Vallery's Sharing : 10 things we can learn from Hillsong Church

1. We are all leaders.

No matter what we do, we influence someone in one way or another. If you are a mom, dad, brother, sister, employer, employee or friend, you have someone in your world that you influence, either you do it on purpose or unconscious. So basically that is everyone!

God called us to be examples of Jesus. As Nelson Mandela said, we are born to manifest God’s glory.

Matthew 5:14-16 (ANIV)
"You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. [15] Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. [16] In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.

Some thoughts about being a good leader

a. A leader is not about a position or title but a person’s character
b. A leader is to be a good example (1 Tim 4:12-16)
c. A good leader shows honor and respect to others
d. A good leader takes initiative
e. A good leader cares more about his/her followers than themselves
f. etc

All the things a good leaders does all has to do with his/her character.

One thing I just want to re-emphasis is that a leader takes initiative. I see many people complaining about different things in church or in their life, but when asked to do something about it they say they cant or don’t want to.

Both a good leader and a good follower should always be up for a challenge.

2. Servant hood

In order to be a good leader you first need to learn how to be a good servant. You can’t lead if you can’t serve!

Matthew 20:25-28 (NLT)
But Jesus called them together and said, "You know that in this world kings are tyrants, and officials lord it over the people beneath them. [26] But among you it should be quite different. Whoever wants to be a leader among you must be your servant, [27] and whoever wants to be first must become your slave. [28] For even I, the Son of Man, came here not to be served but to serve others, and to give my life as a ransom for many."

Matthew 23:11-12 (NLT)
The greatest among you must be a servant. [12] But those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.

How often do we see people as soon as they are given a higher position or a position of leadership, they suddenly are too good to get their hands dirty anymore. Pride is one of our biggest challenges. It was what caused Lucifer to fall. Let us not allow ourselves to become proud of ourselves. Don’t ever forget where you have come from and it is God who gave you the promotion.

3. Spirit of excellence

I have been told by Jeff that 2007 is the year of excellence for ICA.

Genesis 4:2-4 (NLT)
When they grew up, Abel became a shepherd, while Cain was a farmer. [3] At harvest time Cain brought to the Lord a gift of his farm produce, [4] while Abel brought several choice lambs from the best of his flock. The Lord accepted Abel and his offering, but he did not accept Cain and his offering. This made Cain very angry and dejected.

What do we give to God? Do you give him your best and finest work or do you give him whatever is left over?
Same in church,… do you give God your very best in music, worship, Sunday school, youth, greeting people, and even clean up? No matter how big or small your job is…. Are you doing it with excellence?
When you think of how much God loves you and what he has done on the cross for you, God totally deserves our very best!!!

4. Spirit of faith

Hebrews 11:1 (NLT)
What is faith? It is the confident assurance that what we hope for is going to happen. It is the evidence of things we cannot yet see.

How much faith do you have to see people get healed, marriages and relationship restored, financial provision? How much do you believe God can do such miracles?

Matthew 10:1 (NLT) – Mark 3:15;6:7
Jesus called his twelve disciples to him and gave them authority to cast out evil spirits and to heal every kind of disease and illness.

Confess with your mouth and believe in your heart!!! Power of confession.

5. Discipleship

Matthew 28:19-20 (NLT)
Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. [20] Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age."

ICA culture : people come and go. Don’t see it as a weakness but as an opportunity.

Titus 2 – encourages the church to disciple the people

Titus 2:14-15 (NLT)
He (Jesus Christ) gave his life to free us from every kind of sin, to cleanse us, and to make us his very own people, totally committed to doing what is right. [15] You must teach these things and encourage your people to do them, correcting them when necessary. You have the authority to do this, so don't let anyone ignore you or disregard what you say.

6. Open to change

In general, people don’t like change. They prefer stability because people like to feel in control but Change is something that is inevitable (something you cant avoid). Society changes every 10 year with a different generation. Even at ICA as I said before, people come and ago, there is a constant change of people coming to ICA. It has become part of the ICA culture, you have to be able to be flexible to change. Illustration: hillsong events department, ICA on the move – majapahit, heritage club, somerset, ptc.

7. Live under Kingdom principles, not the worldly principles

Romans 12:2 (NLT)
Don't copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will know what God wants you to do, and you will know how good and pleasing and perfect his will really is.

How often do people (or we ourselves) do things just because everyone else is doing it? How often do we use the excuse… it is trend or that’s just our culture?

“Jam karet” is one of the most common examples. Where in the bible does it say that is ok to be late? What I do know is that the bible teaches us to have integrity. Integrity means honesty, being honest. So when you say you will be there at 7, you are there at 7. or if you say the meeting starts at 5 then you start at 5. That’s called accountability.

8. Expand your territories

Where there is life, there must be growth! We need to continue to grow in our spiritual journey. Life is not a destination but a journey!
Allow yourself to grow and stretch yourself. Illustration: Body muscles – baby learning to walk, crawl, stand, walk, run

3 Major challenges every believer must fight against:
1. Spirit of familiarity – getting stuck in your comfort zone!
2. A negative spirit – fear, guilt, blame, lazyness
3. Pride

by : Vallery D