The Passion Movement, according to the Passion website, began in 1995 and worked to inspire young adults, particularly college students, to answer the call that Jesus placed on their lives, both in their hometowns and college campuses.
Passion’s first conference was in Austin, Texas in 1997. It now hosts sixty thousand students in attendance in the Mercedes Benz stadium in Atlanta, Georgia where the falcons play.
Due to scheduling conflicts this year with another event occurring in the stadium, the conference was forced to take place in a smaller arena, opening the door to two three-day sessions.
The Passion Conference team had a seven-day experience, with Passion City Church’s Sunday service taking place in the arena.
The students had a three-day-long, powerful time with fellow believers near their age. Both sets of days offered different speakers that all showcased the same theme.
Christians believe that to grow in faith, they must surrender everything to the Lord.
This movement works to encourage students to not only be bold in their faith, but also that being young is what makes college students useful to God. Being young is not a hindrance, but in fact a tool that can be used to spread the gospel, which is the goal of the Passion Movement.
Talking to a “door holder” (the name of the volunteers) revealed that the conference is also just as powerful for those who are past the age range required for attendance.
Cynthia Marquez from Dallas, Texas talked about how she was a door holder because she wanted her daughter to experience this movement, but also just because she wanted to serve.
“It’s been a really wonderful experience connecting with brothers and sisters from all over the United States… It’s been a blessing,” says Marquez.
As a door holder, Marquez was able to see the atmosphere that Passion creates for young adults and volunteers alike.
“I think it’s a great way for students to sit in the presence of the Lord, allow Him to draw close in some very intimate moments so that they can hear the voice of God and deal with some of the sins or issues that they have been holding on to. I also think it is the place where God will make some very specific calls on their hearts.”
Marin Young talked about her experiences at Passion as a returner to the event.
“I love starting my year off with Jesus and I love getting filled up for the rest of the year and starting off strong in my faith,” says Young.
Young, as well as many others in attendance, said she could feel the presence of the Holy Spirit in the room, especially during worship.
“I love hearing everyone’s voices together and… it’s just a little piece of heaven,” stated Young.
The Passion Movement is making waves across the nation, with so many students and volunteers alike getting to experience the power of Jesus Christ.
