As the third movie of the "Left Behind" series, "Left Behind: World at War" will be making film history this weekend by premiering in churches nationwide, rather than theaters.

"I believe more people are going to see it in the churches," said Pastor Jerry Shirley of Grace Baptist Church, one Central Illinois church premiering movie tonight.

Chances are more people will see the movie, because by distributing to the churches, they are tripling their on-screen visibility compared to theaters.

"I think they needed to do something unique (with Christian films) after 'The Passion of the Christ' was so huge. 'Passion' and 'Left Behind' are the only two Christian movies to be picked up by Hollywood," Shirley said.

The "Left Behind" films are based on and continue the story of the best-selling book series of "Left Behind," and follows the lives of those left behind on Earth after the rapture of the church as foretold by the Bible, according to a press release about the film.

"World at War" is based on the last part of book number two in the series, "Tribulation Force."

Shirley said, "I've watched all three movies back to back and you can see how they get better with each movie."

Shirley credits the special effects and better computer technology for the success of "World at War."

The movie includes old faces that played lead characters in the previous films: Kirk Cameron and his wife Chelsea Noble, Brad Johnson, Janaya Stephens and Gordon Currie.

"World at War" not only managed to keep the cast from the previous films, but added Oscar-Award winner Lou Gossett Jr. as United States President Gerald Fitzhugh.

"With Lou Gossett Jr. in the movie, it shows that the series is getting bigger as it goes along," Shirley said.

The showings of the film do not come without restrictions and a price to the churches.

The DVD the churches obtain to view the movie may not be viewed publicly after Sunday.

Also, Shirley said churches had to basically buy the rights and get the permission to show the film, a procedure more costly than buying the DVD.

"If we get it (the money) back, fine; if we don't, fine," said Shirley, who said that they will be taking donations at the viewings. "But there is no excuse for people to not see the movie since it is free.

"We are viewing it to the public free as a gift to the community."

"Left Behind: World at War" is scheduled to release on DVD to the public October 25.

Alicia Spates can be reached at aspates@herald-review.com or 421-6986.