​Faith, Music, and a Spirit of Community

This past weekend we attended the Lifelight Festival in Sioux Falls. There was music for every taste—country western, pop, rap, even a southern gospel song—carrying messages of hope, encouragement, and the love of God.

We know that Contemporary Christian music sparks strong opinions. Some wonder if festivals like this focus more on teens enjoying the music than embracing its message. Others worry the lyrics simplify the gospel. But at Lifelight, faith, hope, and community shone through—in the songs, the stories, and the people gathered together.

The crowd was strikingly diverse, with people of different skin colors, ages, and backgrounds. Attendees wore everything from cowboy hats to backwards caps. Tattoos and long, scraggly beards stood alongside clean-shaven faces and neatly dressed teenagers. Though different, everyone treated one another with respect and kindness, united in celebration of Christ and community. Most people wore Christian inspired t-shirts, and for an afternoon and evening, God was glorified in Nelson Park—through words of praise, testimonies of redemption, and thousands joining together in song.

Small acts revealed the heart of the community. Kids picked up trash that wasn’t theirs, strangers scooted over so someone else could share the shade or get a closer seat, and a father stood in the rain so his wife and daughter could stay dry. A youth leader gathered her charges under umbrellas as they rode out the brief rain shower. In a world that often feels selfish and divided, these small acts of love spoke as powerfully as the music.

And it wasn’t just the kindness—it was the atmosphere. A man sat with eyes closed, quietly crying as he listened to stories of redemption.  Near the stage, young and old alike sang lyrics they knew by heart—children on their parents’ shoulders, people of all ages jumping and clapping, others quietly joining in. A conga line formed, and friends and strangers alike encouraged one another to join in, creating a joyful, shared celebration of faith. Farther back, a woman swayed gently, eyes shut, softly joining in the chorus. Each expression of joy came from the same place: hearts stirred by faith and music.

The stage offered not just inspirational music, but stories of hope as well. A man who once battled addiction shared how his life was transformed after being invited to church. A young woman, whose first public performance was singing at her brother’s funeral when she was 17, shared her gift with thousands. Another woman bravely told of her experience being trafficked and her gratitude for the group that rescued and restored her. A band told of their bike ride the day before, marveling at God’s creation. Each story and song was different, yet together they told the story of God’s grace.
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As I walked away that night, I thought about how the kindness, joy, and generosity we witnessed at the festival can carry into our daily lives. As Matthew 5:16 reminds us, “Let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” The music may fade, but the acts of love, encouragement, and faith we saw can be reflected in our neighborhoods right here in Brookings, and in our workplaces, schools, churches and hearts every day.