WATCH THE TRAILER HERE
First, the Recap:
Crowds swell in numbers, filling massive arenas and other performance venues worldwide. They arrive anticipating who they’re about to see live in concert. Except, this isn’t any normal rock show, but far beyond that. These souls and hearts are coming hungry to be filled with hope, renewed faith, unconditional joy and love, release from burdens, and perhaps for the first time, experience the presence of God. The group responsible for this ocean of people coming? Well, they will, with one hundred percent humility, insist and acknowledge it’s God that drew people there and that they are simply being obedient to be the conduits utilized by Him to share the Gospel of Christ. This is Hillsong United.
From extremely undistinguished origins as a small ministry in Australia, Hillsong Church’s exemplary rise to prominence on the world stage was one accepted with both unexpected amazement and the exciting, newly opened possibilities of having an opportunity to bring their uniquely crafted music style, and more importantly the message of Christ, to millions. With these goals to worship in the fullness of faith in Christ while being able to deliver an energetic stage presence second to none filled with heart-changing lyrical content and powerful, soul-moving, ethereal musical rhythms and tones, there’s still a realization that has to be recognized far beyond the lights–these artists are just people, imperfect, clinging to faith, and trusting they will be used by God to bring His message to the world, while still knowing there are costs to accept.
Next, my Mind:
Director Michael John Warren’s inside look at the worldwide phenomenon that is Hillsong United is exactly what this reviewer was honestly hoping it would be–a very real, truthful, sincere, spiritually affecting view of exactly how all those involved with this movement deal with sudden “fame” and ensure their focus remains first and foremost on God and His designs for the ministry. Told via perspectives from Hillsong Church lead pastors Brian & Bobbie Houston, their son/worship leader Joel Houston, several of the additional worship leaders who make up Hillsong United including Jad Gillies, Jonathon “JD” Douglass, Taya Smith, and Matt Crocker, along with multiple musicians and family members, it comes together to paint an all-encompassing tapestry of not just tours and millions touched for Christ, but of sacrifice.
Being away from their families while on global mission is one of the primary costs involved, and it is certainly powerful to see the footage of these artists drinking in the simple joy of spending all the time they can with their spouses and children while hearing how much they in turn lovingly support and wholeheartedly understand the reasons why they need to be away for stretches of time. Also powerful is watching the behind-the-scenes efforts in songwriting and moreso the blatant choices this group makes when out touring to be among the people of the cities around the world and interacting with the poor and needy, plainly indicating that if they were only trying to reach people from the stage alone, they wouldn’t truly be doing the mission Christ has for His church. Plus, as hinted earlier, these are not perfect people, just obedient to a calling.
No matter how much longer God has Hillsong United doing what they do, all its members know beyond the shadow of a doubt that if He were to end it all tomorrow, they’d walk away no questions asked. But for now, the group continues to reach the world for Christ through powerful concert events and beyond, knowing full well it’s not about performance, it’s not about being “rock stars”, it’s not about money, but all about faith in motion, and in short–it’s all about Him!
As always, this is all for your consideration and comment. Until next time, thank you for reading!
I wanted to see this movie in the theater but did not catch it in time. Thanks for the review. I’ll look for it on cable , hopefully it will come out sooner than later