David Taylor, the minister’s son, and his friend, Charles Frank, are one class shy of graduating from the Youth Ministry Program. Then they’ll be moving on to become ministers. Minister Hunter, a teacher in the YMP, is quietly called to the door. Both boys look at each other as they receive some news. David Taylor rushes down the hospital corridor, Bible clutched tightly in hand, looking for Irene Taylor, his mother. David kneels at her bedside and cries out to the Lord to spare his mother’s life. Then Bishop Taylor is on his way back from a church conference and, when he arrives, he is greeted by an angry David who turns on his father with bitter words. David storms from the hospital, inwardly vowing never to return to the church or the God who failed him. Meanwhile, Charles Frank goes on to complete his training and, eventually, becomes minister of the church they grew up in. But greed starts to take over.

Fifteen years later, David has become a big rock star. He drinks liquor, hangs out in smoke-filled rooms, has fist fights and this lifestyle has become a part of his daily life. Outwardly, he seems on the top of the world but, inwardly, David is not happy.

Then he gets a call that is father is sick. Should he abandon the tour and go back home? Should he try to make peace with his father? Why should he? His father was not there when he needed him growing up. The music is exhilarating, the praise and worship is heartfelt, and the storyline is totally believable. “The Gospel” has values and life lessons worth viewing as a family and well worth discussing. We award the film our Dove Seal.