Milligan University welcomed Rev. Dr. Terrence Gadsden for this year’s Magness Lecture. Gadsden is a Milligan alumnus, campus pastor at North Park University and turntablist who aims to diversify the worship experience by incorporating hip-hop music.
Gadsden began Tuesday as the keynote speaker in chapel. He gave a lecture about hip-hop, explaining that it’s not only a style of music, but a subculture originating in 1970s New York that incorporates a DJ, an MC, breakdancing and graffiti.
“Jesus was the ultimate MC!” Gadsden said in his lecture. “Hip-hop culture is a God-inspired art form … that reflects the diversity of the kingdom of God.”
He compared hip-hop culture to the ministry of Jesus. He said it began among marginalized communities and in poverty, welcoming a diverse group of people to find poetry as an alternative to violence. Hip-hop incorporates attitudes of peace, unity and love, all of which he described as God-honoring.
Gadsden said that it is important to incorporate different music and cultures into worship because “God desires to redeem all cultures,” and “Jesus wants to make disciples of all nations.”
