That has taken explaining, especially to conservative Christians. And helping the film team do that has been public relations expert Larry Ross.

Ross, an evangelical Christian whose company specializes in working with and for faith-based groups, said the filmmakers didn't learn that Chad Allen is gay until after they cast him.

Although the leaders of Oklahoma-based Every Tribe Entertainment disapprove of homosexuality, they chose to keep Allen in End of the Spear, Ross said. ``It was very much a considered ministry decision to demonstrate the love of Christ and to be consistent with the message of the film, which is about forgiveness,'' Ross said. ...