Glen Ellyn church hosts hip-hop youth concert

First United Methodist Church of Glen Ellyn is set to welcome back rapper and songwriter Michael Lacoste, aka hip-hop artist Da MAC (Music About Christ), on Thursday, Dec. 5, for a gospel-inspired youth concert.

Hailing from St. Louis, Da MAC shares the gospel by writing and performing music, drawing from his early exposure to hip-hop and focusing on how music can be a powerful form of self-expression, especially in hard times.

Da MAC strives to promote diversity through his art. During his concerts, he engages the audience and relies strongly on crowd participation, appealing to everyone “to get pumped up for Christ.”

Justin Lowry, the church’s new youth pastor, organized Da MAC’s first concert last year in Glen Ellyn. Previously, Lowry interned at South Park Church in Park Ridge as a youth assistant under youth pastor Bob Anderson.

A St. Louis-area native himself, Justin has a passion for drawing teens into learning about the life of Christ. He first saw Da MAC perform four years ago.

“I was blown away by Da MAC’s talent and the passion in his lyrics,” Lowry said.

After that captivating performance, Lowry and Da MAC became close friends, with Lowry serving alongside Da MAC’s ministry at every opportunity.

“I really believe Da MAC is one of the most talented Christian artists out there at the moment. He’s just that good,” Lowry said. “At his concerts, I can see our youth not just hearing his music — they’re really listening to the message in his lyrics and are affected by it.”

Da MAC takes the stage from 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 5, at the First United Methodist Church of Glen Ellyn, 424 Forest Ave. Tickets are $5 and will be sold at the door. For information about the concert, email Lowry at lowry91@gmail.com.

For information about the church, visit www.gefumc.org.