HISTORY

The Hollywood Club began in February 2003 as an outreach program of the student ministries department of Word of Grace Church (now City of Grace Church) in Mesa , Arizona .  It was one of several different interest-based clubs that were established for the purpose of helping to build relationships between and among students and adult leaders, using areas of common interest, such as movies, as a catalyst for forming those relationships.

It quickly became evident that the students were desiring more than just another opportunity to go see movies with their friends – something they were doing already – but also inside information on Hollywood itself:  how movies are made, what makes a good movie, whether there are any Christians in Hollywood, whether they should consider a career in Hollywood , and so on.

Club Sponsors Robert and Jacque Hall gladly took on the task of developing a program to provide this information to the students that wanted it.  So in addition to movie outings and DVD showings, the Club began meeting periodically to learn how to review movies from a Christian point-of-view and to learn about the various ministry organizations that exist in Hollywood.  The students also began seeing how Hollywood is indeed a mission field because of its significant influence in our society, and that as Christians they needed to begin praying for God to move in a powerful way in the lives of not only their favorite celebrities but also other influential decision-makers in the entertainment industry.

Students with career aspirations in the entertainment industry also began asking for information about careers in acting, directing, producing, writing, and so on, as well as colleges and universities that have strong programs specializing in these fields.  All of this has developed in the context of a relationship-building ministry so that students can learn the value of persistent prayer and faith in God, in community with like-minded believers, and in discovering God’s will for their own lives.

In October 2004 the Hollywood Club officially became affiliated with the international Hollywood Prayer Network as the local chapter for the Phoenix / Mesa area.  Many students today gladly take on the awesome responsibility of praying for their Christian brothers and sisters who are working on the “front lines” in Hollywood as missionaries for the cause of Christ in bringing cultural revival to America by transforming Hollywood from the inside out.

The Hollywood Club provides an environment and opportunities for high school students and adults in the Phoenix / Mesa area to:

· Learn the significance of Hollywood as a mission field.

· Learn to communicate their faith more effectively and without fear.

· Develop a habit of prayer for their favorite celebrities and other people of influence in Hollywood.

· Find information sources for those aspiring to careers in the entertainment industry.

· Develop friendships and have fun around their common interests in film and entertainment.

SPONSORS

Robert and Jacque Hall have been the sponsors of the Hollywood Club from its inception in early 2003.  They have a passion for Hollywood as a mission field, and as Associate Directors of the Hollywood Prayer Network for the Phoenix area, they have taken an active role in teaching the importance of prayer for Hollywood to their students.  Robert and Jacque have been members of Word of Grace Church in Mesa , Arizona since 1998 and have been working with high school students there since 2001.

Robert spent several years in music ministry in an adult choir and as a worship team vocalist before coming over to student ministries where he has been a small group leader, teacher, service coordinator, and assistant in the youth choir.  As a Bible teacher with a background in the Greek New Testament, his favorite studies include apologetics, faith and culture, Mormonism, and end-times prophecy.  Robert is a Certified Public Accountant by profession, but his special interests include major sports, music, computers, and movies.

Jacque has been actively serving in student ministries as a small group leader, summer performing arts day camp coordinator, and an assistant in the youth choir.  Jacque is a part-time Administrative Assistant at a CPA firm and a Creative Memories Consultant who enjoys teaching both students and adults how to creatively preserve their photographs and other memorabilia.  She has for most of her life been involved with music ministry as a vocalist and teacher, as well as being a home-schooling mom for nine years.  Her interests also include major sports, movies, and cooking.

Both Robert and Jacque devote themselves to prayer for God to work in the lives of the students He brings into their lives, including their own children:  Ryan, Lindsay, Jennifer, Jason, Peter, and Phillip.

“Robert and Jacque Hall are visionaries in understanding how to engage young people into the culture by focusing on the Media with their High School Youth Group.  The Hollywood Club is raising up a discerning and savvy group of students who will be more prepared to be used by God because they are discussing the power of the Media, praying for the decision-makers and celebrities in Hollywood and questioning what’s right and wrong in the movies.  I thank God for this group and the eternal difference they are already making.”

Karen Covell
TV Producer
Director of Hollywood Prayer Network 

STATEMENT OF FAITH

We believe the Bible to be the inspired, the only infallible, authoritative Word of God.

We believe in the one eternally-existent triune God:  Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

We believe in the deity and humanity of Jesus Christ, His virgin birth, His sinless and miraculous life, His atoning death on the cross, His bodily resurrection and ascension into heaven, and His imminent personal return in power and glory as King of Kings and Lord of Lords.

We believe in the value and dignity of all people, created in God’s image to live in community with Him and with each other, but alienated from God and each other because of our sin.

We believe in eternal justification by God’s grace for all who place their faith in Jesus Christ alone for salvation.

We believe in the indwelling presence and transforming power of the Holy Spirit who gives to all believers a new life and a new calling to obedient service.

We believe in the spiritual unity of believers in our Lord Jesus Christ, with equality across racial, gender, and class differences.