He Shot Around The World...and Learned One Thing: Perspectives from Over 50 Years of Filmmaking

Imagine you were introduced to over 100 different cultures, religions, and beliefs while traveling the world.

What would happen to your perspective? Would you shift your thinking? Maybe even abandon your previous foundational beliefs as you consider what others believe?

That's not what happened to Craig D. Forrest, DFA.

While traveling to over 160 countries as a documentary filmmaker and producer, Craig saw the best and worst of humanity, and was exposed to unfamiliar religious practices that ran counter to his Christian faith.

His response? His commitment to Christianity grew stronger.

He expresses this sentiment as we talked in episode 411 of The God and Gigs Show.

"The more shoots I did... the more that Jesus Christ became real as Savior and Lord."

I got the distinct impression that Craig was not there to brag about how much of the world he has experienced, although he certainly has the right to. Rather, his world travels, which started in his teens when his parents took him on a whirlwind missionary journey to Europe and Africa (this is a great story in the episode!), simply provide him with the background that he uses to tell stories.

It's refreshing to think that in a time that we try to shrink the world into something to be digestable in an A.I. response or social media post, that Craig learned what he did from actually experiencing the places and people that he then produced films and content around.

🎧 Watch or Listen to This Episode of The God and Gigs Show here: https://godandgigs.com/411

No second hand / faked knowledge. No "I heard." He lived it and THEN talked about it.

My hope from sharing this episode and discussion with Craig is similar. I'd like faith-focused creators everywhere to be inspired by Craig's courage, sincerity, and willingness to try new things and meet new people without being fearful that he would have to defend his beliefs.

He even admitted that working in Christian circles could be just as challenging to his faith as working in the most anti-Christian countries and cultures. Now THAT's something I think many of us can relate to.

You can check out the episode here to hear Craig share in his own words. And by all means, take what he shares about experiencing the world to heart.

Don't stay locked in one mindset or location. Branch out, experience new places, and open your heart to people who share different beliefs.

You'll actually see your foundation become more grounded, and you can share your own beliefs with grace and confidence.

If you heard or watched the show, please share what you gained from Craig's interesting stories and passionate perspectives!

About The God and Gigs Show

The God and Gigs Show is a Christian podcast for Christian creators who want to build a fulfilling, purpose-driven creative life without compromising their faith. Hosted by Allen C. Paul, we explore faith and creativity with weekly strategies, inspiration, and practical tools to help you become the creator God created you to be. As a Christian creative, you'll hear honest conversations on God and creativity, faith and marketing alignment, mindset and spiritual growth, shared in interviews with Christian artists and Christian content creators living out their faith.