The Holy Spirit in Church: Hillsong London

[screamforme12]

Hillsong worship is great, though a lot of how the song dynamics are put accross is peformance rather than worshipping God, It's hard for a congregation to follow songs when there are loads of solos after each chorus, I love contempary worship, I think we have to be thoughtful about who we include and when and we need to strike a balance between heart for worship and ability, but Hillsong seems to be way to competitive, learning open chords by heart - solid!!

[TheBlessmedia]

i love Hillsong with all my heart,, but I see the amount of infulence they could have in having total change in all the churches across the UK, its hard for me to see them not take up the call....churches are meant to work together not against other.... imagine Hillsong strengthening or helping to build the smaller churches for Christ impact not a Hillsong impact... it must go beyond the sunday service guys... P.s dont follow Hillsong follow God....

[SpitfireOverThames]

Hmmm, from my understanding of their influence, their intention IS to strengthen the local church. My church, for example, has a youth group and vibrant worship service each Sunday. But on occasion, the youth go as a group to Hillsong. They go not because it's Hillsong, but because its an Event that is special & unique to most people, especially younger...with powerful worship, praise, and a good uplifting exhortation. So in that way, they do strengthen many churches.

[SpitfireOverThames]

@TheBlessmedia

I agree with you, however. Following the Lord is key and of primary importance.

I know in the National Day of Prayer which is celebrated yearly, it'd be nice to see Hillsong put its weight behind such a unifying, cross-Christiandom event. Sadly, there doesn't seem to be much from them on that front. On other unknown fronts, however, they may be doing other great things. I'm unsure.

Anyway, God bless you!

-Sean

[sidefall]

It looks more like a pop concert than a church to me! What do flashing lights and animated video projections have to do with worshipping God??

[SpitfireOverThames]

And many churches a person might visit would seem more like a funeral service than a place where God is found, where encounter is possible... Its not the exterior of lights, or even the style of music... Freedom in worship (in all its various forms & styles) is the most important part...when one's eyes are focused on the One...

[sidefall]

I agree completely that church services shouldn't be like a funeral, but neither should they be a stage show. You didn't answered my question, so let me try again: what do flashing lights and animated video projections have to do with worshipping God??

[SpitfireOverThames]

I don't think the flashing lights or lack of lights matters regarding worshiping God. True worship can take place in a vacuum, desert, or in a place such as Hillsong, London... It's a matter of the heart in connection with Him. Hillsong (as an example) may not be for all people, but it is for some...

What I've observed is that Hillsong deliberately sets out to be nonChurch-like in its approach to reach an irreligious, cynical, & jaded people (such as is found in UK/Europe).

[sidefall]

So if the technology doesn't matter, why spend huge amounts of money on it? A faith that finds it necessary to put on a spectacle to attract people is no faith at all. There's nothing that will make people more jaded and cynical about Christianity than the church adopting the methods of the entertainment industry. A show is artifical and false - when it's over, there's nothing left. Is that really what church should be?

[SpitfireOverThames]

Hello,

I think it might turn off some people, but not the ones that Hillsong, as an example, is aiming for. The numbers of young people at this church seem to indicate that it is working.

What other churches in the UK that have a different style from Hillsong are having the same success?

What about Hillsong Paris? Or Kiev? Or Edinburgh--places where the Church appears dead or anemic? But in those places, something good & godly is happening because of Hillsong, in my view.

-Go on to Part 2

[SpitfireOverThames]

"A show is artificial and false" &when over, "nothing [is] left" may be true for some people. That would be their opinion.

I took a new Chinese believer to Hillsong. His experience w/church life was dry&stale. While here, he experienced God unlike any time b4! I believe that was the Holy Spirit's work through Hillsong.

In my own life, as well, I'm challenged & encouraged. It's hardly empty, artificial, or false, imo. If anything, its more authentic, not playing religion.

-Go on to Pt3

[SpitfireOverThames]

As for the cost of a church operated in this fashion, you may be correct. I believe, however, that the leadership is capable of being good stewards of the money entrusted to them. They must answer to the Lord of the Church in the end.

A friend of mine also discussed with me about the difference between entertainment & edification.

Personally, I don't feel as though I am being entertained--its never came across to me that that's what I'm doing there. I'm involved in the worship.

[SpitfireOverThames]

Anyway, friend... I respect your opinion & conviction about this matter. -Sean

[SpitfireOverThames]

And why must the world get all the best venues, music, settings? Why must a service to God be drab, unexciting, mundane?

I'm sure that Hillsong isn't for every believer, nor is it without flaws. But when the King comes, do you think it will look like churches in the world that are dry, lifeless, stale with religiosity? I think the best light show the world has ever seen will come with the King, and it will be loud, and it will be piercing, and it will be unforgettable. Just my thoughts...

[206car]

@SpitfireOverThames

I am part of Hillsong. One reason that we use this equipment is because the Dominion Theatre is so big. The screen etc. helps people see and participate. The cost of the equipment is not a problem to me because we give so much to so many other causes. We do not neglect everything by spending money on these.

[SpitfireOverThames]

Thanks for your input and thoughts, especially since you're a part of that team/ministry. Thanks again! -Sean

[phatzky]

Nothing... But is there anything wrong using them?

[dogmunar]

i used to go there,, now i live in miami and i really miss sundays at hillsong.

[SpitfireOverThames]

Are you in a strong church now? :) Hope so, bro! Let me know how things are going!

[silverwolfalpha]

lol this was in surrey wasn't it?? we did love the london one though. They are both absolutely brill

[SpitfireOverThames]

This was Hillsong in Central London at the Dominion Theatre. :) Glad you liked it!