Southern Gospel is a cinematic journey into the inspirational lives of Drs. Gary and Janis Smith and the birth of City of Life Church. Few movies have the power to touch hearts and inspire audiences as deeply as those based on true events. Southern Gospel, a major motion picture released earlier this year, is one such film that takes viewers on an emotional journey through the remarkable lives of its main characters, Samuel and Julie Allen, and the birth of Dream Church. Southern Gospel is now available everywhere for rent or purchase, including DIRECTV,Microsoft Store, Google Play Movies, Amazon Video, Hoopla, Vudu, YouTube, and Apple iTunes.
This movie was written and directed by Jeffrey A. Smith and is based on true events from the lives of his parents, Drs. Gary and Janis Smith, which led to the transformative birth of City of Life Church in Kissimmee, Florida. This blog post explores the captivating true-life story behind this awe-inspiring film, delving into the lives of the Smiths and the extraordinary church they created.
The Inspirational Lives of Drs. Gary and Janis Smith
This film spans several decades, starting with the early life of Samuel Allen, a pastor’s son who grows up in church watching his father preach about the love of God all the while fostering his budding musical talent. As he grows, he gives himself to a life of rock and roll, partying, and drugs. After a tragic drug and alcohol-fueled accident, he ends up in jail.
These were all true events in the life of Dr. Gary Smith, who was raised in the small town of Sayre, Alabama. After the traumatic accident, a judge offered him a second chance if the young rock-and-roller will share the dangers of alcohol and drugs with young people in school assemblies. What this judge didn’t know was that Smith had a jail-cell conversion experience where he experienced the love of God. In that moment of salvation, he pledged to share the hope of the gospel with others. His court sentence provided an open door to share the gospel in high schools all across the southeastern United States.
In the movie, Samuel meets Julie at a church event and they quickly fall in love. Julie is a talented young singer and songwriter with eyes only for Samuel. We get a brief peek into her abusive home life, which she is rescued from when Samuel proposes and they wed shortly after. Julie’s story is based on the life of Dr. Janis Smith. Dr. Janis details the trauma of her young life in her compelling autobiography, Broken Child, Broken Girl, Broken Woman. With striking vulnerability, she delves into the darkest corners of her past, inviting readers to witness the untold struggles she endured as a young child, the shattered dreams she carried into adolescence, and the journey toward redemption that began when she discovered the healing power of faith.
How City of Life Began
Without revealing too much of the movie’s plot, life’s events bring Samuel and Julie to Florida, where they struggle to feel as if their dreams to minister to hurting people with the love of Christ will ever come to pass. In a series of unlikely events, their dream is restored, resulting in the establishment of Dream Church. Similarly, the Smiths established City of Life Church in Kissimmee after what can only be called “divine appointments.” What began as a small gathering of individuals quickly grew into a vibrant community of believers, drawn to the Smiths' authentic and compassionate leadership.
City of Life Church became known for its emphasis on being a place where people from all walks of life could find hope, acceptance, and support. Under the guidance of Drs. Gary and Janis Smith, the church became a beacon of light in the community and to the world beyond.
The Making of Southern Gospel
The incredible journey of Drs. Gary and Janis Smith and City of Life Church was brought to life by their son Jeffrey A. Smith, a visionary screenwriter and director who witnessed firsthand portions of his parents’ story. The Smiths contributed their firsthand accounts and insights to ensure the authenticity of the film, and a vast number of their personal photographs and home movies served as inspiration for casting, production design, and location scouting.
The movie beautifully captures the heartbreaking struggles, triumphs, and profound moments of faith experienced by the Smiths. It highlights the transformative impact that grace had on the lives of one family, which led to the transformation of thousands of lives impacted by his ministry. Southern Gospel offers a poignant narrative that explores themes of overcoming challenges, forgiveness, and the power of faith in the face of adversity.
Conclusion
Southern Gospel is more than just a movie; it is a powerful testament to the power of the gospel and the profound impact one couple's faith and determination can have on the world. Drs. Gary and Janis Smith's journey from tragedy to triumph, as depicted in the film, serves as a reminder that in the darkest of times, love, compassion, and unwavering faith can help us find the strength to rebuild our lives and create something truly extraordinary. Through their tireless efforts and unwavering commitment to their community, Southern Gospel shares how the Smiths created a legacy that continues to inspire people today.
