Generation 268 and the Passion Movement has impacted the world for Christ since the 90's. A religious movement began in Texas that introduced an alternative to traditional worship. The Praise & Worship movement began mostly as a movement among the teens and college age students wishing to worship and praise God in a new and unique format.
However, this new, less restrictive style of singing and worshipping became very popular throughout the country. People of all ages preferred this relaxed format over the traditional ways. Many churches, because of this movement, have moved to a more contemporary style of Sunday morning worship.
The Passion Movement
In 1997, one of the founding fathers of the Praise & Worship movement, Chris Tomlin, teamed up with a Louie Giglio, a pastor in Atlanta. Louie was beginning a ministry called the Passion Movement. It's also called the 268 Generation Movement based on Bibical scripture, Isaiah 26:8. Similar to Dawson Mcalister's efforts for teens. This was a way to evangelize to university students and young adults ages 18-25 years old.
Sixsteps Records
For those Praise & Worship music fans who can never seem to get enough, Louie Giglio also founded Sixsteps Records in 2000. Working in conjunction with the Passion Movement, the goal of Sixsteps Records is to produce music that draw people to Jesus.
Sixsteps Records is the recording company for Chris Tomlin, Matt Redman and The David Crowder Band. In 2009, two more names joined the Sixsteps label, Kristian Stanfill with his debut album Attention and Christy Nockels with her first solo album, Life Light Up. Christy and her husband, Nathan, were once the duo, Watermark (1997-2006). All are well known familiar voices in the Praise & Worship and Passion Movement.
Passion Conferences
The Passion Movement and the Praise and Worship movement has taken the country by storm. In the last 13 years, annual conference attendance has risen from a beginning crowd of 2000 to this year's count of over 20,000 university students from 40 countries. Louie Giglio expanded the ministry in 2007 by hosting regional conferences throughout the nation. In 2008, the Passion Movement went global. Conferences were held on six continents in seventeen cities worldwide.
The Georgia Dome Conference January 2-5
This year's Passion 2012 is completely sold out. Tonight, every seat in the Georgia Dome is filled with people of all ages and nationalities listening to God's Word, praising Him and worshiping through song. Participants this year include Christian speakers Louie Giglio, John Piper, Beth Moore, Francis Chan. Christian music was led by Praise & Worship leaders Chris Tomlin, The David Crowder Band, Lecrae, Matt Redman, and Hillsong.
Worldwide Change
The Passion Movement is more than just an annual conference. It's like a huge revival changing the cultures of the world. This generation, the 268 Generation and the artists of the Praise & Worship and Contemporary Christian Music movements are impacting their communities and their world for the glory of God.
The main message behind all the passion is clear. Emmanuel, God is with us. Do not lose hope. All is not lost. Turn to Jesus. Take a stand. Change the world. Next year, be in one of those seats. Wouldn't that be a great way to start the New Year? Look into it.
Amy Wingfield - Amy, a freelance writer since 1999, has combined her passion for writing and for Christian music.There's always a story behind the ...
