By Michelle Boorstein
Acts of Faith
July 13 at 6:00 AM
PULSE founder Nick Hall addresses the crowd at the Together launch event held on the National Mall on July 12, 2015. Hall is the founder of Pulse, one of the largest student-led evangelism movements. (Pulse)
This week, thousands of evangelical Christians will gather near the Washington Monument for what organizers hope will be a historic religious revival the likes of which America hasn’t seen in decades. As a modern-day one, “Together” has heavy social media branding, major music from hip-hop to folktronica to hard rock, and popular evangelists who know to keep their messages Ted-talk short.
But what is the purpose of an evangelical revival in 2016?
The high-profile, celebrity-studded nature of the event Saturday called “Together” is prompting conversations about what, if anything, today’s evangelicals agree should be revived. This group of Americans that makes up 25 percent of the U.S. population is divided about everything from gay rights and the existence of hell to whether the criminal justice system treats blacks and whites equally.
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Will the thousands who congregate on the grassy Mall be content with listening to electronica and sharing their belief in Jesus?
[America’s current violence can be traced to Christians’ failures]
Together is the brainchild of Nick Hall, a 34-year-old evangelist who has been organizing worship rally-concerts since he was in college. In the three years it took to put the event together, he has juggled controversies including the involvement of Pope Francis (too ecumenical for some) the push among some for a clear statement of faith and the question of whether the target audience is Christians who need inspiration or non-believers who need Jesus.
Nick Hall, founder of Pulse, one of the largest student-led evangelism movements.
(Pulse)
PULSE founder Nick Hall addresses the crowd at the Together launch event held on the National Mall on July 12, 2015. Hall is the founder of Pulse, one of the largest student-led evangelism movements. (Pulse)
This week, thousands of evangelical Christians will gather near the Washington Monument for what organizers hope will be a historic religious revival the likes of which America hasn’t seen in decades. As a modern-day one, “Together” has heavy social media branding, major music from hip-hop to folktronica to hard rock, and popular evangelists who know to keep their messages Ted-talk short.
But what is the purpose of an evangelical revival in 2016?
The high-profile, celebrity-studded nature of the event Saturday called “Together” is prompting conversations about what, if anything, today’s evangelicals agree should be revived. This group of Americans that makes up 25 percent of the U.S. population is divided about everything from gay rights and the existence of hell to whether the criminal justice system treats blacks and whites equally.
Acts of Faith newsletter
Conversations about faith and values.
Sign up
Will the thousands who congregate on the grassy Mall be content with listening to electronica and sharing their belief in Jesus?
[America’s current violence can be traced to Christians’ failures]
Together is the brainchild of Nick Hall, a 34-year-old evangelist who has been organizing worship rally-concerts since he was in college. In the three years it took to put the event together, he has juggled controversies including the involvement of Pope Francis (too ecumenical for some) the push among some for a clear statement of faith and the question of whether the target audience is Christians who need inspiration or non-believers who need Jesus.
Nick Hall, founder of Pulse, one of the largest student-led evangelism movements.
(Pulse)
