By Andrew Greer
When Passion founder and sixstepsrecords head Louie Giglio began envisioning a gathering of college students in Austin, Texas, more than 13 years ago, little did the speaker/author know it would be such a success, convening more than 2,000 young adults in the name of the Gospel of Jesus Christ and inspiring a legacy of conferences, music and ministries. The event was "Birthed out of a desire to see spiritual awakening come to the 16 million college students in America," but Giglio had no preconceived notions that the solitary gathering would become a widespread worship legacy.
"Passion emerged in 1996 as my wife, Shelley, myself and a small team set out to call this collegiate generation to a purpose in life much bigger than themselves. That gathering in Austin launched a wave of renewal that has reached campuses and churches around the world."
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A worldwide impact indeed. Spawning a movement that now includes the perennial Passion mega-conference, Atlanta's Passion City Church, sixsteps records—a label with significant influence in today's modern worship scene—and Passion-oriented tours stateside and abroad, Giglio states, "We didn't set out to make a bunch of Passion worship albums or to produce live events. Our heart and focus is to see a spiritual movement in this generation of university students."
And though business is good, Giglio's musical roster often topping Christian music bestsellers lists, the pastor's original intent remains intact. "[Our aim] is to see the spiritual climate change on college campuses across America, and the world, as students awaken to live their lives to make Jesus famous."
sixsteps recording artist Christy Nockels seconds that notion. "What a joy to see that [Passion's] core has not wavered. It is still about the fame and renown of Jesus!" As a team member since day one, Nockels has witnessed the movement's evolution from a local outreach to an international ministry.
"Passion has changed the way I do life," the singer/songwriter says, confessing the call is not only for those in attendance, but for those leading as well. "Each gathering has helped to shape my heart as a writer, a worship leader, a wife and a mom. Because of the way Passion stays connected with what is going on in culture, my heart has broadened for the world, for music, for college students and most importantly the pursuit of the glory of God."
That pursuit, says Cheryl Bell, director of events for Passion Conferences, is not just event-oriented. "Passion is about leveraging your life for the name of Jesus Christ. It is about living with eternal perspective." Inspired by scripture, Passion staff is hoping to raise up a "268 generation," defined by the words of Isaiah 26:8: "Yes, Lord, walking in the way of your laws, we wait for you; your name and renown are the desire of our hearts."
"When someone who is at such a defining moment (as they are between 18-25) gets that everything in this life is for, about, in and through Jesus, then it alters the course of their life," Bell says. And rather than just hoping for a passing "mountaintop experience" again and again, Bell desires to inspire a true worship lifestyle, day in and day out. "Our heartbeat is about connecting students to a movement, rather than doing events."
Some onlookers may remain skeptical that bigger and better wasn't the mindset from the get-go, but Giglio confirms Passion was not a marketing plan. And considering the influence the annual conference and its offspring has had on not only music culture, but the church culture at large, it is safe to say there is a Greater Hand helping create the volumes of worship resources Passion produces each year.
Looking back, Giglio says from a pastoral heart, "We had no idea what was ahead, but were expectant along the way as we sought and followed what Christ had set before us."
For more info on Passion, visit 268generation.com.
