Insider story of Hillsong

There's a bit of publicity surrounding the launch of Tanya Levin's People in Glass Houses, an insider story of a former Hillsong goer.

The book is a recount of Tanya's spiritual journey and her experience at Hillsong. Before the book release, Andrew Denton interviewed her on Enough Rope about her experience and her book. And the Sydney Morning Herald has written a review on the book.

Hillsong is the biggest church in Australia and the most influential among the Christian community with its music widely used by churches. Its popularity of course has attracted some attention over the years. The main criticisms are mostly about Hillsong and their counterparts' view on money and wealth that has obviously prompted BRW's article God's millionaires in 2005.

Prosperity doctrine is foundational to the growth of the Pentecostal movement now gaining momentum as our society is getting richer. My first taste of this was during my visit at Hillsong about 9 years ago. Brian Houston was speaking that day and what left me with a lasting impression was his illustration using a front row audience's $10 note. Lifting the $10 note, he presented the message of tithing by emphasizing on the giving of $1(10%) to God and the rest of $9 being ours. And God will multiply that and bless us with more. I remember thinking that that $9 isn't mine, it's all God's and it's not to be used for my pleasure but for God's purposes.

Jesus came so that everyone would have life, and have it more abundantly (John 10:10). But that abundance or fullness is in knowing Christ and not in material possessions. In other words, being rich spiritually. Being successful is living a life that is in line and fulfills God's plan in our lives. It doesn't necessary equate to a good life.

The disciples in the early church go from place to place preaching the word of God, enduring persecution and relying on others to support them. They were poor materially but rich in spirit. Their focus was on fulfilling the mission that God has given them and not on the reward that they may receive. As in Psalm 56:16-17, God delights more in a broken spirit and a contrite heart than material sacrifice that we can offer.

I wonder why Jesus wasn't wealthy. Was he not giving enough that the Father should reward him financially? Or did he simply placing his priority in fulfilling God's mission in his life?

Prosperity doctrine appeals to our fallen human nature and our desire for a good and comfortable life. But it's at odds with the examples we see in the Bible (see my earlier post riches in God's eyes). What's of concern is many churches in other denominations today are modelling their church on the success of Hillsong without careful consideration of its validity from God's perspective or realising the danger or implications it may have.

David Collis' Kingdom Coffee: (mega)church means business provides some good insight in this issue and Jim Reiher’s The eye of the needle is said to be a must for those who wants to think through the teachings of prosperity. There's also The lord's profits and Hillsong's own website for those who have further interest.