The documentary Leap of Faith follows twelve Christian leaders from across the theological and cultural spectrum as they gather over the course of a year to discuss some of the most polarizing issues of our time. Meeting at retreats in Grand Rapids, Michigan, these pastors wrestle with difficult topics while working to build meaningful relationships in the midst of their differences.
Among the participants is Covenant pastor Andrew Vanover, who at the time was serving as lead pastor of Thornapple Covenant Church in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Reflecting on his experience, Vanover observes, “It is amazing that Christ holds together all of the different members of his one body. Moving forward, I want to be more interested in the actual members rather than the ideas they hold. I regret that I have given ideas more weight than people many times in my life. Both matter, but no idea is created in God’s image…only people are.”
The documentary highlights the complexity of such dialogues, with moments of both connection and tension revealing the challenges and the beauty of intentional fellowship. Vanover notes, “One line that sticks with me is, ‘I don’t want a church without ______.’ When you can see the beauty of another Christian before you who is wildly different and you cannot see a way to be together but you desire such a way, that is a sign of the Holy Spirit doing something good.”
Director Nick Ma captures a journey that doesn’t promise resolution but offers a model for what faithful engagement might look like. The film draws inspiration from Fred Rogers’s ethos of neighborly love and Yo-Yo Ma’s musical reflections on finding harmony in diversity, underscoring the potential for reconciliation through shared humanity.
While the documentary is grounded in the Christian tradition, viewers should be aware that some discussions—particularly around human sexuality—include perspectives that may diverge from the Covenant Church’s position. These moments call for discernment and offer an opportunity for thoughtful reflection.
Ultimately Leap of Faith doesn’t seek to solve every theological or cultural divide. Rather, it invites viewers to reflect on the ways we can embody love, even when unity feels out of reach. As Vanover puts it, “The film is a small window into God’s vast work of reconciliation. God is always inviting us into this work, and I hope viewers will step through whatever doorway is before them. Let me be clear—such an approach is slow, messy, and hard. And totally worthwhile in my experience.”
