The Filmmakers Guild, the first part of the Christian Worldview Film Festival, kicked off Monday morning with putting the Lord God first and foremost with worship music led by Phillip Telfer, Director of Media Talk 101. To introduce his keynote on the core value of humility, Phillip invited Richard “Little Bear” Wheeler to share an anecdote from President George Washington’s life. Dressed in full costume, Mr. Wheeler emphasized that Washington is a renowned example of leading a humble and God-honoring life.

Phillip’s address focused on the conflict between pride and humility. He brought up different people who are humble and successful, humble and wealthy, or humble and having great impact. “We desire to emulate them in their results,” he said, “but seldom desire to emulate their humility.” Quoting extensively from Scripture, Phillip explored both our need for humility, and practical ways to pursue it.

“Numbers 12:2-3 tells us that ‘Moses was the most humble man on the face of the earth,’ but what made him humble?” Phillip asked. “The more time you spend in the presence of the Lord, the more humble you will be.” “For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted.” (Luke 18:14)” He continued, “Those who seek to honor God, and the body of Christ, God will honor.”

When Phillip asked audience members if they viewed filmmaking as a mission field, over half of the audience raised their hands. Drawing the comparison, he pointed out that missionaries do not seek fame, and that as Christian filmmakers, we shouldn’t either. There is little fame to be had in the Christian filmmaking arena anyway!

“The opening session was great, talking about humility with filmmakers. This is a challenge to me, and a great way to start the guild,” said Matthew Evans of New Mexico, a first-time attendee.

“Very few people in Hollywood or the world know or care about Stephen and Alex Kendrick or David AR White… They’re not on the map, and don’t have to be.”

Phillip challenged both speakers and attendees to pursue humility in their work and their personal lives. Quoting Psalm 139:6, Isaiah 57:15, and 1 Peter 5:5, he reiterated that God gives grace to the humble, but opposes the proud. He ended with reminding the audience of the second Core Value of CWVFF: “humility is not an option.”