The Mentality of A CROWD vs. The Spirit of THE CHURCH

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.

Hillsong Conference has always been and continues to be about the local church. The hours of preparation that go into this conference are always upheld by a love for the diversity of churches all across the globe and a mentality of serving, loving and championing our differences while unifying under a higher purpose - the cause of Christ on the Earth.

And after the last note has sounded, the last Acer Arena staff member has left and locked up and the last delegate flies home, it is what we take from this experience that will shape the decisions and ultimately the future, as we move into the rest of this year. If we focus on the lights, and the noise, the long toilet queues and the crowds, and we miss the heart behind all the great speakers, the incredible moments of worship and the heartfelt creative displays - then we will fail to unlock the potential and momentum that is on this conference to launch us into an incredible future.

Since Conference ended, I have been meditating on this thought: The mentality of a crowd is so different to the spirit of The Church. Through the years, Hillsong Conference and Churches across the globe have gathered ‘crowds’ of people through the diligence and hard work of many, but mainly through the favour and blessing of a gracious God.

If we work all year round simply to draw a ‘crowd’ to our church services or events, (and I’m not talking about a large group of people, because Thank God for the opportunity we get to share with many, many people each week) then we have missed the point. When the spirit of The Church leans towards the mentality of a crowd, then we begin to move backwards….

I’d love to expand on this thought a bit more in my next post. Until then, I pray that if you attended Hillsong Conference this year, you left with the spirit of The Church. A spirit that goes back to your local church and doesn’t criticize or downplay, but one that builds up and encourages. I pray that as we gather ‘crowds’ to our weekend services, our connect groups and at various events, we stop and look around, determining in our own lives to never take for granted the opportunities that are ahead of us to show the world a unified and united front. I pray that whether you are surrounded by multitudes, cramped into a city apartment or meeting secretly with one or two believers in a Christ-opposing nation – that the Spirit of God will touch you, and you will never be the same….

What are your thoughts? Do you think there is a difference between the mentality of a crowd and the Spirit of the Church? Do you ever struggle to differentiate between the two? Would love to hear what you think….

Love, Brian