Passion 2012

I attend several conferences each year, but there is something special about the Passion conferences taking place this week in Atlanta.

If you haven’t attended, here are some of the reasons this gathering is inspiring me and thousands of others to worship fully:

1. Centered on Christ.  Even Christian conferences can become more about the all-star pastors, speakers, and worship leaders than the God of the universe.  Refreshing, Passion is truly a conference about Christ’s renown and how great is our God.
2. Worship leads to action.  Passion connects worship through song to worship through tackling some of the most pressing  issues of justice and mercy. This year all participants are bringing socks and towels to donate to a local, Atlanta outreach.  At the same time, Passion is addressing modern-day slavery (from sex trafficking to bonded labor) and students will raise $1M for organizations fighting against slavery and bringing freedom to individuals trapped by it.  See http://268generation.com/passion2012/#!/do-something-now/.
3. Music.  Passion brings together some incredibly talented musicians like the David Crowder Band, Chris Tomlin, Lecrae and Shane & Shane and joins them with 22,000 “backup singers” at the Georgia Dome. It is music like I’ve never experienced anywhere else.
4. Louie and Shelley Giglio.  Despite meeting with thousands of people, Passion’s founders are never too busy to give you their full attention.  What is most impressive is not just what they do on stage, but how they are able to be fully engaged, fully present with you when you speak with them one on one.  I’m so grateful for their vision and example of servant leadership.
5. Students.  Targeted to 18-25 year olds—a demographic thought to be lukewarm in their faith—Passion shows how tomorrow’s leaders are deeply committed to living for Jesus.

This is just one of many stories of commitment, love, and worship that I personally witnessed from students at Passion.  Passion gives me a glimpse of how this upcoming generation is reflecting Christ’s heart to love the poor, share the Good News, and fight injustices in our world. I hope to see you there!