My Key Takeaways From Hillsong Conference 2013

I recently attended the Hillsong Conference in Los Angeles. I went with my husband, oldest son, parents and a few of my siblings. It was life changing to say the least! I honestly don’t think I can put it into words other than, "Heaven on Earth."

The worship was incredible. To be led into the presence of God with words and music that are so anointed is quite the experience. To be standing in the midst of thousands of saints worshiping in one accord, takes it to another level. Hillsong United had just finished up a quick tour in South America but you wouldn't know they were operating on little sleep. When your passion is to usher people into the Throne Room, God gives you the strength you need.

I had the privilege of going to the Colour Conference put on by Hillsong earlier this year so I knew a little of what to expect. But this was a first time experience for the rest of my family.

In true Hillsong fashion, the lights, the music, the speakers were off the charts. Bobbie and Brian, the Senior Pastors, really do seem like the Mama and Papa of the house. Their love for the church and for Jesus shines through their eyes and falls off of their lips as they speak truth into your life.

We also heard from the wonderful Robert Fergusson. He has been part of Hillsong for years and teaches at their college. I could listen to him speak for hours. He has such a way with words.

Then, there was Christine Caine who I have heard several times. She never ceases to rock my world. That woman has a heart for Jesus and knows how to hit the nail on the head. She is also the founder of The A 21 Campaign, which seeks to abolish injustice in the 21st century. You definitely want to check that out!

Last, but certainly not least was Judah Smith. Wow. This was my first time hear him speak and boy, does he have an anointing over his life. He pastors a church in Washington and is wise beyond his years. His message was hilarious, yet so full of wisdom. My husband and I laughed through the entire message but left with new revelation on the gift of grace.

Needless to say, we took so much away from the very short weekend.

Here are some key points that I took away from the weekend.

1. God’s Great Mystery Tour {Brian Houston}

• Commit yourself to the great unknown. There is nothing boring about serving Jesus.
• The will of God is easy. Just go when he says go and come when he says come.

2. Revival {Robert Fergusson}

• Revival is not people being saved. It’s saved people remembering who God is.
• Revival has an inhalation / exhalation rhythm.
  Inhalation – Bringing in, individualism {not independence}.
  Exhalation – Diversity. Release individuals and consider them important.
• You will never be able to reach every one. We are all unique
• Don’t put God in a box. If you contain wind, it stops being wind. If you contain the breath of God, it stops being the breath of God

3. Thy Kingdom Come {Bobbie Houston}

• If the advancement of thy kingdom come requires them, let them go
• We all have a unique stride. Embrace our stride and pray that God enlarges it.
• Heighten our passion to bring God into full view. Our responsibility to bring Him into full view as he truly is.

4. Cultural Responsibilities as a leader {Brian Houston}

• Nothing will frame your church more than your perception of God.
• Be a can do person
• Live called
• Serve with gladness
• Empower others
• Don’t gossip
• Be one of them not one of us {if you’re a leader, don’t separate yourself from the rest of the church}
• Bring those around me on the journey
• Don’t have a whiny tone
• Delegate, don’t dump
• Attractive spirituality

5. Be like Jesus - The Dark Room {Christine Caine}

• The gift that is on you will destroy you if the character that is in you can not sustain you.
• God sets every part of the body in place
• Anointed then appointed - there is always a process between the 2
• If you open the door to the darkroom too soon, the spotlight will kill you and kill the image of God that is on the inside of you.
• God chooses. There is no demon in hell and no person on earth that can remove what God has chosen.
• If the light in you is less than the light on you you will be destroyed
• If God has assigned you he will come and find you.
• Can I trust you? If I can’t trust you when you don’t have it, you’ll never be faithful when you do have it.
• You don’t have to outlast the devil. If you just keep going you’ll outlast most Christians

6. Grace {Judah Smith}

• Matt 20:16 So those who are last now will be first then, and those who are first will be last.
• God doesn’t give according to the strict measures of justice that we put on people.
• Take what you think you’ve earned and leave, or trust what comes from his hand.

I hope you can glean from what I've shared. If there is any way at all that you can attend Hillsong Conference in New York next year, I HIGHLY recommend it! They have yet to announce if it will be in LA next year but it is possible so stay connected. Here are some links to Hillsong and the speakers for your convenience.

Hillsong Conference

Hillsong Church

Brian and Bobbie Houston You can get Brian's latest book, How to Maximize Your Life, here

Robert Fergusson

Christine Caine You can get Christine's latest book, Undaunted, here

Judah Smith You can get Judah's latest book, Jesus Is___ here.

There is no doubt in my mind that revival is here! I will remember this weekend the rest of my life and can't wait to see what happens in Southern California in the coming days and years!

Have you ever been part of something that has impacted your life in such a way that you will remember it for the rest of your life?