16 August, 2012
LET'S TALK CHURCH EVENTS - for pastors and leaders
We have a number of foundational statements (or philosophies) that frame the culture of our church. They are all based in the Word of God and have proven to be true of who we are as a community of believers.
One of them is, "Hillsong Church is not built on the gifts and talents of a few, but on the sacrifice of many". When we say sacrifice, we are using this word in its purest sense. When you love someone or something, the sacrifices made come from a place of devotion, commitment and joy. In Hebrews 12 it says of Jesus that "... for the joy set before him He endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God".
Well our church is definitely thronging with people who exemplify the above statement and it is full of truly "gifted and talented" people, who use what is in their hand for the betterment of others and the extension of God's glorious kingdom.
My husband is one these people also. He has loved the Church since he was a little boy. When I met him, he was a long haired, fun loving, enthusiastic and spontaneous 19year old fresh out of Bible college with the hand and mark of God upon his life. Everything he touched in church life flourished. He ran a youth connect group in the house he shared with 9 other single guys and it almost outgrew the Sunday attendance of the church it belonged to. When we came to Sydney in those early pioneering days, Connect Groups exploded all over the city under his young and raw direction. When he took on the leadership of the denomination we are a part of, it was prophesied that "good men would go from good to GREAT". He has an instinct about people and an instinct about strategic vision.
He has not only "sacrificed" (like many, many others) for the Kingdom of God, but he has used and grown the "gift and talent" upon his life. I may sound biased (and I probably am) but when it comes to TALKING CHURCH, when it comes to framing the heart and soul of a not perfect yet healthy church, when it comes to sharing the tried and proven insights of senior leadership... I reckon my husband moves in a "gift and talent" that God has chosen to anoint.
I've heard Brian say, in a manner that is not prideful or obnoxious, "I feel like I was born to lead church, it feels like the most natural thing I do". Of course there are challenges and things that he has had to grow into and learn, but I am talking about that indefinable "x-factor" that is often upon those who are truly operating in their God-given gift.
Anyway, said all that (ha) to encourage you that if you can make it to one of our leadership LET'S TALK CHURCH events that we are planning, we'd love to share it with you.
By nature, Brian and I are sometimes reluctant (and almost shy) to talk about ourselves or our church, yet in environments like these that are designed to "build the Church" - the calibre of those present and the integrity of the questions and conversations that unfold (in the relaxed meetings and in the fellowship of just being together) draws out the gold.
We are in the cause of Kingdom endeavor together. As pastors and leaders, we are in essence friends gleaning from one another and sharpening the gifts and talents within to the glory of God.
We love you, we pray for you and we consider it an honour to be serving God with you all at such a time as this. The world is becoming increasingly fragile, and the Church is becoming increasingly stronger. May I say it again, WE ARE ALL ALIVE for "such a time as this".
Love always
Bobbie xox
For more information visit brianandbobbie.com/lets-talk-church or don’t hesitate to contact our team at ltc@hillsong.com or +61 2 8853 5378.
For more information on Pastors Brian and Bobbie please visit brianandbobbie.com
Follow them on Twitter @BrianCHouston & @BobbieHouston and Facebook.com/brianandbobbie
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