Hot Steps to Make the Most of the Fireproof Premiere

You love "Fireproof"-the movie, the message . . . the possibilities for people you know and your entire church or organization.  You know that movie theaters draw people who never go to church or darken the door of a counseling practice. So what can you do? How can you start today to seize the impact of opening weekend in a theater near you?

1. Spread the word now about Fireproof and opening weekend. Email everyone you know right now to let them know about the movie.  For downloadable graphics, go to www.FireprooftheMovie.com -- and include the great trailer.

2. Meet with your church or organization staff and prepare to seize opening weekend.  Talk to your marriage ministries and Sunday school leaders.  Many churches will enlist youth groups in babysitting rigades to free couples for date night at the movies and discussions to follow.

3. Discuss buying out a theater showing so you can get lots of people who wouldn't go to a church. When you "own" the showing, you're free to close with a pitch:  "If this message hits home, let's talk about it more.  We're holding a class Wednesday nights . .

4.Use the Fireproof Resource DVD in your church service, Sunday school, and small groups. This DVD has a movie trailer and bible studies incorporating movie scenes.  Leading into opening weekend, use selections and lessons to talk and teach about marriage. (If you have no Resource DVD, download from www.Fireproofthemovie.com )

5. The week before the movie, send out an eblast. The week or 10 days before opening weekend is when people make their weekend plans.  Remind them of church plans.  Include the trailer on your email.  And go to www.FireprooftheMovie.com for great email graphics.

6. The Sunday before opening weekend-include a flyer in your church bulletin.  For great graphics, go to www.FireprooftheMovie.com

7. Be ready with follow-up.  People who see the movie will have feelings and questions.  They'll want to talk. They'll ask if there's a real "Love Dare" book.  The answer is YES, Love Dare is a real book coming out in September when the movie opens.

8. Collaborate with other resources in our community has a number of marriage classes scheduled.  If you are interested in hosting classes at your church prior to the opening of the movie or after the movie premieres, please contact. There are several Christian Counseling Centers in the area who are prepared to see couples who find themselves in need of counseling after seeing the movie.