john orndorff

How Have the Mighty Fallen is a warning of how even with the best intentions, compromise leads to destruction. Curt Goodman is a promising young minister in Philadelphia, who, along with his senior pastor, John Lane, have an active street ministry in the inner city. Curt is committed to the people he is serving and is increasingly frustrated over the prevalence of drugs and violence among the young people of the community.

When, John Lane is killed from a drive by shooting, Curt, out of frustration enters the Drug Enforcement Administration. Law enforcement opens a whole new world for Curt in which he does his best to fit in and still retain his Christian commitment. However, from the beginning peer pressure and the temptations associated with the law enforcement life style cause conflicts in his life.

Curt’s first assignment is in Denver, Colorado where he quickly distinguishes himself as one of the office’s top agents. As he works undercover he quickly befriends one of the top drug dealers in the country, Michael Escalante. Though Curt endures intense temptation, particularly Escalante’s sister, Maria, he is able to bring his operation to a successful conclusion but almost at the cost of his life.

During his remaining time in Denver, Curt continues to distinguish himself through many successful drug operations. At the same time he remains involved in the local church and witnesses to several of his co-workers.

From Denver, Curt and his family move to Nashville, TN. The Nashville office has a severe morale problem and is not productive in drug enforcement. Curt works with the office supervisor to improve morale and productivity. In the process, Curt uncovers significant drug activity in the country music community, which centers on one of the top country stars, George Jenkins. In the course of his undercover work, Curt befriends Jenkins and is able to set up a sting operation to bring down the whole drug network. However, before he can complete this operation, Jenkins reintroduces him to Michael Escalante who is still in the Denver area.

Curt has to return to Denver and resume his undercover relations with Escalante, who believed Curt saved his life. In the process of his assignment, while Curt could withstand the temptation of money, he was increasingly drawn to Escalante’s sister, Maria. Curt begins to lose himself in another world and neglects to inform his handling agent, Mike George about his activities.

Mike, who is also his best friend, realizes Curt is not himself, and goes to a clandestine meeting to confront Curt. By mistake Curt shoots Mike at the meeting. Curt is then arrested and interrogated by his former colleagues and friends. Is there redemption for a once great agent who has fallen so far?