Movie industry insiders are backing the relaunch of Bible Society’s Reel Issues resource – because it connects faith with film.

They say fresh meaning is brought to the movies through the free online discussion notes available from 3 March.

‘It gets people back in touch with the roots and fundamentals of what Bible teaching is all about,’ said actor David Suchet OBE – known for his portrayal of Belgian detective Hercule Poirot.

‘The Bible I've always said, sadly, is the biggest selling yet most under appreciated - and possibly one of the least read books cover to cover. Reel Issues will help take people back to their Bibles and ‘onto a completely new world,’ he said.

Hollywood screenwriter and BAFTA-nominated director of Exam, Stuart Hazeldine has also endorsed Reel Issues as a way for people to engage with culture.

'The Church has a long history of being hostile to culture,' he added, 'but thankfully, through initiatives like this, that’s changing now.’

Reel Issues is ideal for church outreach, home groups or to enhance a sermon. It helps users discuss links between big-screen themes, everyday life and the Bible in a relaxed setting.

Nev Pierce, Editor-at-large of Empire, the world’s most read movie magazine, believes it’s important to help people engage with film properly.

‘They put their brains into gear,’ he said. ‘It's very smart, drawing out themes and ideas from films - making you think intelligently about what you're consuming as entertainment.’

Reel Issues comes in three formats – Reel Issues Epic for small groups, Reel Issues Clip for quick and friendly chats and Reel Issues Scene, created in partnership with national youth organisation Urban Saints, for youth groups.

The resources can be downloaded from www.reelissues.org.uk