Church

Dear Friends,

Today, Sunday 24th October 2010, it is being announced at Church Unlimited on the NSW Central Coast and simultaneously at Hillsong Church, that Mark and Darlene Zschech were invited and have accepted the role as Senior Pastors of Church Unlimited, commencing 23rd January, 2011.

To read part one 'The Mentality of THE CROWD vs The Spirit of THE CHURCH' click here.

Moving forward from my last post, many of you know that on top of being a church leader, I am also a sports lover. What I’ve learned in my years of watching and attending countless sporting events is that the mentality of a crowd can be fickle - but the ‘crowd’ that gathers on a Sunday in church, or at a week-long conference, or in a crowded city connect group with the ‘Spirit of the Church’ has great purpose!

Hillsong Conference 2010 was just over one month ago, we have moved well into the second half of this year and I am filled with anticipation, expectation and belief that God is going to do something fresh and new in all of our lives.

Each year, our guests travel from all over the world and our selfless armies of volunteers welcome and serve thousands of people, as we once again gather to be equipped and refreshed together and move into this new decade worshipping our worthy King.

Look up "evoke" in the dictionary and it says "To bring or recall to the conscious mind". Search for “evoke” in the bible and you find (in Ephesians 5, Message) the most magnificent of statements ... "Christ's love makes the church whole. His words evoke her beauty. Everything He does and says is designed to bring the best out of her".

These verses also speak of The Church, in context of a beautiful bride being prepared to one day stand alongside her Saviour King. Heaven delights in this analogy and people who have felt and experienced the warmth of this reality delight also. But let's never forget that those who (sadly) position themselves as "enemies" of this same Saviour, will also position themselves as enemies of His bride. They will never delight or be enthused about her ... To them she is an equal threat, no matter how kind and gracious she (continually) shows herself to be.

It has been a long time since my last blog, but I wanted to catch you up with progress on our plans in New York. Back in February, on Vision Sunday, I was so pleased to announce to our whole church, the concept of Hillsong New York City. This is very much an unfolding story, but one that I believe with all my heart that God is calling us to. The 'when', 'where' and 'how' is still a work in progress, but without a doubt I can say with confidence that we have a heart and a vision for this incredible city.

Once again the sun is shining, the line-ups at the seafood market are HUGE and the beaches are bustling with 'Santa's' wearing surf shorts and sunscreen.  Yes, Christmas has come to Australia and we are looking forward to the fun, family, and rest that is a part of this sacred holiday.

It's hard to imagine that in some parts of the world, while we are running around buying last minute gifts and food for the table, preparing for Christmas Eve services and Christmas Morning church - many are going without, many are hungry, alone or simply unaware of the significance of this season.

Well, our Hillsong UNITED team and I have just returned from a two week tour in South America - and once again I’ve been blown away by the presence of God and the hunger of His people! I am so grateful for the faithful churches and pastors; men, women and young people all across the Earth that continue to put in a tireless effort to strengthen and build the Body of Christ worldwide.

Dear Friends,

What exciting days we are living in!  Last night our church gathered at the Sydney Entertainment Centre to pray for our city and worship together. The night was an incredible testimony to the grace of God on a little church 'down under'.  The new songs rising from this House have breathed life into our church and we pray this project will do the same for you.

It’s less than TWO WEEKS now until the Acer Arena lights up, the first notes sound, and history unfolds at Hillsong Conference 2009…

I am passionate about Hillsong Conference, and to say that I am filled with expectation for what is ahead is an understatement. I have seen the way that dreams have been inspired, churches have been impacted, and lives have been indelibly transformed by an intense week of powerful teaching, collective worship and Holy Spirit interaction.

WOW… someone just sent me a link to the Sydney Morning Herald, online, and there’s Bobbie and I on the front page! I’m sure the photo of me is straight out of the 1980’s or at best, the mid 90’s and Bobbie looks like she is about to get hit by a truck!!

The headline is just that… a headline and it goes down the line of Hillsong ’selling itself’ and ‘franchising’.

Here’s what I find interesting, almost every Christian denomination I know levies their affiliated churches with ‘dues’ (a percentage of their offerings) but Hillsong charges NOTHING to those churches who are part of our greater family and carry the Hillsong name. We have only ever sought to resource them and help them.