#195: Following Footsteps of Jesus with Israel Guide & Filmmaker (New Movie)

Run The Race

A few weeks out from Easter, we're talking to one of the men behind a new film about walking where Jesus walked, where he died and rose again. I also chat with Pastor Bob Rognlien about leading deeper pilgrimage trips to Israel...using the "Way of Jesus" to equip leaders and missionaries in the Middle East and beyond...and especially their almost-released documentary. (3:45) We start with how the 90 minute movie "Following the Footsteps" came about and how it gives a taste of what it's like to go where Jesus authentically was. This retired Luthern Pastor, who's been to Israel close to 50 times, guides people to more than just tourist sites in the Holy Land on their 14-day trips. This film gives a behind-the-scenes look at that experience. (10:40) Listen to some of the trailer for the doc that is being screened 100 different places across the nation before it is streaming to watch at home after Easter...likely on Amazon Prime, which Bob is pushing for. More info: https://www.followingthefootsteps.org/. (14:20) How do these true pilgrimage trips to Israel change how people see the Bible and the world? (19:25) With violent war happening there now, what's security like and can these trips still happen? Jesus faced dangers, attacks, a very tense political/military climate too. Bob explains how He showed us a better way. (26:10) Are we really imitating Jesus? While pastoring a church, Bob realized he was not doing ministry the way Jesus did. It was a big shift in his life, and now he equips other spiritual leaders in strategies using the Way of Jesus to reach the lost...form spiritual community...train/empower disciples. It may change the way you see friendship and evangelism. He is also the (34:40) author of 10 books so far, describing the meaning behind one called "A Jesus-Shaped Life." There are also more multimedia ways to spread the Gospel and get more connected to Jesus, like their new film. (42:25) One of the last things we talk about are a few of his favorite and powerful sites in Israel. His final thought: keeping exploring Jesus, whether you know the Bible well or not. (50:10) And he closes us out in prayer. Thanks for listening to the #RunTheRace podcast! Also, write a quick review about it, on Apple podcasts. For more info and all past episodes, go to www.wtvm.com/podcast/.