Last night we experienced with awe the opening night of Hillsong Conference 2009. The amazing light and sound show that started the night was indescribable. It was sheerly amazing. However the best was yet to come. The worship was electric and the sense of God’s presence in the place was tangible. Then Craig Groeschel preached a message on the “IT” factor in our lives. That intangible blessing of God that makes the difference between winning and losing. The messsage brought an amazing response from everyone present and was a life changing moment for us all.

I cant help but be challenged by the Hillsong miracle, which keeps happening year after year, and I have many times tried to see what makes this great church continue to go forward in the grace of God.

Let me suggest a few things that I think are in the mix of the Hillsong “IT”.

1. A WILLINGNESS TO LEAD WITH HUMILITY

Starting with Brian & Bobbie Houston and flowing through all the key leaders of the church is an obvious spirit of humility in the way they lead.

2. A WILLINGNESS TO SERVE

Somehow the people of Hillsong have heard the call to build God’s kingdom and are willing to give of their all to make this happen.

3. A WILLINGNESS TO RISK

Brian & Bobbie’s willingness to follow God and not settle down is frightening. They continue to press forward despite the challenges and the costs.

4. A WILLINGNESS TO SHARE WITH OTHERS

The generosity of the Hillsong church is now legendary and continues to impact lives and nations. Their hands are always full to bless others.

5. THE WILLINGNESS TO USE WHAT THEY HAVE

Hillsong church is renowned for taking the ordinary and making it outstanding. They know how to turn a worthless stick into a miracle rod.

I continue to be blessed every time I attend the Hillsong conference, and this year has the feel about it of being something very special.

Looking forward to day two.

Steve Penny

Other blog entries you might be interested in:
  1. MIXING WITH GREAT PEOPLE
  2. 70 DAYS TO EXCEL
  3. LIFE CONFERENCE NZ
  4. LEADERSHIP IS THE ANSWER

2 Responses to “THE HILLSONG "IT"”

  1. Kate 08. Jul, 2009 at 9:43 am #

    Thanks for sharing. Really enjoy reading your pearls of wisdom in this blog.
    kate

  2. Steve Swinney 13. Jul, 2009 at 7:17 pm #

    Thanks for the insight Steve, and your positioning make you an authority IMO.
    I have referred to what I have seen and experienced as the ‘Hillsong factor’. It’s the little yet significant things that, are Father’s crowning glory and make all the differnce: like :
    1. on attending Hillsong London with our congregation in 2004, over a few weeks while our building as made ready:
    – Pastor Gary Clark specifically considered our own needs and directed us to take up our offering before arriving at Hillsong Church. (Not the mindset of a money orientated church, but genuine consideration of kingdom and the wider church expression)
    2. while attending Hillsong conference Sydney 2007, and anticipating an afternoon absent to shop for a gift for my wife. Asking Pastor Kathy Clarke for advice of where best to go, resulted in a group of young ladies sorting the whole matter, enabling me to attend the remainder of the confernce. On very nervously parting with $300 to group of young (Ozzy) girls, the ladies returned with a perfect $280 handbag with change, as they got it at sale price for $160. They had served my family and I as strangers; with wisdom, integrity, and excellence.

    I call it the Hillsong factor, but really we know it’s the God factor.
    Praise God for the way he has blessed Hillsong church and in particular, the way he has enabled a transfer of heart, mind,culture, from leadership throughout the wider church. May it spread and increase into many more churches around the globe and change the representation of status quo western christianity.