Dream In Soul – Creativity for the Kingdom:

In a previous post I mentioned the Don’t Waste Your Life Tour, hosted by Reach Records, and featuring Christian artists Lecrae, Tedashii, Trip Lee, Flame and Sho Baraka. On Saturday I got to attend the concert in Dallas, and was really blessed by the experience.

Below are some quick clips I took of the concert:

Before the concert began, there was a session in another room for youth leaders called “Don’t Waste Your Ministry”. Representatives from ReachLife Ministries made a presentation about the realities facing this generation, and about what youth leaders can do to make a difference. They told us about the Christ-centered resources they’ve developed aimed at helping leaders reach the young urban population. Being involved in youth ministry myself, the presentation really struck a chord in me, and it was so evident that Reach Records and ReachLife were about more than just albums and concerts – they are truly reaching out to touch and save lives. (I’ll be expanding more on the presentation and resources in a later post.)

Update: Check out this recent interview where Christian leader Dr. Russell Moore talks to Lecrae about “Hip-Hop in the Name of Christ” on The Albert Mohler Program. In the interview they talk about the possibilities of using hip hop to reach this generation – powerful stuff: Click Here to Listen to the Interview

After the youth leader session we returned to the auditorium where the concert was already alive and in progress. The room was packed with people of all ages, and the atmosphere was electric with dancing and arms raising everywhere. The artists took turns at the stage, coming together for certain songs, like “Joyful Noise.”

The parts that impacted me the most were when each of the artists stopped to speak candidly to the audience, about their lives and obstacles they’ve overcome. They were transparent, and emphasized the seriousness of dedicating your life to God – “Either you use it for His glory, or you waste it.” They spoke on the danger of exalting other things and people higher than God, and how even sometimes artists can be a distraction if raised on a pedestal:

“If you’re looking for a superstar, I ain’t the one you searching for, I came to bring some worship, bro, He’s perfect I’m just dirt below… If you looking for a superstar, Don’t look at me, you got me wrong, I been a sinner all along…Let’s look at Him and not the songs…” – Trip Lee, from the song “Superstar”

The best aspect of the night was the diversity and passion of the audience. Seeing people of every color and age – from the little kids and teens, to even the older people – dancing, jumping and praising together was truly beautiful. I had to smile to myself when I saw a middle-aged man, who didn’t look like he’d ever be listening to rap, bob his head and move to the music. To me that just shows that God can use what He wants to reach who He wants.

There are still some concert dates left, so you can check out the Reach Records website to see if they’ll be coming to your town. You won’t regret it!

More pictures from the concert below: