Behind the Scenes: A Glimpse of Heaven Concert

The “Glimpse of Heaven” concert, spearheaded by Dr. David Jeremiah’s Turning Point ministry, was conceived as a creative and high-caliber event centered around teaching on heaven, seeking to reach people for Jesus Christ in unique ways. Held at the spectacular Walt Disney Concert Hall in the heart of Los Angeles, this event successfully blended theological depth with musical excellence, providing a powerful reminder that this world is not our permanent home and that a promised eternal glory awaits believers.

1. The Vision: Creativity, Faith, and Evangelism

The original vision for the concert was to organize an event around Dr. Jeremiah’s teaching on heaven. Recognizing the countless biblical verses dedicated to worship and music in heaven, a concert format was a natural fit.

Pursuing the Gospel with Excellence

Turning Point aims to “do things for the gospel of Jesus that no one else would do”. The production standard for the concert was of the highest caliber across all genres and platforms, whether secular or Christian. This approach ensures the content can be used in thousands of ways to reach millions of people globally through outreach efforts.

The concert was a challenging and novel endeavor for the ministry, differing from their usual film- or television-focused projects involving scripting and actors. This was a live event featuring a full orchestra, choir, and soloists—a caliber of production that was “all new”.

Stepping Out in Faith

Executing a project of this magnitude required a significant step of faith. The initial obstacles included the high cost, the challenging location in Downtown LA, attracting the necessary audience, and securing suitable artists. Despite these challenges, the team committed, believing God wanted them to proceed and allowing Him to direct the work. The process involved openness to God’s direction, leading to additions like the “New Jerusalem song”.

2. The Music: Worship, Hope, and Reconciliation

The concert brought together a diverse group of talented artists, including Jordan Smith, Charles Billingsley, Tanda Green, and Jody McBreer. The music selection featured various genres, primarily utilizing songs about heaven that had already been recorded, eliminating the need to create brand-new material.

The Central Theme of Hope

The focus on heaven is particularly crucial in the current era, as the world “gets a little crazier”. The promise of heaven provides a hope that is desperately needed. This hope reminds Christians that they are merely learning lessons and growing closer to the Lord while here.

The concept of heaven, where all the things of politics and racial backgrounds fade away, emphasizes God’s true love and the welcome extended to all who believe.

Personal Comfort and Eternal Perspective

For many participants, the message was deeply personal:

• Loss of Loved Ones: The hope of heaven provides the “only exhale” we have when dealing with the permanent scar left by death and mourning. The promise that we will see our loved ones again is incredibly moving. One musician shared how the assurance of being reunited with his father, who died by suicide, made the event very special.
• No More Suffering: Heaven guarantees a future with no more death, no more mourning, no more pain, and no more tears. This assurance allows believers to encourage one another, knowing they will eventually see Jesus “face to face” and no longer deal with the “noise of this life”.
• Spiritual Purpose: The hope of heaven changes everything in daily life. It provides the essential eternal mindset required for navigating the present.

3. The Production: Seamless Execution and High Caliber

The logistics of the “Glimpse of Heaven” concert were complex, involving the coordination of numerous departments and people, including sound, lights, video, stage props, and set design.

Technical Excellence

The production involved managing a vast array of specialized equipment:

• Ribbon Microphones were used on brass instruments like trumpets and trombones.
• Condenser Microphones (electronically charged and extremely sensitive) were used on percussion, the Tony mic, and violins.

The final audio mix, which requires total control of every microphone, was scheduled to be completed after the live recording, providing a rough mix for video reference during the event.

Artistic Collaboration

The successful execution relied on the skilled Turning Point team working together seamlessly, with everyone rising to the challenge in their specific areas. The collaboration extended to the artists, with the back-of-house creative producer overseeing the entire “artist experience,” managing everything from backstage scheduling and dressing rooms to rehearsals.