Last week Urban Jerusalem, the church I am a part of, hosted its first ever national Hip Hop conference. The mission of the conference was "To Educate, Encourage and Empower church leaders, social workers, youth workers, musical artists, and others to successfully engage Hip Hop Culture" focusing on Ephesian 4:12 where is says "So Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers, to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up."
We had worship services, concerts, workshops, and networking hours with a variety of Hip Hop artists performing and teaching as well as people on the front lines of ministries teaching workshops and speaking at our general assemblies. There was an incredible line up of speakers, including Pastor Phil Jackson, Pastor Elwood Jones, Urban D, Stacey Jones, and Efrem Smith. Our two featured guest artists were Mahogany Jones and Kaboose-who are so talented and humble.
I was never introduced to Hip Hop until about 3 years ago when I started going to Urban Jerusalem, and since then I have been learning about this culture that I never really knew existed. I have some great teachers, as well as read a few interesting books. In a nut shell Hip Hop began in the 70's in New York City really as a way for young people to creatively deal with the oppression and injustices going on post-civil rights movement. Starting out as block parties, it gradually made its way to radio and with the advancement of technology the rest is history. The interesting thing to me is that Hip Hop is really its own subculture and has a rich history in the fabric of America, however the mainstream forms of Hip Hop that we see in the media give us a very poor representation of a culture that actually has very positive and healing roots. That being said, I have learned to appreciate the culture as well as worship through the elements of Hip Hop and therefore understand the importance of this conference.
We were very proud of how the first conference went; we had just under a hundred people registered and saw a variety of people come in and out for the free concerts. Our speakers were from all over the US and we hope to reach even further out in registrants next year as this was the only conference of its kind besides Flavorfest in Florida. The conference not only did its job in educating and equipping leaders in ministries and the church, but provided a very unique place for artists to connect and find support with each other. So often people who minister, especially not in the mainstream ways, get burnt out because they have no support. Urban Jerusalem really seeks to provide that support and I think greatly accomplished the goal through this conference. It also provided a platform for young and new artists to showcase their skills and get good feedback.
Now me, not being a Hip Hop artist (obviously), have a unique perspective being sort of an inside/outsider. It was really wonderful for me to see the fruit of the labor as I watched people interact, learn, and engage with each other. I can't even begin to start talking about the speakers and the worship sessions, they were incredible. (And relevant to anyone who is seeking the Kingdom of God, not just Hip Hoppers!) Here is the most humbling part of the thing, and what God is working on me a lot for: Stacey Jones, the pastor of Urban Jerusalem, had a vision for the whole thing and Tryenyse, his wife, encouraged him not to sit on what God had told him to do. He wrote down the vision this past January, and 3 short months later it happened. I will admit I was so sceptical when Stacey first shared with me this vision. I thought to myself there is no way a conference of this capacity can possibly happen in 3 months. My practical mind thought of all the ins and outs, and I especially doubted the financial aspect of it all.
Stacey doesn't work that way-he really moves in faith, trusting that God doesn't operate in our practical minds but beyond them. He was obedient to what God told Him to do and stepped forward not letting the seemingly large obstacles hold back what God wanted him to do. It is a testimony to me of the radical trust God calls us to. He gives all sorts of dreams and visions to advance His Kingdom and manifest His Love in this world, but how often do we let fear get in the way? Practicalities? Finances? Others opinions? Isn't God so much bigger than all of that?? Yes we should be wise, yes we should be diserning and seek council with others, but part of the faith we profess is not just believing in God but acting as God calls us to. That is not just living a life set apart, but living a missional life in this world listening to the voice of God as He leads us. The visions He gives us may not make any sense at all! I cannot let that get in the way, and this conference was a beautiful testimony of moving in faith and letting God work out the details.
The other things is this: This conference is to reach a hip hop culture, a culture that is often rejected from the church. But the message is the same for all. We need to equip one another within the church to go out of the church to serve, love, and invite all into the love that Christ offers. But as Stacey teaches, we must be radical, relevant, and relational. If your passion is Hip Hop, great, but if it is not, pick something! Learn about the culture, be a part of it, engage, grow, relate. Let the love of Christ flow through you as your throw off the lense you grew up with and put on the broad lense of the inclusive Kingdom of God that is offered to all nations, tribes, and people groups.
