Kanye West has just agreed to headline a Christian youth conference next month in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee. West will replace the original headliner John Crist, who was “removed due to a moral failure” back in November.
“The Strength to Stand Bible Conference” leader Scott Dawson told Fox News he was floored when he got a call from the “Jesus Walks” rapper.
“I realized that, although this is a worldwide megastar, he was a brother in Christ,” Dawson shared in a YouTube video. “He told me his testimony. He told me his struggles, what he was still going through. He said he’s been delivered, but he’s on a growth journey with Jesus.”
West reportedly told the pastor, “After prayer and deliberation, I want you to know that I’m not considering it: I’m coming.”
Shortly after the news went public, hundreds of churches were clamoring for tickets, and the event quickly sold out.
The event, which is aimed at students from sixth grade to college, is described as a “well-balanced, intense conference that will challenge your students to go beyond the surface of casual Christianity and bring them into a lifetime commitment to Jesus Christ.”
Pastor Dawson wrote on Twitter, “Thankful for Kanye being sensitive to the Spirit and lending his voice to Strength to Stand.”
He added, “I cannot connect you to Kanye … only Jesus!”