The Essential Church

The cinematography of the documentary was quite astonishing, but this is not the most compelling part of the film. There was wonderful research that was clearly elucidated throughout the entire film.

This film was emotional, taking the viewer through many turns of the essential church story and other historical stories. Anyone who has not seen this movie must watch this movie for many reasons, especially those that are against the decisions that Grace Community Church and other similar churches made during the Covid-19 pandemic. This movie made biblical arguments that were wonderfully sound and encouraging to all Christians.

I never understood why they just didn't do everything they could to protect the body of Christ. Why was it so hard to just put a mask on and distancing? It seems that would be showing care for each other. We are to be salt and light. How much damage was done to the unsaved who watched this whole thing unwind. What I heard from folks was why can't we all work together on this. Millions of lives are being lost. That is extremely concerning. The blatant refusal to not work with local authorities only tells me that this was more about control than a godly approach, how can we work together to keep everyone safe.

Wow! Just wow! Grace Productions drove it home, revealing truth that the whole world obliviously ignored. Jesus is going to use this documentary to change lives, however small or large the group of people impacted, it will be used. And already is. Delivering truth about the "pandemic", and revealing the necessity of having church. The Church will bow only to Christ, not the State, not a king, not any governing authority. It has helped my understanding on Church gathering, and the need for fellowship, no matter the circumstance, because the Church has always been essential. Christ, not caesar, is the Head of the Church! Believers must be ready to give everything up for the Lord, the Gospel, and the Church. Thank you! This documentary was well made, with an amazing intro, an amazing concept and it brought truth together so powerfully that you just know the Hand of God was involved in this. May people see and hear the truth.

Unwavering conviction at its finest. A movie that will serve as a touchstone for the ages as the church faces greater persecution. BRAVO!

John MacArthur and the leaders of Grace Community Chuch in Los Angeles take a stand for God by keeping their church open in the face of threats of seven figure fines and imprisonment. This movie uncovers the motive of state, county, and city officials who were actively pursuing to control the churches for years to come. John MacArthur and the faithful elders come together by sending a message that the government has NO say in the affairs and ordinances of God.

Profoundly well-made and compelling, "Essential Church" deftly interweaves the stories of four churches: two in Canada and one in Los Angeles during the COVID-19 lockdown era; and that of 17th-century Puritans and Scottish Covenanters. An intense argument is briskly sustained throughout its two-hour runtime as to the relationship between governments and church, and who has the authority to govern it (not to mention conscience). What is an appropriate response when true believers are faced with tyranny? Of course, this also requires defining what a true church IS - the gathering of those who confess Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior to worship, learn, fellowship, and serve according to biblical truth.

Beautifully photographed and crisply edited, and with an exceptionally effective wall-to-wall music score by Kevin Manthei, this story is told on an epic scale very deserving of the big screen. Whether you agree with the theology of the pastors or not, the foundational issues and arguments presented in this film are so timeless and universal as to warrant a hearing by anyone (unlike the haters who apparently posted 1-star reviews without seeing it). This is a thought-provoking experience, to the point that for me, after repeated viewings, there is still much to contemplate. Of course, you likely know the conclusion before you start: "Christ, not Caesar, is head of the church!" Interesting to note, the same conclusion was reached by the British epic "Cromwell" from 1970, with Richard Harris and Alec Guiness.