In an era defined by digital noise and widespread skepticism, the call to share the Christian faith faces new challenges. For Rev. John Burger, a missionary with over three decades of pastoral experience, this landscape presents not just an obstacle but a divine opportunity. He sees a powerful new ally for evangelism in an unexpected place: the crowdfunded media platform, Angel Studios.
Rev. Burger, who leads Metanoia Ministries as a Missionary at Large, has long been passionate about finding innovative ways to share the message of Jesus. He believes Angel Studios, known for hits like The Chosen and Sound of Freedom, is revolutionizing how believers can amplify the light of Christ in a world that desperately needs hope.
Bridging Faith and Film
Angel Studios was founded on a mission to create stories that inspire faith and hope, producing content that is not just entertaining but evangelistic at its core. Rev. John Burger notes that in a time when many people have questions about Jesus, from his historical existence to his modern relevance, the studio offers accessible, high-quality content that serves as a perfect conversation starter. “Imagine a skeptic scrolling through social media, bombarded by doubt and despair,” he posits. As believers called to be salt and light (Matthew 5:13-16), Angel Studios provides a practical and effective way to fulfill that calling.
For those questioning the historical and divine nature of Jesus, Rev. Burger points to documentaries like The Mosaic, narrated by Bear Grylls. The film explores archaeological evidence of early Christian inscriptions that declare Jesus as God. He sees this as a factual, engaging bridge between history and faith, capable of prompting viewers to ask, “Could this really be true?” The key, he advises, is to follow up with gentle, relational discussion, mirroring the way Jesus engaged the Samaritan woman at the well (John 4).
The Global Phenomenon of The Chosen
At the heart of Angel Studios’ impact is The Chosen, a multi-season series depicting the life of Jesus and his disciples. With over 770 million views worldwide, its reach is undeniable. Rev. Burger highlights the show’s dual role as both a discipleship tool for believers and an inviting entry point for non-Christians.
For Christians, The Chosen acts as a vibrant supplement to Bible study. Rev. Burger encourages small groups to watch an episode and then cross-reference it with Scripture, using the official study guides to deepen their understanding. For example, the show’s portrayal of the wedding at Cana (John 2:1-11) humanizes the miracle, revealing Jesus’ joy and compassion in a new light. This can foster rich discussions about God’s timing and character.
For non-Christians, the series presents a relatable Jesus, one who laughs, weeps, and calls ordinary, flawed people to follow him. This challenges common stereotypes of a distant, judgmental deity. Rev. Burger suggests hosting a “watch party” with no strings attached, starting with the first episode that introduces a struggling Simon Peter. The relatability of the characters’ doubts and struggles often leads to honest conversations about faith. While critics sometimes point to the show’s use of creative license, Rev. Burger, drawing on his 30 years as a pastor, views it as a modern form of parables, stories that draw people toward a deeper truth. He is clear that it is not a replacement for the Bible, which is sufficient (2 Timothy 3:16-17), but a powerful catalyst for spiritual curiosity.
A Call to Creative Witness
From his early days as a Youth Pastor in Giddings, Texas, to his time leading growing congregations in Marshfield, Missouri, and Utica, Nebraska, Rev. John Burger has always embraced new methods for ministry. His work with the Pastoral Leadership Institute and mission trips to Vietnam, where he taught Luther’s Small Catechism to future pastors, solidified his belief in adapting the message for different cultures and contexts.
After three decades serving in the Lutheran Church, Missouri Synod (LCMS), he founded Metanoia Ministries in 2019 to focus on being a “Missionary at Large,” partnering across denominations to reach the unchurched. His journey has been one of constant “metanoia,” or transformation, always seeking new ways to fulfill the Great Commission.
In Angel Studios, Rev. John Burger sees more than just a media company; he sees a partner in ministry. He encourages believers to start with prayer, asking for divine appointments, and then to courageously use these tools. He believes sharing a short clip or inviting a friend to watch an episode can plant seeds of faith. With much of the content available for free streaming, the barriers to entry are low, but the potential for impact is immense. As the world becomes more complex, Rev. Burger insists that the church must become more creative, using every tool at its disposal to share the timeless message of Jesus’ love.