Scott Free rapping in Haiti
his eyes. I asked him if he would like to pray, and the second I reached my hand out he fell backward under the power of God. After we finished praying, we went to his home, which looked unlivable— like a condemned building—but his fam- ily had nowhere else to go. We prayed over his home and encouraged him to step out in his new faith.
by JOSH RICE
The next week we went back to his home, and it looked like another building entirely—clean, neat, and orderly. After we arrived, he walked in the door behind us dressed in a shirt and tie, having got- ten a job the day after finding Christ!
ENGAGING A CULTURAL OPPORTUNITY
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IP-HOP is one of the most influential cultural move- ments in America during the past 30 years. Its various art forms, especially music, have now impacted every nation around the globe through its popularity among teenagers and young adults. Yet in some areas, the church has been slow to respond to this rising movement. As the hip-hop scene continues to spiral downward by promot- ing messages of violence, materialism, and unbridled sexuality, a new ministry in Atlanta, Georgia, has been formed to reclaim an art form for God’s glory. The Heart of Hip-Hop began in Atlanta in 2008 with a dream to reach hip-hop culture with the gospel of Jesus Christ. It has since expanded to make a difference in urban areas that are inundated with drugs, violence, and need. Scott Ballauf, also known as “Scott Free,” began this ministry by hosting urban Bible studies and setting up free concerts. Already the team is seeing an impact in the city of Atlanta. “Young people are realizing that they can receive a positive and uplifting mes- sage while still listening to the music they like,” Scott explains. “This realiza- tion is opening up the eyes of the church to the tremendous need in the urban and
26 EVANGEL • MAY 2010
hip-hop scene, which is why we formed The Heart of Hip-Hop in the first place.” The outreach continues to expand, taking the message of Christ through hip-hop to detention cen- ters, prisons, and urban centers. Scott now leads a traveling ministry team in presenting their own hip-hop brand of wor- ship service, called “City Takers.” In many cases, these outreaches include a benevolence component, providing not just music but clothing, food, and prayer to those living in troubled communities. As a result, the ministry is building an increas-
The next frontier for The Heart of Hip- Hop is international. Doors have opened to participate in music festivals in Haiti, Bolivia, Brazil, and Hungary. In each of these nations, the language of hip-hop is a powerful tool for preaching the gospel. Additionally, high-profile leaders such as Luis Palau and Bill Glass have utilized The Heart of Hip-Hop in conferences and out- reaches across the country.
“Hip-hop can be seen, heard, and felt everywhere you go,” Scott says. “From big cities to rural towns, it is shaping the val-
Ministering at Atlanta’s SafeHouse
ing profile in downtown Atlanta. Scott recounts ministering to a local drug dealer during an outreach event:
This guy was not doing well. He began to pour out his heart concerning how tough his life has been. He can’t find legitimate work in the middle of this recession, and with a baby at home, selling drugs is his only means of feed- ing his family. As I shared the message of God’s transforming love, tears filled
ues of a generation. There’s no excuse for the church to sit on the sidelines.” Just as the early church used every medium available to proclaim Christ to its world, the language of hip-hop pro- vides an amazing ministry opportunity. To find out more about this ministry, visit
www.heartofhiphop.com.
Josh Rice is pastor of student ministries for the Mount Paran Central Church of God in Atlanta.
The Heart ofHip-Hop
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