‘Beyond Belief’ Brings Petra’s Music to the Big Screen

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Carson Lueders as “Andy Ellis” in “Beyond Belief”

Christian rock history gets a coming-of-age spin in “Beyond Belief,” the new film from director Johnny Meier.

Set in the 1980s, the movie follows Andy, a teenage musician played by singer-songwriter Carson Lueders, who dreams of making it big while dealing with the death of his father. When he senses God pushing him in an unexpected direction, Andy begins questioning whether the future he wants is actually the one he’s being called toward.

Meier co-wrote the film with Darren Scott Jacobs and Joe Sanders, building the story around the music of legendary Christian rock band Petra. Rather than telling the band’s story directly, “Beyond Belief” uses Petra’s songs — and a distinctly ’80s setting — as the backdrop for a story about grief, faith and learning to trust God when plans change. Petra members John Schlitt and Bob Hartman also appear in the film.

For Lueders, who makes his feature-film debut as Andy, the role hit close to home. “This film reminded me to trust God’s purpose for my life and how important it is to not focus on followers or success but instead be a light to people,” he said.

Also starring James C. Burns, Debby Gerber and Libby Smallbone, “Beyond Belief” opened in theaters August 28.