Fifty-five-thousand college-aged students gathered at Atlanta’s Mercedes-Benz Stadium last week for Passion 2024. Across three days (Jan. 3-5, 2024) and half a dozen sessions, 18-25 year olds from around the world came together for what has become one of the most treasured ways for young adults to kick off a new year.
Keeping to this year’s theme of “Call on Heaven,” Passion architects Louie and Shelley Giglio led the charge alongside Sadie Robertson Huff and her husband, Christian, who have become pivotal young leaders in the Passion movement in recent years. In addition to significant messages from both Louie and Sadie, the Passion 2024 speaker roster also included timely and powerful moments from Jonathan Pokluda, Ben Stuart, Levi Lusko, Earl McClellan and Christine Caine.
Since its genesis in 1997, however, Passion has always been more than just a teaching conference. It’s been a catalyst for change, and in 2024, thanks to the generosity of those in attendance, $2 million was raised to help fund Bible translation around the world. Perhaps most profoundly, from the beginning, Passion has also remained a forerunner in worship, allowing the power of music to speak as much as the theologians who grace the stage. This year’s gathering was no exception.
Passion Music — whose core team consists of Kristian Stanfill, Melodie Malone, Brett Younker and Chidima Ubah Craig — functioned as the in-house worship band bringing a healthy mix of originals and familiar anthems to the arena stage, including Passion Music’s latest single of resonance, “I’ve Witnessed It,” helmed by Malone, as well as favorites “My Everything” and “Glorious Day,” among others.
“It turns out the answer to every prayer we prayed and the realization of every dream we dreamed for Passion 2024 is a revelation of the holiness of God. His holiness was the wave we saw coming way off shore,” Stanfill reflects. “Every talk, every song, every moment was pointing us to His greatness, His majesty, His supremacy. Every piece beautifully and supernaturally woven together to tell a story of true Glory. We are not surprised, but we are in awe. It never gets old.”
Across the event’s jam-packed three days, members of Passion Music collaborated with many of the conference’s musical guests, including husband and wife tour de force Cody Carnes and Kari Jobe, who most notably led global prayer “The Blessing,” as well as Carnes’ most recent chart-topping hit, “Firm Foundation (He Won’t).”
RELATED CONTENT: Cody Carnes Builds His Life on the Rock of Christ in “Firm Foundation (He Won’t)”
“We saw the Lord, shining in all His brilliance,” Jobe asserts. “I’ll never be the same.”
Additionally, fan favorite and Passion staple Crowder contributed a high-octane set that showcased his brand new song, “Grave Robber.” Meanwhile, newcomer Sean Curran introduced his unique artistry to the room, and KB rapped his way into a special appearance.
Following a transformational message and altar call from Giglio, Brooke Ligertwood led the capacity crowd in a steady stream of well-known originals she’s helped bring to life, including crown jewels “King of Kings” and “What A Beautiful Name.” Capping her set, Carnes and Brandon Lake joined her for moving selection “Bless God,” a song the three lyricists penned together.
RELATED CONTENT: Brooke Ligertwood "Bless God" Exclusive Performance
“I will count it a great honor of my life to have been present in the room to bear witness and be led as [Passion] stewarded this moment…and let the Lord have every ounce of what was due Him. It’s the new floor. Lead on, brothers and sisters,” Ligertwood remarked on Instagram following the conclusion of the conference. “I will never get over the miracle of this. Thank you to every minister and door holder and leader and student bringing your thread to the tapestry.”
Lake, who grew up attending Passion Conference, returned for a late-night session where he reunited with his former tourmate and longtime friend Phil Wickham for an abridged version of the duo’s previous “Summer Worship Nights” setlist. Despite their 11 p.m. start time, the pair harnessed enough energy to “tear off the roof” of the domed building as they launched hit after hit — covering everything from Wickham’s “I Believe” to Lake’s “Gratitude.”
“Singing ‘I Believe’ with 55,000 friends at Passion Conference after Louie Giglio’s incredible message on the cross and Brooke Ligertwood leading us in such an anointed and holy way… All I wanted to do was stand up and boast in Jesus,” offered Wickham, after personally experiencing Passion for the first time this year. “I’ve got more to share on it all, but [I’m] heading home with such a full heart and clarified vision for the year ahead.”
For those unable to attend or those who simply want to relive the life-changing experience, all Passion 2024 sessions are available to stream online for a limited time with a quick sign-up at passion2024.com.
