http://tycezendler.blogspot.com/
This blog is very accurate according to my experience at the same church. The blogger has a good understanding of the church and its beliefs. Although there are some things I would disagree with. The governance of the church is run by a board of people not a big organization. Another thing that was brought to my attention was that the blogger said the church started in 1937 when it actually started in the late 1980s and was founded by the father of Bryan Houston. I agree with the core beliefs that the blogger has stated and these are actuate to the religion. I also agree with that the music is modern and up-beat. The blogger also mentioned that the church was very friendly and welcoming, I also agree with this statement. Over all the blogger has maintained a trustworthy state and is fairly accurate to the topic.
Monday, June 14, 2010
Saturday, June 12, 2010
Part B
The Catholic Church and the Protestant Churches have many similarities and differences. One major difference is; the Catholic Church is based on the Bible, Tradition and good deeds, but Protestantism is only based on the Bible. Another difference is that in a Catholic Church to be baptised you have to be an infant, whereas in a Protestant Church age doesn’t matter necessarily but the important thing is that you are “born again” and understand what baptism symbolizes. Catholics believe that the only way to receive forgiveness is through personal repentance to the Pope or spiritual advisor. Protestantism believes to have forgiveness is to ask God to forgive you for sinning and Romans 10:9 ‘That if you confess with your mouth, "Jesus is Lord," and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.’ Catholics believe that they are saved by grace, but also through the merits we obtain through good works acceptable to God. As in Orthodoxy, salvation should be seen as a process rather than a once only event. Protestants believe that Salvation is the free and unmerited gift of God to man. It is obtained by grace through faith in Christ alone. Through Christ's atoning sacrifice, we are rendered acceptable to God and judged righteous (justified) in his sight. Catholics and Protestants have many differences. Catholics also believe in a place called purgatory, a middle ground before heaven, praying to saints and worshiping the Virgin Mary (http://christianityinview.com/comparison.html).
Some similarities of the Catholic Church and Protestantism are that they both teach about the trinity, God the father, the son and the Holy Spirit. They both believe in Jesus and that he died on the cross and that He rose again. Jesus’ mother was Mary and that she had a virgin birth. Jesus lived a sinless life and is coming back (second coming), Heaven and Hell. The deity of Jesus and the execution brought about atonement (http://www.religioustolerance.org/chr_capr.htm).
The two religions follow a different Bible. This is a big difference. The Christian Bible is made up of the Old Testament and the New Testament. There are 39 books in the Old Testament and 27 books in the New Testament, from Genesis to Revelations. The Catholic Bible is almost the same just that they added some extra books into the Bible.
The Catholic Church is very formal compared to Hillsong. The Catholic service consisted of everyone standing at the start and doing the crossing with your hands saying, “In the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit, amen”. The Pope would recite scripture and everyone would say it back. There are two parts to the mass. To receive communion you would have to line up in front of the Pope and put your hands out on top of one another. If you didn’t wish to partake in communion then you crossed your arms and he just blesses you. Lots of prayers were performed and everyone had to stand up lots. Some Hymns where sung. The church is very conservative compared to Hillsong. At Hillsong it seems that you have more freedom and a little less religious and structured.
The Catholic and Protestant Church’s have many differences but only a few similarities.
Some similarities of the Catholic Church and Protestantism are that they both teach about the trinity, God the father, the son and the Holy Spirit. They both believe in Jesus and that he died on the cross and that He rose again. Jesus’ mother was Mary and that she had a virgin birth. Jesus lived a sinless life and is coming back (second coming), Heaven and Hell. The deity of Jesus and the execution brought about atonement (http://www.religioustolerance.org/chr_capr.htm).
The two religions follow a different Bible. This is a big difference. The Christian Bible is made up of the Old Testament and the New Testament. There are 39 books in the Old Testament and 27 books in the New Testament, from Genesis to Revelations. The Catholic Bible is almost the same just that they added some extra books into the Bible.
The Catholic Church is very formal compared to Hillsong. The Catholic service consisted of everyone standing at the start and doing the crossing with your hands saying, “In the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit, amen”. The Pope would recite scripture and everyone would say it back. There are two parts to the mass. To receive communion you would have to line up in front of the Pope and put your hands out on top of one another. If you didn’t wish to partake in communion then you crossed your arms and he just blesses you. Lots of prayers were performed and everyone had to stand up lots. Some Hymns where sung. The church is very conservative compared to Hillsong. At Hillsong it seems that you have more freedom and a little less religious and structured.
The Catholic and Protestant Church’s have many differences but only a few similarities.
Friday, June 11, 2010
Herford St Baptist Church
I attened the Herford St Baptist Church on the 6th of June. The Herford St Baptist Church was constituted on July 1959 and has been going for 50 years. There is only one service time and that is 9.00am on a Sunday Morning. They celebrate the Lord’s supper every second week. The church appears very small and quiet. After each service they have morning tea. Youth groups at the church are every second Friday night from 6:45pm – 9:00pm. It ranges from grades seven to twelve. The youth includes games, fellowship, devotions and supper.
The church is a protestant church and believes that Jesus died on the cross for us and rose again. The church also believes in the teachings from the Bible and the trinity; God the father, the son and the Holy Spirit. The virgin birth and that Jesus is the only son of God. They also believe that Jesus is coming back one day. The church is Christ centered, Bible believing, prayer focused and spirit led. They are not a Pentecostal church.
Walking into the church there were two deacons at the door greeting the people as they walked in. The church has a very ‘old style’ appearance. They have long, old wooden seats to sit on and the structure of the church is a low set brick and very basic. It has a very quiet environment and gives the perception of not making a big show or production in what they do. To start off the service the congregation where encouraged to join in signing a couple of hymns and a few choruses. The band was made up of the keyboard, flute, drums and someone playing a tambourine. There were a couple of singers on microphones and one person out the front leading. After worship was finished someone came up and read from a very big Bible that was resting on an old wooden pulpit. After the Bible reading it was time to partake in communion. The deacons distributed the emblems throughout the rows. Announcements followed communion. The main message was spoken. The main message was about how we need to rely on God and how we will provide for us. At the service that was attended two people were going to be baptised. Before they were baptised they gave their testimony. After giving their testimonies the two people got baptised in water. Once this was finished everyone joined together outside and had some morning tea. There was a feeling of close community at this church. The same people had several parts that they played within the service instead of a different person doing everything that is needed to be done. It seemed that everyone knew each other and they were very friendly. It made the baptismal time appear more personal because everyone seemed to know these two people very well and if you didn’t know them their testimonies allowed you to see into who they were and made you feel a part of what was happening.
This was a very interesting experience for me as I am used to going to a big church. This church is small but still good. It is comes across conservative compared to the church I am at but it was a different and enjoyable experience.
The church is a protestant church and believes that Jesus died on the cross for us and rose again. The church also believes in the teachings from the Bible and the trinity; God the father, the son and the Holy Spirit. The virgin birth and that Jesus is the only son of God. They also believe that Jesus is coming back one day. The church is Christ centered, Bible believing, prayer focused and spirit led. They are not a Pentecostal church.
Walking into the church there were two deacons at the door greeting the people as they walked in. The church has a very ‘old style’ appearance. They have long, old wooden seats to sit on and the structure of the church is a low set brick and very basic. It has a very quiet environment and gives the perception of not making a big show or production in what they do. To start off the service the congregation where encouraged to join in signing a couple of hymns and a few choruses. The band was made up of the keyboard, flute, drums and someone playing a tambourine. There were a couple of singers on microphones and one person out the front leading. After worship was finished someone came up and read from a very big Bible that was resting on an old wooden pulpit. After the Bible reading it was time to partake in communion. The deacons distributed the emblems throughout the rows. Announcements followed communion. The main message was spoken. The main message was about how we need to rely on God and how we will provide for us. At the service that was attended two people were going to be baptised. Before they were baptised they gave their testimony. After giving their testimonies the two people got baptised in water. Once this was finished everyone joined together outside and had some morning tea. There was a feeling of close community at this church. The same people had several parts that they played within the service instead of a different person doing everything that is needed to be done. It seemed that everyone knew each other and they were very friendly. It made the baptismal time appear more personal because everyone seemed to know these two people very well and if you didn’t know them their testimonies allowed you to see into who they were and made you feel a part of what was happening.
This was a very interesting experience for me as I am used to going to a big church. This church is small but still good. It is comes across conservative compared to the church I am at but it was a different and enjoyable experience.
Hillsong Birsbane
On the 13th of June I attended Hillsong Brisbane. Hillsong Church was very modern and free. They had very positive motive and were striving to help out where ever they could. Hillsong strives to be the best at everything they do. It impacts many people and their songs are sung world wide. As Hillsong Church continues to increase and grow, the vision remains consistent: to build the Church of Jesus Christ and bless the body of Christ world-wide. Hillsong was established by the father of Brian Houston in 1983 in Sydney (http://myhillsong.com/more-hillsong). The church actually went down in numbers before it started increasing to become what it is today. Over 20,000 people attend in Hillsong Sydney. There are many Hillsong churches in Australia, London, Kiev, Cake Town, Stockholm, Paris, Moscow and are planting one in New York.
Hillsong was very welcoming and friendly. When walking in to the auditorium there were people at the door shaking hands and greeting people. The music was playing and the ushers directed people to some seats. First there was praise and worship for about 20-30 minutes and then one of the preachers came up and talked about tithes and offerings for about 10 mins. They talked about how you must give 10% of your money to tithes. After that they collected the money by passing buckets through the rows of people. Once the buckets where collected another preacher came up and talked about communion. They talked about how the bread is the body of Christ and the cup is the blood spilt. The ushers passed out the emblems throughout the rows. They recommended that you only partake in communion if you have a relationship with Jesus Christ. When everyone was finished with communion the main message was spoken. The main sermon/message was about powerful words and how God created the world with words so be carful what you say. This went on for about 45 minutes. After the main sermon was finished the preacher asked if anyone wanted to commit their lives to Christ. He asked them to raise their hands if they wanted to. At the end of the service they finished with one last song and they recommended if anyone was visiting the church for the first time they could go to the welcome lounge at the back of the church to meet some people and have a coffee. Everyone else just exited the auditorium while they prepared the seats for the next service to start as there are a few services at Hillsong in the morning.
The auditorium can hold about 500-600 people and is working on getting bigger. The music at the church is very contemporary with a full band and choir. Darlene Zschech and other members of the worship team have become internationally renowned for their songwriting and anointed worship leading (http://myhillsong.com/more-hillsong). The structure of the building and the décor inside is fairly modern and appeals to the new generation. There are many services you can go to; Friday night 6:30 – 8:00, Sunday there are three morning services the 8:00 acoustic service, the 9:00 and the 11:00. Hillsong has a youth group within the church and on Sunday nights they have a youth group meeting from 5:00pm – 7:30pm. The youth ranges from ages 12 – young adults. The youth is a great idea because it gives the younger generation of the church a place to come and hang out and meet up with people their age. Hillsong have many campuses, e.g. Australia, London, Kiev, Cake Town, Stockholm, Paris, Moscow and are planting one in New York.
The board of directors governs the church including the pastors. The board of directors is responsible for the leadership of the respective entity Therefore the church is not governed by one individual but rather a board of directors chosen by the congregation.
Hillsong is a protestant church and believes that Jesus died on the cross for us and rose again. The church also believes in the teachings from the Bible and the trinity; God the father, the son and the Holy Spirit. The virgin birth and that Jesus is the only son of God. They also believe that Jesus is coming back one day. Hillsong church is also a Pentecostal church where they believe in the baptism of the Holy Spirit and speaking in tongues (Acts 1:8). “We part of a Church that impacts human need with love. We accept, help and value others reconciling humanity to Jesus, themselves and each other. We are a part of a Church family that believes in the generational potential of one person devoted to Jesus outworking their God given purpose. We are a part of a Church community that lives everyday life with enjoyment, authenticity and wholeness. We are a part of a Church that is contemporary and progressive, creating and innovating through God's inspiration, and understanding and partnership with others. We are a part of a Church that seeks to Steward God's message of freedom for local, national and global communities with personal involvement, example and generosity,” said Bryan Houston (http://myhillsong.com/core-values).
Hillsong church is very professional and structured in what they do. My experience was enjoyable. They were very friendly and welcoming. I would definitely go there again.
Hillsong was very welcoming and friendly. When walking in to the auditorium there were people at the door shaking hands and greeting people. The music was playing and the ushers directed people to some seats. First there was praise and worship for about 20-30 minutes and then one of the preachers came up and talked about tithes and offerings for about 10 mins. They talked about how you must give 10% of your money to tithes. After that they collected the money by passing buckets through the rows of people. Once the buckets where collected another preacher came up and talked about communion. They talked about how the bread is the body of Christ and the cup is the blood spilt. The ushers passed out the emblems throughout the rows. They recommended that you only partake in communion if you have a relationship with Jesus Christ. When everyone was finished with communion the main message was spoken. The main sermon/message was about powerful words and how God created the world with words so be carful what you say. This went on for about 45 minutes. After the main sermon was finished the preacher asked if anyone wanted to commit their lives to Christ. He asked them to raise their hands if they wanted to. At the end of the service they finished with one last song and they recommended if anyone was visiting the church for the first time they could go to the welcome lounge at the back of the church to meet some people and have a coffee. Everyone else just exited the auditorium while they prepared the seats for the next service to start as there are a few services at Hillsong in the morning.
The auditorium can hold about 500-600 people and is working on getting bigger. The music at the church is very contemporary with a full band and choir. Darlene Zschech and other members of the worship team have become internationally renowned for their songwriting and anointed worship leading (http://myhillsong.com/more-hillsong). The structure of the building and the décor inside is fairly modern and appeals to the new generation. There are many services you can go to; Friday night 6:30 – 8:00, Sunday there are three morning services the 8:00 acoustic service, the 9:00 and the 11:00. Hillsong has a youth group within the church and on Sunday nights they have a youth group meeting from 5:00pm – 7:30pm. The youth ranges from ages 12 – young adults. The youth is a great idea because it gives the younger generation of the church a place to come and hang out and meet up with people their age. Hillsong have many campuses, e.g. Australia, London, Kiev, Cake Town, Stockholm, Paris, Moscow and are planting one in New York.
The board of directors governs the church including the pastors. The board of directors is responsible for the leadership of the respective entity Therefore the church is not governed by one individual but rather a board of directors chosen by the congregation.
Hillsong is a protestant church and believes that Jesus died on the cross for us and rose again. The church also believes in the teachings from the Bible and the trinity; God the father, the son and the Holy Spirit. The virgin birth and that Jesus is the only son of God. They also believe that Jesus is coming back one day. Hillsong church is also a Pentecostal church where they believe in the baptism of the Holy Spirit and speaking in tongues (Acts 1:8). “We part of a Church that impacts human need with love. We accept, help and value others reconciling humanity to Jesus, themselves and each other. We are a part of a Church family that believes in the generational potential of one person devoted to Jesus outworking their God given purpose. We are a part of a Church community that lives everyday life with enjoyment, authenticity and wholeness. We are a part of a Church that is contemporary and progressive, creating and innovating through God's inspiration, and understanding and partnership with others. We are a part of a Church that seeks to Steward God's message of freedom for local, national and global communities with personal involvement, example and generosity,” said Bryan Houston (http://myhillsong.com/core-values).
Hillsong church is very professional and structured in what they do. My experience was enjoyable. They were very friendly and welcoming. I would definitely go there again.
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