The movie Paul’s Promise will be available for churches to host showings on any day from October 22 through the end of November via the Faith Content Network. You can find more details HERE. Additionally, the film will be shown in select theaters around the United States. To find a local showing, click here.