'Youth Explosion' Engages Hip-Hop Generation in Church through Culture
Sunday, Nov. 27, 2005
Posted: 1:35:55PM EST

NEW YORK – A youth ministry in Queens, known for its 700 regular attendees, kicked off its conference Friday night with a "Youth Explosion" concert. The subject of the three-day conference was how to use culture to impact an "unreached generation."

At Christ Tabernacle in Glendale, N.Y., a DJ spinning beats, two couches on the stage, and a line snaking out the door and down the block were typical sights for a Friday night. But this Friday was a special one. It was a concert, and adults were invited.

Close to 200 youth ministers and 800 kids came out for "Youth Explosion," Nov. 25-27. On the first night of the three-day conference, the crowd was treated to an earful of R&B, rap, and hip hop lyrics and grind. The music was accompanied by a message from youth pastor, Adam Durso, who told youth ministers to rely on the Holy Spirit, engage the youths, and use whatever means necessary.

"We need the baptism of the Spirit of the living God on these young people," said Durso, who also produced the conference and concert. The rest