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The Jesus Movement may be a useful model for how we can approach today's hip-hop generation. The Christian coffeehouses of the '70s became modern-day Mars Hills where youth could experience a biblical message within their own cultural context. In the 21st century, ministries like Club X and Club Life may become the new venues where youth can hear and embrace the transforming message of the gospel.

"Our use of rap and hip-hop is just the milk of getting people to the meat of discipleship and biblical truth," says Club X's Robert Mallan.

Got milk?

William J. Brown is dean of the college of communication and Benson P. Fraser is a professor of communication at Regent University in Virginia Beach, Virginia.

Photography by Guy Gerard

Be sure to read Christianity Today's related story, "What Rap Does Right."

Visit Without Walls International Church's Web site, which lists more than 100 ministries besides Club X.

Metro Ministries sponsors a similar hip-hop night, as part of Club Life.

For a variety of perspectives on hip-hop visit the What Is Hip Hop Directory which has contributions by everyone from Grand Master Flash to Afrika Bambaataa.

Read more about Vanguard Ministries networking goals at their Web site.

Learn more about the projects and philosophy of Young's Youth Entertainment Studios.

Some other churches using hip-hop as part of their youth ministry are Word of Life in Honolulu, Phoenix First Assembly of God, and New Beginnings Christian Center in Portland.

Read more about hip-hop groups like Trinitee, Kirk Franklin, Gospel Gangstaz, GRITS, and T-Bone from CCM Magazine. CCM also features an article about Christian Hip Hop.

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January 8 2001, Vol. 45, No. 1