Posted by Johan under
daily,
hillsong,
impressions 
I wrote some thoughts in August when we had been 5 weeks at college. It gives a pretty good picture on some areas of what Hillsong College is about. And with two months more perspective, it’s just gotten even better.
Written 28th of August:
It’s amazing how fast time can fly. It’s soon three weeks since we started college - and almost 2 weeks since we were isolated from cyberspace and thrown into the jungle of northern Sydney. Finally able to write some posts.
Two first weeks we had two subjects as intense courses - Introduction to pastoral leadership and Teamwork. This week the actual subjects for this semester starts off.
What stands out
There are a few things that stands out already during our first weeks here at Hillsong, and the college. One of my personal concerns during times of decision what Bible College or pastoral education to attend, was not to know the actual profile of Hillsong Church never the less the college. But every day so far, I’ve found myself concluding that what I see and experience is very good.
Wisdom and balance
Hillsong is a pentecostal church, but born in an postmodern age. Traditional old-time pentecostals would ask where the shouting in tongues and all the profecies are. Traditional evangelicals might find the sound a bit too loud or the worship too enthusiastic. Or as someone put it: Too relevant. But it seems nothing is left to chance, but that things are done a certain way for a reason. And, the main reason that actually determines what is reasonable is the vision statement of the church, which is mainly based on the Great Commission.
Shortly put - the church [the people that are the church] exists for the lost and for its community, not to serve itself. That’s the cause of the church, and what ever that takes, is to be lived out through the life of the people that are the church.
Personal growth
The emphasis is - in words of the College Vice President Mark Hopkins - in both knowing AND experiencing God. It’s not so much about performing (as many would think) as about serving. It’s not so much about your gifts as about your attitude. Character is valued more then charisma. Charisma might be a good bonus, but worthless without character.
Atmosphere and expectance
Atmosphere is highly valued - and not without reason. Starting from when people enter the parking area, everyone will know they are valued and important - not only through words, but through how they are met. Also at College I sense an attitude of respect, warmth and care that seems very genuine.
Depth
During our first lessons in Introduction to Pastoral Leadership I was taken by the insight shared by the pastors from all the different departments. It was easy to tell that these people had really put thought into their specific age-group or area of responsibility, to understand their task not merely on a theological or typically pastoral, but also on a sociological level which looks into the situation in the community and the everyday lives of the people that are to be reached, won for Jesus, and discipled.
Observe that these are just a few points that covers some areas that stood out the very first weeks. Much more could be said about the contents of the teaching itself etc. But will be for a later post.
Posted by lotta under
experiences Vi har det ju så kallt här fortfarande - även om våren officiellt började senaste måndag!
Om jag förstått att de skulle vara så kallt här hade jag tagit med mig mina vinterstövlar och min dunjacka. Och särskilt skulle jag använda dem inomhus! Husen här är glesa som finska sommarstugor! Och då temperaturen går ner till 5 grader till kvällen så är det kallt inne. Vi har lärt oss knepet att fylla flaskor med hett vatten och lägga under våra dubbla täcken då vi går och lägger oss, vattnet är då ännu ganska varmt på morgonen och man hålls varm hela natten.
Alla nordbor här är helt super irriterade på att man inte lärt sig att isolera husen här - de sku spara enorma mängder energi i landet! För då man sätter på de mobila batterierna här / the heaters så har de Australienska kråkorna det ganska så gott 
He he hee… så om någon nordisk byggmästare läser detta, så förstår du att du har en ljus framtid här i landet! 
Den berömda och härliga beachen ”Manly” med ett lätt SNÖ-täcke (4 veckor sedan)
Posted by Johan under
impressions,
places 
Our friends Hakon and Irene moved form the Hills district close to Sydney center. We helped them move, and just fell in love with the place called Balmain, just 5 km from Sydney CBD (Central Business District).
Balmain has a charm of it’s own, with it’s exquisite still rugged architecture, lively main street and being surrounded by water. Darling Street, which goes all through Balmain, is full of nice small shops, pubs, cafes and restaurants. You can easily spend a day there walking around. And when you’re done shopping and eating have a look at the beautiful houses, head to the green areas and relax, or why not continue the trip with a ferry and get the see view of Balmain.
Balmain has been the setting for a couple of TV series, such as the sopie E Street and a move, The Sum of Us. It also has many residences owned by well-known people such as musician Josh Pyke and actress Rose Byrne. And what better place to live, having the greatest view to Sydney and Harbor bridge possible!
If you ever go to Sydney, Balmain is a place you don’t want to miss out.
Check the gallery for more pictures from Balmain!
One of the great views from Balmain.
Posted by Johan under
impressions Sydney center, neverending crowds of WYD SYD 08 people, Sushi, the Pope and China Town - a few of the things that we experienced today! Finally we had a nice day without any “must dos” and time to look around in the city. It was total carnival atmosphere in the city, as hundreds of thousands of pilgrims were there. Even the pope himself had decided to show up.
We felt like trying something new for dinner - and ended up at a Japanese restaurant. Always wanted to try Sushi, and this was the day. It was nice. Haven’t ever eaten it before. It was interesting and a nice experience at least half way through. But I also think I’ve had enough Sushi for the coming 3 years 
Beneathe you’ll find som pictures from the day, and in the gallery section much more images from Sydney.
Posted by Johan under
impressions Sydney Airport: Not that huge.
Well, we only saw Terminal 1, but it wasn’t that big really.
Attitude: Polite, helpful & relaxed
Even when people bump into you just a little bit, they apologize.
Weather: freezing COLD!
I don’t feel stupid for taking my winter jacket with me. In contrary. It’s like Finish fall, like october. +4 in the morning, somewhat warmer in the afternoon.
Sydney: Huge, interesting, international.
I’m looking very much forward to exploring this city. Seems like the place where all nations are represented.
Hospitality: Great!
Our friend Adam (who we met a year ago at an outreach in Helsinki) picked us up at the Airport and has accomodated us (until we find a house of our own) where he and two other guys live. We’re greatful for that!
Favourite expression: Good, good!
Hillsong Conference: Indeed great!
We happened to arrive in Sydney 10th of July, so we could join the Hillsong Conference for two days.
Leeland: Awesome!
Wow - this christian band is incredably good. Go check them out!
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