Local churches have bought out entire theaters so members can see the movie.

Evangelical Christians don't often see Hollywood as much of a friend. So at Cedar Park Assembly of God, they're thrilled to have Hollywood darling Mel Gibson give them a chance to spread their message.

It's almost the beginning of Lent, a Holy Season for Christians. A movie about the crucifixion of Jesus Christ couldn't be timelier.

Cedar Park is making the most of it. The church has bought out three entire showings of the movie.

"It's a great day really," says Senior Pastor Joe Fuiten. "It's an opening of the gospel story so that the whole world can understand it."

The movie's graphic violence earned it an "R" rating. Some Jewish groups fear there will be a backlash and joined in a town meeting two weeks ago.

"Our anxiety," says Rabbi David Elcott, "is that this movie becomes gospel and it isn't gospel -- it's just one man's telling."

But at Cedar Park, a Jewish Menorah and the Arc of the Covenant are prominently displayed, any thought of anti-Semitism is unacceptable. "It is anti-Christian to be anti-Semitic," says Pastor Fuiten, "it is not what the movie is about - at all!"

Instead, the Church hopes to use Gibson's Passion to bring others to a greater understanding of Christianity.

"I worry that people will be moved because it is a great human story, but not come to the second step which is understanding that it's a divine story," adds Pastor Fuiten.

Cedar Park wants members to not just see the movie, but to bring others; use it as a tool, a non-threatening way to invite friends and family to the church. "Our goal is perhaps this will just introduce them to Christ," says member Ron Johnson.

And Jack Jarrell believes the movie will be a great tool. "I think it's the strongest thing we've ever had in my lifetime to use as a tool, an evangelism tool other than our personal experience."

Several local churches, including Cedar Park, have set up special screenings of "The Passion" including an early showing Monday night. It will open to all audiences this Wednesday.