The Undershepherd

It hurts to hear the truth, but this movie is like a backstage pass at a rock concert. Big egos, weak social climbers, and an entertainment media willing to exploit the circumstances correctly portray the politics of the business of the ministry. Religion is a commodity. Similar to healthcare, supermarkets, and restaurants, each church congregation has to fight for market share. People need religion, God, and a place to fellowship with other believers. A large percentage of people will seek a church home and people choose their church homes like they choose any other entertainment venue. Family ties, traditions, and brand loyalty play a role. Ministers and full-time ministry workers are employees in a workplace. They need upward mobility, job security, and a chance to become the best in their field. The competition in the ministry is as competitive as in any other business. The social dynamics of adultery, bribery, lying, and manipulating for personal gain are the same in any industry. People will be people. This movie does as well as any other similar film. The only reason I didn't give it a higher rating is that there were unexplained gaps in the development of some of the storytelling. I highly recommend this film for its entertainment value, but not for a realistic look at what happens behind the church doors. The scenes depicted in this movie happens in all businesses, regardless of race, ethnicity, and national origin.

Having been a member of Black Churches for all of 50 years and a delegate to Church Conventions, this movie is an excellent portrayal of how some of (probably most of) Black Churches are run today. I personally know many ministers who only want the power and money. This movie also reinforces my observation of the Black Church that since it is made up mostly of women,the minister all too often becomes the object of their desire and he becomes a sex object whether he is married or not. The acting in this movie is superb. All of the plots and sub-plots were positioned perfectly in my opinion. Anyhow, get this movie. Especially if you are or have been a member of a Black Church. You will be entertained!

This movie tells the truth of many of our churches today. This movie should be a training film for all churches who are seeking a new pastor. All churches do not have this problem, but many churches do and their problems are swept under the rug. I applaud Russ Parr in boldly opening up a discussion about drama in the church. Isaiah Washington does not disappoint as usual - his arrogance is true to form, representing many of the young ministers today who seek nothing but power, fame and fortune, at any cost. Sadly, today's young ministers seemingly have forgotten their mission should be preaching the gospel of Jesus Christ and reaching the unsaved. Vanessa Bell Calloway's character represents the powerful voice that women should have in church today. In the black Baptist Church, women are ostracized regarding leadership capacities (Trustees and Deaconess). Vanessa was magnificent. Is this movie available for purchase?

I really enjoyed this movie! I've been in church all my life and this movie definitely outlined the things that happen in SOME churches. There are preachers out there who are very charismatic behind the pulpit but really aren't preaching and teaching anything and you have some silly women who fall for them because of their role and responsibility in the church. This movie was very true to some of the things I've seen over the years. The acting was great, having some A+ actors and actresses in the movie and the story line really called your attention. You'll feel a part of the movie. You'll get angry, you'll be happy and you may even talk back to the movie once or twice, lol! I will most definitely watch over and over again.