Pastor James E. Ward Jr. is sounding an urgent call for repentance, humility, and spiritual unity within the Church as divisions rooted in politics, culture, and ideology continue to deepen across Christianity. That message stands at the center of That They May Be One, a new docudrama arriving in theaters nationwide May 19-20 through Fathom Entertainment.
Inspired by Jesus' prayer in John 17:21 "that they may all be one," the film combines documentary interviews, historical reenactments, and theological reflections from Christian leaders across denominational lines. Featured voices include Francis Chan, Cardinal Raniero Cantalamessa, Catholic biblical scholar Mary Healy, Randy Clark, David Cole, and Ward himself.
Ward, founder and pastor of INSIGHT Church near Chicago, believes the modern Church has increasingly allowed sociopolitical ideologies to shape its identity rather than Scripture.
"The cultural issues of our day, the sociopolitical issues of our day, have infected the Church," Ward said, warning that many congregations have drifted into what he described as "cultural Christianity" rather than biblical Christianity.
According to Ward, the film arrives at a critical moment for believers navigating growing political polarization, theological disputes, and cultural fragmentation. He argues that true Christian unity can only emerge through surrender to the Holy Spirit, humility, and repentance rather than institutional alignment or political agreement.
"That prayer is urgent because it's, of course, the only unfulfilled prayer of Jesus," Ward said, referring to Christ's prayer for unity in John 17.
The film also revisits pivotal moments in Church history through dramatized scenes depicting Pentecost, the Azusa Street Revival, and the lives of influential Christian figures such as St. Elena Guerra and Pope Leo. According to the filmmakers, these moments highlight how spiritual renewal often begins when ordinary believers respond in obedience to the prompting of the Holy Spirit.
Throughout the interview, Ward repeatedly emphasized that Christian unity must never come at the expense of biblical truth. He criticized the growing tendency for political identities to redefine theology and church culture, rejecting both partisan Christianity and ideologies that place politics above the Gospel.
"There's no MAGA Christianity," Ward said. "There's no black liberation gospel."
Instead, the pastor called believers back to a Christ-centered faith rooted in repentance, humility, and the transforming work of God.
"The closer we are drawn to Christ, we begin to see how much we are not like Jesus," he said, adding that spiritual maturity dismantles pride and creates the foundation for unity among believers.
Ward also expressed hope that visible unity across the Church could spark widespread revival and spiritual awakening throughout the nation.
"If Jesus' prayer that they may all be one actually became a reality in a visible way across the Church," Ward said, "I believe the impact would be the greatest awakening and revival that we've ever seen in the world."
That They May Be One will play in theaters nationwide May 19-20 through Fathom Entertainment.
