Pastor Brian Houston (Senior Pastor, Hillsong Church) kicked off the morning rally after a heartfelt praise and worship. The worship team and then Brian Houston set the groundwork from their hearts, "No Other Name". He spoke on how Peter healed the lame beggar in Acts 3 verse 1-10 through the Name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth and the power of the name that should never be underestimated. He then brought life, dreams and faith to the surface as he does so gracefully encouraging people of all ages to continue to dream bigger and live the life that God has called of them.
The session was concluded highlighting that the high priest alone no longer carries the name of God, but that all Christians are consumers, carriers and most importantly contributors to the Name above all.
The day continued with a panel (like a television studio) with key leaders, pastors and influencers on the church in Australia. The theme of the day was linked through each speaker and session of culture. A key one was the heart of church life and its mindsets.
This culture theme was picked up by Pastor Chris Hodges (Senior Pastor, Highlands Church – Alabama USA) in the LEAD stream session in his message on "The Joy of the Lord is our strength". He combined and captivated the stream through humour and simple and applicable takeaways on culture (1. Be Passionate, 2. Be Enjoyable, 3. Be Relational, 4. Be focused on others)
Once the master classes finished, up across the Showground and Young & Free teenagers returned from their day conference, the cool afternoon breeze and sunshine covered the concourse to allow the delegates to wind down. People busily chatting away with friends, relaxing on the grass areas all set-up by the faithful volunteers whilst the food trucks kept the delegates fed with delicious options.
Finally, the countdown to night 2 had begun... with an opener which wasn't short of brilliance by the creative team highlighting a new song from the Hillsong Worship team "This I Believe". Interestingly enough, this song is based on the Apostles' Creed with great respect.
It came about after a twitter request from John Dickson (Co-founder of the Centre for Public Christianity) to Hillsong. Cassandra Langton (Hillsong's Creative Director) and Ben Fielding (one of Hillsong's lead songwriters) took a go at it and is now a part of the new album "No Other Name" - The song (and album) can be downloaded on iTunes internationally.
The night was well and truly far from done when it was handed over to William (Bill) Hybels (Senior Pastor, Willow Creek Community Church – Illinois USA) who spoke on a simple yet truly profound topic of the "Power of a schedule" when God is put first. He used practical examples, techniques and his years of experience to highlight that potential by itself will not move mountains, until it becomes operationalised.
Day 2 of conference was capped off with a praise and worship party from the Young & Free team with pure joy and lighting to make even the eldest person in the room dance the night away. If you are in Sydney, be sure to make a night rally session at Sydney Allphones Arena, Olympic Park. Night sessions start at 6pm (4pm on Wednesday) and it is free entry.
For more information visit: hillsongconference.com
Meenal Chandra is a Sydney based writer who understands a love worth giving.
Meenal Chandra's previous articles may be viewed at www.pressserviceinternational.org/meenal-chandra.html