Into second year at Hillsong College!

My first semester of second year at HILC started some weeks ago. It’s been quite a rapid jump into a lot of things. Our two intensive weeks at the beginning was under the subject Leadership Theory and Development. Mark Hopkins, executive vice president, Ps. Duncan Corby and Ps. Daniela Duarte taught on subjects such as contemporary leadership, leadership vs. ministry, growth & influence and situational leadership.

Decision making
One thing that stood out was the huge difference between ministry-based and leadership-based decision making. Where the first one is initiated by external needs leading to feelings and resulting in an action, the second one is initiated by a persons core beliefs, leading to decisions that result in actions.
So simple, but so true. All to often decisions in churches and in the life of Christians are based on many other things than core beliefs. When it comes to a Scandinavian setting I believe this is what will make a difference. When we get our core beliefs right, that forms our values, visions and goals of course inspired by the Holy Spirit. This is the best possible base for great decision making and creating direction for a church. This will empower people to work for the Kingdom with passion and purpose.

Ethics and Outreach development
Two other interesting subjects are Christian Ethics, lectured by Ps. Amanda Ferguson and Ministry and Outreach Development by Ps. Daniela Duarte. The purpose of MaOD is to learn how to develop different programs in the society in a way that is actually making an impact and difference. Too often we assume we know the needs and assume we know a certain people group or subculture and we don’t. Creating a community program on these assumptions often fails, and takes up a lot of effort in vain. Typically the planning phase for a good program takes around 18 months to develop. But – when it’s done well, based on good research and understanding of the target audience, it can actually make a huge impact and bring the Kingdom to people that otherwise never would have been reached.

This is a great season to be part of Hillsong College – and… the best is yet to come!