This weekend is the debut of a new movie filled with action, mystery and a force threatening to end mankind.

But movie buffs aren't lining up outside the theater to see this latest release — they're going to church.

On Friday, the movie "Left Behind: World at War" will make its debut in more than 3,200 churches nationwide according to Cloud Ten Pictures, production company for the film.

The third film in the "Left Behind" series, the movies are based on the novel "Tribulation Force" by Tim LaHaye and Jerry Jenkins, which tells a story about a mysterious disappearance of hundreds of millions of people.

The third installment of the film series begins 1½ years after the disappearance.

Nicholae Carpathia, who the movie's synopsis describes as a self-proclaimed messiah, has assumed power over the world, preaching hope in a time of chaos.

Yet, a group of born-again Christians have formed a militia to fight against his rule.

In trying to find out the truth, U.S. president Gerald Fitzhugh seeks the help of international journalist and Christian Buck Williams and militia spies.

What they uncover is a plan for genocide, and the fight to stop Carpathia begins.

The movie's promotional Web site, www.leftbehind-worldatwar.com, features a video address to churches by actor Kirk Cameron, who plays Williams in the movie.

Encouraging churches to serve as sites for the debut, Cameron describes the film as "family-friendly."

"It has a very unique distribution strategy, designed to send a message to Hollywood about the kinds of movies we want to see," said Cameron.

After recently viewing the first two movies, Chad Dillen, a member of Faith Community Church in Freeport, thought the in-church movie release would be a good opportunity for outreach.

Church pastor the Rev. Chuck Edwards, who had also seen the movies, agreed.

"I said (to Dillen) 'Good, you're in charge.'"

Since then Dillen has been in charge of distributing information and fliers, taken from the "Left Behind" Web site.In order to serve as a viewing site, churches must pay a licensing fee based on the size of their audience.Each church then receives a promotional package and a DVD of the film, which they are permitted to show to the public any time Friday through Sunday and then keep for their own use.Following the weekend viewings, the DVD will be released for purchase on Tuesday.Though the Web site encourages churches to charge an admission fee, both to recuperate expenses and to raise funds for their own use, Faith Community Church will be showing the film free of charge at Laube Hall."That is what Faith Community Church is all about," said Dillen. "We are an outreaching church and we want to give things back to the community."

The church will provide an alternate film for young children during the viewing times.Understanding the audience may not have seen the first two films, Dillen noted that clips from the first two movies will be shown before the main feature begins."I do think (the film) will stand alone well enough that you don't have to have seen the first two," he added. "You won't know the character development over the first two, but I think you'll be able to pick it up."In addition to serving as an outreach program, Edwards hopes the premier will be the start of a new tradition."We have always wanted to have Faith Community Theater," he said.Despite the movie's Christian theme, Dillen hopes the movie will appeal to a broad audience."It is a moving film with a sound Christian message, but it is also an action-packed film that can appeal to all."