In college, I dreamed of producing movies with a Christian-based message millions of people would see. I envisioned a great, glorious struggle ahead as I was sure no one in Hollywood would want to produce such movies. In this town a producer’s assistant is a highly coveted job, as it provides a network with high-profile producers, actors, writers, and directors. Eventually, with the right book or screenplay and the right director, the assistant is on the way to making a movie. As a former Master’s Commission leader, I was more than zealous about changing the world for Christ and sacrificing everything for that change.
Thankfully that attitude has changed.

I started my career as a 60-hours-a-week, non-paid intern. I didn’t mind since I was sure I would make it to an assistant chair in a few months and had saved just enough money to survive that long.

I wouldn’t get to that chair for a year. Through that humbling year of poverty, I found a great church and met many Christians working in Hollywood as literally everyone in this town works in the movie biz.

I realized I was not a “lone wolf,” but a mere thread in the great tapestry that is God’s Church in Hollywood. Among my fellow church friends were vice-presidents of major studios, television and movie stars, and others who held great influence in the town. How would we change Hollywood?

At the 2006 Tribeca Film Festival hosted by the Tribeca Film Institute, a panel was held titled “What Would Jesus Direct?” Many producers left enamored with the possibilities of producing faith-based movies. After all, the last independent faith-based movie, The Passion of the Christ, made $370 million. The panel concluded that if more low-budget religious-themed movies like The Passion of the Christ proved successful, Hollywood would likely invest more into making these movies. In fact, New Line Cinema is developing such a movie now, Nativity, about the birth of Jesus as told from Mary’s perspective.

Yet, no individual or group of people is responsible for this turn of events. Not even Rupert Murdoch, owner of Fox Studios; actor Mel Gibson; Phillip Anschutz, whose company, Walden Media, co-produced The Chronicles of Narnia; or even President Bush can claim that title, because it is the Holy Spirit who moves men, Christian or not, to do His work here on earth.

As for me, the world-changing mission I thought I had was really too small and based on my own limited understanding. The more I worship God and seek Him on His own terms, the more I am confident and thankful that I am part of a greater plan He has for this town. And there is nothing better than getting to experience this with Him and the Church right here on the front lines. Will I produce movies as I dreamed? I hope so, but that is up to God. Am I a world-changer for Christ like I wanted to be? No, but Christ in me will change the world, His way.

Clement Lye graduated from Spokane Master’s Commission in Spokane, Washington, under the leadership of Rev. Nathan Hagan. At age 26, Clement serves as an executive assistant for two feature film producers.