What does “I Can Only Imagine 2” teach us about faith in suffering?

In this episode of Faith & Clarity, Dr. Mark Turman sits down with filmmaker and Kingdom Story Company co-founder Andrew Erwin (I Can Only Imagine, Jesus Revolution) to talk about storytelling, faith, and the power of film to share God’s truth. Andrew reflects on how the Erwin brothers found their voice through underdog stories, the unexpected success of I Can Only Imagine, and how faith-based films have grown in both craft and impact.They also discuss I Can Only Imagine 2 and the deeper themes it explores—gratitude, grief, and trusting God when “happily ever after” feels uncertain. The conversation closes with a practical encouragement for believers to see films as opportunities to invite others into meaningful conversations about faith with courage and hope.Topics(0:00) Introduction(3:34) From “Woodlawn” to “I Can Only Imagine:” the breakthrough story(8:44) Andrew’s origin story(14:04) Global impact: Film as a modern “Romans Road”(16:02) No more “cheesy” faith films(21:13) Why make “I Can Only Imagine 2” (27:51) How faith films has changed (33:21) Wrap-up ResourcesTrailer: I Can Only Imagine 2Website: I Can Only Imagine 2Ask Us Anything: [email protected] to a Denison Forum newsletter: DenisonForum.org/subscribeSupportDF.org About Andrew ErwinAndrew Erwin is a director, producer and co-founder of Kingdom Story Company, the premier destination for films of faith that ignite a rush of hope. Andrew has directed and co-directed feature films like I CAN ONLY IMAGINE, I STILL BELIEVE, AMERICAN UNDERDOG, and I CAN ONLY IMAGINE 2 (2026), among others, and is one of just five directors (along with Steven Spielberg and Rob Reiner) to receive three A+ Cinema Scores.In partnership with Lionsgate, Kingdom Story Company’s films have consistently opened in the top ten at the box office, earning the coveted A+ CinemaScore® rating six times. Prioritizing faith, inspiration, and positive impact in storytelling, notable Kingdom Story Company films include the 2023 hit JESUS REVOLUTION, ORDINARY ANGELS, UNSUNG HERO, WHITE BIRD, THE BEST CHRISTMAS PAGEANT EVER and SARAH’S OIL.Andrew also hosts “The Storytellers Podcast,” which explores the transformative power of storytelling through the lens of faith, and features conversations with artists, directors, actors, and other creative thought leaders. Guests have included Mel Gibson, Dennis Quaid, Roma Downey, Candace Cameron Bure, Jonathan Roumie, DeVon Franklin, and more.About Dr. Mark TurmanDr. Mark Turman serves as the Executive Director of Denison Forum, where he leads with a passion for equipping believers to navigate today’s complex culture with biblical truth. He is best known as the host of the Faith & Clarity podcast and the lead pastor of the Possum Kingdom Lake Chapel, the in-person congregation of Denison Ministries.Dr. Turman is the coauthor of Sacred Sexuality: Reclaiming God’s Design and Who Am I? What the Bible Says About Identity and Why it Matters. He earned his undergraduate degree from Howard Payne University in Brownwood, Texas, and received his Master of Divinity degree from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Fort Worth. He later completed his Doctor of Ministry degree at George W. Truett Theological Seminary at Baylor University in Waco.Before joining Denison Forum, Mark served as a pastor for thirty-five years, including twenty-five years as the founding pastor of Crosspoint Church in McKinney, Texas. Mark and his high school sweetheart, Judi, married in 1986. They are proud parents of two adult children and grandparents to three grandchildren.About Denison ForumDenison Forum exists to thoughtfully engage the issues of our day from a biblical perspective, helping believers discern today’s news and culture through the lens of faith. Led by Dr. Jim Denison and a team of contributing writers, we offer trusted insight through The Daily Article, a daily email newsletter and podcast, along with articles, podcasts, interviews, books, and other resources. Together, these form a growing ecosystem of Christ-centered content that equips readers to respond to current events not with fear or partisanship, but with clarity, conviction, and hope. To learn more visit DenisonForum.org.