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'''Hillsong Church''' (formerly '''Hills Christian Life Centre''') is a [[Pentecostalism|Pentecostal]] [[Christianity|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, New South Wales|Baulkham Hills']] Norwest Business Park in the [[Hills District (Sydney)|Hills District]]. It also has a congregation designated the "City" campus which is located in [[Waterloo, New South Wales|Waterloo]], near Sydney's [[central business district]]. The church's senior pastors are [[Brian Houston (pastor)|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.
'''Hillsong Church''' (formerly '''Hills Christian Life Centre''') is a [[Pentecostalism|Pentecostal]] [[Christianity|Christian]] cult 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, New South Wales|Baulkham Hills']] Norwest Business Park in the [[Hills District (Sydney)|Hills District]]. It also has a congregation designated the "City" campus which is located in [[Waterloo, New South Wales|Waterloo]], near Sydney's [[central business district]]. The church's senior pastors are [[Brian Houston (pastor)|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 Church London]], in the [[United Kingdom]], [[Hillsong Church Kiev]] in [[Ukraine]], [[Hillsong Church Cape Town]] in [[South Africa]]. These churches also have services in [[Paris, France|Paris]], [[Berlin, Germany|Berlin]] and [[Moscow]].
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 Church London]], in the [[United Kingdom]], [[Hillsong Church Kiev]] in [[Ukraine]], [[Hillsong Church Cape Town]] in [[South Africa]]. These churches also have services in [[Paris, France|Paris]], [[Berlin, Germany|Berlin]] and [[Moscow]].

Revision as of 04:44, 12 January 2009

Hillsong Church
File:Hillsong logo.png
Map
Address1-5 Solent Circuit, Baulkham Hills NSW 2153 (hills campus) 188 Young Street, Waterloo NSW 2017 (city campus)
Country Australia
DenominationAustralian Christian Churches (Pentecostal)
Websitewww.hillsong.com
Clergy
Senior pastor(s)Brian and Bobbie Houston

Hillsong Church (formerly Hills Christian Life Centre) is a Pentecostal Christian cult 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's senior pastors are 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 Church London, in the United Kingdom, Hillsong Church Kiev in Ukraine, Hillsong Church Cape Town in South Africa. These churches also have services in Paris, Berlin and Moscow.

Hillsong Music has topped Australian charts, with albums 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.[1]

History

Brian and Bobbie Houston moved from New Zealand in 1978 and joined Sydney Christian Life Centre at Darlinghurst, pastored by Brian's father Frank Houston.[2] They started Hillsong Church, which was then known as "Hills Christian Life Centre", in August 1983 with services held at the Baulkham Hills Public School hall[3] and with an initial congregation of 45.[1] Within four years it had grown to 900 people. In 1990, the church moved from "the warehouse", which they had occupied since 1984,[4] to hold services at the Hills Centre. In 1986, an annual conference was developed, now called Hillsong Conference, which was created to be a blessing to the church worldwide and to champion the cause of the local church.[5]

Early Hills Christian Life Centre logo.

In the early 1990s, praise and worship recordings from Hills Christian Life Centre were released in Australia and internationally under the name "Hillsong". This raised the profile of the church. This name is also used for a television show featuring clips from the videos of the recordings and a message from Brian Houston. In 1997, the church moved into its new building at Baulkham Hills' Norwest Business Park.

In the late 1990s the church realised that the name "Hillsong" was more well-known than "Hills Christian Life Centre" due to the branding of its recordings. The church was renamed "Hillsong Church" in 1999, about the time its mother church, Sydney CLC, was merged into Hillsong Church.[6]

After further consistent growth, a new 3,500 seat convention centre at the church's "Hills" campus was opened, on 19 October 2002, by John Howard, the then Prime Minister of Australia. Due to the rapid growth of the "City" campus, in 2007 the church announced its intentions to develop a significant area of land on Rothschild Avenue, Rosebery into the new "City" campus.[7] In August 2008, Hillsong withdrew the development application they had lodged with the Sydney City Council after an independent report recommended against the council approving the development.[8] It has since been reported that Hillsong is looking at other options for its City church plans, including buying the former South Sydney Hospital site.[9]

Offshoots and extension services

In the 1990s, Kiev Christian life Centre, now Hillsong Kiev, and London Christian Life Centre, now Hillsong London, were planted from the Hillsong Church as independent churches. When Hills Christian Life Centre changed its name to Hillsong Church, the international churches also did so. While these churches are a part of Hillsong Church they are fully independent, unlike extension services. Hillsong London have planted extension services in Surrey and in Paris. There is also a "connect group" meeting in Berlin every Thursday. In March 2007, Hillsong Kiev planted an offshoot church in Moscow, which started regular services in July 2007.[10] It was announced in October 2007 that Phil and Lucinda Dooley would plant a Hillsong Church in South Africa in March 2008. Efforts continue to plant Hillsong-related churches in Sweden (Stockholm) and Japan.

As Hillsong has grown, other churches have joined and new churches established as extension services. Extension services are also held for cultural groups in other languages. These extension services are run by a team of people but look to Hillsong Church for leadership and support and join the vision of the church. There are currently 15 extension services across Sydney, many of which join with the "Hills" and "City" congregations for Sunday night services. In early 2007, Macarthur Christian Life Centre in Campbelltown became the 14th extension service. As the church is large and geographically more distant from the main campuses, it is planned to become the third main campus. Hillsong owns the land and building that houses the Macarthur congregation and there are plans to start Sunday evening services at the site in early 2009. In September 2007, Brian Houston's son Ben planted the 15th extension service in Mona Vale, known as the Northern Beaches service. In August 2008, Hillsong started a Sunday morning service at the Greater Union Cinema at Bondi Junction, this service being part of the City Campus.

File:100 2235 1.JPG
Hillsong Convention Centre, Baulkham Hills
Inside Hillsong Church

Ministry

Hillsong Church runs many different ministries in addition to weekend services and events. Hillsong, like other churches, runs a small group structure named "connect groups". Groups of approximately 10-20 people meet on a fortnightly basis across Sydney. The main ministries of Hillsong Church include:

Hillsong Kids

Hillsong Kids is the childrens ministry of Hillsong Church. Hillsong Church provide a children's program for all weekend services and for the Hillsong Sisterhood. Hillsong Kids is divided into five age groups for each weekend service, they are:

  • Cubby House (12 months and walking to 2 year olds)
  • The Ark (Preschoolers; 3 to 5 year olds)
  • Fun House (Kindergarten to year 1)
  • All Stars (Years 2 to 4)
  • Voltage (Years 5 and 6)

Hillsong Kids run Children's programs during major conferences and events. During Hillsong Conference there is "Kidsong" and during Colour Your World Women's Conference there is "Colour Kids". Hillsong Kids have adopted two mascots, Max and Melody. The popularity of Hillsong Music has allowed Hillsong Kids to release four albums to date; Jesus Is My Superhero (2004), Super Strong God (2005), Supernatural (2006) and Tell the World (2007).

Hillsong United

Main article: Hillsong United

Hillsong United is the Youth Ministry of Hillsong Church. Hillsong United is made up of four different age groups that combine regularly for "United" nights at both the Hills and City campuses. The four age groups are:

  • Fuel (Years 7 to 9)
  • Wildlife (Years 10 to 12)
  • Powerhouse (18 to 25 year olds)
  • Frontline (25 to 35 year olds)

Hillsong Sisterhood

Hillsong Church runs a meeting for women entitled The Sisterhood. The service, hosted by Bobbie Houston, is for women of all ages. Hillsong Sisterhood runs on Thursdays at the Hills and City campuses starting at 9.30 am. Hillsong Sisterhood initiated the annual Colour Your World Women's Conference, which has become the Australian Christian Churches women's conference and brings together women from many different denominations across the world.

Hillsong City Care

Hillsong City Care (formerly Hillsong Emerge) is a non-profit organisation that aims to bring social justice to the people of Sydney. Overseeing Hillsong City Care is Hillsong Church executive pastor Donna Crouch. Hillsong City Care was established in 1989, and reaches people centres, courses and visits. Around Sydney there are many Hillsong City Care Centres and Hillsong Health Centres. These centres are places that people can go to for help, support and also counselling. Hillsong Youth Services and Hillsong Children's Services conduct a range of community based programs and services to encourage and empower young people and children. Hillsong City Care run several courses through the LIFE (Living in Freedom and Excellence) and SAFE (Sexual Abuse, Freedom and Education) programs that aim to help and educate people.

Conferences

Hillsong Church holds three conferences annually, these are:

Hillsong Conference

Main article: Hillsong Conference

Hillsong Conference is an annual conference designed to strengthen the local church and is attended by many from various countries and denominations. The first conference was held in 1986 and has grown from 150 to 30,000 delegates in its two decade history. The conference features the Hillsong Church team as well as prominent international guests. It is usually held during the first week of July at the Acer Arena in Sydney Olympic Park.

Colour Your World Women's Conference

Main article: Colour Your World Women's Conference

Colour Your World Women's Conference (also known as Colour Conference) is an annual women's conference aimed to empower women. The conference was started in 1997 by Bobbie Houston, who hosts each conference, including the one in London and Kiev. As stated in their promotional website:

"Colour Your World women's conference exists to place value upon womanhood. For 12 years we have seen multiplied thousands of women impacted, but the journey has only just begun. As this conference comes of age and we enter a whole new era, IMAGINE what one company of women, united and devoted, could accomplish."

Hillsong Men's Conference

Hillsong Men's Conference was first held in 2002 and is hosted by Brian Houston at the Hillsong Convention Centre in Baulkham Hills.

Hillsong International Leadership College

Main article: Hillsong International Leadership College

Hillsong International Leadership College is committed to raising, training and equipping a leadership generation in accordance with the mandate of Hillsong Church.

"To reach and influence the world by building a large Bible-based church, changing mindsets and empowering people to lead and impact in every sphere of life."

Under the banner of Hillsong Church, the training offered by Hillsong International Leadership College is bearing global influence upon the wider body of the church through leadership training, contemporary praise and worship and specialised Youth, Children's and Media ministries.

Since January 2006, Hillsong International Leadership College, in association with Southern Cross College has offered a SCD Bachelor of Theology (with a major in Pastoral Theology). The Sydney College of Divinity Bachelor of Theology is recognised by major Australian educational institutions.

2008 Live album, This Is Our God

Music

Main articles: Hillsong Music, Hillsong musicians, List of Hillsong albums, and List of Hillsong songs

Hillsong's music has become internationally well-known amongst Christian groups.[11] Songs such as "Power of Your Love" by Geoff Bullock and "Shout to the Lord" by Darlene Zschech have become popular and are sung in churches worldwide.[12] Originally published as "Hillsongs", Hillsong Church now produces its music through its own label Hillsong Music Australia. Hillsong Music has released over 40 albums since 1992, many of them achieving gold status in Australia, and one of them, People Just Like Us achieving platinum status.[13][14] The church's 2004 live praise and worship album (featuring many members of the Hillsong United Team), For All You've Done, reached #1 in the mainstream Australian album charts (ARIA) when many copies were sold during Hillsong's annual conference.[15]

Since the inception in 1992 of the annual live praise and worship album, Hillsong has branched out and released other albums including the worship series, Hillsong United, worship for kids, Christmas albums and compilation albums. The worship series began as a compilation of songs and developed into studio recorded albums. The Hillsong United series, lead by Joel Houston and the Hillsong United band, contains songs from the Hillsong United youth ministry. Hillsong Kids have released an annual worship for kids album since 2004. Hillsong music have released two Christmas albums, several compilation albums as well as recordings from Hillsong London, Hillsong Kiev and Youth Alive NSW.

Removal of a song from the This Is Our God album

On 20 August 2008, Michael Guglielmucci, a pastor who composed "Healer" from the album This Is Our God - a song about his experience of cancer - admitted he had lied about ever having cancer. Representatives of churches with which Guglielmucci had affiliations told the press they were totally unaware of this situation. In an email sent to Hillsong members, the church's general manager, George Aghajanian, said the news was even a shock to Guglielmucci's own family and that the suspended pastor was seeking professional help. The ACC promised that all money donated by listeners inspired by the song will be returned or donated to charity, and is currently auditing Guglielmucci's bank accounts to determine the amount of funds raised. [16] [17]The track "Healer" was promptly removed from the tracklist of the album This Is Our God on Hillsong's website [1] and it has been removed from the DVD but remains on the CD (as of late October 2008).

Political influence

Hillsong Church has attracted support from high profile politicians, especially from the Liberal Party of Australia. In 1998, Brian Houston met with then Prime Minister of Australia, John Howard, and most of his Cabinet, at Parliament House in Canberra before sharing prayers.[18] In 2002, John Howard opened the Hillsong Convention Centre at the Baulkham Hills campus.[19] In 2004 and 2005, the then Treasurer of Australia, Peter Costello, spoke at its annual conferences. Mark Latham, the former Leader of the Opposition, declined Hillsong's invitation to the 2004 conference,[20] although Bob Carr, the then Premier of New South Wales (from the Australian Labor Party), did attend the 2005 conference. The former New South Wales Liberal Party state director, Scott Morrison, is a prominent member of Hillsong Church.[citation needed]

The church attracts a large number of aspirational voters from seats in the west of Sydney such as Mitchell (where the church is located), Lindsay, Macquarie and Greenway.[citation needed] Louise Markus who ran Hillsong Emerge Ltd, the church's drug and alcohol outreach service in Blacktown, was preselected as the Liberal Party candidate for Greenway in the 2004 federal election and was elected to the House of Representatives.

Since the election, accusations have been made in the NSW State Parliament that Mrs Markus's campaign had exploited the Muslim background of her chief opponent,[21][22] Liberal MP for Mitchell, Alan Cadman, and two Family First Party senate candidates, Joan Woods and Ivan Herald, who failed to win senate seats, were featured in a Hillsong circular during the election, with members being asked to pray for them.[23] Publicly, however, the church has distanced itself from advocating certain political groups and parties, including the fledgling Family First party:

One thing we are not is a political movement ... The Assemblies of God in Australia does not have a political vision and we don't have a political agenda. I think people need to understand the difference between the church being very involved in politics and individual Christians being involved in politics. There is a big difference. (Brian Houston)[24]

Beliefs and teachings

Hillsong's beliefs and standards belong to mainstream Pentecostalism. Brian Houston (National President of Australian Christian Churches), in response to an interviewer's question about whether he was a fundamentalist, responded "I believe in creation. I guess you would call me a fundamentalist in the sense that I believe that world view, for me, comes out of my belief in God, belief in his Word." [25] In Hillsong's Annual Report 2007, it is stated that "Our church is known for its vibrant weekend services with contemporary praise and worship, prayer, and for its practical Bible-based teaching".[26] In an interview with the Sydney Morning Herald, Houston said he holds creationist views and is opposed to abortion.[27] Hillsong's teachings have been commented on favourably by Peter Costello, a Baptist and former Treasurer of Australia), who has defended the church against accusations of unorthodoxy.[28] Hillsong's stand on many topical issues in contemporary Christianity is in keeping with mainstream Pentecostalism, teaching that homosexuality is unnatural, opposing stem cell research and abortion on the basis that human life commences at fertilization. Hillsongs has also declared support for Creationism and Intelligent Design and believes this should be taught in schools.[29][30][31][32][33] Hillsong teaches that depression is 'a supernatural spirit straight from the devil',[34] and is said by ex-member Tanya Levin to teach that psychotic symptoms are "evidence of demons".[35] The Assemblies of God's change of position on divorce (which Hillsong voted for), however, departs from traditional Pentecostal teaching on the issue.[36] Church governance is strictly controlled, with leadership positions made by appointment rather than congregational vote.[37]

Criticism and controversy

Hillsong has been criticised at various times by politicians,[38] media,[39] community groups, [40] Christian leaders [41] and former members.[42][43][44] Criticisms have covered Hillsong's political involvement, use of finances, theological teachings, psychological advice, treatment of critics, methods of evangelism and alleged involvement in 'Australian Idol'.

Political involvement

Hillsong's high profile involvement with political leaders[45] has been questioned in the media.[46] Brian Houston has replied to these criticisms by stating, "I think people need to understand the difference between the church being very involved in politics and individual Christians being involved in politics."[47]

In 2008 it was claimed by a Sydney inner city newspaper, Central Magazine, that Hillsong had donated a sum of money to a Member of Parliament, Kristina Keneally, at a fundraising dinner one month before the 2007 state election,[48] despite Hillsong's own statement of corporate governance declaring that 'Hillsong Church does not make financial contributions to or align itself with any political party or candidate'.[49] A Hillsong staff member, Maria Ieroianni, claimed that no donation had been made and that the dinner was not a fundraiser. Hillsong also issued a statement on their website denying that the money was a donation.[50] According to the Central Magazine article, Keneally has described the dinner as a fundraiser and the money from Hillsong as a donation. The article also claims that these descriptions are confirmed by the records of the Electoral Commission.[51]

Financial management

Hillsong has been criticised for paying staff members with money given as a Federal Government grant for the assistance of the Riverstone Aboriginal community.[52] The government withdrew the grant from Hillsong following an investigation in which use of money for staff salaries was revealed.[53] Hillsong responded by claiming 'gross inaccuracies' in the report submitted to parliament, but did not deny that some of the grant had been used to pay Hillsong staff members.[54]

Theological teachings

Hillsong's prosperity teachings have been criticised by Christian leaders Tim Costello[55] and George Pell.[56] Subsequent statements by Tim Costello indicated that he was satisfied with changes made by Brian Houston to Hillsong's teaching in response to criticism,[57] a change which has been noted by the media.[58] The Chaser comedy team performed a song parodying these prosperity teachings.[59]

Responses to criticism

Hillsong's attitude towards criticism was portrayed negatively by former member Tanya Levin in her book 'People in glass houses: an insider's story of a life in and out of Hillsong'.[60] Specific criticisms covered authoritarian church governance, lack of financial accountability, resistance to free thought, strict fundamentalist teachings and lack of compassion.[61] In an interview with Andrew Denton, Levin further discussed her experience of Hillsong, which she described as 'toxic Christianity'.[62]

Australian Idol

In 2007 Hillsong was alleged to have been involved in vote stacking Australian Idol,[63][64] a claim the TV show rejected.[65] However, some Hillsong members and former members indicated that some co-ordinated support of church members on Australian Idol has taken place.[66][67]

Mercy Ministries

See also: Mercy Ministries § Allegations_of_mistreatment

Hillsong has been criticised for its involvement with Gloria Jean's Coffees and Mercy Ministries, a pro-life and anti-gay charity.[68][69][70] Complaints by former residents include 'emotionally cruel and medically unproven techniques', such as exorcism and residents being required to sign over social welfare payments to Mercy Ministries.[71] Hillsong responded by saying 'we are not involved in the operational aspects of the organisation', and praising the work of Mercy Ministries.[72]

'Shine' program

In July 2008 concerns were raised by some teachers, parents and experts about the Hillsong CityCare 'Shine' program for girls being run in NSW public schools, community groups and the juvenile justice system. The concerns include that the program is "inappropriate for troubled young women, that the under-qualified facilitators are reinforcing gender stereotypes and that some parents have not been properly informed" and that "the program encourages girls to be subservient by teaching them that they need to be attractive to men".[73] Hillsong claims that parents are supportive and that the program breaks down barriers in a group situation.[74] In a media response on 29 July 2008, Hillsong expressed strong support for their program and explicitly denied charges of using the program for evangelism.[75]

Methods of evangelism

Youth Alive, which is an initiative of Australian Christian Churches and is sponsored by and associated with Hillsong, is led in Sydney by Hillsong pastor Scott "Sanga" Samways. It has been criticised for holding free lunchtime concerts and barbecues called "Exo days" at NSW state schools amid claims that the days are "aimed at recruiting students to their local youth ministry" and that they are "an attempt to sneak evangelism into schools".[76] The reports follow the Big Exo Day held at the Sydney Show Ground on 6 September 2008. The Sydney Morning Herald writes that the Exo day instruction manual included the statement, "But, most importantly, Exo day has given our young people the belief that they can take their schools for Jesus."[77]

See also

References

  1. ^ a b "The Story So Far". Hillsong Church.
  2. ^ Houston, Brian (2003). The Church That I See... Hillsong Church. p. 39. {{cite book}}: Unknown parameter |coauthors= ignored (|author= suggested) (help)
  3. ^ Houston, Brian (2003). The Church That I See... Hillsong Church. p. 47. {{cite book}}: Unknown parameter |coauthors= ignored (|author= suggested) (help)
  4. ^ Houston, Brian (2003). The Church That I See... Hillsong Church. p. 47. {{cite book}}: Unknown parameter |coauthors= ignored (|author= suggested) (help)
  5. ^ Houston, Brian (2003). The Church That I See... Hillsong Church. p. 106. {{cite book}}: Unknown parameter |coauthors= ignored (|author= suggested) (help)
  6. ^ Andrew Clark (2004-08-11). "Interview with HILLSONG Founder Brian Houston". Christian Today. Christian Today Limited. Retrieved 2006-06-30.
  7. ^ 'Residents fight Hillsong's Rosebery development proposal', The Daily Telegraph, December 05, 2007
    http://www.news.com.au/dailytelegraph/story/0,22049,22870065-5013110,00.html
  8. ^ 'Hillsong withdraws DA for Rosebery site', The South Sydney Herald, August 2008
    http://www.southsydneyherald.com.au/pdf/SSH_AUG08.pdf
  9. ^ 'Hillsong reopens building plans', The Sydney Morning Herald, August 22, 2008
    http://www.smh.com.au/news/national/hillsong-reopens-building-plans/2008/08/21/1219262417185.html
  10. ^ "Kyiv Evangelicals Open Hillsong Moscow Church". Religious Information Service of Ukraine. 2007-07-24. Retrieved 2007-08-23.
  11. ^ Integrity Music
  12. ^ Hillsong Kids Go 'Supernatural' | Christianpost.com
  13. ^ Hillsong Launches 20th Conference, New Album | Christianpost.com
  14. ^ mosaiksound.de // Bands Events Musik und mehr
  15. ^ "Australian Recording Artists Make ARIA Chart History" (Press release). Australian Recording Industry Association. 2004-08-03. Retrieved 2006-06-21. {{cite press release}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  16. ^ "Fake illness preacher Michael Guglielmucci told to go to police". The Advertiser. August 22, 2008. Retrieved 2008-08-22. {{cite news}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  17. ^ "Pop star pastor lied about cancer". National Nine News. August 21, 2008. Retrieved 2008-08-21. {{cite news}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  18. ^ Houston, Brian (2003). The Church That I See... Hillsong Church. p. 122. {{cite book}}: Unknown parameter |coauthors= ignored (|author= suggested) (help)
  19. ^ Houston, Brian (2003). The Church That I See... Hillsong Church. p. 142. {{cite book}}: Unknown parameter |coauthors= ignored (|author= suggested) (help)
  20. ^ Gerard Henderson (2004-10-19). "Mock Christians at your peril, lefties". Sydney Morning Herald. John Fairfax Holdings. Retrieved 2006-06-27. {{cite news}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  21. ^ the Hon. Eric Roozendaal, Extract from Transcript of Hansard: Religious Freedom (Article No.43), page 12087, NSW Legislative Council Hansard, 27 October 2004
  22. ^ The Honorable David Clarke, Extract from Transcript of Hansard: Religious Freedom (Article No.38), NSW Legislative Council Hansard, 10:28pm, 10 November 2004
  23. ^ Sarah Price and Matthew Benns (2004-11-07). "Hillsong's true believers". Sydney Morning Herald. Fairfax Media. Retrieved 2008-11-07. {{cite news}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  24. ^ Linda Morris (2005-05-04). "Church expands horizons". Sydney Morning Herald. John Fairfax Holdings. Retrieved 2006-06-27.
  25. ^ Television interview on Channel 9's 'Sunday' program, 'Hillsong: Songs of praise — and politics'
  26. ^ Hillsong Church Annual Report 2007, p. 7
  27. ^ 'He would like to see creationism taught in schools and abortion banned', Sydney Morning Herald, 'The lord's profits', January 30, 2003
  28. ^ Lateline interview, 'Costello addresses Hillsong congregation', broadcast 04/07/2005
  29. ^ 'At Hillsong Church we believe that God created the world. In other words, the universe is a product of intelligent design. We also believe that science is part of humanity's search for truth, and it is therefore important for science curricula to include all valid viewpoints of the origins of life and the universe, including intelligent design.' Hillsong statement 12 December 2005
  30. ^ Hillsong statement 24 January 2006
  31. ^ 'The Assemblies of God in Australia stands with other religious leaders across the nation in its grave concerns over the recommendations of the Lockhart Review into stem cell research and human cloning released this week. "We uphold the right for all human life, from fertilisation to death, to be protected and we believe the Committee's recommendations threaten this most basic of human rights," National President of the AOG in Australia, Brian Houston, said.' Hillsong statement 21 December 2005
  32. ^ 'Homosexuals are, of course, unwelcome, but Houston says he's not a Fred Nile-type fanatic on these matters', Sydney Morning Herald, 'The lord's profits', January 30, 2003
  33. ^ Sydney Morning Herald, 'God's cure for gays lost in sin', March 19, 2008
  34. ^ 'His clinical depression was seen by the church as a sign of faltering faith. "I knew there was nothing wrong with my faith, and yet I was told: 'You are not believing in Jesus enough.'" The Hillsong website backs up Grant's claim. "Depression", it declares, "is a supernatural spirit straight from the devil."' 'The High Cost Of Faith', News Limited, Australia/April 29, 2006
  35. ^ Sydney Morning Herald, 'Why Mercy Ministries was godsent for Hillsong', 18 March 2008
  36. ^ Sydney Morning Herald, 'Hillsong to vote on new grounds for divorce', April 23, 2007
  37. ^ 'The general manager, Brian Aghajanian (also an elder), says the elders are nominated "by Brian or the other elders". No elections? "No, we feel that people might stand who don't have a great understanding of the way the church works or have the same vision we have for the church," Aghajanian says', Sydney Morning Herald, 'The lord's profits', January 30, 2003
  38. ^ "Hillsong Emerge National Community Crime Prevention Funding". Parliament of New South Wales. Retrieved 2008-10-29.
  39. ^ Jennifer Sexton (2006-04-29). "The High Cost of Faith", The Weekend Australian, News Limited
  40. ^ "No faith in charity". KooriWeb. Retrieved 2008-10-29.
  41. ^ "True Believers". The Australian. Retrieved 2008-10-29.
  42. ^ "Hillsong success no miracle". The Australian. Retrieved 2008-10-29.
  43. ^ "Hillsong - the church with no answers". The Sydney Morning Herald. Retrieved 2008-10-29.
  44. ^ Geoff Bullock, 'Beyond Self-Centred Worship', Renewal Journal #6 (1995:2), Brisbane, Australia, pages 8-11
  45. ^ "Politics goes to church at Hillsong". The Sydney Morning Herlad. Retrieved 2008-10-29.
  46. ^ "God and politics mix at Hillsong". The 7:30 Report. Retrieved 2008-10-29.
  47. ^ Linda Morris (2005-05-04). "Church expands horizons". Sydney Morning Herald. John Fairfax Holdings. Retrieved 2008-10-29.
  48. ^ "Hillsong Denies Donation". REDWatch. Retrieved 2008-10-29.
  49. ^ Hillsong statement on corporate governance
  50. ^ Claims by Central Magazine - 12th March 2008
  51. ^ "Hillsong Denies Donation". The 7:30 Report. Retrieved 2008-10-29.
  52. ^ 'In Hillsong Emerge's budget for the successful grant, $103,584 would go to the project co-ordinator's salary, $20,715 to the project co-ordinator's "on-costs", $46,800 to "contract management, supervision and support", $31,200 to "administration, reception, book-keeping", $8000 to "evaluation", and $7800 to "IT-communications". That accounts for more than half the grant, and the largest single allocation for actual activities is for "sporting-recreational events" at $18,000.'"No faith in charity". KooriWeb. Retrieved 2008-10-29.
  53. ^ 'Mr West told parliament at the time: "Hillsong Emerge has misused the Riverstone Aboriginal community to get taxpayers' money for its own purposes." '"Church's benevolent arm stripped of grant". news.com.au. Retrieved 2008-10-29.
  54. ^ Hillsong media response
  55. ^ Stephen McDonell (2004-07-09). "Evangelist Christian vote wanted". Lateline. Australian Broadcasting Corporation. Retrieved 2006-12-24. {{cite news}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  56. ^ "Hillsong's true believers". Sydney Morning Herald. John Fairfax Holdings. 2004-11-07. Retrieved 2006-08-10. {{cite news}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  57. ^ Costello's Hillsong, The Age, 2005-07-06
    http://www.theage.com.au/articles/2005/07/05/1120329450900.html
  58. ^ 'Focus on justice as Hillsong changes its tune'"Focus On Justice As Hillsong Changes Its Tune". Sydney Morning herald. Retrieved 2008-10-29.
  59. ^ Hillsong Church song'"Youtube video".
  60. ^ David Marr (2007-04-13). "Singing flat at Hillsong". Sydney Morning Herald. {{cite news}}: |access-date= requires |url= (help); Check date values in: |date= (help); Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |publisher= (help); Text "http://blogs.smh.com.au/entertainment/archives/undercover/012705.html" ignored (help)
  61. ^ David Marr (2007-08-04). "Hillsong - the church with no answers". Sydney Morning Herald. Retrieved 2008-10-29. {{cite news}}: Check date values in: |date= (help); Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |publisher= (help)
  62. ^ 'Enough Rope With Andrew Denton', Tanya Levin interview
  63. ^ Jane Nethercote. "Australian Idol: Where are the singing Buddhists?". Retrieved 2007-10-10. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |source= ignored (help)
  64. ^ Garth Montgomery. "Idol fans angry at vote bloc". Retrieved 2007-10-10. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |source= ignored (help)
  65. ^ 'On Monday night Australian Idol issued a formal statement live on air to dismiss allegations that the finalists were members of Hillsong, as claimed by Channel 7's Today Tonight'Garth Montgomery. "Idol fans angry at vote bloc". Retrieved 2007-10-10. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |source= ignored (help)
  66. ^ 'Today Tonight's been in there right from the beginning with the tough questions. They spoke to two former Hillsong members, "fallen angels in confession mode", about the church's tactics recently; how AOG pastors strongly urged members to watch Idol and vote for church-sanctioned contestants.'Jane Nethercote. "Australian Idol: Where are the singing Buddhists?". Retrieved 2007-10-10. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |source= ignored (help)
  67. ^ 'Shirelive pastor Michael Murphy said he had been "unashamedly supporting Matt Corby and Tarisai Vushe as church family".'Garth Montgomery. "Idol fans angry at vote bloc". Retrieved 2007-10-10. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |source= ignored (help)
  68. ^ Megachurchwatch: Gloria Jean's Coffees partnership with Mercy Ministries
  69. ^ Borders passes the hat for anti-gay, pro-life charity
  70. ^ Meanwhile Executive Director of Mercy Ministries Peter Irvine – who was a founder of Gloria Jeans – said the charity is a Christian-based organisation that provides a residential program for young women at risk or with “life-controlling” issues and confirmed its non-acceptance of GLBTIQ lifestyle and abortions. “We dont support the gay lifestyle”, he told SX.', 'Gloria Jean's Coffees under fire'
  71. ^ "They Sought Help but Got Exorcism and the Bible". Sydney Morning Herald. 2008-03-17. {{cite news}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |publisher= (help)
  72. ^ 'We have heard many wonderful testimonies about how the work of Mercy has helped the lives of young women facing often debilitating and life-controlling situations. Some would even say that Mercy Ministries has saved their life.' Hillsong media response 18 March 2008
  73. ^ 'Hillsong's school grooming talks 'help girls', abc.net.au 2008-07-28
    http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2008/07/28/2316580.htm
  74. ^ 'Hillsong hits schools with beauty gospel', Paul Bibby, The Sydney Morning Herald 2008-07-26
    http://www.smh.com.au/articles/2008/07/25/1216492732905.html?page=fullpage#contentSwap1
  75. ^ 'Shine is a community-based program and is in no way about proselytising in schools. We take allegations of this occurring extremely seriously and are committed to investigating this matter.' Hillsong media statement 29 July 2008
  76. ^ 'Hillsong's schools recruitment drive', Paul Bibby and Josephine Tovey, The Sydney Morning Herald 2008-09-09
    http://www.smh.com.au/news/national/hillsongs-schools-recruitment-drive/2008/09/08/1220857456708.html
  77. ^ 'Hillsong's schools recruitment drive', Paul Bibby and Josephine Tovey, The Sydney Morning Herald 2008-09-09
    http://www.smh.com.au/news/national/hillsongs-schools-recruitment-drive/2008/09/08/1220857456708.html


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