The Untold Story of America’s First Great Awakening | A Conversation with Jonathan Blair & Joshua Enck
Everyone talks about life after death, but what about life during life? Do you wonder, 'Why am I here? How can I be truly happy? Does my life matter, or why do I feel empty inside?' And, 'What really happens when I die?' Pastor Greg Laurie has helped millions find profound hope through true faith.
On the "The Greg Laurie Show," Pastor Greg brings insight to Scripture, a deep dive into real cultural issues, and special guest interviews with trusted Christian voices with a variety of life experiences that will help you make sense of life.
Want more from Greg Laurie? Visit https://harvest.org/.
Find Pastor Greg on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/greglaurie/
Tuesday, March 31, 2026
Before America had a revolution, it had a revival—and at the center of it was a “rock star” preacher named George Whitefield. On this episode of The Greg Laurie Show, Greg sits down with Joshua Enck and Jonathan Blair—creators and star of the new film “A Great Awakening”—to uncover the forgotten story of the First Great Awakening and its lasting impact on our nation.
Joshua Enck (director, Sight & Sound) and Jonathan Blair (who portrays Whitefield) bring history to life, sharing how Whitefield’s radical preaching and partnership with Benjamin Franklin helped ignite a revival that transformed colonial America. Through powerful anecdotes, biblical insight, and a genuine passion for storytelling, the conversation explores not just Whitefield’s supernatural voice and courage, but also the authentic warmth and compassion that drove him to reach every corner of society.
Listen for two unforgettable moments: Jonathan describes the challenge—and surrender—in embodying Whitefield’s larger-than-life spirit, revealing how “getting out of the way” allowed something greater to shine through 06:09. And don’t miss the compelling analysis of Whitefield’s relationship with Franklin—a unique friendship that shaped both men and the birth of America 22:50.
This episode invites listeners into the heart of revival: how ordinary, flawed people can spark extraordinary change. If you’re hungry for authentic stories of hope, faith, and renewal, tune in as Greg and guests reflect on what America needs now—another spiritual awakening.
Subscribe for more inspiring conversations that illuminate faith, history, and the power of storytelling!
Want more from Greg Laurie? Visit:
Find Pastor Greg on social media:
https://www.instagram.com/greglaurie/
https://www.facebook.com/harvest.greglaurie
Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.
--------
CHAPTERS:
CHAPTERS:
00:00 Gen Z’s Search for Authentic Faith
00:47 The Forgotten George: Spotlight on Whitfield
02:12 Thirty Years That Sparked a Revolution
03:27 Bringing Whitfield to Life On Screen
05:00 God Uses Unlikely, Flawed People
06:09 Whitfield’s Unstoppable Preaching Power
07:19 Becoming an Evangelist: Preaching for a Decision
10:27 Gospel Is Dunamis—The Power of Dynamite
11:37 Whitfield’s Compassion for All People
12:28 Franklin and Whitfield: Revolutionary Collaboration
16:01 Self-Governance Born from Revival
17:42 Franklin, the Reluctant Preacher’s Son
22:08 Why This Film Matters for America Today
23:12 Philly Rebuilt: Filming Market Street’s Awakening
25:40 Hollywood’s Alternate Universe and Film’s Influence
28:09 Every Christian Is a Candle—Personal Impact
30:06 Truth, Conviction, and Flawed Heroes
32:24 God Uses Crooked Sticks: Flaws in Scripture
36:13 America’s Revival Roots & Need for Awakening
37:20 Living Through Revival: The Jesus Movement
38:32 Can This Film Ignite Another Awakening?
39:29 Films That Changed Our Lives
44:05 The Power of Storytelling in Gospel Film
46:01 A Call to Unashamed, Bold Christian Art
47:52 God Ideas, Not Good Ideas
48:27 Closing Blessing: Fame of Revival Spreads the Flame
