Passion
Last night Passion rolled into Sydney after touring to 16 other cities across the globe, and about 8000 of us wandered up to the EntCent to see what it was all about.
I was impressed.
It had elements of ‘church’, in that we sang together, prayed together (in little groups of three), and heard the Bible taught, but then there were elements of a concert also (David Crowder and his band were phenomenal). This blend was really good (I’m pretty sure it’s intentional), and I don’t think either aspect took away from the other.
Louie Giglio is a powerful communicator (although again, some ‘cringe moments’ for me, but that’s just cultural), and he certainly inspired us Christians while he was busy preaching the gospel to everyone else. He spoke for just the right amount of time, and although he got emotional, it didn’t feel like he was trying to manipulate anyone. He just really cared. They took up an offering, but gave a clear explanation of where the money was going to, and the fact that they’d brought this amazing event (with over 40 personnel) across the world and didn’t charge any admission was a real positive in my mind.
There were moments when I cringed (yes Chris Tomlin, I’m talking to you), but it certainly wasn’t the sort of thing where I went away with a bad taste in my mouth. Instead, I went away feeling positive about certain things I’d had negative attitudes towards in the past, and excited for what God can do in the lives of people across the world. There seemed to be real unity in the room between all the different denominations and streams represented, and everyone seemed very positive. I’m sure some people can find things to whinge about and criticise, but to be honest I think they’d be stretching…
October 22nd, 2008 at 11:05 am
It seems as though some of the links aren’t working this morning, but hopefully they’ll be up again soon.
October 22nd, 2008 at 2:15 pm
Pete, that sounds like a great gathering, how bizarre that I hadn’t heard of it- man I must be out of the loop… glad you got to be part of it!
Do you wanna share anything more about what you are feeling more positive about, what you were encouraged by… or is that too deep for a blog!:)Perhaps the positiveness will be contagious. Oh you did mention unity, yep that is cool to see denomination come together isnt it, to see Jesus prayer for us being answered…
October 22nd, 2008 at 2:20 pm
special note to Fi that we actuall own one of the passion albums… “passion hymns” nice.
October 22nd, 2008 at 2:20 pm
And I second, would like to hear more Pete.
October 22nd, 2008 at 3:29 pm
Passion is a ministry based in America, aimed at college students. Guys like Matt Redman and Chris Tomlin are involved with them on a regular basis.
The ‘worship-tainment’ aspect can be strange, but these guys did it really well. Yes, it was a concert. But it was a concert that aimed to bring attention to Jesus. They stressed that throughout the evening. The quality of lights/sound/video etc was top notch for the most part, and it was accessible without being shallow.
They encouraged people to go back to their local churches and serve there, and to be Christians in their own context (uni/work etc). Their main point was basically that if we really take our relationship with Jesus seriously, then we won’t be able to help speaking about him.
Talk more tomorrow, I guess…