After a long and fruitful week, delegates were seen streaming out of the Allphones arena in difference postures. Some chattered excitedly about all they had seen, heard, and received. Others walked slowly in silent exhaustion. Others still, seemed as if they were floating on air. Hillsong Conference comprised five days of teaching, worship, and "selah- moments". A healthy dose of fellowship made it exactly the holiday many delegates needed.
"Yeah, we take a week of annual leave to attend this conference, but its nothing in comparison to what God gives back," said one delegate when asked about her consistent 13- year attendance record. As was highlighted time and time again from the platform, the conference would be nothing if not for the efforts of 4000 plus volunteers.
The closing session included worship led by Hillsong Young & Free, a performance by Christian rap artist Lecrae, and a message by Robert Madu of Trinity Church. Overall, the conference was marked by a theme of maturation in the things of God, with many messages and master-classes focused on taking one's faith to the next level – whether the application be servanthood, discipline, or the inward journey.
Just after 9:45 pm, volunteers began to pack- down the stadium – mere minutes after the band played it's final note. The floors were swept and the seats were dusted. And it was like it had never happened. But Hillsong Conference 2014 will live forever in the hearts of the delegates who attended, and God-willing, its impact will echo into eternity.
Tina Hakimi is an Arizona-raised, Sydney-based writer.
Tina Hakimi's previous articles may be viewed at www.pressserviceinternational.org/tina-hakimi.html