‘The Chosen’ Effect: Hit Show Has Profound Impact on Local Churches
You could say the popularity of “The Chosen” is of biblical proportions with its portrayal of the life of Jesus and those who knew him best.
“I don’t know of many other incidents where there is a Christian TV show or movie that has garnered as much attention as ‘The Chosen’ has,” said Pastor Dan Thorson at Calvary Church in Golden Valley.
The show has been viewed by millions around the world.
In fact, it holds the Guinness World record for the most translated season of a streaming series.
A still image from “The Chosen”/Credit: 5&2 Studios.
Thorson said the hit-television show has had a profound and unique impact on his congregation.
The pastor, who oversees adult ministries, said groups have utilized it for their small group conversations.
“I have referenced ‘The Chosen’ and even used a clip of it in a sermon,” Thorson said.
‘A Real Human Aspect’
Jessica Rodriguez is a staff member at St. Mary of the Lake Church in Plymouth.
Rodriguez said she has hosted a watch party and discussion of “The Chosen” for her parishioners.
“It was really fruitful in the way of really fostering great conversations about faith,” Rodriguez said.
According to Rodriguez, the depiction of Jesus’ followers has drawn new people to the church.
“There’s just a real human aspect to ‘The Chosen’ that I think anybody, from anywhere can relate to,” said Rodriguez.
Minnesota native and co-writer of “The Chosen” Ryan Swanson has heard many stories just like these of how the show has had an influence.
“Our job has thankfully been through six seasons now — we just wrapped production on season six — has stayed pretty small, it’s always a blank page, a blinking cursor,” said Swanson.
He doesn’t take credit for the show’s success or impact it’s had. Instead, he gives credit to the source.
“A TV show allows us to say ‘hey, go check out the source material. You’ve seen the show, now read the book. You’ll see how much greater it is,'” Swanson said.
For Thorson, a television show that can drive viewers to the Bible is all right by him.
“For me if there’s anything that is causing people to be curious, inspiring people to open their Bibles or pursue this Christian faith is all about, I’m all about that,” said Thorson.
Pastor Thorson says that some of his congregants have been extras on “The Chosen” television series.
If you’d like to hear the extended interview with Ryan Swanson, co-writer of “The Chosen,” you can watch below.
