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

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