All Saints (2017) Plot Summary Explained

Michael decided to help the Karen refugees because he saw an opportunity to give the struggling church a new purpose. After being tasked with closing All Saints due to dwindling membership, Michael realized that by welcoming the Karen community and helping them establish a farm on the church's fertile land, he could create a sustainable future for both the congregation and the refugees. This aligned with his calling to serve others rather than simply close the church.

Foreshadowing: Earlier in the film, Michael expresses doubt about closing the church, hinting at his willingness to find an alternative solution.

• karen refugees
• burma
• refugees
• community
• church help

The farm transformed the church's fertile land into a thriving agricultural operation that provided food and income for both the All Saints congregation and the Karen community. This farming initiative revitalized the church's finances and gave the members a tangible reason to stay together, ultimately proving that the church could be self-sustaining rather than a burden to the diocese.

Foreshadowing: When the Karen refugees arrived, they were described as former farmers, setting up their ability to cultivate the land.

• farm
• farming
• church land
• revenue
• finances
• karen community

Michael faced an ethical dilemma between following the orders of his superiors to close the church and sell the property to developers, or defying those orders to pursue what he believed was his true calling, helping the Karen refugees and saving his congregation. Choosing to fight for the church meant risking his family's stability and his position within the church hierarchy.

Foreshadowing: Michael's struggle becomes apparent early on when he realizes the church's land is valuable to developers but also meaningful to the community.

• ethical dilemma
• church closure
• orders
• diocese
• developers

Michael defied his superiors because he felt a profound calling to provide hope and support to the Karen refugees and his existing congregation. Rather than simply following orders to close the church and sell the land, Michael chose to empower his congregation to fight for their shared vision of a church that serves its community. He believed the farm initiative represented the church's true purpose.

Foreshadowing: Michael's internal conflict is established when he first learns he must close the church, showing his hesitation from the beginning.

• bishop
• diocese
• church authority
• defying orders
• faith

The Karen are an ethnic group from Burma (Myanmar) who fled their home country due to persecution and violence. In the film, a group of Karen refugees arrive at All Saints seeking a fresh start in America. Former farmers from Burma, they bring agricultural skills that become crucial to the church's survival through the farming initiative.

Foreshadowing: The introduction of the Karen refugees is presented as a turning point that could either complicate or save the church's future.

• karen
• burma
• myanmar
• ethnic group
• refugees
• immigration

All Saints was being closed because it had a dwindling membership that could not support the church financially. The diocese assigned Michael the task of shutting down the small country church, and the property's valuable land made it attractive to developers who were waiting to purchase it.

Foreshadowing: Michael's first major challenge upon arriving at All Saints is addressing the empty pews and uncertain future of the congregation.

• church closure
• dwindling membership
• diocese
• developers
• property

In the end, All Saints church is saved and secures a thriving future. Michael's decision to defy his superiors and empower the congregation to work with the Karen refugees led to the farm's success. The church transforms into a community hub that supports both its original members and the new Karen community, creating a sustainable future through cooperation and faith.

Foreshadowing: The story builds toward this resolution as the congregation rallies together and the farm begins to flourish.

• church saved
• ending
• resolution
• future
• congregation

Michael Spurlock left his corporate sales position to pursue a life of faith, feeling called to serve in a more meaningful way. This decision set him on the path to All Saints, where he would face the ultimate test of his beliefs when asked to close the church he was meant to lead.

Foreshadowing: Michael's choice to leave corporate work establishes his character as someone who prioritizes faith over material success.

• john corbett
• michael spurlock
• corporate job
• faith
• calling

Developers were interested in the All Saints property because the church sat on valuable land. With the church struggling financially due to low attendance, the diocese saw an opportunity to sell the property to developers who wanted to capitalize on the land's value, which is why Michael was tasked with closing the church.

Foreshadowing: When Michael realizes he must sell the land, the pressure from developers becomes a central conflict.

• developers
• land sale
• property value
• diocese
• real estate