Watch Sing Over Me

Sing Over Me is a captivating and emotional documentary that follows the personal and musical journey of Dennis Jernigan, a prominent worship leader, songwriter, and singer who struggled with same-sex attraction and his faith. The film, directed by Jacob Kindberg and released in 2014, offers a raw and intimate glimpse into Jernigan's life, beliefs, and struggles, as well as his artistry and message of hope and healing.

The documentary begins by introducing Jernigan, a father of nine and a Texas-based musician who has written and recorded over 2,000 songs, many of which have become staples in Christian circles. Jernigan shares how he grew up in a Christian home and was a musical prodigy from an early age, but also struggled with feelings of shame and confusion as he realized that he was attracted to men. He recounts how he tried to pray and fast these feelings away but found little relief, leading him to contemplate suicide at one point.

The film then delves into Jernigan's career as a worship leader and songwriter, showing him performing at churches, conferences, and concerts around the country, often accompanied by his sons and other musicians. We see Jernigan's passion for music, his talent, and his ability to connect with audiences, as well as his commitment to ministry and spreading a message of hope and healing through his lyrics. We also hear testimonials from fans and fellow artists who have been touched by Jernigan's songs and his openness about his struggles.

However, the documentary doesn't shy away from the difficult and painful aspects of Jernigan's life. We see him opening up about his past attractions and experiences, including an encounter with a man that he describes as a "rape." He talks about the guilt and shame he felt, as well as his fear of losing his family, career, and reputation if he were to come out as gay or act on his feelings. He also discusses the tension between his sexual identity and his faith, and how he reconciled the two through his belief in God's love and grace.

The film also explores the controversy and criticism that Jernigan has faced in the Christian community, especially from those who view homosexuality as a sin or a choice. We see clips of conservative leaders, such as James Dobson and Focus on the Family, denouncing Jernigan and his music, as well as protests at his concerts and boycotts of his recordings. Jernigan shares how hurtful and isolating these attacks can be, but also how he tries to respond with compassion and understanding, knowing that many people who condemn him do so out of fear or ignorance.

Throughout the documentary, we hear Jernigan's music, both in studio recordings and live performances, which range from uplifting praise songs to soulful ballads to vulnerable confessions. We see how his music touches people's hearts and souls, and how it reflects his own journey of healing, freedom, and faith. We also get glimpses of his family life, including his wife and children, who support and love him despite the challenges they face.

Overall, Sing Over Me is a powerful and inspiring film that showcases the human side of a controversial figure and sheds light on the complex issues of faith, sexuality, and creativity. It doesn't offer easy answers or solutions, but rather a portrait of a man who has struggled and triumphed in his own way, and who continues to share his story and his gifts with the world. The film is a testament to the power of music, the beauty of vulnerability, and the importance of empathy and understanding in a divided world.

Sing Over Me is a 2014 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 27 minutes. It has received mostly poor reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 4.9.