by Phil Jackson
First published 2005
Hip-hop culture dominates urban youth through music, fashion, and expression. This generation understands pain and struggle but needs hope. Pastors Efrem Smith and Phil Jackson argue that churches must embrace rap culture to reach young people with the gospel message. They present practical strategies from their urban congregations and other hip-hop churches. Their approach incorporates rap music, break dancing, poetry, and DJ techniques into worship services and preaching. The authors contend that ignoring hip-hop culture only widens the gap between churches and youth. They demonstrate how congregations can authentically speak the cultural language of young people while delivering Christian truth and hope to those who need healing.
Genres: christian, african-american, contemporary, religion, non-fiction, hip-hop
Vibes: inspirational, intimate, thought-provoking
Tropes: cultural-integration, reaching-the-youth
Setting: Urban
227 pages · Paperback · IVP