Bridging The Gap? Yes We Can

Conference review of the recent Bridging The Gap Gospel Hip Hop Conference as told by Minister George Salter

With the heavy emergence of hip-hop emcees on the holy scene, a "Gap" which once was very wide, has just become a bit smaller. Why you may ask? The answer is because Jesus was in da house.

On June 12th thru 14th 2003, "Bridging The Gap", the Bay Area's First Hip-Hop Gospel Conference of its kind was held at the Shiloh Christian Fellowship in Oakland, CA.

It was a blessing to participate and witness emcees, DJ's, clergy, media personalities, music industry representatives and the community at large come out and fellowship. The schedule of events varied from Panel Discussions, New Artist Showcases, Workshops, Networking Sessions, and climaxing with an awesome Concert Finale on Saturday night. And the purpose of the conference was clear and focused; "Bridging The Gap" - and where do we go from here?

Depending on whom you asked, everyone has their own way of expressing what the "Gap" means to them. Curtis Jermany, the founder of the conference and The Gospel Zone, says it like this, "there is a need to understand the "Gap" that is between hip-hop and Gospel Hip Hop. The Founder went on to state that both sides must unite using any and all tools the Lord has placed at our disposal as we strive to win the lost for Christ.

If you asked Rev. Derek Guyton, Pastor at First Missionary Baptist Church in Marin City, CA where Holy-Hip-Hop is given it's own time and space in a weekly Worship Service on Saturday nights, he would direct you to God's Word in Matthew 28: 19, 20: the Great Commission. Pastor Guyton states it should be a team approach with the emcees and the Church. This is a must if we are going to be faithful in fulfilling the Great Commission. In short, the emcees "Go" and the Church "Makes" disciples, which completes the Great Commission.

If you asked, Bishop Sam Williams and Brother Steve Harris, two pioneers and supporters of holy hip hop music, their response is that holy hip-hop needs its own time and place. They encourage the emcees and the Church to connect as one. The goal is to be ministry driven first in Jesus and the other things will be added.

One of the highlights of the conference was a two-day panel discussion on "Hip-Hop in the Church". Moderated by Bishop Sam Williams, with esteemed panelists Dr. Madelyn Peterson, Pastor Beverly Jones, David Gough, Rev. Derek Guyton and a host of Holy Hip-Hop heads. The panelists kept it real as they dealt with the complex issues surrounding the issue of Hip-Hop in the Church. As a result, a holy hip-hop statement created by C.O. of Idol King in 2002, brought to the table and reviewed. And what came came from that was heaven sent. The final result was a pledge made between the church leaders, music industry executives and supported by emcees: such as: Jahword, Idol Kings, Mark J, Truth, Tre-9, DJ Lady Grace, Enock, Modavador g, and Xross committed to "Bridging the Gap between the Traditional Church and Holy Hip-Hop Ministers of Music".

As far as the Artist Showcase are concern, they were Hot! And to capture the heat on the MIC, Spec Tac from SpecHouse Records, set up the "House II House" portable studio at the conference.
Man, cats were free stylin' about "Bridging The Gap". The beats were tight and the lyrics were on point. "Who was on it and what they said?" -You'll hear more about what went down for sure.

So, where do we go from here? Whether it's concerts, workshops, books, tapes, videos and CD's, "Bridging The Gap" will continue "Bridging the Gap between the Traditional Church and Holy Hip-Hop Ministers of Music".
How will this be accomplished? By keeping the focus on winning the lost for Christ.

To stay in touch with what's up, pick up the Urban Gospel Connection Magazine, the official magazine for the Urban Gospel Alliance (UGA) where our focus is to be a forum and platform for all facets of Urban Gospel Music, Contemporary Gospel, Holy Hip-Hop, Spiritual Jazz, Neo-Soul, Christian Comedy and Reggae.

If you would like to learn more about establishing a UGA Chapter in your city, please call (510) 472-0177.
In closing, I am reminded of the power of the Holy Spirit and how God, the Father, has the authority to give us this same power to reach our own Jerusalem, Judea and Samaria, to the end of the earth (Acts 1:8).
Peace & Blessings,
Modavador g
Written by Modavador g