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radioThese are reader comments for the article 'More Hillsong Criticism'
Reader Comments
Posted by Brad M in LONDON @ 14:36 on Feb 17 2009
I've been to a few Hillsong services, watched their telecasts and heard plenty of podcasts. The vast majority of `inspirational messages` are centered around the `what-God-wants-to-do-with-your-life` rather than the gospel. LOTS about how God wants to change you, give you purpose and "destiny" (when ever you hear that in the pulpit - RUN, coz it aint in the bible!). Sin is touted as man being `a bit off track`, `missing the mark` or `not in the place where God wants you to be`. Sure, you will hear the scripture quoted (if you call the `Message bible` a bible at all), I have heard something close to the gospel on occasion and there is a good slab of get-by-in-the-world wisdom. As a true Christian, you may get fed there, but not on the meat of the Word, more like the candy. Cheers Brad M
I've been to a few Hillsong services, watched their telecasts and heard plenty of podcasts. The vast majority of `inspirational messages` are centered around the `what-God-wants-to-do-with-your-life` rather than the gospel. LOTS about how God wants to change you, give you purpose and "destiny" (when ever you hear that in the pulpit - RUN, coz it aint in the bible!). Sin is touted as man being `a bit off track`, `missing the mark` or `not in the place where God wants you to be`. Sure, you will hear the scripture quoted (if you call the `Message bible` a bible at all), I have heard something close to the gospel on occasion and there is a good slab of get-by-in-the-world wisdom. As a true Christian, you may get fed there, but not on the meat of the Word, more like the candy. Cheers Brad M
Posted by Grace in sydney @ 09:32 on Jan 27 2009
There is NOTHING GOOD that exists in me FULLSTOP and I am a Woman!
Everything I need - everything I long for is IN CHRIST! I don't want to become a Better woman. I want to become a better Child of God!
My desire is to follow Christ not a Colour Conference. I don't want to "better myself" in this World.
I am broken and NEED a Saviour.
I think Hillsong focuses to much on "ME, MYSELF & I" rather then Christ.
I feel for those who have been blinded by their lack of truth.
I watched one of the colour conferences on TV. Bobbie Houston focused on herself and what The Church is doing or has done. I don't want to hear this! I want to hear MORE about Christ!!
I'm sorry.
It all comes across very plastic and self-centred.
There is NOTHING GOOD that exists in me FULLSTOP and I am a Woman!
Everything I need - everything I long for is IN CHRIST! I don't want to become a Better woman. I want to become a better Child of God!
My desire is to follow Christ not a Colour Conference. I don't want to "better myself" in this World.
I am broken and NEED a Saviour.
I think Hillsong focuses to much on "ME, MYSELF & I" rather then Christ.
I feel for those who have been blinded by their lack of truth.
I watched one of the colour conferences on TV. Bobbie Houston focused on herself and what The Church is doing or has done. I don't want to hear this! I want to hear MORE about Christ!!
I'm sorry.
It all comes across very plastic and self-centred.
Reply by Kelly in London @ 17:41 on Jul 30 2009
Yes, I sincerely hope you open your heart out a little more because I have gone to teo of hillsong's conferences and trust me... it is not about I, MYself... ME. It is about Christ. When I went to this year's Colour conference, I decided to sponsor a child in Uganda and I do this because it is one small action that can help cahnge one person's life in this world. If all of us did such a thing... poverty can be erased in this world. I use to think sponsership is a waste of time until Hillsong came along and I was presented with evidence of the work they do (I was very critical of such things and needed to see for myself... how lttle faith had I). You may call it 'plastic and self centred' but it is changing lives for God's Glory.
Sorry if my Hillsong church is not fitting in with your own (self) image and view of what the church should be like... but do not penalise it merely for that fact. It is still bringing thousands of lost souls to salvation in this life time and many people are flocking in because of the wonderful living examples found within this beautiful part of Christ's body.
Yes, I sincerely hope you open your heart out a little more because I have gone to teo of hillsong's conferences and trust me... it is not about I, MYself... ME. It is about Christ. When I went to this year's Colour conference, I decided to sponsor a child in Uganda and I do this because it is one small action that can help cahnge one person's life in this world. If all of us did such a thing... poverty can be erased in this world. I use to think sponsership is a waste of time until Hillsong came along and I was presented with evidence of the work they do (I was very critical of such things and needed to see for myself... how lttle faith had I). You may call it 'plastic and self centred' but it is changing lives for God's Glory.
Sorry if my Hillsong church is not fitting in with your own (self) image and view of what the church should be like... but do not penalise it merely for that fact. It is still bringing thousands of lost souls to salvation in this life time and many people are flocking in because of the wonderful living examples found within this beautiful part of Christ's body.
Posted by Fay Sharman in London @ 16:14 on Jan 9 2009
I can assure the person who wrote the article that my God and Saviour, Jesus the Christ, is my Knight in Shining Armour and He indeed came down to rescue me for the love a Princess. I am the child of King. Didnt that author of the article read the bible? The Lord's heart pounds for me, He cant stop thinking about me and He cant get over me and He definately believes in me. The Bible says I am His precious jewel. The Bible says He allures me and that is what happened. Sorry if we offend you by not seeing ourselves as misreable sinners but as the Righteousness of God!! I guess we aren't anglican enough !! No church is perfect as we have seen in revelations but I love my church, Hillsong, and it is anointed and grounded in the word of God and I know that Jesus is the head. Hillsong is the bride of Christ.
ps I love exclamation !!!
I can assure the person who wrote the article that my God and Saviour, Jesus the Christ, is my Knight in Shining Armour and He indeed came down to rescue me for the love a Princess. I am the child of King. Didnt that author of the article read the bible? The Lord's heart pounds for me, He cant stop thinking about me and He cant get over me and He definately believes in me. The Bible says I am His precious jewel. The Bible says He allures me and that is what happened. Sorry if we offend you by not seeing ourselves as misreable sinners but as the Righteousness of God!! I guess we aren't anglican enough !! No church is perfect as we have seen in revelations but I love my church, Hillsong, and it is anointed and grounded in the word of God and I know that Jesus is the head. Hillsong is the bride of Christ.
ps I love exclamation !!!
Posted by Drew in Sydney, Australia @ 01:59 on Nov 10 2008
Hi all,
I have to agree with Mike's comments above, as well as Tony and Paul de Wit. I am a Sydney boy and have attended HS a few times. Sin, judgement and even holiness are rarely talked about. I've seen a clip where Brian Houston strides around declaring "you won't hear a down gospel here! We don't believe in a down gospel..." Sadly, there is a down to the gospel, if there is no punishment for sin there is little incentive and understanding of the grace of God. There is no exposition of the word, as Gary Clarke said which is quoted above, theology is boring. What a dismal day for the church of Jesus.
As Mike correctly points out, you have a tendency to DEPEND on the flashy atmosphere to "worship" God (inverted commas because worship isn't singing, worship is life). Someone on this topic once said we ought to pull people out of there and stick them in a suburban church - no a/c, no lighting, no boombastic sound system, not the hippest sounding music - and see if they can "experience" God's presence without the megachurch trimmings.
Brothers and sisters, if you want to see the REAL world, check out Voice of the Martyrs - persecution.org.au. Now they really know how to worship - they risk their lives to do it. AND the most staggering part of it all is that their wish is that Western Christianity would not come to their parts. This gospel full of fluff and promises that we preach - these guys want nothing to do with. That's something to make us stop and think.
May we all truly value our relationship with God - not just our MANHOOD or WOMANHOOD - such that we will endure no matter what comes our way. God is worthy of our WORSHIP, not just our SINGING on a Sunday. God bless you all
Hi all,
I have to agree with Mike's comments above, as well as Tony and Paul de Wit. I am a Sydney boy and have attended HS a few times. Sin, judgement and even holiness are rarely talked about. I've seen a clip where Brian Houston strides around declaring "you won't hear a down gospel here! We don't believe in a down gospel..." Sadly, there is a down to the gospel, if there is no punishment for sin there is little incentive and understanding of the grace of God. There is no exposition of the word, as Gary Clarke said which is quoted above, theology is boring. What a dismal day for the church of Jesus.
As Mike correctly points out, you have a tendency to DEPEND on the flashy atmosphere to "worship" God (inverted commas because worship isn't singing, worship is life). Someone on this topic once said we ought to pull people out of there and stick them in a suburban church - no a/c, no lighting, no boombastic sound system, not the hippest sounding music - and see if they can "experience" God's presence without the megachurch trimmings.
Brothers and sisters, if you want to see the REAL world, check out Voice of the Martyrs - persecution.org.au. Now they really know how to worship - they risk their lives to do it. AND the most staggering part of it all is that their wish is that Western Christianity would not come to their parts. This gospel full of fluff and promises that we preach - these guys want nothing to do with. That's something to make us stop and think.
May we all truly value our relationship with God - not just our MANHOOD or WOMANHOOD - such that we will endure no matter what comes our way. God is worthy of our WORSHIP, not just our SINGING on a Sunday. God bless you all
Posted by mike in sydney @ 06:30 on Nov 3 2008
I have been to Hillsong services in the Hills district and the Men's conference as well as their main yearly conference.
Tony from the UK made a very good point that we need to preach the WHOLE GOSPEL not just an 'attractive' one. Jesus certainly didnt hold back on the rich young ruler. (So I dont fully agree with you here Joel). The gospel doesnt need to be edited or changed or modified or be made "relevant". Delivery might be different but the message must remain the same.
In the times, I have attended Hillsong - i havent heard blatant lies OR heresies from the pulpit. However, from what I can see is that the environment in Hillsong makes it easier for Christians to DEPEND on an "awesome service" or "fantastic worship" or "great preaching by a well-known preacher". And this results in Christians with shallow roots that when the storms of the world come they are undone.
So it is not just about having the numbers in front during an altar-call. It's about having a relationship with God that is not dependent on circumstance or situation or the environment. It's also about knowing not just the PROMISE that God said in the Bible but the PRICE that we have to pay.
Most churches (not just Hillsong) preach the promises because it attracts people but not the price because it is not appealing and turns people away. It's not about numbers.
Oh by the way - dont just take what every preacher on stage says as gospel... read it for yourself.
And do not be deceived by signs and wonders.
God Bless.
I have been to Hillsong services in the Hills district and the Men's conference as well as their main yearly conference.
Tony from the UK made a very good point that we need to preach the WHOLE GOSPEL not just an 'attractive' one. Jesus certainly didnt hold back on the rich young ruler. (So I dont fully agree with you here Joel). The gospel doesnt need to be edited or changed or modified or be made "relevant". Delivery might be different but the message must remain the same.
In the times, I have attended Hillsong - i havent heard blatant lies OR heresies from the pulpit. However, from what I can see is that the environment in Hillsong makes it easier for Christians to DEPEND on an "awesome service" or "fantastic worship" or "great preaching by a well-known preacher". And this results in Christians with shallow roots that when the storms of the world come they are undone.
So it is not just about having the numbers in front during an altar-call. It's about having a relationship with God that is not dependent on circumstance or situation or the environment. It's also about knowing not just the PROMISE that God said in the Bible but the PRICE that we have to pay.
Most churches (not just Hillsong) preach the promises because it attracts people but not the price because it is not appealing and turns people away. It's not about numbers.
Oh by the way - dont just take what every preacher on stage says as gospel... read it for yourself.
And do not be deceived by signs and wonders.
God Bless.
Reply by Zoe in Sydney @ 11:40 on Mar 3 2010
Hey Ben
Tell me more about the deception.
I was caught up with Hillsong in London, then I had some life drama, and my pop theology unravelled.
It's like a McDonald's Christianity...good for a while, but not to sustain you or for long term benefits.
Keep up the forum.
As Christians we need to love everyone, but also be discerning...
There are good people at Hillsong, but I very concerned with the leaders affluent lifestyles and lack of ministry to the poor and destitute.
Sad, but not without hope!!
Love and peace
Hey Ben
Tell me more about the deception.
I was caught up with Hillsong in London, then I had some life drama, and my pop theology unravelled.
It's like a McDonald's Christianity...good for a while, but not to sustain you or for long term benefits.
Keep up the forum.
As Christians we need to love everyone, but also be discerning...
There are good people at Hillsong, but I very concerned with the leaders affluent lifestyles and lack of ministry to the poor and destitute.
Sad, but not without hope!!
Love and peace
Reply by Seka Mukwavara in london @ 13:38 on Jan 6 2010
I agree as i have been at Hillsong London for 5 years and thought there is generally no heresy the whole truth and bible doctrine is not taught. There is emphasis on a some positive aspects mainly and sometimes motivational speaking which is goos bit its not the word of God. Also we pray together a few minutes in church on Sunday and 5-10 minutes in connect group - The early church for coorpoarate prayer often. Gifts of the spirit like prophecy, speaking in tongues and interpretation do not operate and have nto heard this taught. My friends who like me came to Hillsong from other pentocostal backgrounds agree and some have left. i may be soon if i find a good church as many pentecostal churches are like this today
I agree as i have been at Hillsong London for 5 years and thought there is generally no heresy the whole truth and bible doctrine is not taught. There is emphasis on a some positive aspects mainly and sometimes motivational speaking which is goos bit its not the word of God. Also we pray together a few minutes in church on Sunday and 5-10 minutes in connect group - The early church for coorpoarate prayer often. Gifts of the spirit like prophecy, speaking in tongues and interpretation do not operate and have nto heard this taught. My friends who like me came to Hillsong from other pentocostal backgrounds agree and some have left. i may be soon if i find a good church as many pentecostal churches are like this today
Posted by Paul de Wit in NSW @ 08:18 on May 25 2008
I have been to Hillsong a couple of times, from what I have seen I am extremely disappointed. There is very little mention of Sin, Repentance and trusting in the Saviour. It is very focused on career, prosperity etc. As far as I am concerned this type of teaching is IDOLATRY, it is putting the gifts above the giver. The Bible warns of this type of teaching (they are very convincing) For example telling someone that they must accept Christ to receive Salvation is completely WRONG, you do not accept Christ, Christ accepts us. To receive him you must repent of your sins and trust in the saviour. Then find a good church which preaches sin and repentance every week.
I have been to Hillsong a couple of times, from what I have seen I am extremely disappointed. There is very little mention of Sin, Repentance and trusting in the Saviour. It is very focused on career, prosperity etc. As far as I am concerned this type of teaching is IDOLATRY, it is putting the gifts above the giver. The Bible warns of this type of teaching (they are very convincing) For example telling someone that they must accept Christ to receive Salvation is completely WRONG, you do not accept Christ, Christ accepts us. To receive him you must repent of your sins and trust in the saviour. Then find a good church which preaches sin and repentance every week.
Posted by Bolaji in London @ 10:10 on Mar 27 2008
I have been a christian for almost 20 years now. I have attended all sorts of churches and have visited Hillsong at least 5 times now. I have been to many churches who dont preach Christ anymore. Its more motivational speaking and all the greedy name-it-and-claim-it madness. Amazingly churches have become a big business where little start up capital is needed.
I found my first time in Hillsong a bit strange. The approach was different, the people looked a bit more sincere, they didint demand for your money and make you feel guilty when you didint have. As I attended more, I realised they way they preached the word was more sincere than many other churches. I have never heard a heresy from the pulpit and have never seen them practise anything outside the bible. If anyone says Hillsong is not a christian movement, then I'm ready to listen to solid arguement based on facts and not perceptions. But wahtever you do, make sure you are not standing in a position wher God should be standing.
There are many churces in town adn the choice is yours on which to attend. I amd a very critical person and will stand against anything a church preaches that is contrary to the bible but honetly, I havent seen or heard Hillsong preach a heresy.
I have been a christian for almost 20 years now. I have attended all sorts of churches and have visited Hillsong at least 5 times now. I have been to many churches who dont preach Christ anymore. Its more motivational speaking and all the greedy name-it-and-claim-it madness. Amazingly churches have become a big business where little start up capital is needed.
I found my first time in Hillsong a bit strange. The approach was different, the people looked a bit more sincere, they didint demand for your money and make you feel guilty when you didint have. As I attended more, I realised they way they preached the word was more sincere than many other churches. I have never heard a heresy from the pulpit and have never seen them practise anything outside the bible. If anyone says Hillsong is not a christian movement, then I'm ready to listen to solid arguement based on facts and not perceptions. But wahtever you do, make sure you are not standing in a position wher God should be standing.
There are many churces in town adn the choice is yours on which to attend. I amd a very critical person and will stand against anything a church preaches that is contrary to the bible but honetly, I havent seen or heard Hillsong preach a heresy.
Posted by James Anthony in Dundee, Scotlanf @ 21:52 on Dec 2 2007
Having been to Hillsong Church many times and to there Europe Conference i can tell you that Hillsong Church is the most godly focussed and geniune church i have ever attented (and i have been to a lot of churches).
Hillsong not only shows people real Christianity but reaches a vast vast amount of people that traditional churches fail too.
To whoever wrote this review, please spend less time criticising the house God doing good and more time builiding up your church or ministry.
Hillsong is not about fake flattery as suggested. Genuine Christianity flows through everything that i have seen Hillsong do so please give them a break.
Having been to Hillsong Church many times and to there Europe Conference i can tell you that Hillsong Church is the most godly focussed and geniune church i have ever attented (and i have been to a lot of churches).
Hillsong not only shows people real Christianity but reaches a vast vast amount of people that traditional churches fail too.
To whoever wrote this review, please spend less time criticising the house God doing good and more time builiding up your church or ministry.
Hillsong is not about fake flattery as suggested. Genuine Christianity flows through everything that i have seen Hillsong do so please give them a break.
Posted by Kim in UK @ 16:59 on Oct 16 2007
I am a new Christian. I am hungry at the moment for any information that will encourage me on my journey. I am hungry for inspiration. I am reading the bible twice a day & have only missed once or twice (since July) I am praying & having conversations with God all the time. I have just been introduced to Bobbie Houston by way of a CD. I feel totally inspired every time I listen to her. INSPIRED TO COMMIT EVEN MORE TO GOD - NOT HILLSONG!. She is beautiful & God must be so proud of her. I'm new to this - but I would have thought that as long as I am building a relationship with God, applying His word & doing the best I can to "feed" from the Bible & growing spiritually (which I am) - then surely it doesn't matter where this information is coming from? She is spreading the word! I was a very unhappy, complaining, negative woman before I found God ....and thanks to God - I am now a loving, kind, happy, peaceful, good, joyful person. Listening to Bobbie just helped me understand some stuff that I was a little confused about. Surely that's good??
Ok Hillsong makes alot of money.....but excuse my limited understanding....but I don't think that what God wants for this world can be achieved by money....didn't I read something like "seek 1st my kingdom?" could that be applied as "apply & spread the word first & everything else will come after that?" Sorry - I did say I'm new to this! What I'm trying to say - is...all the money in the world won't recruit new Christians - only we can do that by telling as many people as we can the fantastic news.....forgive me - but isn't Hillsong doing just that?? Isn't the money they make a by-product of their fantastic work?
We are all different - that's what makes us amazing - but I think it's terribly unfair to question whether Hillsong are Christians!! They are just Christians keeping up with our changing world whilst still sticking to our Lord God's word. x x
I am a new Christian. I am hungry at the moment for any information that will encourage me on my journey. I am hungry for inspiration. I am reading the bible twice a day & have only missed once or twice (since July) I am praying & having conversations with God all the time. I have just been introduced to Bobbie Houston by way of a CD. I feel totally inspired every time I listen to her. INSPIRED TO COMMIT EVEN MORE TO GOD - NOT HILLSONG!. She is beautiful & God must be so proud of her. I'm new to this - but I would have thought that as long as I am building a relationship with God, applying His word & doing the best I can to "feed" from the Bible & growing spiritually (which I am) - then surely it doesn't matter where this information is coming from? She is spreading the word! I was a very unhappy, complaining, negative woman before I found God ....and thanks to God - I am now a loving, kind, happy, peaceful, good, joyful person. Listening to Bobbie just helped me understand some stuff that I was a little confused about. Surely that's good??
Ok Hillsong makes alot of money.....but excuse my limited understanding....but I don't think that what God wants for this world can be achieved by money....didn't I read something like "seek 1st my kingdom?" could that be applied as "apply & spread the word first & everything else will come after that?" Sorry - I did say I'm new to this! What I'm trying to say - is...all the money in the world won't recruit new Christians - only we can do that by telling as many people as we can the fantastic news.....forgive me - but isn't Hillsong doing just that?? Isn't the money they make a by-product of their fantastic work?
We are all different - that's what makes us amazing - but I think it's terribly unfair to question whether Hillsong are Christians!! They are just Christians keeping up with our changing world whilst still sticking to our Lord God's word. x x
The opinions expressed in the Reader Comments are not necessarily those held by Cross Rhythms.
They need to worry about whether their message can fairly be called 'Christian'." You should be worried whether your article can fairly be called usefull. Try to register for the next Colour Conference before writing about it.