UniteBoston is thrilled to announce the launch of the United Gospel Experience Tour, a groundbreaking project that builds on the success of our previous partnerships with Dr. Craig Ramsey and the God’s Chosen Gospel Choir from Gordon College. The United Gospel Experience Tour represents a bold step forward in UniteBoston’s mission to convene the Church to foster unity, spiritual growth, and collaborative mission. This tour takes it a step farther by integrating young adults in gospel choirs across New England.

A Vision for Unity and Worship

From fall 2024 to spring 2025, the United Gospel Experience Tour will bring together college students from various campuses for a transformative experience that blends worship, education, discipleship, and spiritual formation. A new united gospel choir has been created with students from four campuses that will travel to four key locations—Boston, North of Boston, Hartford, and Providence—offering an opportunity for students to worship together and share the Gospel through music.

Dr. Craig Ramsey, founder and advisor for God’s Chosen Gospel Choir, is spearheading this initiative. In 2022, God’s Chosen Gospel Choir was invited to support in UniteBoston’s  “Together Again” concert, backing up local artists. Craig saw this as an opportunity to expose students to what Christian faith in the city looks like. The following year, they were invited back again with the “Again I Say Rejoice” concert, not only to support but also to lead in worship.

After last year’s concert, Dr. Ramsey spoke with Rev. Kelly about a vision he had to unite the various gospel choirs in the region for a tour, including Gordon College, UMass Lowell, Trinity College, University of Hartford, and University of Providence. UniteBoston’s leadership felt led to get behind Dr. Ramsey’s vision and applied for a grant through the Boston Baptist Social Union for the equipment, transportation, supplies and hospitality funds to make this tour possible. Rev. Kelly shares, “UniteBoston has hosted a number of public worship concerts over the years, and we look forward to taking this to a new level by partnering with Dr. Craig Ramsey to offer four concerts which will empower and engage the next generation in their devotion to Jesus Christ.” 

The Power of Gospel Music

Gospel music has a rich history and a unique power to bring people together. It is more than just a genre of music; it is a form of worship that has been a source of strength, hope, and liberation for countless individuals throughout history. For Dr. Ramsey, it’s not just about singing music; being part of this initiative is an opportunity to educate students on the cultural and spiritual significance of gospel music. 

Graduating with his Doctorate in Education in Leadership and Administration from Liberty University in 2023, by day, Dr. Craig is an educator. He is now serving in the Boston Public School as an elementary music teacher where he educates pre-kindergarten through sixth grade. During rehearsals and performances, students will have the opportunity to learn about the historical roots of gospel music and its role in the African American church and beyond. 

Dr. Ramsey will also facilitate discussions on the importance of gospel music in today’s worship settings, challenging the notion that gospel is simply “the other form of worship.” Instead, students will come to understand gospel music as a vital and liberating expression of faith that continues to resonate in a world in need of the healing and redemption accomplished through Jesus Christ.

Building Cross-Cultural Friendships, Discipleship, and Leadership Skills

Another one of the unique aspects of the united gospel experience tour is its emphasis on cross-cultural engagement. The choir will encompass students from a variety of ethnic and denominational backgrounds, offering them a chance to build friendships across cultural divides. This diversity will not only enhance the choir’s performances but also provide students with invaluable experiences in navigating and celebrating cultural differences.

Attendees at the “Together Again” Concert

The tour focus will be grounded in the theme “Be The One: All In,” where Jesus tells his followers to “Love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, all your mind, and all your strength” (Mt 22:34-40). For Dr. Ramsey, this tour will be centered on the understanding that we “need to give Jesus ‘all’ as we understand the nature of His ‘all.’ The question we will all examine is, ‘Are you affiliated, or are you committed?’”

Through their participation in the tour, students will also develop leadership skills that will prepare them for life beyond college. Dr. Ramsey and other choir advisors will mentor students in leading worship, facilitating prayer and devotion, and engaging in meaningful discipleship. These skills are not just important for those involved in ministry; they are essential for anyone seeking to make a positive impact in a diverse and interconnected world.

A Movement That Transcends College

While this gospel experience tour is a new initiative, it is our hope that it will spark a movement of college students and alumni uniting around the worship of Jesus Christ and the sharing of the Gospel through music.  While the size of the individual campus gospel choirs may be small, there is something about being part of a large choir that is incredibly attractive and invigorating. Dyna Louis from New Purpose Gospel Choir at UMass Lowell shares that, “It’s awesome to be able to say your choir is going on tour! It’s exciting to get to meet new people and know you’re a part of something bigger. The tour increases our campus visibility and is a great way to get students to join the campus choir and non members to attend our concert.” 

The choir will not only strengthen the individual campus gospel choirs that participate, but it will also create a sense of belonging and community that transcends the college experience through incorporating others in the community in a community choir. 

Alumni of participating choirs will be invited to return in future years, with the understanding that “there’s always a place for you here.” This ongoing connection will help ease the sometimes challenging transition from college to adulthood, providing a space where former students can continue to grow in their faith and relationships. The United Gospel Experience tour will create a platform where students can grow in their faith, build lasting relationships, and develop leadership skills that will serve them well beyond their college years.

Dr. Ramsey with some of the students in the “God’s Chosen” choir

Join Us on This Journey

As we prepare for the launch of the United Gospel Experience Tour this fall, we invite you and your church to join us in supporting this exciting new venture. Whether you are a student interested in participating, a church or community member eager to attend one of our concerts, or a supporter who wants to contribute to our mission, there are many ways to get involved.

UGET represents more than just a series of concerts; it is an opportunity to experience the unity and diversity within the body of Christ in a profound and life-changing way. We believe that through this initiative, students will not only encounter the transformative power of worship but will also be equipped to carry the message of the Gospel into their communities and the world. Anthony Williams from Trinity College Gospel Choir describes, “The Bible states that, ‘Where two or three are gathered together in Jesus name, I am there in the midst of them. I am excited to see what miracles God will do when not only two but 300+ people are together, with like minds and hearts ready to worship Jesus Christ.”

Stay tuned for more updates on the United Gospel Experience Tour through UniteBoston’s weekly e-newsletter and social media, and join us as we embark on this journey of faith, music, and unity. Together, let’s make this a year of powerful worship and lasting impact, to the glory of God and the good of the city!