And Summer Grove Baptist -- which built its sanctuary out of an old shopping mall -- doesn't always go by the book.

The church is thinking about selling part of its property to a new film institute and studio. They would exist side-by-side -- with the film studio making "family friendly" films with a Christian message.

The congregation votes on the idea next Sunday.

Summer Grove, which moved into the old South Park Mall three years ago, is considering a proposal by the Louisiana Film Institute and Fountain Bridge Studios to buy part of the mall. It's talking about paying the church approximately $2 million a year over 30 years.

The institute and studio would take the old Montgomery Ward store, two theaters and some current classrooms for its movie-making and teaching facility.

The institute would train aspiring film makers as well as produce "family friendly" films with a Christian message. It would also have living quarters and food service for film crews and students.

Heading up the institute is a former state representative from East Baton Rouge Parish, Gary Beard.

Church spokesman Patrick Dennis said Beard wants to use state tax credits to finance the purchase.

Dennis said the church would have a big say in what sort of films would be made there.

Because the institute and studio are new, Dennis admits they don't have much of a track record.

"Sometimes you have to take a leap of faith," he said. "How many track records are there out there of a church buying what was an old mall."