Born Identity Conference - "The Birth" Concert N' The Word Recap

2008-04-28

By Em Fergusson

"You'll never see God's way as better in the natural!" Gospel performer, singer, songwriter, keyboardist and choir director, Tye Tribbett brought the word to a large crowd of young people in Atlanta, following a dynamic concert. Despite the unusually cold and rainy night, the youth scrambled into New Mercies Christian Church, eager to participate in singing, worship and hearing God's word. The concert was part of the Born Identity Conference, sponsored in part by GospelCity.com.

The annual event is aimed at providing an avenue for young people to turn their hearts over to God during spring break. "The youth of today struggle daily with depression, anger loneliness, questions about their sexuality, self-esteem, and identity issues," says New Mercies Christian Church Youth Pastor, 23-year old author and church elder, Marquis Boone.

Tye Tribbett performing with Da'T.r.u.t.h.

The conference idea was developed by Boone to accomplish the goal of encouraging healthy families. The conference, which began three years ago, is a unique approach to bringing the youth together. "God told me," said Boone, "do a youth conversion during spring break…a lot of youth conferences take place during the summer. I mean, everybody has youth conferences in the summer. And so God said do it on spring break."
The concert began with up and coming gospel singer, Korey Bowie. The Milwaukee, Wisconsin native grew up playing drums, piano and bass guitar while singing and directing the choir. As Bowie led the youth in a worship service, it was evident that many of the young people already received what they came for: blessings from God.

Young people scramble into New Mercies for the concert...worship prior to concert opening

Following Bowie's worship service, performances included guest psalmist and Stellar-Award winning gospel performer Da'T.r.u.t.h. His performance included a fusion of spoken word with hip hop, proclaiming the importance of accepting Christ on a higher level. Before his moving piece ended, Tye Tribbett joined Da’ T.r.u.t.h on stage for a duo performance, encouraging the youth to get their minds on their true identity.

The theme of being born again was evident in the songs, the worship and the words of encouragement from the guest performers. When Tribbett stood before the audience to deliver his message that night, the atmosphere was ripe for change. Tribbett spoke about a way out of temptation, standing out and up for Christ and declaring the power each of us have [through Jesus Christ] to overcome any and all temptations. He proceeded to name various temptations young people face today, such as the pressure to conform, violence, homosexuality and sex. He used the example of a snake and that certain people behave as snakes do (no backbone, big mouth and no morals). The message was clear and encouraging: do what is right before the Lord and use your bible to help guide you through trying times.

Tye Tribbett preaching sermon after Born Identuiity Concert using two volunteers from the audience

"Don't let your feelings dictate your actions [because], the sin is not feelin’ it, the sin is fulfilling it! Paul said if you walk in the spirit you will not fulfill [the lusts of the flesh]."

Amidst his expressive delivery, Tribbett once more told the young people that giving their lives up to Christ is about truly living and not succumbing to the death messages promoted by television, Internet and secular music.

Feedback