Sandwiched between two major studio productions about biblical legends (Noah and Exodus) is an independent film about the rise and fall of the ancient Hebrew king, Solomon. While The Song lacks the artistic depth of Noah and the presumably jaw-dropping special effects ofExodus, it may have more heart and real-world value than either one.

Also unlike its “Year of the Bible” counterparts, The Song recasts its characters in modern context. Solomon is reimagined as a modern-day singer-songwriter named Jed King (Alan Powell) who struggles to make a name for himself apart from being the progeny of his famous father, a renowned country music star (aptly named “David King”). In the midst of an identity crisis, Jed stumbles into a romance, courtship, and marriage to Rose (Ali Faulkner), a vineyard owner’s daughter.

The young couple has a “perfect” wedding night and storybook start—complete with poetic voice-overs drawn from the Song of Solomon. But after Jed writes a hit song for his new bride and is catapulted into the national spotlight, things get all Ecclesiastes. The pursuit of his thriving career leaves Jed wanting more. And the more he finds fame and success, the more he loses himself and his true love.

One of the glaring weaknesses of this film is the absence of even a single A-lister. In a year when biblical films feature a pile of notables, this film risks being overlooked. This gamble is apparent in a few awkward “rookie moments,” but is tucked away in mostly authentic, emotional performances. Overall, what the film lacks in pedigree it makes up for in honesty.

Once in a while, an apple falls from its tree … and then won’t stop rolling away of its own accord. Bart Campolo comes to mind.

For years, he was a spiritual leader who carried the distinction of being the son of evangelical pastor and social-justice champion Tony Campolo.

Today, Bart is the humanist chaplain at the University of Southern California, a job he has held for a little over a month. [Disclosure: USC is my alma mater and primary employer.]

In one sense, he is the same person he has always been, fighting for the welfare of the sick and the poor. But he is now agnostic, in stark contrast to his legendary father.

In his new role, he will offer encouragement to many like-minded people seeking meaning and purpose; and he will outrage or scare the pants off millions of people with whom he no longer shares a religious identity.

The younger Campolo’s journey reveals the process by which leaders discover who they are and what they’ll fight for; and the process by which they come, often painfully, to discover their unique, authentic voice.

Cole NeSmith sits down with Kim Walker-Smith and talks about going from a singer to a worship leader and discusses her journey to Jesus Culture. Then, Tyler Reagin talks with Eric Geiger, Vice President of LifeWay Christian Resources, about the importance of Biblical literacy and the resources LifeWay offers to equip leaders who love the Church.