Photo - Hillsong
The 32nd Annual Hillsong Conference will get underway at the Sydney Olympic Park tonight and it just seems to get bigger and bigger.
This was none more noticeable in the fact you have to register to get into the night sessions.
In the past you can almost turn up to the night sessions for nothing wait in queue and if your lucky you will get a seat in the Qudos Bank Arena.
Not this year with registrations nearly at capacity, you must now register as a night delegate to be any chance of getting in the venue. Registration is essential.
https://hillsong.com/conference/sydney/
Photo - Hillsong
New era
This is just one of the many aspects of growth that is quite common in Hillsong Church.
In an era when it seems that Church numbers are declining Hillsong seems to be going from strength to strength.
The Church which began in a Primary School hall in North West Sydney, now has campuses all over the world in 13 different countries.
While not content with the amazing growth they have had since they were established in 1983, the theme of this conference is, “ There is more”
Because despite seeing the favour and the blessings of God over their many years of ministry, the fact is there is still more that God not only wants to pour out of their church but his people The Church.
The Bible Verse for the Conference is Ephesians chapter 3 verse 20-21 which says.
“GOD CAN DO ANYTHING, YOU KNOW — FAR MORE THAN YOU COULD EVER IMAGINE OR GUESS OR REQUEST IN YOUR WILDEST DREAMS! HE DOES IT NOT BY PUSHING US AROUND BUT BY WORKING WITHIN US, HIS SPIRIT DEEPLY AND GENTLY WITHIN US. GLORY TO GOD IN THE CHURCH! GLORY TO GOD IN THE MESSIAH, IN JESUS! GLORY DOWN ALL THE GENERATIONS! GLORY THROUGH ALL MILLENNIA! OH, YES!
What does it mean
Does that mean our work on earth is ending? No Does that mean God is going to stop because your church has 88 Campuses all over the world? No because God can do anything, the sky is the limit! have we seen the greatest days of the Church? No,
What a terrific promise and as a delegate of this conference this expectation and excitement is contagious and it is contagious across the local church as they gather for this conference.
There will be world class speakers, one of them is Steven Furtick who is the Lead Pastor of the Elevation Church in Charlotte North Carolina, one of the fastest growing churches in the USA, he is also a song writer and a New York Times best selling author.
Pastor Chris Hodges is another is the Senior Pastor of The Church of the Highlands, which began in 2001 has now grown to over 40,000 people with campuses all over Alabama.
Other speakers include John Gray, who is on staff at Lakewood Church, which is the largest singular congregation in the United States and an amazing speaker, singer and entertainer.
Plus many other great speakers, one of people leading worship is Chris Tomlin, whose songs include, Our God, How Great is our God and Amazing Grace (My chains are gone) you would have sung in your Church and is sure to bring an atmosphere of world class worship.
Plus there will be masterclass sessions designed to bring out the leader in you and the creative in you.
It is sure to be an amazing life giving days and as a delegate I am incredibly excited.
Hillsong Conference starts tonight in Sydney at 6pm, there will be sessions all days Wednesday, Thursday and Friday before concluding on Friday Night.
Hillsong Conference also does conferences in London and The United States of America.
Photo - Ben Kruzins
Ben Kruzins the Campus Pastor of The Hub Baptist Church in Ocean Shores NSW, he holds Degrees in Ministry and Journalism.