Live worship and praise music are extremely popular with young Christians. Emerging from the Charismatic-Pentecostal movement, this form of music is now very well established in Catholic circles.
In Australia, its introduction into the Catholic Church has been through the new religious movements. There is no doubt that these new religious movements are revitalising the Church and hence its attraction to young people. But this form of live worship - praise singing - using modern sound equipment and instruments projects a strong sense of religious zeal and commitment, and not simply a desire to entertain.
A new CD produced by Emmanuel/Worship, titled Live Worship: Lifted, is just that, with the lyrics of its songs representing moving, inspirational forms of prayer. The CD is in the tradition of other successful Australian recordings produced by Hillsongs, in Sydney.
The music, produced and arranged by Patrick Keady and James Garrahy, was recorded in September 2001 at an Ignite conference in Brisbane. According to Emmanuel Worship Director, James Garrahy, his hope is that these new songs will touch people's hearts and encourage the Church community to "sing a New Song" that will remind people "that with God you can soar".
Garrahy uses a powerful image on the CD's cover showing a young child being lifted up by her father who is ready to catch her.
The CD should have a positive impact on young people and one hopes this will be the first of many such CDs from Emmanuel worship. Their style and approach to the New Evangelisation is refreshing and encouraging - surely a sign of hope in the Church today.
Monday, October 27, 2008
Joyce Meyer/Hillsong Conferences Are Sweeping the United States!!
For most Christians, Joyce Meyer is a household name. With broadcasts televised all over the world and tons of teaching material, which leaves no room for a Christian to misbehave, Joyce Meyer is one of the most popular Christian ministers of all time!
I recall watching Joyce Meyer, for the first time, in the mid to late '90s and, as with all new Christians, I was so excited about my new relationship with Jesus that it wasn't difficult to get up at 5:00 a.m. to hear some bible teaching to start the day off right. Of course, as the fire started to dim, I couldn't recall the last time I saw 5:00 a.m to see a minister on television. As a result, several years went by before I viewed another Joyce Meyer broadcast.
Ironically, when my season with Joyce ended, another one began with Hillsong Church. Hillsong is located in Sydney, Australia. With a church membership of approximately 30,000 members, they are probably best known for their worship pastor, Darlene Zschech. I became aware of their ministry in 1998 when I heard one of their songs on the radio. Since that time, I have been tremendously blessed by Hillsong. They have a worship concert every year, where they have a crowd of at least 10,000 people and, with every CD/DVD they release each year, it would increase my desire to go to Australia because it seemed like so much fun!Well, did I ever get to Hillsong Church in Australia to attend one of their worship concerts? "No." But guess what!?! I don't have to because, as the announcer said during one of Joyce Meyer's broadcasts, "Darlene Zschech, the band, and Pastor Brian Houston" teamed with Joyce Meyer a couple of years ago and started doing conferences together here in the United States! I don't know if Joyce Meyer or Hillsong knew what to expect but the conferences are absolutely spectacular and those who may not have known about Hillsong prior to the conference became new fans! I recall last year, while walking past the Hillsong resource table, where one lady purchased every Hillsong CD on the table! I kid you not! I thought to myself, "wow!"
I recall watching Joyce Meyer, for the first time, in the mid to late '90s and, as with all new Christians, I was so excited about my new relationship with Jesus that it wasn't difficult to get up at 5:00 a.m. to hear some bible teaching to start the day off right. Of course, as the fire started to dim, I couldn't recall the last time I saw 5:00 a.m to see a minister on television. As a result, several years went by before I viewed another Joyce Meyer broadcast.
Ironically, when my season with Joyce ended, another one began with Hillsong Church. Hillsong is located in Sydney, Australia. With a church membership of approximately 30,000 members, they are probably best known for their worship pastor, Darlene Zschech. I became aware of their ministry in 1998 when I heard one of their songs on the radio. Since that time, I have been tremendously blessed by Hillsong. They have a worship concert every year, where they have a crowd of at least 10,000 people and, with every CD/DVD they release each year, it would increase my desire to go to Australia because it seemed like so much fun!Well, did I ever get to Hillsong Church in Australia to attend one of their worship concerts? "No." But guess what!?! I don't have to because, as the announcer said during one of Joyce Meyer's broadcasts, "Darlene Zschech, the band, and Pastor Brian Houston" teamed with Joyce Meyer a couple of years ago and started doing conferences together here in the United States! I don't know if Joyce Meyer or Hillsong knew what to expect but the conferences are absolutely spectacular and those who may not have known about Hillsong prior to the conference became new fans! I recall last year, while walking past the Hillsong resource table, where one lady purchased every Hillsong CD on the table! I kid you not! I thought to myself, "wow!"
Sunday, October 26, 2008
Hillsong United Lyrics_Forever
Hillsong United Lyrics_Forever
I'll Worship at Your Throne
Whisper my own love song
With all my heart I'll sing
For You my Dad and King
I'll live for all my days
To Put a smile on Your face
And when we finally meet
It'll be for eternity
And Oh how wide You open up Your arms
When I need Your love
And how far You would come
If ever I was lost
And You said that all You feel for me
Is undying love
That You showed me through the cross
I'll worship You my God
I'll worship You my God
I love You
I love You
Forever I will sing
Forever I will be with You
Be with You
I'll Worship at Your Throne
Whisper my own love song
With all my heart I'll sing
For You my Dad and King
I'll live for all my days
To Put a smile on Your face
And when we finally meet
It'll be for eternity
And Oh how wide You open up Your arms
When I need Your love
And how far You would come
If ever I was lost
And You said that all You feel for me
Is undying love
That You showed me through the cross
I'll worship You my God
I'll worship You my God
I love You
I love You
Forever I will sing
Forever I will be with You
Be with You
Monday, October 20, 2008
Hillsong Church
Hillsong Church (formerly Hills Christian Life Centre) is a Pentecostal Christian church affiliated with Australian Christian Churches, the Australian branch of the Assemblies of God denomination. The church is located in Sydney, Australia, headquartered at its "Hills" campus in Baulkham Hills' Norwest Business Park in the Hills District. It also has a congregation designated the "City" campus which is located in Waterloo, near Sydney's central business district. The church is led by Senior Pastors Brian and Bobbie Houston, who started the church in Baulkham Hills in 1983, later to merge with a church in the city to form Hillsong Church.
Apart from the two main campuses, Hillsong Church currently has 14 extension services across Sydney. These extension services are based on either location or culture and rely on Hillsong Church for support and leadership. Hillsong Church's international offshoots include Hillsong London, in the United Kingdom and Hillsong Kiev in Ukraine. These churches also have services in Paris, Berlin and Moscow.
Hillsong Church has grown in both size and influence over the years. Hillsong Music has become well-known in Australia, topping charts and achieving gold and platinum sales status. Hillsong has made its mark internationally with many travelling to Sydney for the annual Hillsong Conference, which attracts over 26,000 people, as well as the sales of albums and teaching and the international reputation of its leadership. The Hillsong Television program is seen in over 160 countries and Hillsong International Leadership College is attended by over 900 students from many different countries. Hillsong Church currently claims that it is attended by over 20,000 people each week
Apart from the two main campuses, Hillsong Church currently has 14 extension services across Sydney. These extension services are based on either location or culture and rely on Hillsong Church for support and leadership. Hillsong Church's international offshoots include Hillsong London, in the United Kingdom and Hillsong Kiev in Ukraine. These churches also have services in Paris, Berlin and Moscow.
Hillsong Church has grown in both size and influence over the years. Hillsong Music has become well-known in Australia, topping charts and achieving gold and platinum sales status. Hillsong has made its mark internationally with many travelling to Sydney for the annual Hillsong Conference, which attracts over 26,000 people, as well as the sales of albums and teaching and the international reputation of its leadership. The Hillsong Television program is seen in over 160 countries and Hillsong International Leadership College is attended by over 900 students from many different countries. Hillsong Church currently claims that it is attended by over 20,000 people each week
Houston Church Discovers That Racial Unity Brings Growth and Revival
On Sunday morning, the crowded sanctuary of Braeswood Assembly of God looks like it could have been plucked from the heart of Africa. Many people wear traditional clothes and large, ornate headdresses of bright orange and purple. The worship is passionate and expressive.
But Braeswood Assembly is in the heart of a Texas metropolis--a world away from Africa. The church in southwest Houston has changed from being middle-class and white to a bastion of cultural diversity. The congregation has found that embracing diversity leads to sustained growth and revival.
"The Assemblies of God is pretty strong in Nigeria, so that draws Nigerians here, though we have never made a conscious effort to go after a certain ethnic group," said senior pastor Steve Banning. "When people come to the church they feel welcome because of the diversity."
Earl Banning, Steve's father, took the church in 1970 with 120 people and guided the congregation through several key decisions that laid the foundation for diversity and continued growth. One of those decisions was to resist "white flight" and stay in their original location while many other churches moved to the suburbs.
Another decision was to embrace revival, particularly the Jesus Movement and the charismatic renewal of the 1970s and 1980s.
"Talk about a radical shift--from a suburban, middle-class white church to hippies coming in with shorts, sandals and long hair," Banning said. "But that was when the church began to grow. There wasn't turmoil. We started a Saturday night Jesus rally. A number of churches took a stand against those movements, but it has been a key for us.
"I think that was the precursor to what happened racially. That openness and compassion set the tone for receiving different races of the world without getting all shook up."
Braeswood continued to experience regular times of revival and moves of the Holy Spirit. In the 1980s African and Caribbean immigrants began coming in greater numbers as the demography of the neighborhood changed.
Wycliffe Bailey, 53, came to Houston from Jamaica in 1982. A 21-year veteran of the oil industry, he is now the church's Christian education director.
"When we first attended Braeswood it was a white middle-class church, but I noticed a growing number of minorities," Bailey said. "Soon there was more than a handful of blacks, mainly foreign blacks. The pastor felt it was God's will that the church change. He had an open arms policy to whoever God sent here."
Today, roughly 65 percent of the Braeswood congregation is African American or from Jamaica or the African continent. Fifty-five countries are represented, including Asian, Indian and Hispanic countries.
Eno Usanga, 26, and his family came to Houston from Nigeria in 1993. They were active in their church there and discovered that Braeswood was a perfect fit, Usanga said.
"I was excited to find a church with that much diversity. Many Africans, Nigerians, Caribbeans, people from around the globe were worshiping together."
Usanga coaches the drama team, publishes the youth newsletter and plays drums for the Sunday services. He earned a bachelor's degree from the University of Houston but found his life's work at the church.
"You get to do what God gave you a passion for at Braeswood," he said. "I believe the church is ready for a mighty breakthrough. I see us being a cornerstone for southwest Houston."
The excitement of many cultures uniting has helped bring steady growth. The church counts 2,500 weekly attendees, and every week 25-30 people come to Christ, Banning said. The church also is unabashedly Spirit-filled.
"It is uncommon to have a service where the gifts don't function," Banning said. "We give place for the Holy Spirit. We don't veil or hide it. We are charismatic and let the Holy Spirit touch people's lives."
Reagan Jacks, 54, a computer consultant, came to Christ at Braeswood after going through a divorce and experimenting with New Age religions.
"
But Braeswood Assembly is in the heart of a Texas metropolis--a world away from Africa. The church in southwest Houston has changed from being middle-class and white to a bastion of cultural diversity. The congregation has found that embracing diversity leads to sustained growth and revival.
"The Assemblies of God is pretty strong in Nigeria, so that draws Nigerians here, though we have never made a conscious effort to go after a certain ethnic group," said senior pastor Steve Banning. "When people come to the church they feel welcome because of the diversity."
Earl Banning, Steve's father, took the church in 1970 with 120 people and guided the congregation through several key decisions that laid the foundation for diversity and continued growth. One of those decisions was to resist "white flight" and stay in their original location while many other churches moved to the suburbs.
Another decision was to embrace revival, particularly the Jesus Movement and the charismatic renewal of the 1970s and 1980s.
"Talk about a radical shift--from a suburban, middle-class white church to hippies coming in with shorts, sandals and long hair," Banning said. "But that was when the church began to grow. There wasn't turmoil. We started a Saturday night Jesus rally. A number of churches took a stand against those movements, but it has been a key for us.
"I think that was the precursor to what happened racially. That openness and compassion set the tone for receiving different races of the world without getting all shook up."
Braeswood continued to experience regular times of revival and moves of the Holy Spirit. In the 1980s African and Caribbean immigrants began coming in greater numbers as the demography of the neighborhood changed.
Wycliffe Bailey, 53, came to Houston from Jamaica in 1982. A 21-year veteran of the oil industry, he is now the church's Christian education director.
"When we first attended Braeswood it was a white middle-class church, but I noticed a growing number of minorities," Bailey said. "Soon there was more than a handful of blacks, mainly foreign blacks. The pastor felt it was God's will that the church change. He had an open arms policy to whoever God sent here."
Today, roughly 65 percent of the Braeswood congregation is African American or from Jamaica or the African continent. Fifty-five countries are represented, including Asian, Indian and Hispanic countries.
Eno Usanga, 26, and his family came to Houston from Nigeria in 1993. They were active in their church there and discovered that Braeswood was a perfect fit, Usanga said.
"I was excited to find a church with that much diversity. Many Africans, Nigerians, Caribbeans, people from around the globe were worshiping together."
Usanga coaches the drama team, publishes the youth newsletter and plays drums for the Sunday services. He earned a bachelor's degree from the University of Houston but found his life's work at the church.
"You get to do what God gave you a passion for at Braeswood," he said. "I believe the church is ready for a mighty breakthrough. I see us being a cornerstone for southwest Houston."
The excitement of many cultures uniting has helped bring steady growth. The church counts 2,500 weekly attendees, and every week 25-30 people come to Christ, Banning said. The church also is unabashedly Spirit-filled.
"It is uncommon to have a service where the gifts don't function," Banning said. "We give place for the Holy Spirit. We don't veil or hide it. We are charismatic and let the Holy Spirit touch people's lives."
Reagan Jacks, 54, a computer consultant, came to Christ at Braeswood after going through a divorce and experimenting with New Age religions.
"
Sunday, October 19, 2008
Hillsong United Lyrics- Follow The Son
Hillsong United Lyrics- Follow The Son
You are the light
That guides my way through fear
I know my path
Will lead me to the King
And all the world
Will bow to worship You
You are the God
Who changed the world through one Holy Son
You gave everything
So all the world
Will bow in awe of You
You came down through grace
To show a better way
I follow the Son
You're the only One
Let Your kingdom come
I'm giving it all
To the One I love
I follow the Son
Jesus holy One
Let Your will be done
I give it all to You
You are everything to me (4x)
You are the light
That guides my way through fear
I know my path
Will lead me to the King
And all the world
Will bow to worship You
You are the God
Who changed the world through one Holy Son
You gave everything
So all the world
Will bow in awe of You
You came down through grace
To show a better way
I follow the Son
You're the only One
Let Your kingdom come
I'm giving it all
To the One I love
I follow the Son
Jesus holy One
Let Your will be done
I give it all to You
You are everything to me (4x)
Monday, October 13, 2008
Hillsong United: Charting the amazing rise of Australia's youth worship ministry
Considering how overcrowded the USA's modern worship scene has become, it is extraordinary that 'All Of The Above' by Hillsong United - the youth arm of Australia's mega church - should have recently reached number one in America's Christian music chart. Band principal Joel Houston recently told US journalist Andree Farias why he thought Hillsong United should have impacted the US: "Consistency. Just doing it. We don't even see ourselves as a band as much as part of a movement - I guess maybe even a mouthpiece for that. All of that starts at home, with our church, a local community. Now that we've come to [the States] and united with the people here and all over the Earth, [we're all discovering] that we share the same faith, the same passion, the same heart. What we're doing is fluid. I don't think it's something that we do for five years, and then United becomes dismissed. Ideally, it's something that goes on, something that we build over time. But our hope is to keep the main thing being the main thing. And if the main thing is creating music that people can sing in church and that young people can connect to God through, I think it's fine. As long as we're always committed to our call to serve the Church and keep that the basis for why we do what we do. We could tour 365 days a year, but we don't, because that's not our call. Record labels will tell us to do it 'cause it will help sell more albums. But at the end of the day, it's not what we do."Joel is, of course, the son of Hillsong's senior pastor Brian Houston. He is quite candid about his early musical experience. "I started playing when I was 13. We started a youth band - it was the beginnings of United. I started playing the piano, and I was horrible; I couldn't even do chords. Then I moved onto guitar. But since there was no bass player, I did that instead because I was probably the least talented guitarist out of the three that we had. I started writing songs. When I was 18, I started to see worship as a cool thing, so I started writing worship songs. And our church at that point started building quite a reputation for praise and worship. So I was fortunate enough to be in a place where there was a platform for the songs I was writing.The growth of the Hillsong Church (originally called Hills Christian Life Centre) was propelled forward by exceptional worship songs that had the certain "something" to captivate the world Church. First it was Geoff Bullock's "Power Of Your Love" and when, in '94, Geoff left Hillsong it was Darlene Zschech's "Shout To The Lord". With its particular emphasis on congregation-involving contemporary worship the Hillsong Church experienced spectacular growth, from about 4,000 members in 1994 to 19,000 today. In such a hotbed of worship it was the perfect place for a fledgling songwriter like Joel Houston to get feedback on his new songs. Explained Joel, "I might show a song to Reuben [Morgan, worship leader at Hillsong], and he's very straightforward. He'll nod his head or not do anything. Ultimately, I'll show it to Darlene [Zschech] and she may tell me something like, 'That line right there is not going to work.' She's worried about what's going to work in the Church at large. 'It's a good line, but you need to come up with something that will be more accessible to people.' From day one, I've learned to really work over my songs myself, chip away at them until they're all they can be. They say you have to write your song in private, then rewrite it in public. That's so true. You write the song, then you show it to people and you get their opinion."
Hillsong United were formed in 1998 by Hillsong worship leaders and songwriters Reuben Morgan and Marty Sampson as an edgier, more youth orientated worship alternative to the adult pop of mainstream Hillsong releases. Like their parent church, whose early albums were released under several name variants, at first the aggregation had a certain "branding problem" with the original name adopted being United Live. But whatever the confusing front sleeve design, the debut album, 1999's 'Everyday', did well, as did subsequent albums 'Best Friend' (2001) and 'King Of Majesty' (2002). Said Reuben Morgan at the time of 'King Of Majesty''s release, "This is the third United Live album - another year along in the journey. All we set out to do on this new album was to reflect the heart and soul of our youth ministry, and where the youth are with God. The youth ministry at Hillsong Church has grown over the last year and the songs and sound of the album are a reflection of that. Songs such as, 'King Of Majesty' and 'I Adore' are perfect examples of where the heart cry of our youth is today. The night of the recording was actually an unexpected amazing moment. Apart from the scores of people packing the auditorium, there was a passion for God and a raw sense of worship throughout the place. It was an amazing night where people were saved and people were simply hungry for God.
Hillsong United were formed in 1998 by Hillsong worship leaders and songwriters Reuben Morgan and Marty Sampson as an edgier, more youth orientated worship alternative to the adult pop of mainstream Hillsong releases. Like their parent church, whose early albums were released under several name variants, at first the aggregation had a certain "branding problem" with the original name adopted being United Live. But whatever the confusing front sleeve design, the debut album, 1999's 'Everyday', did well, as did subsequent albums 'Best Friend' (2001) and 'King Of Majesty' (2002). Said Reuben Morgan at the time of 'King Of Majesty''s release, "This is the third United Live album - another year along in the journey. All we set out to do on this new album was to reflect the heart and soul of our youth ministry, and where the youth are with God. The youth ministry at Hillsong Church has grown over the last year and the songs and sound of the album are a reflection of that. Songs such as, 'King Of Majesty' and 'I Adore' are perfect examples of where the heart cry of our youth is today. The night of the recording was actually an unexpected amazing moment. Apart from the scores of people packing the auditorium, there was a passion for God and a raw sense of worship throughout the place. It was an amazing night where people were saved and people were simply hungry for God.
Sunday, October 12, 2008
Hillsong Album Recording 2008
Hillsong recorded their latest live album on Sunday at the Acer Arena and what a night it was… amazing, I think its the best album they've done.
So without further ado, here's what went down…
A single spotlight lit the centre of the stage and Joel walked into the light, he talked about the heart of the night, the reason why we were there and then he read from Isaiah. After that the lights went down, and then the guitars kicked into the intro for Your Name High (written by Joel), which Joel led. The sound was amazing, in previous years they've tried to keep the live sound from spilling into the mic's used to record the crowd I guess to make overdubbing easier, but probably in light of the I Heart project they have a new philosophy now… just crank it up.
Your Name High is a great song, its uptempo and a progression of the style seen in Point Of Difference on AOTA, complete with a great section of wo-oh-oh's that you'll be singing for hours after hearing it.
Next the band launched into Run (Joel Houston), similar to Your Name High, four to the floor uptempo number. Again Joel led this one.
A quick personnel change and we're into the next song, Matt Crocker runs onto the centre of the stage and leads us in Across The Earth (Matt Crocker & Reuben). This is a mid-tempo song, that has a great tag at the end "Your kingdom reigns, Your kingdom reigns, above all, above all". The song ended with the tag being sung just with keys for backing.
Lights down and then Donna Crouch appears in a spotlight reading from Isaiah. While she does this there's another personnel change and Joel disappears and is replaced by Jill, who leads us in the next song Fall At Your Feet (Reuben). Its a great ballad, typical Reuben style, however Jill really adds something to the song with her vocal, its a highlight of the night.
After this Annie Garratt moves centre stage and leads He Is Lord (Ben Fielding). Another ballad but this one is very hymn-like with a big bridge and tag line at the end "He's coming back again…".
Really good song.
At this point, there's another change and Jill leaves the stage and Darlene comes on to lead us in a new song, High And Lifted Up (Darlene). This is the first time we've done this song at church, its a good one but maybe not the best she's written though.
From there the band moves into a 6/8 groove as Jad takes a break from music directing and leads us in Stronger (Reuben and Ben Fielding). This is a great song, classic Reuben stuff. Think What The Lord Has Done and you're not far off.
At the end of this song, Mike Guglielmucci walks onto stage, carrying an oxygen tank and with tubes in his nose. He walks centre stage and begins to read from Isaiah 53. The passage finishes with the line "and by His stripes I am healed" and the whole crowd goes crazy cheering him on. Then someone hands him a guitar and he leads us in his song Healer. This totally goes off, his faith is so inspiring, I think everyone in the room felt the atmosphere change as he began to sing. This is more than a song to him, its a prayer and declaration of faith. It was so powerful.
They joined this with the tag line from You Are Here (not sure of the writers, maybe Dave George and someone from London?), Joel leading this… "The same power that conquered the grave lives in me". Its a great ending to the first half of the night.
The second half opens with Joel A'Bell reading from Isaiah and then we're into You Deserve (from the Gromie's EP) led by Sam Knock. Its a favourite here at Hillsong.
The momentum continues with JD as he leads us in Alive In You (Scott Ligertwood and Mike Guglielmucci), another uptempo song, has a bit of an English feel to it.
Desert Prayer (Brooke) is then led by Brooke and Jill. Mid tempo song, not sure how many congregations could sing this one but it was a good song nonetheless.
You'll Come (Brooke), led by Brooke and Darlene. You can check this out on the I Heart album.
After this Brooke sang part of the old hymn Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus, just her and her guitar.
Another change saw Marty come on stage and make his only appearance to lead Sing To The Lord (Matt Crocker and Mike Gug). It added a freshness to this song having a male lead where you would expect it to be a female vocalist leading. It's a great song, sounds like its been lifted from a Planetshakers album.
Approaching the end of the night now and Joel Davies came on stage to lead Where We Belong (Reuben and Joel Davies). This is a real grower of a song. Lots of words to fit in but I really like it, its a bit different and unexpected for Hillsong.
Then the last song was epic. Joel led his new song With Everything. Previous to this night I'd only heard the tag in church so it was great to hear the full song. There really is no other word for this song than epic. It starts off with Joel on his acoustic guitar and some keys providing backing and builds to a massive instrumental ending with 2 extra drummers on stage with a snare each smashing away.
After everyone walked off stage the choir (in the mosh pit) began to sing the tag line of this song over and over for another 5 minutes until it became clear that the team weren't coming back on stage for an encore.
For those interested in who played… Drummers were Brandon Gillies and Rolf did a half each, Gabe made an appearance with a snare for the last song. Matt Tenni and Bob played bass. There were 4 keys players, with 3 playing at any one time, Kev Lee, Peter James, Autumn and Dave Andrew. There was a stack of guitarists and for most of the songs there were 4 electric guitarists going at the same time… Nigel, Timon, Ben Fielding, Dylan Thomas, Andrew and Joel (from the Gromies), Jad, Dean Ussher.
Reuben played electric all night, Joel, Jill, Brooke, Marty and Sam Knock played acoustic guitar. There was also a small string section for a few songs and then a brass section for another bunch of songs.
So without further ado, here's what went down…
A single spotlight lit the centre of the stage and Joel walked into the light, he talked about the heart of the night, the reason why we were there and then he read from Isaiah. After that the lights went down, and then the guitars kicked into the intro for Your Name High (written by Joel), which Joel led. The sound was amazing, in previous years they've tried to keep the live sound from spilling into the mic's used to record the crowd I guess to make overdubbing easier, but probably in light of the I Heart project they have a new philosophy now… just crank it up.
Your Name High is a great song, its uptempo and a progression of the style seen in Point Of Difference on AOTA, complete with a great section of wo-oh-oh's that you'll be singing for hours after hearing it.
Next the band launched into Run (Joel Houston), similar to Your Name High, four to the floor uptempo number. Again Joel led this one.
A quick personnel change and we're into the next song, Matt Crocker runs onto the centre of the stage and leads us in Across The Earth (Matt Crocker & Reuben). This is a mid-tempo song, that has a great tag at the end "Your kingdom reigns, Your kingdom reigns, above all, above all". The song ended with the tag being sung just with keys for backing.
Lights down and then Donna Crouch appears in a spotlight reading from Isaiah. While she does this there's another personnel change and Joel disappears and is replaced by Jill, who leads us in the next song Fall At Your Feet (Reuben). Its a great ballad, typical Reuben style, however Jill really adds something to the song with her vocal, its a highlight of the night.
After this Annie Garratt moves centre stage and leads He Is Lord (Ben Fielding). Another ballad but this one is very hymn-like with a big bridge and tag line at the end "He's coming back again…".
Really good song.
At this point, there's another change and Jill leaves the stage and Darlene comes on to lead us in a new song, High And Lifted Up (Darlene). This is the first time we've done this song at church, its a good one but maybe not the best she's written though.
From there the band moves into a 6/8 groove as Jad takes a break from music directing and leads us in Stronger (Reuben and Ben Fielding). This is a great song, classic Reuben stuff. Think What The Lord Has Done and you're not far off.
At the end of this song, Mike Guglielmucci walks onto stage, carrying an oxygen tank and with tubes in his nose. He walks centre stage and begins to read from Isaiah 53. The passage finishes with the line "and by His stripes I am healed" and the whole crowd goes crazy cheering him on. Then someone hands him a guitar and he leads us in his song Healer. This totally goes off, his faith is so inspiring, I think everyone in the room felt the atmosphere change as he began to sing. This is more than a song to him, its a prayer and declaration of faith. It was so powerful.
They joined this with the tag line from You Are Here (not sure of the writers, maybe Dave George and someone from London?), Joel leading this… "The same power that conquered the grave lives in me". Its a great ending to the first half of the night.
The second half opens with Joel A'Bell reading from Isaiah and then we're into You Deserve (from the Gromie's EP) led by Sam Knock. Its a favourite here at Hillsong.
The momentum continues with JD as he leads us in Alive In You (Scott Ligertwood and Mike Guglielmucci), another uptempo song, has a bit of an English feel to it.
Desert Prayer (Brooke) is then led by Brooke and Jill. Mid tempo song, not sure how many congregations could sing this one but it was a good song nonetheless.
You'll Come (Brooke), led by Brooke and Darlene. You can check this out on the I Heart album.
After this Brooke sang part of the old hymn Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus, just her and her guitar.
Another change saw Marty come on stage and make his only appearance to lead Sing To The Lord (Matt Crocker and Mike Gug). It added a freshness to this song having a male lead where you would expect it to be a female vocalist leading. It's a great song, sounds like its been lifted from a Planetshakers album.
Approaching the end of the night now and Joel Davies came on stage to lead Where We Belong (Reuben and Joel Davies). This is a real grower of a song. Lots of words to fit in but I really like it, its a bit different and unexpected for Hillsong.
Then the last song was epic. Joel led his new song With Everything. Previous to this night I'd only heard the tag in church so it was great to hear the full song. There really is no other word for this song than epic. It starts off with Joel on his acoustic guitar and some keys providing backing and builds to a massive instrumental ending with 2 extra drummers on stage with a snare each smashing away.
After everyone walked off stage the choir (in the mosh pit) began to sing the tag line of this song over and over for another 5 minutes until it became clear that the team weren't coming back on stage for an encore.
For those interested in who played… Drummers were Brandon Gillies and Rolf did a half each, Gabe made an appearance with a snare for the last song. Matt Tenni and Bob played bass. There were 4 keys players, with 3 playing at any one time, Kev Lee, Peter James, Autumn and Dave Andrew. There was a stack of guitarists and for most of the songs there were 4 electric guitarists going at the same time… Nigel, Timon, Ben Fielding, Dylan Thomas, Andrew and Joel (from the Gromies), Jad, Dean Ussher.
Reuben played electric all night, Joel, Jill, Brooke, Marty and Sam Knock played acoustic guitar. There was also a small string section for a few songs and then a brass section for another bunch of songs.
Hillsong United Lyrics- Father,i...
Hillsong United Lyrics- Father,i...
Majesty,woderful
Holy Lord,Emanuel
Prince of peace,righteous one
Sacrefice,crowned as King
Father,I adore you
I live each day for you
Jesus,I love you
I give my heat life to you
Majesty,woderful
Holy Lord,Emanuel
Prince of peace,righteous one
Sacrefice,crowned as King
Father,I adore you
I live each day for you
Jesus,I love you
I give my heat life to you
Sunday, October 5, 2008
Hillsong United Begins US, Canada Tour with Battle Cry
One of the world's most renowned praise bands is bringing their modern rock worship to cities all across the United States and Canada beginning Friday with the first event of their North American tour.
Hillsong United – the youth-centered worship ministry of the Sydney-based megachurch Hillsong Church – started their tour Friday at the Battle Cry event being held April 13 to 14 in Detroit. Nearly 30,000 teens were expected to attend the event aimed to combat a generation taken over by secular culture.
Friday's event is the first in a series of concerts to reach out to tens of thousands of young Christians around the states and provinces.
"We are really excited about coming back to North America and we're looking forward to taking songs, which have been specifically written to be sung corporately, to young people across the continent," explained Joel Houston, Hillsong United's creative director as well as worship leader, in a statement.
As part of the international tour, the band will also be promoting the May release of All of the Above, the group's eighth album and first-ever studio recording. It includes twelve new, original tracks that are meant to inspire and excite Christians.
"With the tour and new record, our hope is to stir up a generation both locally and globally to live lives that are sold out for God and His Cause," added Houston, "lives that are committed to being His hands and feet on the planet, and to bringing justice to the hurting and the broken."
Another notable stop along the US portion of the tour will be on April 22 when the worship ensemble arrives in Nashville for the Gospel Music Association's Music Week – a weeklong event that brings together the largest collection of people involved in the Christian music industry. GMA Music Week also leads up to the Dove Awards, the most prestigious Christian music awards showcase.
While at the GMA Music Week, the band will lead the Sunday night worship service to be held at the Ryman Theatre. Alongside them will be the host for the night, Christian superstar Michael W. Smith.
Hillsong United has also recently launched a new movement called "The I Heart Revolution." Through it, they hope to unite the world by showing their travels all around the globe, and how God has impacted each of the regions they visited. In the compiled documentary, they will show video from Asia, South America, Europe, Africa, and Australia from over the last 12 months.
"It became so clear that God is doing something significant among young people," said Houston in a statement. "Regardless of language or geography, whenever they worshipped God, something powerful happened."
Hillsong United – the youth-centered worship ministry of the Sydney-based megachurch Hillsong Church – started their tour Friday at the Battle Cry event being held April 13 to 14 in Detroit. Nearly 30,000 teens were expected to attend the event aimed to combat a generation taken over by secular culture.
Friday's event is the first in a series of concerts to reach out to tens of thousands of young Christians around the states and provinces.
"We are really excited about coming back to North America and we're looking forward to taking songs, which have been specifically written to be sung corporately, to young people across the continent," explained Joel Houston, Hillsong United's creative director as well as worship leader, in a statement.
As part of the international tour, the band will also be promoting the May release of All of the Above, the group's eighth album and first-ever studio recording. It includes twelve new, original tracks that are meant to inspire and excite Christians.
"With the tour and new record, our hope is to stir up a generation both locally and globally to live lives that are sold out for God and His Cause," added Houston, "lives that are committed to being His hands and feet on the planet, and to bringing justice to the hurting and the broken."
Another notable stop along the US portion of the tour will be on April 22 when the worship ensemble arrives in Nashville for the Gospel Music Association's Music Week – a weeklong event that brings together the largest collection of people involved in the Christian music industry. GMA Music Week also leads up to the Dove Awards, the most prestigious Christian music awards showcase.
While at the GMA Music Week, the band will lead the Sunday night worship service to be held at the Ryman Theatre. Alongside them will be the host for the night, Christian superstar Michael W. Smith.
Hillsong United has also recently launched a new movement called "The I Heart Revolution." Through it, they hope to unite the world by showing their travels all around the globe, and how God has impacted each of the regions they visited. In the compiled documentary, they will show video from Asia, South America, Europe, Africa, and Australia from over the last 12 months.
"It became so clear that God is doing something significant among young people," said Houston in a statement. "Regardless of language or geography, whenever they worshipped God, something powerful happened."
HILLSONG UNITED - All of the Above
Hillsong has a reputation for churning out great worship music and could be accurately described as one of the most influential forces in both the church worship experience and the CCM music industry. The latest release from Hillsong United, the youth band from the renown Hillsong church, entitled All of the Above, will likely be added to their long list of successes. The record starts off with a rock driven tune called "Point of Difference." Musically speaking, it is filled with energy and would have the youth around the world jumping around and praising, however other than the hook line and title I couldn't make a fair judgment lyrically. Though the group hails from Sydney, Australia the lyrics are usually more understandable than on this particular cut. It frustrated me a little that even when I really focused on trying to understand the lyrics I couldn't make out about 50% of the words that were being sung. "Break Free" was in the same musical vein and features a different male vocal that was a little easier to translate, though not lyrically impressive from a songwriter's standpoint. "Desperate People" slows things down and brings a mellow feel to the album, and melodically proves why Hillsong is so successful. "Devotion" helps strengthen the lyrical integrity of the record and musically encourages worship. This is what Hillsong is known for and the quality of music that I expect to hear from them. The album is arranged in the order that you would probably hear the band do their live set. There is a great overall flow and listening to it naturally draws worshipful emotions out of your soul. "Lead Me to the Cross" is the first female lead on the record and quickly becomes of my favorites. She weaves a beautiful tapestry of song with her heartfelt vocals and leaves you wanting more. We hear more, a song later on "Hosanna," another one of my favorites on the record. The only thing I didn't care for about this song, is a particular instrumental sound that sounds like a siren. It was extremely annoying, unnerving and at times frightening. Thankfully it was only for a few measures. This tune is followed by one of two "Selah" times on the record, which are kind of spontaneous worship songs. Very cool! "Solution" and "My Future Decided" are reminiscent of the first of the record, with their heavy rock vibe. "Never Let Me Go" serves as a nice bridge into the last few worshipful tunes, "You" and "Saviour King." Musically speaking this is a solid record. The lyrics failed to impress me or even inspire me on several of the cuts, which was disappointing, but I probably am a tad more harsh as a songwriter than most of United's youthful target audience. They will love it! I appreciated the natural flow of the record and the different vocal sounds they offered by switching leads. Though I don't care for this effort as much as their last one, I would have to say there are still at least 4 songs on this record that will be sung worldwide, and saying "that ain't bad" is an understatement.
Hillsong United-Evermore
Hillsong United-Evermore
Lost for words with all to say
Lord you take my breath away
Still my soul, my soul cries out
For you are holy
And as I look upon your name
Circumstances fade away
Now your glory steals my heart
You are holy
You are holy Lord
Evermore my heart, my heart will say
Above all, I live for your glory
Even if my world falls I will say
Above all, I live for your glory
With all my heart I'll say
I'm living for your name
With all to give you praise
We're living for your glory Lord
Lost for words with all to say
Lord you take my breath away
Still my soul, my soul cries out
For you are holy
And as I look upon your name
Circumstances fade away
Now your glory steals my heart
You are holy
You are holy Lord
Evermore my heart, my heart will say
Above all, I live for your glory
Even if my world falls I will say
Above all, I live for your glory
With all my heart I'll say
I'm living for your name
With all to give you praise
We're living for your glory Lord
Sunday, September 28, 2008
Worthy is the Lamb
I have been privileged to be in places where God's power has been manifest more than a few times. When someone tries to confine those manifestations to certain parameters it usually results in limiting what God can do in that setting. All too often God is put in a box with four walls, a roof and a steeple. It is the same thing the Jews of old did when they confined God to the temple.
Solomon asked in his prayer in Second Chronicles, "The heaven of heavens could not contain Him, much less a house I have built." But the splendor of the temple got to them. Somehow they allowed it to overshadow the power of God. The temple became the end, not the one it was built to honor.
I have seen times God's presence has been manifest in a place. One Sunday in late 1995 the Expressive Worship team at the church we were attending did a number using the song, "This Kingdom" by Hillsong United. It begins, "Jesus, God's righteousness revealed. The Son of Man, the Son of God, His kingdom comes." It ends with the lines, "Jesus, God's righteousness revealed." That song set the stage for what was to follow.
Many of in the congregation were hearing this song for the first time. As the group finished and left to go to the basement to change clothes the music and vocal teams took over with another song to Him, "Worthy is the Lamb."
As the congregation started into the second verse people started falling on their faces before God. It was nothing orchestrated or directed by the leader but personal responses to God's presence. It was there, it was real, and it was wonderful. People just started dropping to their knees. It began in the congregation and spread. A few came to the altar but most just knelt where they were. In a couple minutes there were few who were not kneeling, most were on their face before God. Most were crying and some were just quietly praising God. It was not because someone else was doing it, it seemed to be the only valid posture for that time.
By now the Expressive Worship team had removed their costumes and they were returning from the basement. They had no idea what happened. Most of them felt His presence and joined the congregation kneeling. This scene played out for nearly a half hour. The song was played and sung over and over. "I bow down and worship, the Lamb upon the throne; For I desire, O Lord, to be called your own..."
This was the call that many there answered that day with their actions and changes in their lives. It is not the only way to worship. But on that day it was the right way to honor Him.
I have seen like occurrences with different manifestations in other settings but that morning was something I will remember because people responded to God in a special way. And He was faithful.
Solomon asked in his prayer in Second Chronicles, "The heaven of heavens could not contain Him, much less a house I have built." But the splendor of the temple got to them. Somehow they allowed it to overshadow the power of God. The temple became the end, not the one it was built to honor.
I have seen times God's presence has been manifest in a place. One Sunday in late 1995 the Expressive Worship team at the church we were attending did a number using the song, "This Kingdom" by Hillsong United. It begins, "Jesus, God's righteousness revealed. The Son of Man, the Son of God, His kingdom comes." It ends with the lines, "Jesus, God's righteousness revealed." That song set the stage for what was to follow.
Many of in the congregation were hearing this song for the first time. As the group finished and left to go to the basement to change clothes the music and vocal teams took over with another song to Him, "Worthy is the Lamb."
As the congregation started into the second verse people started falling on their faces before God. It was nothing orchestrated or directed by the leader but personal responses to God's presence. It was there, it was real, and it was wonderful. People just started dropping to their knees. It began in the congregation and spread. A few came to the altar but most just knelt where they were. In a couple minutes there were few who were not kneeling, most were on their face before God. Most were crying and some were just quietly praising God. It was not because someone else was doing it, it seemed to be the only valid posture for that time.
By now the Expressive Worship team had removed their costumes and they were returning from the basement. They had no idea what happened. Most of them felt His presence and joined the congregation kneeling. This scene played out for nearly a half hour. The song was played and sung over and over. "I bow down and worship, the Lamb upon the throne; For I desire, O Lord, to be called your own..."
This was the call that many there answered that day with their actions and changes in their lives. It is not the only way to worship. But on that day it was the right way to honor Him.
I have seen like occurrences with different manifestations in other settings but that morning was something I will remember because people responded to God in a special way. And He was faithful.
Desperation Band Gets Personal on Everyone Overcome
Desperation Band, featuring worship leaders/songwriters Jared Anderson, Jon Egan and Glenn Packiam captures live worship and perhaps its best effort to date on Everyone Overcome. Past efforts served their purpose and audience well, but this project propels the worship outfit to another level.
The sound of Everyone Overcome is still characteristic Desperation with extra guitar, turntables and crowd participation. But the more indie rock groove and ethereal compositions give the songs and the record a more personal, authentic atmosphere. It makes for a very appropriate comparison to Hillsong United. The joyous message and fresh beat of "Counting on God" is a terrific discovery, while the experience of "Overcome" into "Maker of Heaven" launches the record in expansive live worship.
The song craftsmanship on Everyone Overcome covers a broad scope of worship styles. Anderson, Egan and Packiam (and anyone else involved in songwriting) hit their stride, offering upbeat, convincing words that speak to unwavering confidence in God.
Desperation Band, its worship leaders and the congregation at New Life Church in Colorado Springs faced startling, tragic moments this past year. The triumphant words and sounds of Everyone Overcome are an example of their spirit and decision to be God's voice of joy to this generation.
The sound of Everyone Overcome is still characteristic Desperation with extra guitar, turntables and crowd participation. But the more indie rock groove and ethereal compositions give the songs and the record a more personal, authentic atmosphere. It makes for a very appropriate comparison to Hillsong United. The joyous message and fresh beat of "Counting on God" is a terrific discovery, while the experience of "Overcome" into "Maker of Heaven" launches the record in expansive live worship.
The song craftsmanship on Everyone Overcome covers a broad scope of worship styles. Anderson, Egan and Packiam (and anyone else involved in songwriting) hit their stride, offering upbeat, convincing words that speak to unwavering confidence in God.
Desperation Band, its worship leaders and the congregation at New Life Church in Colorado Springs faced startling, tragic moments this past year. The triumphant words and sounds of Everyone Overcome are an example of their spirit and decision to be God's voice of joy to this generation.
Hillsong United Lyrics-Emmanuel
Hillsong United Lyrics-Emmanuel
Together in this place of worship
Your greatness we proclaim
We stand as one in giving You
All glory and acclaim
To You our hearts are open
To You our hands we raise
Come take the place
Of honor in our lives
Emmanuel
Our God is with us
Prince of peace
Mighty one
The ever-living God
See the praises of our savior
Rise to open skies
With the dawning of redemption
Your glory will arise
For You alone are worthy
Here in Zion you are praised
Our Lord and King
Forever You will reign
Emmanuel
Our God is with us
Prince of peace
Mighty one
The ever-living God
Together in this place of worship
Your greatness we proclaim
We stand as one in giving You
All glory and acclaim
To You our hearts are open
To You our hands we raise
Come take the place
Of honor in our lives
Emmanuel
Our God is with us
Prince of peace
Mighty one
The ever-living God
See the praises of our savior
Rise to open skies
With the dawning of redemption
Your glory will arise
For You alone are worthy
Here in Zion you are praised
Our Lord and King
Forever You will reign
Emmanuel
Our God is with us
Prince of peace
Mighty one
The ever-living God
Sunday, September 21, 2008
Hillsong United Begins U.S., Canada Tour with Battle Cry
Hillsong United – the youth-centered worship ministry of the Sydney-based megachurch Hillsong Church – started their tour Friday at the Battle Cry event being held Apr. 13-14 in Detroit. Nearly 30,000 teens were expected to attend the event aimed to combat a generation taken over by secular culture.
Friday's event is the first in a series of concerts to reach out to tens of thousands of young Christians around the states and provinces.
"We are really excited about coming back to North America and we're looking forward to taking songs, which have been specifically written to be sung corporately, to young people across the continent," explained Joel Houston, Hillsong United's creative director as well as worship leader, in a statement.
As part of the international tour, the band will also be promoting the May release of All of the Above, the group's eighth album and first-ever studio recording. It includes twelve new, original tracks that are meant to inspire and excite Christians.
"With the tour and new record, our hope is to stir up a generation both locally and globally to live lives that are sold out for God and His Cause," added Houston, "lives that are committed to being His hands and feet on the planet, and to bringing justice to the hurting and the broken."
Another notable stop along the U.S. portion of the tour will be on Apr. 22 when the worship ensemble arrives in Nashville for the Gospel Music Association's Music Week – a weeklong event that brings together the largest collection of people involved in the Christian music industry. GMA Music Week also leads up to the Dove Awards, the most prestigious Christian music awards showcase.
While at the GMA Music Week, the band will lead the Sunday night worship service to be held at the Ryman Theatre. Alongside them will be the host for the night, Christian superstar Michael W. Smith.
Hillsong United has also recently launched a new movement called "The I Heart Revolution." Through it, they hope to unite the world by showing their travels all around the globe, and how God has impacted each of the regions they visited. In the compiled documentary, they will show video from Asia, South America, Europe, Africa, and Australia from over the last 12 months.
"It became so clear that God is doing something significant among young people," said Houston in a statement. "Regardless of language or geography, whenever they worshipped God, something powerful happened."
Friday's event is the first in a series of concerts to reach out to tens of thousands of young Christians around the states and provinces.
"We are really excited about coming back to North America and we're looking forward to taking songs, which have been specifically written to be sung corporately, to young people across the continent," explained Joel Houston, Hillsong United's creative director as well as worship leader, in a statement.
As part of the international tour, the band will also be promoting the May release of All of the Above, the group's eighth album and first-ever studio recording. It includes twelve new, original tracks that are meant to inspire and excite Christians.
"With the tour and new record, our hope is to stir up a generation both locally and globally to live lives that are sold out for God and His Cause," added Houston, "lives that are committed to being His hands and feet on the planet, and to bringing justice to the hurting and the broken."
Another notable stop along the U.S. portion of the tour will be on Apr. 22 when the worship ensemble arrives in Nashville for the Gospel Music Association's Music Week – a weeklong event that brings together the largest collection of people involved in the Christian music industry. GMA Music Week also leads up to the Dove Awards, the most prestigious Christian music awards showcase.
While at the GMA Music Week, the band will lead the Sunday night worship service to be held at the Ryman Theatre. Alongside them will be the host for the night, Christian superstar Michael W. Smith.
Hillsong United has also recently launched a new movement called "The I Heart Revolution." Through it, they hope to unite the world by showing their travels all around the globe, and how God has impacted each of the regions they visited. In the compiled documentary, they will show video from Asia, South America, Europe, Africa, and Australia from over the last 12 months.
"It became so clear that God is doing something significant among young people," said Houston in a statement. "Regardless of language or geography, whenever they worshipped God, something powerful happened."
Hillsong United to Embark on North American Tour
Australia's top modern worship team, Hillsong United, will embark on a US and Canada tour in April, bringing its explosive and passionate brand of modern worship to North America.
In addition, the team is preparing for the May release of All of the Above, the band's eighth CD and first-ever studio recording.
Hillsong United is expected to play before an estimated 150,000 people between April and August.
One of the first stops on the North American tour will be Nashville, where Hillsong United have been invited to lead the Sunday night worship service at GMA Music Week, gospel and Christian music's annual industry convention.
The worship night will be hosted by Hillsong United supporter and friend, Michael W Smith, and held on Sunday 22 April at the Ryman Theatre in Nashville.
Hillsong United's Creative Director, Joel Houston, who is also one of United's worship leaders and songwriters, said, "We are really excited about coming back to North America and we're looking forward to taking songs, which have been specifically written to be sung corporately, to young people across the continent."
"With the tour and new record, our hope is to stir up a generation both locally and globally to live lives that are sold out for God and His cause – lives that are committed to being His hands and feet on the planet, and to bringing justice to the hurting and the broken," Houston added.
In addition, the team is preparing for the May release of All of the Above, the band's eighth CD and first-ever studio recording.
Hillsong United is expected to play before an estimated 150,000 people between April and August.
One of the first stops on the North American tour will be Nashville, where Hillsong United have been invited to lead the Sunday night worship service at GMA Music Week, gospel and Christian music's annual industry convention.
The worship night will be hosted by Hillsong United supporter and friend, Michael W Smith, and held on Sunday 22 April at the Ryman Theatre in Nashville.
Hillsong United's Creative Director, Joel Houston, who is also one of United's worship leaders and songwriters, said, "We are really excited about coming back to North America and we're looking forward to taking songs, which have been specifically written to be sung corporately, to young people across the continent."
"With the tour and new record, our hope is to stir up a generation both locally and globally to live lives that are sold out for God and His cause – lives that are committed to being His hands and feet on the planet, and to bringing justice to the hurting and the broken," Houston added.
Hillsong United Lyrics-Can't stop Praising
Hillsong United Lyrics-Can't stop Praising
In not be described
In just one lifetime
Look at the sun over the seas
Look at Your grace that covers me
Now I know, Try to find the words to express the way You are
But the beauty of the Lord
Cayes I know
Now I know, I know
Your love has saved me
In the morning
I can't stop praising Your Name
In the evening
I can't stop praising Your Name
In the morning
I can't stop praising Your Name
In the evening, I can't stop
And I want you to know
Yes, I want you to know, oh yes I
And I want you to know
Yes, I want you to know
Lord You're so amazing
Every word You say is true
Better than the finest treasure
So glad that I found You
You held me close when I was down
Your world has turned my world around
Now I know, yes I know
Now I know, I know
How much I love you
Hallelujah, we praise Your Name
We praise Your Name
In not be described
In just one lifetime
Look at the sun over the seas
Look at Your grace that covers me
Now I know, Try to find the words to express the way You are
But the beauty of the Lord
Cayes I know
Now I know, I know
Your love has saved me
In the morning
I can't stop praising Your Name
In the evening
I can't stop praising Your Name
In the morning
I can't stop praising Your Name
In the evening, I can't stop
And I want you to know
Yes, I want you to know, oh yes I
And I want you to know
Yes, I want you to know
Lord You're so amazing
Every word You say is true
Better than the finest treasure
So glad that I found You
You held me close when I was down
Your world has turned my world around
Now I know, yes I know
Now I know, I know
How much I love you
Hallelujah, we praise Your Name
We praise Your Name
Sunday, September 14, 2008
Hillsong United Conference
Thousands of young people have attended Hillsong conferences held in Europe but the popular worship band has never hosted a conference in North America ... until now. This coming November 9-10 (2007), Orlando will see an influx of more than 5000 musicians, pastors, students, worship leaders and youth leaders as they attend the Hillsong United Conference.
The two days of concerts, speakers and teaching that focuses on worship and justice will be held at the First Baptist Church on South Young Parkway in Orlando with local radio stations Joy FM and Z88 FM helping sponsor the event.
Hillsong Church's senior pastor Brian Houston and youth leader Phil Dooley are two of the featured speakers who will host seminars teaching young people how to transform their churches and communities. Other seminars will teach how to build a great worship team, how to write great songs, and how to use TV & media in church and youth ministry programming.
The two days of concerts, speakers and teaching that focuses on worship and justice will be held at the First Baptist Church on South Young Parkway in Orlando with local radio stations Joy FM and Z88 FM helping sponsor the event.
Hillsong Church's senior pastor Brian Houston and youth leader Phil Dooley are two of the featured speakers who will host seminars teaching young people how to transform their churches and communities. Other seminars will teach how to build a great worship team, how to write great songs, and how to use TV & media in church and youth ministry programming.
Hillsong United Conference to Hit America
More than 5,000 pastors, youth leaders, worship leaders, musicians and students from around the world will gather for the Hillsong United Conference in Orlando, Fla., this fall.
For the first time, the popular Australian modern worship band is bringing its popular youth events to North America this year, with the Orlando event slated for Nov. 9-10.
The Hillsong United Conference will feature two days of speaker presentations, teaching and concerts. The conference will focus on the subjects of worship and justice and equipping young people to bring both to their communities.
Australia's Hillsong United is one of the most popular young modern worship bands in the world, and the various conferences they have hosted in Europe have drawn thousands of young people and their church leaders who are looking to immerse themselves in worship and gain a better understanding how to bring a lifestyle of worship to everyday life.
The Orlando conference will feature guest speakers including Hillsong Church senior pastor Brian Houston and youth leader Phil Dooley, while the seminars will demonstrate how young people can transform churches and communities.
Some of the breakout sessions will teach song writing; building a great worship team; youth ministry programming; evangelism; and using TV and media. The Hillsong United band will lead music at the worship events and will also be accompanied by Hillsong worship leader Reuben Morgan.
Australia's Hillsong United scored its first No. 1 album by landing atop the Billboard Top Christian/Gospel Albums chart with the release of their eighth CD, "All of the Above" in May. The CD also debuted at No. 1 on iTunes' chart of Christian music digital album sales and at No. 60 on the Billboard Top 200 of all albums, not just Christian/Gospel.
For the first time, the popular Australian modern worship band is bringing its popular youth events to North America this year, with the Orlando event slated for Nov. 9-10.
The Hillsong United Conference will feature two days of speaker presentations, teaching and concerts. The conference will focus on the subjects of worship and justice and equipping young people to bring both to their communities.
Australia's Hillsong United is one of the most popular young modern worship bands in the world, and the various conferences they have hosted in Europe have drawn thousands of young people and their church leaders who are looking to immerse themselves in worship and gain a better understanding how to bring a lifestyle of worship to everyday life.
The Orlando conference will feature guest speakers including Hillsong Church senior pastor Brian Houston and youth leader Phil Dooley, while the seminars will demonstrate how young people can transform churches and communities.
Some of the breakout sessions will teach song writing; building a great worship team; youth ministry programming; evangelism; and using TV and media. The Hillsong United band will lead music at the worship events and will also be accompanied by Hillsong worship leader Reuben Morgan.
Australia's Hillsong United scored its first No. 1 album by landing atop the Billboard Top Christian/Gospel Albums chart with the release of their eighth CD, "All of the Above" in May. The CD also debuted at No. 1 on iTunes' chart of Christian music digital album sales and at No. 60 on the Billboard Top 200 of all albums, not just Christian/Gospel.
Hillsong United Lyrics-Better Than Life
Hillsong United Lyrics-Better Than Life
Better than the riches of this world
Better than the sound of my friend's voices
Better than the biggest dreams of my heart
And that's just the start
Better than getting what I say I need
Better than living the life that I want to
Better than the love anyone could give
Your love is
You hold me now in Your arms
And never let me go
You Oh Lord make the sun shine
And the moon light in the night sky
You give me breath and all Your love
I give my heart to You because
I can't stop falling in love with You
I'll never stop falling in love with You
I can't stop falling in love with You
I'll never stop falling in love with You
Better than the riches of this world
Better than the sound of my friend's voices
Better than the biggest dreams of my heart
And that's just the start
Better than getting what I say I need
Better than living the life that I want to
Better than the love anyone could give
Your love is
You hold me now in Your arms
And never let me go
You Oh Lord make the sun shine
And the moon light in the night sky
You give me breath and all Your love
I give my heart to You because
I can't stop falling in love with You
I'll never stop falling in love with You
I can't stop falling in love with You
I'll never stop falling in love with You
Sunday, September 7, 2008
Why Mercy Ministries was godsent for Hillsong
When the Hillsong Church introduced Mercy Ministries to the congregation, there was much excitement. There was finally somewhere that "girls in trouble" could go to keep their babies, or sort out other consequences of their sins while being pampered like a princess into a brand new life.
Pastor Bobbie Houston set up a Mercy register at David Jones, much like a bridal register, where members of the congregation could buy household goods for the girls at Mercy House: perhaps a washing machine or a dustpan and brush. It was like one big Hillsong wedding for the Mary Magdalenes they were forgiving. See how good God is to those sorts of girls?
But girls who have undergone the Mercy Ministries program say the experience did more harm than good, as the Herald reported yesterday. Rather than receiving psychiatric care and support, they were isolated from the outside world and given treatments which consisted of prayer reading and exorcisms.
To understand how this could come about, it is necessary to understand the relationship between Mercy Ministries and the Hillsong Church and the philosophy that unites them.
Hillsong has always been proud of the origins and progress of the Australian incarnation of Mercy Ministries. According to Hillsong folklore, a female congregant, unable to find help in Australia for an eating disorder, travelled to the United States for treatment at Mercy Ministries. Mercy Ministries was created by an American, Nancy Alcorn, who says she was frustrated in her role as a juvenile justice officer because of the injustices of the system. She determined to open a place for young women that would be independent of government funding and intervention, and free, so women would feel sincerely cared for.
While the Australian congregant was at Mercy Ministries, she was visited by a Hillsong pastor. The pastor was so impressed with the work being done she decided to bring the program to Australia.
Mercy Ministries was a godsend for Hillsong. Desperate young women who are violated by the world draw a sympathetic audience. It seemed a simple concept for Hillsong to mimic locally and it was presented as a utopia of female health. Hillsong is an organisation based on recruitment and fund-raising. Mercy Ministries was an opportunity to do both on a new and larger scale.
The founders of Mercy Ministries are fundamentalist Christians who are primarily obsessed with women's bodies and what they choose to do with them. The Bible is used to justify the supposed inferiority and intrinsic sinfulness of women and homosexuals. Hillsong teaches that a woman's purpose, as an afterthought of God, is as a helper and a companion at best, and with Eve as their ultimate matriarch, the cause of the fall of all mankind.
The teaching when I was at Hillsong included the lesson that women are attached to their offspring eternally. All the miscarriages, terminations and stillbirths a woman has during her life time grow up in heaven, waiting for their mother to join them.
But you will never see any of this on Hillsong pamphlets. All you find are photos of shiny, happy people holding hands. And inside the front cover is a promise that a truckload of love is waiting for you whenever you want it. It's only in the third dimension that you discover how much love costs. The love dries up when the money runs out or, worse yet, when you don't agree with the program.
Mercy, justice, liberty and compassion are concepts that evangelicals view as their own. They believe their God is the author of these values, and that with a monopoly on truth they have an imperative to administer them globally.
It is no surprise that the girls and young women who attended Mercy Ministries did not receive the psychiatric help they were seeking. Fundamentalist Christians are suspicious of psychiatry and psychology, unless prefixed with the word Christian. Psychotic symptoms such as voices are evidence of demons that medication cannot expel. I recall one Hillsong pastor proudly describing his own daughter's employment at Mercy Ministries. He said she could counsel by birthright, aided by her bible college wisdom.
Having worked in a women's refuge for five years, I know there are few social services out there. And such little love. It's hard for young women who are tired, frightened and hungry to distinguish love from opportunism. Something has to be done to advocate for the needy when fundamentalists can smell their blood.
Pastor Bobbie Houston set up a Mercy register at David Jones, much like a bridal register, where members of the congregation could buy household goods for the girls at Mercy House: perhaps a washing machine or a dustpan and brush. It was like one big Hillsong wedding for the Mary Magdalenes they were forgiving. See how good God is to those sorts of girls?
But girls who have undergone the Mercy Ministries program say the experience did more harm than good, as the Herald reported yesterday. Rather than receiving psychiatric care and support, they were isolated from the outside world and given treatments which consisted of prayer reading and exorcisms.
To understand how this could come about, it is necessary to understand the relationship between Mercy Ministries and the Hillsong Church and the philosophy that unites them.
Hillsong has always been proud of the origins and progress of the Australian incarnation of Mercy Ministries. According to Hillsong folklore, a female congregant, unable to find help in Australia for an eating disorder, travelled to the United States for treatment at Mercy Ministries. Mercy Ministries was created by an American, Nancy Alcorn, who says she was frustrated in her role as a juvenile justice officer because of the injustices of the system. She determined to open a place for young women that would be independent of government funding and intervention, and free, so women would feel sincerely cared for.
While the Australian congregant was at Mercy Ministries, she was visited by a Hillsong pastor. The pastor was so impressed with the work being done she decided to bring the program to Australia.
Mercy Ministries was a godsend for Hillsong. Desperate young women who are violated by the world draw a sympathetic audience. It seemed a simple concept for Hillsong to mimic locally and it was presented as a utopia of female health. Hillsong is an organisation based on recruitment and fund-raising. Mercy Ministries was an opportunity to do both on a new and larger scale.
The founders of Mercy Ministries are fundamentalist Christians who are primarily obsessed with women's bodies and what they choose to do with them. The Bible is used to justify the supposed inferiority and intrinsic sinfulness of women and homosexuals. Hillsong teaches that a woman's purpose, as an afterthought of God, is as a helper and a companion at best, and with Eve as their ultimate matriarch, the cause of the fall of all mankind.
The teaching when I was at Hillsong included the lesson that women are attached to their offspring eternally. All the miscarriages, terminations and stillbirths a woman has during her life time grow up in heaven, waiting for their mother to join them.
But you will never see any of this on Hillsong pamphlets. All you find are photos of shiny, happy people holding hands. And inside the front cover is a promise that a truckload of love is waiting for you whenever you want it. It's only in the third dimension that you discover how much love costs. The love dries up when the money runs out or, worse yet, when you don't agree with the program.
Mercy, justice, liberty and compassion are concepts that evangelicals view as their own. They believe their God is the author of these values, and that with a monopoly on truth they have an imperative to administer them globally.
It is no surprise that the girls and young women who attended Mercy Ministries did not receive the psychiatric help they were seeking. Fundamentalist Christians are suspicious of psychiatry and psychology, unless prefixed with the word Christian. Psychotic symptoms such as voices are evidence of demons that medication cannot expel. I recall one Hillsong pastor proudly describing his own daughter's employment at Mercy Ministries. He said she could counsel by birthright, aided by her bible college wisdom.
Having worked in a women's refuge for five years, I know there are few social services out there. And such little love. It's hard for young women who are tired, frightened and hungry to distinguish love from opportunism. Something has to be done to advocate for the needy when fundamentalists can smell their blood.
Hillsong celebrates womanhood at 12th annual Colour Your World conference
The Acer Arena in Sydney, Australia, erupted in a chorus of celebration on Wednesday night as thousands of women filled the arena for the opening of Hillsong's 12 annual Colour Your World Women's Conference.
The conference coincides with the 100th anniversary of International Women's Day today, bringing together women from 36 nations, and guest speakers from the UK, America, and Australia, to celebrate the value of womanhood and see justice brought to those in need around the world.
"There is no place on earth like the Church that can gather the wounded, the broken and the blessed. I believe that God wants to increase our lives and see the Church rise up," Colour Conference founder and Hillsong's co-senior pastor, Bobbie Houston said in her opening night address.
"In this room we have the blessed and the broken. If we can govern our hearts in our blessedness and our brokenness, I believe we can create a place which accommodates both. We can be women that accommodate a place where everyone is welcome," she said.
"We are living in days where the church is rising, with all her diversity; rising and beginning to find her voice, stature, and unity.
"Some of you have come into this arena and encountered something and you can't define it. Let me tell you it's the presence of God. Tonight, this arena is the House of God!"
The powerful opening night was followed by an exciting second day, as women came expectant and excited. Louie Giglio from the US shared an inspirational message about the greatness of God. This was followed by powerful teaching from the UK's J John and Priscilla Shirer, new to the Colour platform, shared about creating a God awareness in your everyday life.
Saturday, the final day of the conference, will be dedicated to issues of social justice, as women are challenged about the great need in the world, and effectively equipped to bring help and answers to the planet's most vulnerable.
The conference coincides with the 100th anniversary of International Women's Day today, bringing together women from 36 nations, and guest speakers from the UK, America, and Australia, to celebrate the value of womanhood and see justice brought to those in need around the world.
"There is no place on earth like the Church that can gather the wounded, the broken and the blessed. I believe that God wants to increase our lives and see the Church rise up," Colour Conference founder and Hillsong's co-senior pastor, Bobbie Houston said in her opening night address.
"In this room we have the blessed and the broken. If we can govern our hearts in our blessedness and our brokenness, I believe we can create a place which accommodates both. We can be women that accommodate a place where everyone is welcome," she said.
"We are living in days where the church is rising, with all her diversity; rising and beginning to find her voice, stature, and unity.
"Some of you have come into this arena and encountered something and you can't define it. Let me tell you it's the presence of God. Tonight, this arena is the House of God!"
The powerful opening night was followed by an exciting second day, as women came expectant and excited. Louie Giglio from the US shared an inspirational message about the greatness of God. This was followed by powerful teaching from the UK's J John and Priscilla Shirer, new to the Colour platform, shared about creating a God awareness in your everyday life.
Saturday, the final day of the conference, will be dedicated to issues of social justice, as women are challenged about the great need in the world, and effectively equipped to bring help and answers to the planet's most vulnerable.
Hillsong United Lyrics-Best Friend
Hillsong United Lyrics-Best Friend
Have you heard of the one called Savior?
Have you of His perfect love,
Have you heard of the one in heaven,
Have you heard how He gave His son'
Cause I found this love,
I believe in the Son. Show me Your way.
I believe in the One called Savior,
I believe He's the risen One,
I believe I'll live forever,
I believe that my king will come,
Cause I found this love,
I believe in the Son. Show me Your way.
Chorus:
Jesus, you are my best friend,
And you will always be,
And nothing will ever change that,
Jesus, you are my best friend,
And you will always be,
And nothing will ever change that.
Bridge:
Nothing will ever change that,
Nothing will ever change that,
Nothing will ever change that,
Nothing will ever change that.
Have you heard of the one called Savior?
Have you of His perfect love,
Have you heard of the one in heaven,
Have you heard how He gave His son'
Cause I found this love,
I believe in the Son. Show me Your way.
I believe in the One called Savior,
I believe He's the risen One,
I believe I'll live forever,
I believe that my king will come,
Cause I found this love,
I believe in the Son. Show me Your way.
Chorus:
Jesus, you are my best friend,
And you will always be,
And nothing will ever change that,
Jesus, you are my best friend,
And you will always be,
And nothing will ever change that.
Bridge:
Nothing will ever change that,
Nothing will ever change that,
Nothing will ever change that,
Nothing will ever change that.
Sunday, August 31, 2008
Hillsong records new album – This is Our God
The night was riveting, as the stadium filled with thousands of voices, eyes raised heavenward, and created an expectancy that welcomed the very presence of God.
"We come together and we say, 'This is who we are, God. We need You, we love You, and we're going to give everything to You' It's actually about the church coming together and singing with One Voice, One Passion, One Heart, giving all our praise to God," said Joel Houston, Hillsong Creative Director.
A number of new songwriters, worship leaders and musicians joined Reuben Morgan, Joel Houston, Darlene Zschech and Marty Sampson on the platform, capturing the sound of a new generation, and entering into a new season of worship and song.
"It's about a generation expressing their worship; expressing their heart for worship in the action of love toward God, toward the world we live in, and the people who inhabit it. It's not about highlighting the darkness; it's about becoming the light that diminishes the darkness. It's the gospel and we're all in this together," Joel said.
It was a night of faith, as Michael Gugliemucci, who has battled his own health crisis against cancer for two years, walked confidently on stage, oxygen tank in hand, and boldly sung the words to his song 'Healer'.
The evening culminated with a loud and victorious version of Joel Houston's new song 'With Everything'. As the band turned to walk off stage the crowd seemed to bask in the moment. With little accompaniment from the band, they broke into spontaneous song as they worshipped God for several minutes.
The new album titled This is Our God, the 17th live praise and worship album, will be released on July 7th, coinciding with the annual Hillsong Conference held at the Acer Arena.
In addition, the weekend marked the release of Part 1 of the much anticipated 'The I Heart Revolution' project – With Hearts As One, from Hillsong United. For more information about the new album or The I Heart Project, please visit www.hillsong.com/music.
"We come together and we say, 'This is who we are, God. We need You, we love You, and we're going to give everything to You' It's actually about the church coming together and singing with One Voice, One Passion, One Heart, giving all our praise to God," said Joel Houston, Hillsong Creative Director.
A number of new songwriters, worship leaders and musicians joined Reuben Morgan, Joel Houston, Darlene Zschech and Marty Sampson on the platform, capturing the sound of a new generation, and entering into a new season of worship and song.
"It's about a generation expressing their worship; expressing their heart for worship in the action of love toward God, toward the world we live in, and the people who inhabit it. It's not about highlighting the darkness; it's about becoming the light that diminishes the darkness. It's the gospel and we're all in this together," Joel said.
It was a night of faith, as Michael Gugliemucci, who has battled his own health crisis against cancer for two years, walked confidently on stage, oxygen tank in hand, and boldly sung the words to his song 'Healer'.
The evening culminated with a loud and victorious version of Joel Houston's new song 'With Everything'. As the band turned to walk off stage the crowd seemed to bask in the moment. With little accompaniment from the band, they broke into spontaneous song as they worshipped God for several minutes.
The new album titled This is Our God, the 17th live praise and worship album, will be released on July 7th, coinciding with the annual Hillsong Conference held at the Acer Arena.
In addition, the weekend marked the release of Part 1 of the much anticipated 'The I Heart Revolution' project – With Hearts As One, from Hillsong United. For more information about the new album or The I Heart Project, please visit www.hillsong.com/music.
Australian worship group Hillsong United to play Grace Church
EDEN PRAIRIE — Australia's most popular worship band, Hillsong United, sprouted a decade ago from Hillsong Church's youth ministry. Drawing from a talented pool of youth and worship leaders, the Hillsong United band began recording live worship experiences in 1999 as a way to document what was happening in the ministry.
"A lot of the worship that has come from Hillsong over the years was birthed out of the youth ministry—songs like 'Jesus, Lover of My Soul,' 'My Redeemer,' 'I Give You My Heart' and many others emerged from our youth camps or services," Houston says. "The reason we first recorded a United album in 1999 was simply that there was an overflow of songs being written by the youth and were particularly youth-focused."
Since that time, the group has released seven live CDs and become one of the most popular worship bands in the world. Set to release their eighth CD and first-ever studio album, "All of the Above," in May, Hillsong United will perform at Grace Church in Eden Prairie May 29.
The overall United worship team at Hillsong Church involves about 200 young people including: musicians, vocalists, production specialists, artists, designers and media coordinators. The worship leaders who appear on Hillsong United CDs direct and disciple the youth-led worship teams of various ages.
Taking time away from their home church in Sydney, Australia, Hillsong United will play before an estimated 150,000 people between April and August. The band was also invited to lead the Sunday night worship service on April 22 hosted by Michael W. Smith during GMA Music Week in Nashville.
"We are really excited about coming back to North America and we're looking forward to taking songs, which have been specifically written to be sung corporately, to young people across the continent," said Joel Houston, Hillsong United's creative director and one of the lead worship leaders and songwriters. "With the tour and new record, our hope is to stir up a generation both locally and globally to live lives that are sold out for God and His cause—lives that are committed to being His hands and feet on the planet, and to bringing justice to the hurting and the broken."
Although it is the group's first studio album, the songs from "All of the Above" originated in the church's youth ministry.
"The response from our church to these songs tells us they are cross-generational. Our church loves them because they love worshipping Him," Houston said.
Hillsong United is also releasing a DVD project in 2008 called "The I Heart Revolution" in order to highlight what they have experienced on the road.
"'The I Heart Revolution' is in its early stages but as we traveled all around the world in the last 12 months … it became so clear that God is doing something significant among young people," Houston said. "Regardless of language or geography, whenever they worshipped God, something powerful happened. We captured this on tape and are pulling together a documentary that will share with the world what we had the privilege of seeing and being part of."
"A lot of the worship that has come from Hillsong over the years was birthed out of the youth ministry—songs like 'Jesus, Lover of My Soul,' 'My Redeemer,' 'I Give You My Heart' and many others emerged from our youth camps or services," Houston says. "The reason we first recorded a United album in 1999 was simply that there was an overflow of songs being written by the youth and were particularly youth-focused."
Since that time, the group has released seven live CDs and become one of the most popular worship bands in the world. Set to release their eighth CD and first-ever studio album, "All of the Above," in May, Hillsong United will perform at Grace Church in Eden Prairie May 29.
The overall United worship team at Hillsong Church involves about 200 young people including: musicians, vocalists, production specialists, artists, designers and media coordinators. The worship leaders who appear on Hillsong United CDs direct and disciple the youth-led worship teams of various ages.
Taking time away from their home church in Sydney, Australia, Hillsong United will play before an estimated 150,000 people between April and August. The band was also invited to lead the Sunday night worship service on April 22 hosted by Michael W. Smith during GMA Music Week in Nashville.
"We are really excited about coming back to North America and we're looking forward to taking songs, which have been specifically written to be sung corporately, to young people across the continent," said Joel Houston, Hillsong United's creative director and one of the lead worship leaders and songwriters. "With the tour and new record, our hope is to stir up a generation both locally and globally to live lives that are sold out for God and His cause—lives that are committed to being His hands and feet on the planet, and to bringing justice to the hurting and the broken."
Although it is the group's first studio album, the songs from "All of the Above" originated in the church's youth ministry.
"The response from our church to these songs tells us they are cross-generational. Our church loves them because they love worshipping Him," Houston said.
Hillsong United is also releasing a DVD project in 2008 called "The I Heart Revolution" in order to highlight what they have experienced on the road.
"'The I Heart Revolution' is in its early stages but as we traveled all around the world in the last 12 months … it became so clear that God is doing something significant among young people," Houston said. "Regardless of language or geography, whenever they worshipped God, something powerful happened. We captured this on tape and are pulling together a documentary that will share with the world what we had the privilege of seeing and being part of."
Hillsong United Lyrics-At The Cross
Hillsong United Lyrics-At The Cross
Oh Lord You've searched me
You know my way
Even when I fail You
I know You love me
Your holy presence
Surrounding me
In every season
I know You love me
I know You love me
At the cross I bow my knee
Where Your blood was she'd for me
There's no greater love than this
You have overcome the grave
Your glory fills the highest place
What can separate me now
You go before me
You shield my way
Your hand upholds me
I know You love me
You tore the veil
You made a way
When You said that it is done
And when the earth fades
Falls from my eyes
And You stand before me
I know You love me
I know You love me
Oh Lord You've searched me
You know my way
Even when I fail You
I know You love me
Your holy presence
Surrounding me
In every season
I know You love me
I know You love me
At the cross I bow my knee
Where Your blood was she'd for me
There's no greater love than this
You have overcome the grave
Your glory fills the highest place
What can separate me now
You go before me
You shield my way
Your hand upholds me
I know You love me
You tore the veil
You made a way
When You said that it is done
And when the earth fades
Falls from my eyes
And You stand before me
I know You love me
I know You love me
Sunday, August 17, 2008
A Kingdom Artist
was watching clips of the new album- Savior King from Hillsong Church Australia. They have great singers and musicians - so it takes something special to stop me cold. I hear a few tracks by this girl -' Brook Fraser'. I was impressed and thanked the Lord for this new talent that we all get to enjoy. I wanted to know more... so I Googled her and found out that she has been signed to Sony BMG for 5 years, and just came out with her 2nd album ' Albertine'. This is not a promo or review of that album - which is very good by the way, but more about how she shatters the preconceived boxes we place ourselves into as Christian artists.
She is from New Zealand - that has a population of just over 4 million. That's smaller than Toronto, Canada - the city I live in. This year alone she was on tour with John Mayer, and Hillsong United... releasing her own album while recording worship albums with Hillsong United and now Hillsong Church. Hillsong Church has a major outreach in Rwanda which is cool - but Brooke went there and was impacted by the story of a girl named Albertine. She was challenged to write a song about Albertine - to highlight the plight of Rwanda - which is still recovering from the genocide. She has taken that message and crafted her album around it - in fact she says her life has been changed and her art put in perspective as a result of the trips she has made to Rawanda.
The song that was number #1 for Brooke in New Zealand was called ' Arithmetic... read the lyrics (below) and you'll know who she is speaking of. And before we judge her for not being more obvious... imagine how many times she gets asked on TV who she is talking about.
The point I want to make is this... you can be a major label artist... in the world... and be a visible and vocal worship leader... tour with the best in the world and church... and not compromise. Beautiful art is ...beautiful art... honesty and sincerity and of course God's calling and purpose will open doors you thought were closed...
She is from New Zealand - that has a population of just over 4 million. That's smaller than Toronto, Canada - the city I live in. This year alone she was on tour with John Mayer, and Hillsong United... releasing her own album while recording worship albums with Hillsong United and now Hillsong Church. Hillsong Church has a major outreach in Rwanda which is cool - but Brooke went there and was impacted by the story of a girl named Albertine. She was challenged to write a song about Albertine - to highlight the plight of Rwanda - which is still recovering from the genocide. She has taken that message and crafted her album around it - in fact she says her life has been changed and her art put in perspective as a result of the trips she has made to Rawanda.
The song that was number #1 for Brooke in New Zealand was called ' Arithmetic... read the lyrics (below) and you'll know who she is speaking of. And before we judge her for not being more obvious... imagine how many times she gets asked on TV who she is talking about.
The point I want to make is this... you can be a major label artist... in the world... and be a visible and vocal worship leader... tour with the best in the world and church... and not compromise. Beautiful art is ...beautiful art... honesty and sincerity and of course God's calling and purpose will open doors you thought were closed...
Hillsong Team Releases New Live Worship Album
Darlene Zschech and the Hillsong team are back with their latest annual live worship album, Saviour King, which is now available on CD and DVD.
The album was recorded on 18 March 2007 at the Acer Arena, Sydney's largest indoor stadium, in front of 13,000 worshippers.
Hillsong say of the new album, "The new songs included on this album are exactly that – songs with life, energy and, ultimately, heartfelt adoration for our Saviour, Jesus Christ. The title track Saviour King has become an anthem in Hillsong Church of late, and was sung at both the opening and the close of the evening. Our prayer is that you would be inspired to worship in spirit and truth as the power of our incredible God is declared through the beautiful songs on this latest Hillsong LIVE album."
In other news, Hillsong United, the youth-centred worship ministry of Hillsong, debuted in the No. 1 slot of America's Billboard's Top Christian & Gospel Albums chart with their eighth career album, All of the Above.
With more than 10,000 discs sold, this is the first time Hillsong United tops the tally in its decade-plus distribution in the United States.
Hillsong was founded by Brian and Bobbie Houston in 1983, and now has over 20,000 worshippers attending any given weekend.
The album was recorded on 18 March 2007 at the Acer Arena, Sydney's largest indoor stadium, in front of 13,000 worshippers.
Hillsong say of the new album, "The new songs included on this album are exactly that – songs with life, energy and, ultimately, heartfelt adoration for our Saviour, Jesus Christ. The title track Saviour King has become an anthem in Hillsong Church of late, and was sung at both the opening and the close of the evening. Our prayer is that you would be inspired to worship in spirit and truth as the power of our incredible God is declared through the beautiful songs on this latest Hillsong LIVE album."
In other news, Hillsong United, the youth-centred worship ministry of Hillsong, debuted in the No. 1 slot of America's Billboard's Top Christian & Gospel Albums chart with their eighth career album, All of the Above.
With more than 10,000 discs sold, this is the first time Hillsong United tops the tally in its decade-plus distribution in the United States.
Hillsong was founded by Brian and Bobbie Houston in 1983, and now has over 20,000 worshippers attending any given weekend.
Hillsong United Lyrics-Am I To Believe
Hillsong United Lyrics-Am I To Believe
Am I to believe....
That a God would give his son?
Am I to believe....
That the world was brought with love?
Am I to believe...
That a stranger died for me?
Am I to believe...
That a saviour set me free?
'cause I have felt the could rain...
Run down my face
I've seen the sun rise up...
As the night turns to day
I've heard the laughter...
As the children play
But above all
I juat live to say that...
YEAH,OH YEAH
I believe in the God love
YEAH,OH YEAH
I believe in the risen son
Am I to believe...
That the sick shall overcome?
Am I to believe....
That my freedom has been won?
I blieve in you....
Am I to believe....
That a God would give his son?
Am I to believe....
That the world was brought with love?
Am I to believe...
That a stranger died for me?
Am I to believe...
That a saviour set me free?
'cause I have felt the could rain...
Run down my face
I've seen the sun rise up...
As the night turns to day
I've heard the laughter...
As the children play
But above all
I juat live to say that...
YEAH,OH YEAH
I believe in the God love
YEAH,OH YEAH
I believe in the risen son
Am I to believe...
That the sick shall overcome?
Am I to believe....
That my freedom has been won?
I blieve in you....
Monday, August 11, 2008
Taking Revival to the World
Step into a Hillsong London service and you walk into the Dominion Theater, which seats 2,000 people. Choose a seat on the balcony or on the ground floor, and when the strobe lights and sophisticated video images begin flashing in the dim theater, you might wonder if you're waiting for We Will Rock You: The Queen Musical!, the show currently running at the Dominion.
Hillsong Church, which recently celebrated its 20th year in Sydney, Australia, is growing its global reach Sunday by Sunday. As the largest church in Australia's history, it regularly attracts 20,000 people to its weekend services. GOD TV, a Christian satellite channel, broadcasts many Hillsong events, boosting its potential audience to 400 million worldwide.
A member of the Assemblies of God denomination, Hillsong has burgeoning church plants in London, Paris, and Kiev, Ukraine. It has also been holding services in Moscow and Berlin. Hillsong's reputation alone is enough to generate huge interest. In London, a Saturday night service and three Sunday services are necessary to accommodate the 7,000 in attendance.
Hillsong is perhaps best known for its music. Its famous worship pastor, Darlene Zschech, wrote the song "Shout to the Lord." It is estimated that 25 million Christians sing that song each week worldwide.
Since the 1990s, Hillsong has released about 50 praise and worship recordings. Hillsong United, its youth ministry and band, has sold recordings by the millions in the American market. Hillsong United began its recent North American tour in Nashville, at the worship service of the Gospel Music Association's music week.
Last fall in London, 3,000 people gathered at the Excel Center for the first-ever Hillsong Conference Europe. On the first night, the crowd hushed and then broke into applause as the lights went off and words appeared on the video screens at the front: "The church is not peripheral to the world; the world is peripheral to the church. The church is Christ's body in which he speaks and acts and fills everything with his presence."
Applause broke out again as the music began. A lone guitarist stood in the spotlight. Beside the stage, Zschech stood drinking coffee, bouncing up and down in her heels. Hillsong's senior pastor, Brian Houston, stood front and center watching the screens flicker footage of a welcome from Sydney, Australia, to Paris, where a drummer played in front of the Eiffel Tower, to the slums of India to a crusade of thousands in Brazil to a choir in Toronto singing the Hillsong chorus "How Great Is Our God."
This event was a Hillsong-branded depiction of the Great Commission and a moving visual picture of their self-proclaimed mission: "To reach and influence the world by building a large Bible-based church, changing mindsets, and empowering people to lead and impact every sphere of life." And it means "every sphere"—from church growth to politics to revival to social action to personal healing.
Hillsong Church, which recently celebrated its 20th year in Sydney, Australia, is growing its global reach Sunday by Sunday. As the largest church in Australia's history, it regularly attracts 20,000 people to its weekend services. GOD TV, a Christian satellite channel, broadcasts many Hillsong events, boosting its potential audience to 400 million worldwide.
A member of the Assemblies of God denomination, Hillsong has burgeoning church plants in London, Paris, and Kiev, Ukraine. It has also been holding services in Moscow and Berlin. Hillsong's reputation alone is enough to generate huge interest. In London, a Saturday night service and three Sunday services are necessary to accommodate the 7,000 in attendance.
Hillsong is perhaps best known for its music. Its famous worship pastor, Darlene Zschech, wrote the song "Shout to the Lord." It is estimated that 25 million Christians sing that song each week worldwide.
Since the 1990s, Hillsong has released about 50 praise and worship recordings. Hillsong United, its youth ministry and band, has sold recordings by the millions in the American market. Hillsong United began its recent North American tour in Nashville, at the worship service of the Gospel Music Association's music week.
Last fall in London, 3,000 people gathered at the Excel Center for the first-ever Hillsong Conference Europe. On the first night, the crowd hushed and then broke into applause as the lights went off and words appeared on the video screens at the front: "The church is not peripheral to the world; the world is peripheral to the church. The church is Christ's body in which he speaks and acts and fills everything with his presence."
Applause broke out again as the music began. A lone guitarist stood in the spotlight. Beside the stage, Zschech stood drinking coffee, bouncing up and down in her heels. Hillsong's senior pastor, Brian Houston, stood front and center watching the screens flicker footage of a welcome from Sydney, Australia, to Paris, where a drummer played in front of the Eiffel Tower, to the slums of India to a crusade of thousands in Brazil to a choir in Toronto singing the Hillsong chorus "How Great Is Our God."
This event was a Hillsong-branded depiction of the Great Commission and a moving visual picture of their self-proclaimed mission: "To reach and influence the world by building a large Bible-based church, changing mindsets, and empowering people to lead and impact every sphere of life." And it means "every sphere"—from church growth to politics to revival to social action to personal healing.
Hillsong United Tops Billboard's Chart
Hillsong United, the youth-centred worship ministry of the Sydney-based mega Hillsong Church, debuted in the No. 1 slot of America's Billboard's Top Christian & Gospel Albums chart with their eighth career album, All of the Above.
With more than 10,000 discs sold, this is the first time the group tops the tally in its decade-plus distribution in the United States. Hillsong United is currently in the middle of a world tour in support of the new album, with upcoming stops planned for select U.S. cities plus New Zealand, Brazil, Argentina, and Mexico.
"With the tour and new record, our hope is to stir up a generation both locally and globally to live lives that are sold out for God and His Cause," said Joel Houston, Hillsong United's creative director as well as worship leader, "lives that are committed to being His hands and feet on the planet, and to bringing justice to the hurting and the broken."
Hillsong United has also recently launched a new movement called "The I Heart Revolution." Through it, they hope to unite the world by showing their travels all around the globe, and how God has impacted each of the regions they visited. In the compiled documentary, they will show video from Asia, South America, Europe, Africa, and Australia from over the last 12 months.
"It became so clear that God is doing something significant among young people," said Houston in a statement. "Regardless of language or geography, whenever they worshipped God, something powerful happened."
The international tour is scheduled to last until August 7, ending in Tacoma, Washington.
With more than 10,000 discs sold, this is the first time the group tops the tally in its decade-plus distribution in the United States. Hillsong United is currently in the middle of a world tour in support of the new album, with upcoming stops planned for select U.S. cities plus New Zealand, Brazil, Argentina, and Mexico.
"With the tour and new record, our hope is to stir up a generation both locally and globally to live lives that are sold out for God and His Cause," said Joel Houston, Hillsong United's creative director as well as worship leader, "lives that are committed to being His hands and feet on the planet, and to bringing justice to the hurting and the broken."
Hillsong United has also recently launched a new movement called "The I Heart Revolution." Through it, they hope to unite the world by showing their travels all around the globe, and how God has impacted each of the regions they visited. In the compiled documentary, they will show video from Asia, South America, Europe, Africa, and Australia from over the last 12 months.
"It became so clear that God is doing something significant among young people," said Houston in a statement. "Regardless of language or geography, whenever they worshipped God, something powerful happened."
The international tour is scheduled to last until August 7, ending in Tacoma, Washington.
Sunday, August 10, 2008
Hillsong United Lyrics-Amazing Love
Hillsong United Lyrics-Amazing Love
I'm so amazed at how You take my life
And love me more, more than I deserve
I'm blown away by Your power to change this life
Once more, I'm planted in You
Who would know, that I was once
On a road so far away from You
All I know is that I live my life
To show the world Your amazing love
Your amazing love
Your love is pure Your love so divine
Your love transforms my soul my mind
Your love has the power to bring new hope
Amazing love
Amazing love
I'm so amazed at the wonder of all creation
I will live to honour You my Lord
You are the gold, treasure of all life
I will rest in You in praise eternally
Who would know that I was once
On a road so far away from You
All I know is that I live my life
To show the world Your amazing love
Your amazing
Your love is so pure Your love so divine
Your love transforms my soul my mind
Your love has the power to bring new hope
Amazing love
Amazing love
(repeat chorus)
I'm so amazed...
I'm so amazed at how You take my life
And love me more, more than I deserve
I'm blown away by Your power to change this life
Once more, I'm planted in You
Who would know, that I was once
On a road so far away from You
All I know is that I live my life
To show the world Your amazing love
Your amazing love
Your love is pure Your love so divine
Your love transforms my soul my mind
Your love has the power to bring new hope
Amazing love
Amazing love
I'm so amazed at the wonder of all creation
I will live to honour You my Lord
You are the gold, treasure of all life
I will rest in You in praise eternally
Who would know that I was once
On a road so far away from You
All I know is that I live my life
To show the world Your amazing love
Your amazing
Your love is so pure Your love so divine
Your love transforms my soul my mind
Your love has the power to bring new hope
Amazing love
Amazing love
(repeat chorus)
I'm so amazed...
Monday, August 4, 2008
Is Hillsong’s “another gospel”?
As fellow-blogger Teddy informs us, in The surprising face of Hillsong Tony Payne and Gordon Cheng report on the gospel as presided over by Brian Houston, in the end drawing on the work of Nathan Walter including:
Walter started with the assumption that 'core gospel content' must at the very least include some basic truths about:
* sin—that we are rebels against our holy, creator God, and deserve nothing but his wrath and condemnation;
* Jesus—that he is God's perfect obedient Son, who died as a penal substitute for our sins, and rose victorious and vindicated as Lord and Christ;
* our response—that in the gospel God calls on us to turn from sin in repentance, to put our faith entirely in Jesus for the forgiveness of sins, and to wait for his return, when he will judge the living and the dead, and bring salvation and eternal life to those who have put their trust in him.
Having looked extensively at Hillsong books and publications, listened to a range of audio and televised sermons (especially those that purported to deal with these subjects), and visited Hillsong church on serveral occasions, Nathan Walter arrived at some unsettling conclusions. These three core subjects are certainly touched upon and discussed, but the content and emphasis is disturbingly different from what we might expect:
* when sin is spoken about, which is not often, it is usually in terms of immorality in the world or else negative thinking and attitudes that destroy God's purpose in our lives, and limit our potential;3 there is no concept that we are under God's wrath or condemnation because of our personal rebellion against him, or that there is a connection between sin, death and judgement;4
* it is asserted that Jesus is God's perfect Son and even that he died 'for us' or 'in our place', but what this means is not explained; not a single example was found expounding Jesus' death as taking the penalty for sin on our behalf so that we might avoid God's wrath on judgement day; instead, Jesus' death and resurrection is usually quoted either as an example (of overcoming difficulty and living with purpose),5 or explained as the source of healing and empowerment for living an abundant and healthy life;6
* our response to the Christian message focuses heavily on the power of choice God has given us, on the need to change mental attitudes and thought patterns so as to live in the blessing God has for us, and on the biblical 'law of cause and effect'— that if we obey Bible principles we will succeed and flourish in life, as God intended.7
Nathan Walter summarized his findings like this:
In their understanding of humanity and sin, Hillsong distorts the diagnosis: it's not so much that we're sinful rebels against God our creator, and therefore objects of his righteous anger and judgement, under the sentence of death; it's more that we have allowed all kinds of bad choices and negative thinking to get in the way of reaching the purpose and potential God has in store for us.
This means that although Hillsong still believes in and proclaims the historical events of Jesus' death and resurrection, they understand these events differently. They do not proclaim Jesus' death as a substitutionary atonement, turning aside God's wrath so that I can receive forgiveness and be saved on the day of judgement—rather, Jesus' death and resurrection function as an undefined entry point into the life of blessing that God has for us, and serve as an example of what a fully devoted life in tune with God's purposes looks like (effectively a 'moral influence' view of the atonement).
And because they have twisted both the problem and the solution in Christ out of shape, their account of how we should respond to the gospel is also badly flawed. It's not about clinging to Christ in faith for forgiveness of sins, and pursuing holiness through the work of the Spirit—it's about choosing to change how you think, and obeying the Bible's principles, so that you can move into a period of success and flourishing in every area of life.
… and concluding
[Hillsong] did not faithfully and clearly teach the gospel of Christ—and this was not through denial or outright heresy, but through distortion, replacement and omission.
For all the hype and hoopla, we were not directed to the narrow gate and the difficult way that leads to salvation. Instead, we found ourselves being beckoned down a broader and far more awesome road; a road paved with promises of blessing and divine purpose; a road with inspiring tour-guides, thousands of warm and enthusiastic fellow-travellers, and a soundtrack to die for.
Walter started with the assumption that 'core gospel content' must at the very least include some basic truths about:
* sin—that we are rebels against our holy, creator God, and deserve nothing but his wrath and condemnation;
* Jesus—that he is God's perfect obedient Son, who died as a penal substitute for our sins, and rose victorious and vindicated as Lord and Christ;
* our response—that in the gospel God calls on us to turn from sin in repentance, to put our faith entirely in Jesus for the forgiveness of sins, and to wait for his return, when he will judge the living and the dead, and bring salvation and eternal life to those who have put their trust in him.
Having looked extensively at Hillsong books and publications, listened to a range of audio and televised sermons (especially those that purported to deal with these subjects), and visited Hillsong church on serveral occasions, Nathan Walter arrived at some unsettling conclusions. These three core subjects are certainly touched upon and discussed, but the content and emphasis is disturbingly different from what we might expect:
* when sin is spoken about, which is not often, it is usually in terms of immorality in the world or else negative thinking and attitudes that destroy God's purpose in our lives, and limit our potential;3 there is no concept that we are under God's wrath or condemnation because of our personal rebellion against him, or that there is a connection between sin, death and judgement;4
* it is asserted that Jesus is God's perfect Son and even that he died 'for us' or 'in our place', but what this means is not explained; not a single example was found expounding Jesus' death as taking the penalty for sin on our behalf so that we might avoid God's wrath on judgement day; instead, Jesus' death and resurrection is usually quoted either as an example (of overcoming difficulty and living with purpose),5 or explained as the source of healing and empowerment for living an abundant and healthy life;6
* our response to the Christian message focuses heavily on the power of choice God has given us, on the need to change mental attitudes and thought patterns so as to live in the blessing God has for us, and on the biblical 'law of cause and effect'— that if we obey Bible principles we will succeed and flourish in life, as God intended.7
Nathan Walter summarized his findings like this:
In their understanding of humanity and sin, Hillsong distorts the diagnosis: it's not so much that we're sinful rebels against God our creator, and therefore objects of his righteous anger and judgement, under the sentence of death; it's more that we have allowed all kinds of bad choices and negative thinking to get in the way of reaching the purpose and potential God has in store for us.
This means that although Hillsong still believes in and proclaims the historical events of Jesus' death and resurrection, they understand these events differently. They do not proclaim Jesus' death as a substitutionary atonement, turning aside God's wrath so that I can receive forgiveness and be saved on the day of judgement—rather, Jesus' death and resurrection function as an undefined entry point into the life of blessing that God has for us, and serve as an example of what a fully devoted life in tune with God's purposes looks like (effectively a 'moral influence' view of the atonement).
And because they have twisted both the problem and the solution in Christ out of shape, their account of how we should respond to the gospel is also badly flawed. It's not about clinging to Christ in faith for forgiveness of sins, and pursuing holiness through the work of the Spirit—it's about choosing to change how you think, and obeying the Bible's principles, so that you can move into a period of success and flourishing in every area of life.
… and concluding
[Hillsong] did not faithfully and clearly teach the gospel of Christ—and this was not through denial or outright heresy, but through distortion, replacement and omission.
For all the hype and hoopla, we were not directed to the narrow gate and the difficult way that leads to salvation. Instead, we found ourselves being beckoned down a broader and far more awesome road; a road paved with promises of blessing and divine purpose; a road with inspiring tour-guides, thousands of warm and enthusiastic fellow-travellers, and a soundtrack to die for.
Homogenous Unit Principle: Time for a Rethink?
I have been rethinking the value of Homogenous Unit Principle (HUP) based mission strategies over the last few months, and particularly over the last few weeks, and think its maybe time I started letting this cat out of the bag.
It has more than a little to do with my shift towards deeper local church involvement.
Here is an article which highlights some of the issues that concern me:
Rethinking HUP thinking: Confessions of a Homogeneous Unit Principle Advocate
Basically I have come to question how transferable the Homogenous Unit Principle is to pluralistic western contexts, particularly given the fluidity of our society. Once upon a time I thought sub-culturally contextualized groups were the way to go; that overseas mission methodologies were fully transferable. But over time I have been forced to concede that our subcultures just aren't homogenous enough. It's extreme diversity all the way down with the most pluralistic of the pluralists. There is no homogenous unit, not even at the level of the individual, not when plurality becomes internalized.
So maybe its time to give up experimenting with homogenous-translocal groups; maybe its time to re-examine the possibilities of hetrogenous-local groups; to shift from demographic focus back to geographic focus. Is that incarnational-mission heresy? Does that smack of a return to one-size-fits-all for some of you? I don't know how you might interpret this to be honest, but that's the way I've been shifting of late. Essentially, I believe we need models that respect multiple diversities, extreme diversities even. That's not sub-culturally contextual church, but its not Christendom church either. It's something else.
It has more than a little to do with my shift towards deeper local church involvement.
Here is an article which highlights some of the issues that concern me:
Rethinking HUP thinking: Confessions of a Homogeneous Unit Principle Advocate
Basically I have come to question how transferable the Homogenous Unit Principle is to pluralistic western contexts, particularly given the fluidity of our society. Once upon a time I thought sub-culturally contextualized groups were the way to go; that overseas mission methodologies were fully transferable. But over time I have been forced to concede that our subcultures just aren't homogenous enough. It's extreme diversity all the way down with the most pluralistic of the pluralists. There is no homogenous unit, not even at the level of the individual, not when plurality becomes internalized.
So maybe its time to give up experimenting with homogenous-translocal groups; maybe its time to re-examine the possibilities of hetrogenous-local groups; to shift from demographic focus back to geographic focus. Is that incarnational-mission heresy? Does that smack of a return to one-size-fits-all for some of you? I don't know how you might interpret this to be honest, but that's the way I've been shifting of late. Essentially, I believe we need models that respect multiple diversities, extreme diversities even. That's not sub-culturally contextual church, but its not Christendom church either. It's something else.
Hillsong United Lyrics-Always
Hillsong United Lyrics-Always
Did You rise the sun for me?
Or paint a million stars that I might
Know Your majesty?
Is Your voice upon the wind?
Is everything I've known marked
With my maker's fingerprints?
Breathe on me
Let me see Your face
Ever I will seek You
Chorus:
'Cause all You are, is all I want, always
Draw me close in Your arms
Oh God, I wanna be with You
Can I feel You in the rain?
Abandon all I am to have You
Capture me again
Let the earth resound with praise
Can You hear as all creation lives
To glorify one name?
Did You rise the sun for me?
Or paint a million stars that I might
Know Your majesty?
Is Your voice upon the wind?
Is everything I've known marked
With my maker's fingerprints?
Breathe on me
Let me see Your face
Ever I will seek You
Chorus:
'Cause all You are, is all I want, always
Draw me close in Your arms
Oh God, I wanna be with You
Can I feel You in the rain?
Abandon all I am to have You
Capture me again
Let the earth resound with praise
Can You hear as all creation lives
To glorify one name?
Monday, July 28, 2008
Hillsong's mental illness link is no surprise to me
When I was deep in the hell of the Year 12 HSC a fellow student at Carlingford High School invited me to a 'HSC Hype' study camp run by the Hillsong Church. I had no idea what I was in for.
But after what I experienced I couldn't possibly be surprised by today's media allegations the Hillsong Church's mental health arm 'Mercy Ministries' is little more than an amateur hour demon-exorcising clinic that leaves vulnerable mentally ill girls worse off than when they started.
Not after what I saw 13 years ago when I ended up with a hundred or so other 17-year-olds at a remote convention centre enduring, between sessions of study, a week of activities with a deep undercurrent of hard core Christianity.
A week that culminated in a late night 'conversion session' on the final evening.
We were all packed into a room and seated cross-legged on the floor. In strode Christine Caine, now a senior pastor at the outfit.
What followed was an exhausting two-hour marathon of fire and brimstone – a textbook example of extreme emotional manipulation.
At the end, when we were all pale and adrenalised, we were told to bow our heads. If we wanted to be saved, all we had to do was raise our hand.
We were told our thumping hearts was God knocking on our souls – a physiological response to stress dressed up as spiritual calling.
As meek hands were raised, we were whipped up further; "There's more, I know it, Jesus may never knock again!" We were kept like that for over ten minutes.
Then those who had raised their hands were removed from the room. The whole disgraceful episode led to the church being banned from advertising such camps at our school.
As you can probably imagine since then I've kept a pretty keen eye on the church and watched its stadium like churches mushroom out of the sprawling estate they own deep in McMansion country in Sydney's north west.
I've watched them spread their tentacles to the depressed suburbs of Waterloo and Redfern.
I've watched this organization, which pays no tax and files no financial documents with the ATO, grow in political influence.
Former PM John Howard opened their new convention centre in 2002, Peter Costello has addressed their conferences and federal politicians Senator Steve Fielding and Louise Markus are from amongst their flock.
I've wondered how much how much of the money they 'tithe' from their followers goes to 'charitable' projects like 'Mercy Ministries' and how much goes to bigger buildings, money making schemes like CD and TV sales around the world, and how much into senior pastors' pockets.
I've wondered how people can buy their steroid enhanced form of worship where talking in tongues, exorcising demons and going into trances of religious ecstasy are the norm.
How people can attend their church services, which more closely resemble rock concerts, and not see they are primarily designed to bamboozle the senses.
And I've wondered how people can tithe 10 percent of their income to a church whose boss, Brian Houston, said last year raked in $50 million.
Where growing the church both in wealth and it numbers matters above all else.
In fact I wondered enough to go to their services to see for myself.
When I arrived a young welcoming committee rep, Rani, met me. Together we watch and sing along to a band, seven attractive young singers and a thirty-person choir.
Those on stage, none of whom were older than 35, have their eyes closed and hands raised in religious rapture as the concert style lights sweep the room and smoke machines puff away.
Two huge screens overlay the song lyrics about "surrendering to Christ" with images of the action on stage and close ups on the audience from multiple camera operators.
One girl two seats down with her eyes closed keeps singing the songs long after they've finished, clearly in a trance.
After the music stopped, an older man hit the stage, telling us he'd just read a book about the leaning tower of Pisa – built in 1173 as the belltower of a nearby church.
He said no one could remember who designed or constructed it – but they could remember who paid for it, an old woman who'd left 60 gold coins for the purpose in her will.
The moral of his story was this woman was remembered 800 years later, and if we gave to Hillsong we could be remembered in 800 years as well.
We were directed to the tithe envelopes on our seats, where we could put the recommended 10 percent of our income. Conveniently, we could pay with cash, cheque or credit card.
We weren't really being asked, we were being told.
Next was a church news video presentation encouraging us to enrol in one of the many conferences, weekend retreats, or 'diplomas' in theology offered at Hillsong's religious school.
At the end there was a conversion session exactly the same as I encountered at the 'HSC Hype' study camp.
Right at the end, people who were sick identified themselves. Others crowded around them placing hands on any available piece of flesh and muttering and mumbling away to themselves, talking in tongues.
On the way out, I saw a large Polynesian man. I was told he was Brian Houston's bodyguard.
Rani informed me his presence was necessary as some people who don't agree with the church's teachings run up on stage during Brian's performances.
I was amazed at the positive energy the feeling of community was great – it's just a pity it costs so much.
I realised it's this rock concert-like show, full of literal smoke and mirrors, together with their other hocus-pocus that gets people in.
And if that's all they did, you could hardly complain, people should be able to believe whatever they want, however kooky.
But they really shouldn't have to pay for it. And the Church shouldn't really be trying to 'cure' mentally ill people with prayer and holy water. And they really shouldn't be targeting public school children to grow their church.
But at least after today's news everyone now knows how these people work. And no one in future, from governments down, can pretend to be surprised.
But after what I experienced I couldn't possibly be surprised by today's media allegations the Hillsong Church's mental health arm 'Mercy Ministries' is little more than an amateur hour demon-exorcising clinic that leaves vulnerable mentally ill girls worse off than when they started.
Not after what I saw 13 years ago when I ended up with a hundred or so other 17-year-olds at a remote convention centre enduring, between sessions of study, a week of activities with a deep undercurrent of hard core Christianity.
A week that culminated in a late night 'conversion session' on the final evening.
We were all packed into a room and seated cross-legged on the floor. In strode Christine Caine, now a senior pastor at the outfit.
What followed was an exhausting two-hour marathon of fire and brimstone – a textbook example of extreme emotional manipulation.
At the end, when we were all pale and adrenalised, we were told to bow our heads. If we wanted to be saved, all we had to do was raise our hand.
We were told our thumping hearts was God knocking on our souls – a physiological response to stress dressed up as spiritual calling.
As meek hands were raised, we were whipped up further; "There's more, I know it, Jesus may never knock again!" We were kept like that for over ten minutes.
Then those who had raised their hands were removed from the room. The whole disgraceful episode led to the church being banned from advertising such camps at our school.
As you can probably imagine since then I've kept a pretty keen eye on the church and watched its stadium like churches mushroom out of the sprawling estate they own deep in McMansion country in Sydney's north west.
I've watched them spread their tentacles to the depressed suburbs of Waterloo and Redfern.
I've watched this organization, which pays no tax and files no financial documents with the ATO, grow in political influence.
Former PM John Howard opened their new convention centre in 2002, Peter Costello has addressed their conferences and federal politicians Senator Steve Fielding and Louise Markus are from amongst their flock.
I've wondered how much how much of the money they 'tithe' from their followers goes to 'charitable' projects like 'Mercy Ministries' and how much goes to bigger buildings, money making schemes like CD and TV sales around the world, and how much into senior pastors' pockets.
I've wondered how people can buy their steroid enhanced form of worship where talking in tongues, exorcising demons and going into trances of religious ecstasy are the norm.
How people can attend their church services, which more closely resemble rock concerts, and not see they are primarily designed to bamboozle the senses.
And I've wondered how people can tithe 10 percent of their income to a church whose boss, Brian Houston, said last year raked in $50 million.
Where growing the church both in wealth and it numbers matters above all else.
In fact I wondered enough to go to their services to see for myself.
When I arrived a young welcoming committee rep, Rani, met me. Together we watch and sing along to a band, seven attractive young singers and a thirty-person choir.
Those on stage, none of whom were older than 35, have their eyes closed and hands raised in religious rapture as the concert style lights sweep the room and smoke machines puff away.
Two huge screens overlay the song lyrics about "surrendering to Christ" with images of the action on stage and close ups on the audience from multiple camera operators.
One girl two seats down with her eyes closed keeps singing the songs long after they've finished, clearly in a trance.
After the music stopped, an older man hit the stage, telling us he'd just read a book about the leaning tower of Pisa – built in 1173 as the belltower of a nearby church.
He said no one could remember who designed or constructed it – but they could remember who paid for it, an old woman who'd left 60 gold coins for the purpose in her will.
The moral of his story was this woman was remembered 800 years later, and if we gave to Hillsong we could be remembered in 800 years as well.
We were directed to the tithe envelopes on our seats, where we could put the recommended 10 percent of our income. Conveniently, we could pay with cash, cheque or credit card.
We weren't really being asked, we were being told.
Next was a church news video presentation encouraging us to enrol in one of the many conferences, weekend retreats, or 'diplomas' in theology offered at Hillsong's religious school.
At the end there was a conversion session exactly the same as I encountered at the 'HSC Hype' study camp.
Right at the end, people who were sick identified themselves. Others crowded around them placing hands on any available piece of flesh and muttering and mumbling away to themselves, talking in tongues.
On the way out, I saw a large Polynesian man. I was told he was Brian Houston's bodyguard.
Rani informed me his presence was necessary as some people who don't agree with the church's teachings run up on stage during Brian's performances.
I was amazed at the positive energy the feeling of community was great – it's just a pity it costs so much.
I realised it's this rock concert-like show, full of literal smoke and mirrors, together with their other hocus-pocus that gets people in.
And if that's all they did, you could hardly complain, people should be able to believe whatever they want, however kooky.
But they really shouldn't have to pay for it. And the Church shouldn't really be trying to 'cure' mentally ill people with prayer and holy water. And they really shouldn't be targeting public school children to grow their church.
But at least after today's news everyone now knows how these people work. And no one in future, from governments down, can pretend to be surprised.
Hillsong United to Rock Stage at GMA's Sunday Evening of Worship
The traditional Sunday evening of worship at the historic Ryman Auditorium during Gospel Music Association Week this year will feature Hillsong United, along with the dynamic Hillsong Youth Pastor, Phil Dooley.
As Australia's #1 modern worship band, Hillsong United have exploded around the globe with their engaging passionate approach impacting thousands in live events and becoming a favourite source for new worship music.
The Sunday worship night at GMA Week, which will be hosted by Michael W Smith, is one of the first stops for Hillsong United on their North American tour, which will be accompanied by Starfield in Canada.
Hillsong United's Creative Director, Joel Houston, who is also one of United's worship leaders and songwriters, said, "We are really excited about coming back to North America and we're looking forward to taking songs, which have been specifically written to be sung corporately, to young people across the continent."
Over 3,000 gospel musicians and fans will gather in Nashville, Tennessee, in the US for the GMA Music Week 07' - to listen, invent, renew, and connect.
The convention kicks off 21 April, wrapping up on 25 April with the GMA Dove Awards - Christian music's biggest night of the year.
As Australia's #1 modern worship band, Hillsong United have exploded around the globe with their engaging passionate approach impacting thousands in live events and becoming a favourite source for new worship music.
The Sunday worship night at GMA Week, which will be hosted by Michael W Smith, is one of the first stops for Hillsong United on their North American tour, which will be accompanied by Starfield in Canada.
Hillsong United's Creative Director, Joel Houston, who is also one of United's worship leaders and songwriters, said, "We are really excited about coming back to North America and we're looking forward to taking songs, which have been specifically written to be sung corporately, to young people across the continent."
Over 3,000 gospel musicians and fans will gather in Nashville, Tennessee, in the US for the GMA Music Week 07' - to listen, invent, renew, and connect.
The convention kicks off 21 April, wrapping up on 25 April with the GMA Dove Awards - Christian music's biggest night of the year.
Hillsong United Lyrics-All Things are Possible
Hillsong United Lyrics-All Things are Possible
Almighty God, my Redeemer,
my Hiding Place, my Safe Refugee,
no other name like Jesus,
no power can stand against You.
My feet are planted on this rock,
and I will not be shaken,
my hope it comes from You alone,
my Lord and my Salvation.
Your praise is always on my lips,
Your Word is living in my heart,
and I will praise You with a new song,
my soul will bless You Lord.
You fill my life with greater joy,
Yes, I delight myself in You,
and I will praise You with a new song,
my soul will bless You Lord.
When I am weak You make me strong,
when I'm poor, I know I'm rich,
for in the power of Your name.
All things are possible,
all things are possible,
all things are possible,
all things are possible!
Almighty God, my Redeemer,
my Hiding Place, my Safe Refugee,
no other name like Jesus,
no power can stand against You.
My feet are planted on this rock,
and I will not be shaken,
my hope it comes from You alone,
my Lord and my Salvation.
Your praise is always on my lips,
Your Word is living in my heart,
and I will praise You with a new song,
my soul will bless You Lord.
You fill my life with greater joy,
Yes, I delight myself in You,
and I will praise You with a new song,
my soul will bless You Lord.
When I am weak You make me strong,
when I'm poor, I know I'm rich,
for in the power of Your name.
All things are possible,
all things are possible,
all things are possible,
all things are possible!
Monday, July 21, 2008
Hillsong United Lyrics- Yours Is The Kingdom
Hillsong United Lyrics- Yours Is The Kingdom
Yours is the Kingdom
And the power
And the glory forever is Yours
Heaven and earth bow down
In the wonder of Your Name
Heaven is open
Death is broken
And the glory forever is Yours
Nothing can overcome
The power of Your Name
King above kings
All the universe will sing
Everlasting God
You are wonderful
You are wonderful
And the shout of the earth
Will be Your praise
God forever
And the light unto all
Will be Your wonderful Name
For the glory Lord is Yours
God forever
All the glory Lord is Yours
Yours is the Kingdom
And the power
And the glory forever is Yours
Heaven and earth bow down
In the wonder of Your Name
Heaven is open
Death is broken
And the glory forever is Yours
Nothing can overcome
The power of Your Name
King above kings
All the universe will sing
Everlasting God
You are wonderful
You are wonderful
And the shout of the earth
Will be Your praise
God forever
And the light unto all
Will be Your wonderful Name
For the glory Lord is Yours
God forever
All the glory Lord is Yours
Music in Ministry
Some years ago, music was treated with a certain amount of polite respect. It was used in church as a means of praising & worshipping God true, but not in the way it is used today. I was born into a Pentecostal family (praise the Lord). When I went to church as a lad, we'd have some choruses at the start, or rather, just before the start of the meeting proper, where we would clap and play tambourines. Once the meeting started it was hymns! I have no recollection whatsoever of hand raising, and dancing was 'of the devil', as was make up! But more surprisingly, I have no recollection of singing in the spirit, or singing in tongues etc. We had tongues in our church all right, often there would be a 'message' followed by an interpretation, but no singing in the spirit.
Looking back it's not really surprising. There was no such thing as anointing in association with music in those days. It just wasn't part of church thinking. The lady who played the piano would sight read (very well) the music from the hymn book and we'd sing, and at the end of the hymn we'd stop. There was no rolling on a bit as we do now a days. The only possible exception would be if some brave 'lady' would stand and sing the message in tongues instead of speaking it. But I don't think ladies were allowed to do that though, not without a hat anyway!
Things have changed somewhat since then. Now we have very dominant music, and certainly some singing in the spirit. We regard music as a valid ministry that must be anointed, well, praise the Lord I say. It's about time we got back to David's way of doing things, after all, he was chosen by God because of his heart, and David was a 'praiser'. He almost invented it! Well he didn't invent it, but he certainly gave it a higher profile, and made praise and music synonymous.
There is a scripture that says, I will rebuild the fallen tent of David, and it started sometime within the last few decades.
Can I make a point here? We have music in church, and we praise the Lord in church, but only when meetings are on. David wasn't having any of that! He set up praise teams to go at it 24 hours a day. Who cares if the people are there or not? God is worthy to be praised regardless of meeting times. Would we consider doing that today? Not a chance! Why? We don't have the mind set or heart of David (gulp!). And remember, David had a heart after God's heart. Sorry this is a bit in your face, but this is what God is telling me to write. The bible doesn't set any time limits on praising God, quite the opposite in fact, "from the rising of the sun to the place where it sets, the name of the Lord is to be praised." Sneaky that, because the sun never really sets or rises. It's there all the time, somewhere.
Another point coming up! We couldn't realistically do what David did anyway, because we have to get up each morning and go to work, well some do. Here is another departure from scripture. In David's day, the musicians & singers were not given any other duties. Their job was to praise God, nothing else. Who paid their wages? The congregation did. Who bought their instruments, the congregation did. There is non of this 'only pay the pastor' rubbish in the Bible. Musicians, priests, and gate keepers were all provided for. They even had rooms in the Temple. That's how far we've come from the Bible. Getting people to give these days has become a work of art, sadly, by necessity. Tithes is one thing, but giving is something far greater.
What has this to do with music in ministry? I'm stating for the record, that the church is not providing the biblical foundation on which to base music as ministry. Whilst there has been an awakening in our thinking to music, there has not been an awakening to the person of the musician. David appointed a whole section of society to the task of ministering to the Lord with various kinds of music and singing. People were appointed to 'prophesy' ON their instruments, some of which were cymbals, (that should cheer up the drummers!). This is all biblical stuff. It's not an invention of the charismatics, or the Americans! It's not a 'cult' or of the devil. It's Bible. This is David's fallen tent. As you can see, there's a way to go before it's totally rebuilt, but a start has been made. Praise God.
Looking back it's not really surprising. There was no such thing as anointing in association with music in those days. It just wasn't part of church thinking. The lady who played the piano would sight read (very well) the music from the hymn book and we'd sing, and at the end of the hymn we'd stop. There was no rolling on a bit as we do now a days. The only possible exception would be if some brave 'lady' would stand and sing the message in tongues instead of speaking it. But I don't think ladies were allowed to do that though, not without a hat anyway!
Things have changed somewhat since then. Now we have very dominant music, and certainly some singing in the spirit. We regard music as a valid ministry that must be anointed, well, praise the Lord I say. It's about time we got back to David's way of doing things, after all, he was chosen by God because of his heart, and David was a 'praiser'. He almost invented it! Well he didn't invent it, but he certainly gave it a higher profile, and made praise and music synonymous.
There is a scripture that says, I will rebuild the fallen tent of David, and it started sometime within the last few decades.
Can I make a point here? We have music in church, and we praise the Lord in church, but only when meetings are on. David wasn't having any of that! He set up praise teams to go at it 24 hours a day. Who cares if the people are there or not? God is worthy to be praised regardless of meeting times. Would we consider doing that today? Not a chance! Why? We don't have the mind set or heart of David (gulp!). And remember, David had a heart after God's heart. Sorry this is a bit in your face, but this is what God is telling me to write. The bible doesn't set any time limits on praising God, quite the opposite in fact, "from the rising of the sun to the place where it sets, the name of the Lord is to be praised." Sneaky that, because the sun never really sets or rises. It's there all the time, somewhere.
Another point coming up! We couldn't realistically do what David did anyway, because we have to get up each morning and go to work, well some do. Here is another departure from scripture. In David's day, the musicians & singers were not given any other duties. Their job was to praise God, nothing else. Who paid their wages? The congregation did. Who bought their instruments, the congregation did. There is non of this 'only pay the pastor' rubbish in the Bible. Musicians, priests, and gate keepers were all provided for. They even had rooms in the Temple. That's how far we've come from the Bible. Getting people to give these days has become a work of art, sadly, by necessity. Tithes is one thing, but giving is something far greater.
What has this to do with music in ministry? I'm stating for the record, that the church is not providing the biblical foundation on which to base music as ministry. Whilst there has been an awakening in our thinking to music, there has not been an awakening to the person of the musician. David appointed a whole section of society to the task of ministering to the Lord with various kinds of music and singing. People were appointed to 'prophesy' ON their instruments, some of which were cymbals, (that should cheer up the drummers!). This is all biblical stuff. It's not an invention of the charismatics, or the Americans! It's not a 'cult' or of the devil. It's Bible. This is David's fallen tent. As you can see, there's a way to go before it's totally rebuilt, but a start has been made. Praise God.
Hillsong United Lrics-All The Heaven
Hillsong United Lrics-All The Heaven
Holy holy are You Lord
The whole earth is filled with Your glory
Let the nations rise to give
Honour and praise to Your name
Let Your face shine on us
And the world will know You live
All the heavens shout Your praise
Beautiful is our God
The universe will sing
Hallelujah to You our King
Holy holy are You Lord
The whole earth is filled with Your glory
Let the nations rise to give
Honour and praise to Your name
Let Your face shine on us
And the world will know You live
All the heavens shout Your praise
Beautiful is our God
The universe will sing
Hallelujah to You our King
Monday, July 14, 2008
Supernatural: Hillsong Kids
"Supernatural" was recorded live before a crowd of 3,000 kids, and that fact flavors the tone of the whole album. There's a lively energy to it, and it's interesting to hear the way the leaders, kids themselves, urge the audience to "get up and dance now." I'll be honest: there were times when it was difficult for me to imagine kids responding to the deep worship conveyed by the music, but that could say more about my ignorance of kids' worship than it does about the album's fit. I certainly wouldn't put it past the dynamic ministry of Hillsong Church.
The album kicks off with the title track, its tight arrangements perfect to get kids ready to move and groove in the Lord. "Better Than Life" is a hand-clapper, with a powerful spoken-word prayer mid-track, again, setting a sincerely worshipful tone. By the time you reach the quietly prayerful "You're All I Need," you realize these young leaders are quite capable, showing that kids are more than ready to enter into worship on their own. To me, the songs with the simplest lyrics rang most true; a fresh "Jesus Loves Me," with its classic Biblical truths movingly presented, felt both truly kid-oriented and worship-driven. A few other tracks just came across as more adult-oriented to me (the upbeat "For Who You Are" and the slower-tempo, worshipful closing tracks). Again, that may just be my lack of experience in this field. But there are just as many songs that work quite well: the tribal beats of "Not Forgotten," the soulful, anthemic "Get It Started," and the funkified "Everyday." "Supernatural" certainly qualifies as an album that many adults could enjoy just as much as your kids, which is nice if you anticipate hours and hours hitting replay in the family van.
Companion resources include a "Supernatural" Songbook and a DVD that offers performance trax videos with audio options, four song episodes with discussion style monologues, documentaries, and more, all available on February 27.
The album kicks off with the title track, its tight arrangements perfect to get kids ready to move and groove in the Lord. "Better Than Life" is a hand-clapper, with a powerful spoken-word prayer mid-track, again, setting a sincerely worshipful tone. By the time you reach the quietly prayerful "You're All I Need," you realize these young leaders are quite capable, showing that kids are more than ready to enter into worship on their own. To me, the songs with the simplest lyrics rang most true; a fresh "Jesus Loves Me," with its classic Biblical truths movingly presented, felt both truly kid-oriented and worship-driven. A few other tracks just came across as more adult-oriented to me (the upbeat "For Who You Are" and the slower-tempo, worshipful closing tracks). Again, that may just be my lack of experience in this field. But there are just as many songs that work quite well: the tribal beats of "Not Forgotten," the soulful, anthemic "Get It Started," and the funkified "Everyday." "Supernatural" certainly qualifies as an album that many adults could enjoy just as much as your kids, which is nice if you anticipate hours and hours hitting replay in the family van.
Companion resources include a "Supernatural" Songbook and a DVD that offers performance trax videos with audio options, four song episodes with discussion style monologues, documentaries, and more, all available on February 27.
Hillsong United Lyrics - Your Unfailing Love
Hillsong United Lyrics - Your Unfailing Love
verse 1
when the darkness fills my senses
when my blindness keeps me from your touch,
Jesus come
verse 2
When my burden keeps me doubting
when my memories take the place of you
Jesus come
bridge
And I'll follow you there
to the place where we meet
and I'll lay down my pride
as you search me again
Chorus
Your unfailing love, your unfailing love,
your unfailing love over me again
(repeat chorus)
(repeat the whole song through)
verse 1
when the darkness fills my senses
when my blindness keeps me from your touch,
Jesus come
verse 2
When my burden keeps me doubting
when my memories take the place of you
Jesus come
bridge
And I'll follow you there
to the place where we meet
and I'll lay down my pride
as you search me again
Chorus
Your unfailing love, your unfailing love,
your unfailing love over me again
(repeat chorus)
(repeat the whole song through)
Hillsong United Lyrics-All Praises To The King
Hillsong United Lyrics-All Praises To The King
What a joy I feel to think about forever
I'm a child of God
with blessings from Heaven
By your side, days always brighter
The Holy one
My Master
My Father
I will dwell in your courts
I will sing for you
you're my deepest love
Jesus
I love you
It's a love song I sing
It's an anthem from my heart
All praises to the King
I am not alone
Jesus
You're near me
Washed me clean with hands full of mercy
You're a resting place for all who are weary
A perfect place
and a new beginning
What a joy I feel to think about forever
I'm a child of God
with blessings from Heaven
By your side, days always brighter
The Holy one
My Master
My Father
I will dwell in your courts
I will sing for you
you're my deepest love
Jesus
I love you
It's a love song I sing
It's an anthem from my heart
All praises to the King
I am not alone
Jesus
You're near me
Washed me clean with hands full of mercy
You're a resting place for all who are weary
A perfect place
and a new beginning
Monday, July 7, 2008
Hillsong United Lyrics- Lift
Hillsong United Lyrics- Lift
Lift Your name up
To the highest place
I will praise You
I will praise You
Giving You
A sacrifice of praise
I will praise You
I will praise You
Right now
Right now
Right now
Lift your hands up
Lift your hands up
Lift your hands up
Everybody
Lift Your name up
To the highest place
I will praise You
I will praise You
Giving You
A sacrifice of praise
I will praise You
I will praise You
Right now
Right now
Right now
Lift your hands up
Lift your hands up
Lift your hands up
Everybody
Hillsong Church Emphasizes Justice as 26,000 Attend Annual Conference
Australia's most well known megachurch, Hillsong Church, began its annual five-day Hillsong conference on Monday, drawing together 26,000 Christians from all around the world.
Enlarge this Image
Hillsong Conference
(Photo: Hillsong Church)
The Watoto Children's Choir sings at the annual Hillsong Conference on July 2.
Though the church is most well known for its music ministry, the focus of this year's conference is on justice and what Christians can do to reduce the sufferings that plague the world.
There are 19 different denominations from 68 countries attending the conference, and a major issue to be dealt with by all of them is AIDS and poverty in Africa, according to opening remarks by Gary Skinner, leader of Kampala Pentecostal Church and founder of Watoto Child Care Ministries.
"The world is on an accumulation binge," explained the Ugandan pastor to the large crowd, according to the Sydney Morning Herald. "God is not a grabber; He is a giver."
A main goal for the conference is to also dispel the criticisms that have surrounded the Hillsong Church in regard to humanitarian and social issues. Many leaders have argued that the church is too focused on the prosperity gospel and only personal enlightenment rather than aiding others. They have said that the church's focus is too outward and heavily founded only on music without substance as well.
According to Hillsong pastor Brian Houston, the church has always been concerned for justice and the well-being of everyone.
"God tells us that standing against injustice and speaking up for the disenfranchised is the responsibility of every Christian," said Houston at the event.
As an immediate gesture of action, the Hillsong community awarded a check worth $700,000 to Skinner. With it, he will be able to build a village in Gulu in northern Uganda to aid rescued child soldiers.
Despite the gathering's focus on world issues, the event organizers have shied away from making it political. For the second year, no invitations were sent to political leaders to attend. A scarce few are expected to attend for personal worship.
Typical of Hillsong Church, the night opened with a wave of praise. Hillsong's praise leader, Darlene Zschech, led an orchestra-sized ensemble to move the thousands in the audience at the Acer Arena, the location of this year's conference and a former auditorium built for the 2000 Olympic Games.
The conference is also expecting the attendance of a select few American ministry leaders including megachurch pastors Bishop T.D. Jakes of The Potter's House in Dallas and Ed Young, Jr of Fellowship Church in Grapevine, Texas, just north of Dallas/Forth Worth.
The conference will run until Friday.
Enlarge this Image
Hillsong Conference
(Photo: Hillsong Church)
The Watoto Children's Choir sings at the annual Hillsong Conference on July 2.
Though the church is most well known for its music ministry, the focus of this year's conference is on justice and what Christians can do to reduce the sufferings that plague the world.
There are 19 different denominations from 68 countries attending the conference, and a major issue to be dealt with by all of them is AIDS and poverty in Africa, according to opening remarks by Gary Skinner, leader of Kampala Pentecostal Church and founder of Watoto Child Care Ministries.
"The world is on an accumulation binge," explained the Ugandan pastor to the large crowd, according to the Sydney Morning Herald. "God is not a grabber; He is a giver."
A main goal for the conference is to also dispel the criticisms that have surrounded the Hillsong Church in regard to humanitarian and social issues. Many leaders have argued that the church is too focused on the prosperity gospel and only personal enlightenment rather than aiding others. They have said that the church's focus is too outward and heavily founded only on music without substance as well.
According to Hillsong pastor Brian Houston, the church has always been concerned for justice and the well-being of everyone.
"God tells us that standing against injustice and speaking up for the disenfranchised is the responsibility of every Christian," said Houston at the event.
As an immediate gesture of action, the Hillsong community awarded a check worth $700,000 to Skinner. With it, he will be able to build a village in Gulu in northern Uganda to aid rescued child soldiers.
Despite the gathering's focus on world issues, the event organizers have shied away from making it political. For the second year, no invitations were sent to political leaders to attend. A scarce few are expected to attend for personal worship.
Typical of Hillsong Church, the night opened with a wave of praise. Hillsong's praise leader, Darlene Zschech, led an orchestra-sized ensemble to move the thousands in the audience at the Acer Arena, the location of this year's conference and a former auditorium built for the 2000 Olympic Games.
The conference is also expecting the attendance of a select few American ministry leaders including megachurch pastors Bishop T.D. Jakes of The Potter's House in Dallas and Ed Young, Jr of Fellowship Church in Grapevine, Texas, just north of Dallas/Forth Worth.
The conference will run until Friday.
Hillsong United Lyrics-All of my days
Hillsong United Lyrics-All of my days
Proclaim Your awesome power
Tell of mighty deeds
Declare Your future kingdom
Of everlasting peace
And my eyes they look unto You always
And I am captured by Your Majesty
All of my days
I will sing of Your greatness
All of my days
I will speak of Your grace
All of my days
I will tell of Your wonderous love
Your love in my life
Your love
All Your works will praise You
Your children bless Your name
We speak of all Your goodness
We walk in fields of grace
Proclaim Your awesome power
Tell of mighty deeds
Declare Your future kingdom
Of everlasting peace
And my eyes they look unto You always
And I am captured by Your Majesty
All of my days
I will sing of Your greatness
All of my days
I will speak of Your grace
All of my days
I will tell of Your wonderous love
Your love in my life
Your love
All Your works will praise You
Your children bless Your name
We speak of all Your goodness
We walk in fields of grace
Monday, June 30, 2008
Hillsong: Religion flavoured with business
The first thing that many people notice about Hillsong is that it operates within the framework of a business. It makes no secret of this and has adopted of large corporations governance structure with a board and a CEO.
Hillsong promotes a culture of financial entrepreneurialism and Senior Pastor Brian Houston release a book in 1999 entitled, You Need More Money: Discovering God's Financial Plan for Your Life.
It has also borrowed heavily from the world of corporate management to promote models of success-based leadership.
What God has given us is great, and great means big, great is powerful. I tell you, the devil likes to contain and give the church a small mentality ... I want you to buckle up your seat-belt and get ready for a big year. (Hillsong Senior Pastor Brian Houston)
Typical of large corporations Hillsong has a marketing vision at its heart. When asked about the birth of the church in an interview on ABC's Australian Story last year, Hillsong Senior Pastor Brian Houston reached for marketing imagery.
"[I]n those days there used to be a guy who was famous or infamous, whatever, on TV, who many people might remember who used to be on the TV and sell Holdens, sell General Motors, and apparently he was the biggest Holden dealer in Australia.
"And I thought to myself, if you can build a Holden dealer like that, the largest Holden dealership in Australia, surely it must be somewhere where you could build a church. Between those things and me sensing a spiritual pull, we went and started in a little school hall."
Hillsong has been very successful in its endeavour. It is the biggest church in Australia, with over 20 000 people attending each weekend and its presence runs deeper than weekend congregations with a host of conferences, special events, school programs, business networks, welfare, and counselling services.
Financially it is also thriving, with a total annual income that has now reached $60 million, $16 million of which comes through sales of books, CDs, DVDs, t-shirts and other merchandise.
It has become part of the national psyche and, as one of the largest megachurches in the Western world, it has a big international profile that surpasses all but the top American megachurches.
Hillsong is not unique. Many other 'megachurches' around the country shares a similar business model – including the Christian Outreach Centre in Brisbane, Christian City Church in Sydney, Paradise in Adelaide, CityLife, Crossways and Careforce in Melbourne, and Christian Life Centre in Perth.
Although there are many differences between megachurches and traditional churches in terms of size, music, culture, theology, style and evangelical focus, the fundamental difference is that megachurches are built around a business model.
Hillsong promotes a culture of financial entrepreneurialism and Senior Pastor Brian Houston release a book in 1999 entitled, You Need More Money: Discovering God's Financial Plan for Your Life.
It has also borrowed heavily from the world of corporate management to promote models of success-based leadership.
What God has given us is great, and great means big, great is powerful. I tell you, the devil likes to contain and give the church a small mentality ... I want you to buckle up your seat-belt and get ready for a big year. (Hillsong Senior Pastor Brian Houston)
Typical of large corporations Hillsong has a marketing vision at its heart. When asked about the birth of the church in an interview on ABC's Australian Story last year, Hillsong Senior Pastor Brian Houston reached for marketing imagery.
"[I]n those days there used to be a guy who was famous or infamous, whatever, on TV, who many people might remember who used to be on the TV and sell Holdens, sell General Motors, and apparently he was the biggest Holden dealer in Australia.
"And I thought to myself, if you can build a Holden dealer like that, the largest Holden dealership in Australia, surely it must be somewhere where you could build a church. Between those things and me sensing a spiritual pull, we went and started in a little school hall."
Hillsong has been very successful in its endeavour. It is the biggest church in Australia, with over 20 000 people attending each weekend and its presence runs deeper than weekend congregations with a host of conferences, special events, school programs, business networks, welfare, and counselling services.
Financially it is also thriving, with a total annual income that has now reached $60 million, $16 million of which comes through sales of books, CDs, DVDs, t-shirts and other merchandise.
It has become part of the national psyche and, as one of the largest megachurches in the Western world, it has a big international profile that surpasses all but the top American megachurches.
Hillsong is not unique. Many other 'megachurches' around the country shares a similar business model – including the Christian Outreach Centre in Brisbane, Christian City Church in Sydney, Paradise in Adelaide, CityLife, Crossways and Careforce in Melbourne, and Christian Life Centre in Perth.
Although there are many differences between megachurches and traditional churches in terms of size, music, culture, theology, style and evangelical focus, the fundamental difference is that megachurches are built around a business model.
A Megachurch in the Sydney Suburbs
Religious belief and practice, especially Pentecostalism, are increasingly suburban phenomena in an otherwise more secular society. The megachurch of Hillsong in Sydney's north-western suburbs has recently grown rapidly, offering a distinct architecture, institutional structure and informal service format Protestantism generally, distinguished by its stadium show, prosperity preaching, overt materialist orientation and egalitarian populism. Diverse church social groups have partly replaced the civic social institutions never vibrant in suburbia, creating social capital and a new, more fluid sense of place. Hillsong exemplifies the globalisation of religion, while simultaneously stressing local ties, with contemporary media technology in a traditional theological and modern social context.
Hillsong United Lyrics-All I Do
Hillsong United Lyrics-All I Do
I wanted to find
Where I was going
Everything I tried
It took me nowhere
I was so tired of just living my life
Waiting for a sign
You came to my side
Gave me direction
Strong on the inside
I shine for You Lord
Now it's my time
Now I've made up my mind
To be all You want for me
All I do
Is live my life for You
I know it's true
I'll never let You go
All I do
I'd anything for You
Everything is in Your Hands
So I get up
Get up and praise You
And I know where I'm going
I know where I'm going
I wanted to find
Where I was going
Everything I tried
It took me nowhere
I was so tired of just living my life
Waiting for a sign
You came to my side
Gave me direction
Strong on the inside
I shine for You Lord
Now it's my time
Now I've made up my mind
To be all You want for me
All I do
Is live my life for You
I know it's true
I'll never let You go
All I do
I'd anything for You
Everything is in Your Hands
So I get up
Get up and praise You
And I know where I'm going
I know where I'm going
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