Ed Stetzer Interviews Come and See CEO Stan Jantz on ‘The Chosen’ Set About How the Show Is Fulfilling Its Global Mission

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Jantz said that the original model for “The Chosen,” which was crowdfunding, was “very effective but not effective enough to produce the quality” needed. Come and See exists to “make it possible for all seven seasons to be done.”

Moreover, Jenkins’ goal to use “The Chosen” to reach a billion people with the gospel is no small feat and is not possible with a “typical TV show that’s in English,” Jantz observed. It is necessary to translate “The Chosen” into people’s heart languages. 

“Our goal is to translate both through dubbing and subtitling, called ‘dubs and subs,’” Jantz said. Through dubbing and subbing, Come and See is working to make all seven seasons of the series available in 600 languages.

“For that to happen, it’s going to take an unprecedented effort,” said Jantz, who also described the project as “extraordinarily complex.” Languages are highly nuanced, in addition to which “there’s an art to voice dubbing.”  

Jantz shared that Come and See has been extremely fortunate to connect with Rick Dempsey, who worked for Disney for 35 years, running all translation and localization for that company. Dempsey is now doing “extraordinary work” for Come and See.

How Pastors Can Use ‘The Chosen’

But if “The Chosen” is already available in someone’s heart language, as it currently is for many, how can pastors and church leaders use the series to spread the gospel? While “The Chosen” is not divinely inspired or even technically a “Christian show,” Jantz said, it is “a set up, if you will, to bring people to that point of realizing who Jesus is.”

“For pastors, it’s a way to really introduce and really to augment…and open up the imagination of people” regarding Scripture, said Jantz. Pastors could show a clip of the series in church and even build a sermon around it. Churches could use the show in a class or small group setting. “The Chosen” is especially helpful for reaching out to people who have not grown up in church or who have left church and want to return. 

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Jantz emphasized that Come and See wants to partner with local churches, church networks and the worldwide church and is excited about the “global impact” of “The Chosen.” Church leaders can find resources, including licenses, on the Come and See website. They can also explore Season 4 of “The Chosen” on the show’s website and access additional resources for ministry leaders curated by Gloo. Jantz even shared his email address, stan@comeandseefoundation.org, in case church leaders want to get in touch with him. 

People in the United States and around the world are facing darkness and division, Jantz said. He believes Jesus is our  “unifier…and his story is the hope that we need.”

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Jessica Lea
Jessica is a content editor for ChurchLeaders.com and the producer of The Stetzer ChurchLeaders Podcast. She has always had a passion for the written word and has been writing professionally for the past five years. When Jessica isn't writing, she enjoys West Coast Swing dancing, reading, and spending time with her friends and family.

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