MGS Masteroppgave Silje Sævareid Kleiveland.Pdf (324.7Kb)

Total Page:16

File Type:pdf, Size:1020Kb

MGS Masteroppgave Silje Sævareid Kleiveland.Pdf (324.7Kb) A Qualitative Study A Journey Towards Hillsong Church A Norwegian Story Silje Sævareid Kleiveland VID vitenskapelige høgskole Stavanger Masteroppgave Master i Global Studies Antall ord: 27869 16.Mai 2018 1 Acknowledgement First, I want to say thank you to Hillsong church, and especially Hillsong Sandnes, where I have spent most of my research time throughout this study. Thank you for letting me join your church and fellowship, and for including me in your «family». Especially thanks to those of you who let me interview you. It was interesting and «lærerikt» to talk to you. And i wouldn’t´t have been able to do the research if if wasn’t´t for you. So thank you! Further, I want to thank my supervisor Stian Sørlie Eriksen who has provided meaningful guidance and inspiration through the process. Thanks to my little sister Camilla and Anette for their help and motivation in stressful times Last, but not at all the least, Erlend. Thank you for always being supportive of me, and backing me up in whatever I chose to do. Thank you for words of wisdom and encouragement. And for making dinner and walking the dog, while I´m working om my thesis. Abstract Hillsong Norway, which have congregations in several of the larger cities in Norway. Hillsong Norway quite recently formally established through incorporation of an already existing comparable locally grown church network. Based on qualitative studies and fieldwork in both churches, the thesis discusses how individuals and congregations come to see themselves as part of a global church and how this relates to individual and congregational identity. Using especially transnational social theory and globalization perspectives, the thesis addresses how taking part in global networks like these affect the sense of belonging, identities as well as social and community values in the congregations. My master thesis set focus on young adults putting church as number one priority in their life. The church is Hillsong Norway, where my fieldwork has primarily been on the west coast of 2 Norway, in Sandnes and Stavanger. I want to investigate what attract young adult towards Hillsong Church, and further what it means to be a part of a global network like Hillsong. As there are no research published on Hillsong Norway at this point, I find it very exciting to enter this new field. As Hillsong being such a fast growing and worldwide church, I wanted to study this church and the concept it is built on both a local and global perspective. Moreover, why is this church attracting so many young people- especially people who might not be used to going to church. Personally, I have been to Hillsong Church several times- both at their global conferences and Sunday-services at my local church. I find the enthusiasm and engagement interesting, therefore I wanted to find out more about this particular church, Hillsong. Innholdsfortegnelse Acknowledgement ..................................................................................................................... 2 Abstract ...................................................................................................................................... 2 Introduction ................................................................................................................................ 7 1.1 Background context for the study .................................................................................... 8 1.2 Motivations for the study ................................................................................................. 9 1.3 Academic context ......................................................................................................... 11 1.4 Structure of the thesis .................................................................................................... 12 1.5 Little scholarly attention/ further research needed ........................................................ 12 2 Background and context ....................................................................................................... 13 2.1 Key concepts .................................................................................................................. 14 2.1.1 Globalization ............................................................................................................ 14 2.1.2 Pentecostalism .......................................................................................................... 15 2.2 The Local Context ......................................................................................................... 16 2.2.1 Intro Church Sandnes .............................................................................................. 16 2.2.2 The Pentecostal Movement in Norway ................................................................... 18 2.2.3 Brian Houston, Oslo Christian Center (OKS) and Hillsong Family ....................... 19 3 2.3 The Global Context ....................................................................................................... 21 2.3.1 Hillsong Australia – A historical perspective ......................................................... 21 2.3.2 Hillsong Church Movement – A Global Church (incl. graphic structure) .............. 22 2.4 Research Context/Academic articles ............................................................................. 24 2.5 Summary: ...................................................................................................................... 24 3 Key Theoretical Perspectives ............................................................................................... 26 3.1 Belonging ...................................................................................................................... 26 3.2 Identification .................................................................................................................. 27 3.3 Community ................................................................................................................... 28 3.4 A global religion ........................................................................................................... 29 3.5 Globalization ................................................................................................................ 29 3.6 Summary ....................................................................................................................... 30 4 Methodological Considerations/ Methodology .................................................................... 30 4.1 A Qualitative Research Design...................................................................................... 31 4.2 Validity .......................................................................................................................... 32 4.3 Reliability ...................................................................................................................... 33 4.4 Methods for collecting data ........................................................................................... 34 4.4.1 Participant-observation ........................................................................................... 34 4.5 Informants ...................................................................................................................... 38 4.6 Limitation and selection ................................................................................................ 38 4.7 Strategy for analysis ...................................................................................................... 40 4.8 The Role of the Researcher .......................................................................................... 40 4.9 Ethical considerations .................................................................................................... 43 4.10 Summary ...................................................................................................................... 43 5 Presentation and Analysis of Findings ................................................................................. 44 5.1 Sense of belonging (Family).......................................................................................... 44 5.2 Embodiment of Grace .................................................................................................... 47 4 5.3 The importance of music ............................................................................................... 50 5.4 Being part of something bigger than yourself ............................................................... 52 5.5 A part of something bigger ............................................................................................ 54 5.6 Identity ........................................................................................................................... 55 5.7 A Culture of Inclusion and Excellence .......................................................................... 57 5.7.1 Excellence ............................................................................................................... 58 5.8 An Everyday Lifestyle ................................................................................................... 60 5.9 Summary ........................................................................................................................ 64 6 DISCUSSION ...................................................................................................................... 65 6.1 Belonging
Recommended publications
  • “I Want to Work and Do Something More Important with My Life,” Says Abed, a Refugee from Syria
    WINTER 2018 SOWER “I want to work and do something more important with my life,” says Abed, a refugee from Syria. 1 A lamp to their feet A light to their path For long-time Bible Society the Flying Bible Man, who became chaplain to construction workers supporters Bill and Jocelyn Ross, a great asset. on a dam, Trevor Booth went the Bible really has proved to be “I’d go with Trevor in his plane with him to visit the workers. “He “a lamp to their feet and a light to and catch up with people on the had a good fi lm to show in the their path,” as they have navigated stations. I was fl ying with Trevor workmen’s mess service. On one the roads God has taken them. when the Bible Society made a occasion the sound system wasn’t After studying and marrying fi lm about his work in the East working – but it didn’t matter, in Canberra, Bill and Jocelyn Pilbara. What I remember the because Trevor narrated the fi lm! ministered for a few years in most about the fi lming was the He had shown the fi lm so many Albury, NSW, before moving to constant fl ies in our eyes! ... it was times, he knew the dialogue by the far north of Western Australia a wonderful experience” heart.” in 1970 and beginning a life-long When the Rosses moved to Trevor also assisted with the ministry there. Dampier, a Pilbara port town, Bill They began in the town of again engaged in patrols with Kununurra and the patrol district Trevor at several stations in the of the East Kimberley, with the West Pilbara, and Barrow Island.
    [Show full text]
  • Annual Report Two Thousand & Fourteen Hillsong Church, Australia Hillsong Church Annual Report 2 Index
    Annual Report Two Thousand & Fourteen Hillsong Church, Australia 2 Annual Report Hillsong Church Index Chairperson’s Report 4 The Church I Now See 5 Lead Pastor’s Report 6 General Manager’s Report 7 History 8 Church Services 10 Programs & Services 12 Children 14 Youth 16 Women 18 Young at Heart 20 Pastoral Care 22 Volunteers 24 Creative Arts 26 Worship 28 Conferences 30 Missions 32 Education 34 Local Community Services 36 Overseas Aid & Development 42 The Hillsong Foundation 46 Two Thousand & Fourteen Two Our Board 48 Financial Reports 51 “I see a church Governance 58 that beckons WELCOME HOME to every man, woman and child that walks through the doors.” – Brian Houston (The Church I Now See) 3 Chairperson’s Report Brian & Bobbie Houston As we reflect on the year past, we can truly thank God for His We have now been holding Hillsong Conference since 1986 unwavering goodness and love for humanity. God specialises with the mission: Championing the cause of local churches in lifting people out of tragedy and pain, rebuilding hope and everywhere. With over 22,000 attendees and 19 Christian restoring us to a friendship with Him. denominations represented we celebrate the diversity of the expressions of our faith and gather around the common We as a church are privileged to play our role in seeing lives understanding that a healthy local church can make a positive impacted through the Gospel of Jesus Christ. At Hillsong impact in its community. Church, hundreds of people make a decision to follow Christ each week, a foundational step on a journey of personal It is with this understanding we are enthusiastic about freedom and understanding.
    [Show full text]
  • Gospel with a Groove
    Southeastern University FireScholars Selected Honors Theses Spring 4-28-2017 Gospel with a Groove: A Historical Perspective on the Marketing Strategies of Contemporary Christian Music in Relation to its Evangelistic Purpose with Recommendations for Future Outreach Autumn E. Gillen Southeastern University - Lakeland Follow this and additional works at: http://firescholars.seu.edu/honors Part of the Christianity Commons, Liturgy and Worship Commons, Marketing Commons, Music Commons, and the Practical Theology Commons Recommended Citation Gillen, Autumn E., "Gospel with a Groove: A Historical Perspective on the Marketing Strategies of Contemporary Christian Music in Relation to its Evangelistic Purpose with Recommendations for Future Outreach" (2017). Selected Honors Theses. 76. http://firescholars.seu.edu/honors/76 This Thesis is brought to you for free and open access by FireScholars. It has been accepted for inclusion in Selected Honors Theses by an authorized administrator of FireScholars. For more information, please contact [email protected]. GOSPEL WITH A GROOVE: A HISTORICAL PERSPECTIVE ON THE MARKETING STRATEGIES OF CONTEMPORARY CHRISTIAN MUSIC IN RELATION TO ITS EVANGELISTIC PURPOSE WITH RECOMMENDATIONS FOR FUTURE OUTREACH by Autumn Elizabeth Gillen Submitted to the Honors Program Committee in partial fulfillment of the requirements for University Honors Scholars Southeastern University 2017 GOSPEL WITH A GROOVE 2 Copyright by Autumn Elizabeth Gillen 2017 GOSPEL WITH A GROOVE 3 Abstract Contemporary Christian Music (CCM) is an effective tool for the evangelism of Christianity. With its origins dating back to the late 1960s, CCM resembles musical styles of popular-secular culture while retaining fundamental Christian values in lyrical content. This historical perspective of CCM marketing strategies, CCM music television, CCM and secular music, arts worlds within CCM, and the science of storytelling in CCM aims to provide readers with the context and understanding of the significant role that CCM plays in modern-day evangelism.
    [Show full text]
  • February 2004
    VOLUME 31/1 FEBRUARY 2004 “Do you not give the horse his strength or clothe his neck with a flowing mane?” Job 39:19 faith in focus Volume 31/1, February 2004 CONTENTS Editorial Whose party are you going to? Uncovering a very present danger 3 It was some years ago that a minister was overhearing several colleagues at a minister’s conference speaking about several high-powered revival meetings Not satisfied with Jesus? When faith is not alone 7 they had experienced. They spoke in glowing terms of how warmly they felt and how much everyone there shared a wonderful spiritual unity. Sons of encouragement 8 This minister shared with them his own experience of a meeting he had come World News 9 from the night before he flew over. He detailed the feelings he had when over Breakthrough 40,000 sang the same songs, held hands, and came away with a truly The lesson in life 11 unforgetable event. Missions in focus His colleagues now were completely captivated by his story. This was something Growing the church in Karamoja extraordinary. And to hear all this from this man who otherwise you would think Prayer points RCNZ food aid to Malawi 12 was the last to be open to such a move of the Spirit! They had to ask him who was the cause for this incredible time. Which special person’s meeting was it? Surfing the Net The upside & downside of the Internet 15 “Oh,” the minister replied, “it was a Paul McCartney concert.” Naturally, those ministers felt somewhat taken in.
    [Show full text]
  • Pentecostal Pastorpreneurs and the Global Circulation of Authoritative Aesthetic Styles
    Culture and Religion An Interdisciplinary Journal ISSN: 1475-5610 (Print) 1475-5629 (Online) Journal homepage: http://www.tandfonline.com/loi/rcar20 Pentecostal pastorpreneurs and the global circulation of authoritative aesthetic styles Miranda Klaver To cite this article: Miranda Klaver (2015) Pentecostal pastorpreneurs and the global circulation of authoritative aesthetic styles, Culture and Religion, 16:2, 146-159, DOI: 10.1080/14755610.2015.1058527 To link to this article: http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/14755610.2015.1058527 Published online: 14 Jul 2015. Submit your article to this journal Article views: 335 View related articles View Crossmark data Citing articles: 1 View citing articles Full Terms & Conditions of access and use can be found at http://www.tandfonline.com/action/journalInformation?journalCode=rcar20 Download by: [Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam] Date: 30 October 2017, At: 06:47 Culture and Religion, 2015 Vol. 16, No. 2, 146–159, http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/14755610.2015.1058527 Pentecostal pastorpreneurs and the global circulation of authoritative aesthetic styles Miranda Klaver* Faculty of Theology and Religious Studies, VU University Amsterdam Amsterdam, The Netherlands This article argues that the rise of ‘pastorpreneurs’ in global neo- Pentecostalism calls for an aesthetic perspective on religious authority and leadership in the context of new media. Different from mainline churches, religious leadership in neo-Pentecostal (In many parts of the world, neo-Pentecostal or new Pentecostal churches have emerged since the 1980s. They are usually independent churches, organized in loose national or transnational networks, Anderson 2004) churches is not legitimised by denominational traditions and the ordination of clergy but by ‘pastorpre- neurs’, (Twitchell uses the term pastorpreneurs to describe megachurch pastors who by using marketing techniques and other entrepreneurial business skills create stand-alone religious communities that challenge top- down denominationalism (2007:3).
    [Show full text]
  • Love Your Global Neighbour
    theadvocate.tv DECEMBER 2018 IN CONVERSATION Finding Faith duo, Andrew Tierney “Perhaps we need to keep challenging ourselves about the and Tim Dunfield talk about their passion for writing power of un-deciding to open ourselves to an even bigger songs of worship and their debut album. PAGE 12 >> decision – an even bigger ‘yes’.” SIMON ELLIOTT PAGE 13>> 3 Holy secularism Christmas is not what it used to be >> 4 Royal Commission Scheme provides support for childhood abuse >> Photo: Shane Burrell Risanya can grow enough food to feed her family and sell at the market for an income, thanks to the support of good neighbours in Australia. Love your global 10 Asia Bibi freed Christian mother released neighbour from Pakistan’s death row >> Baptist World Aid Australia, in conjunction with A Just Cause, has launched a efforts leading up to the next new report: The Global Neighbour Index. The report examines: Is Australia a good Federal Election, where Baptists global neighbour?, taking seriously Jesus’ call to “love your neighbour as yourself”. around the country will organise electorate forums using the report as a guide to converse Committed to Against its most-developed peers, government and the broader “It is not often that we get to with candidates. Australia was ranked 11th out of community to participate influence the policymakers of The index uses ten indicators being honest, 20 overall in a report that graded responsibly in seeking change. our nation in such a specific and to consider complex issues such transparent and each country’s contribution to Rather than considering the way personal way,” Perth delegate as inequality, poverty, climate the United Nation’s Sustainable SDGs are being implemented in Karen Wilson said.
    [Show full text]
  • INDUSTRY Q&A: Steve Mcpherson, Manager, Hillsong Music Publishing
    WHAT’S INSIDE: INDUSTRY Q&A: Q&A with Steve McPherson, Manager, Steve McPherson, Manager, Hillsong Music Publishing Hillsong Music Publishing News By CCM Magazine Managing Editor, Celebrations Kevin Sparkman and Milestones Church bodies creating their own musical elements, Radio Movement arrangements, and even songs, isn’t really that new of a concept. One of the first congregations Appearances to embark on publishing and making their in Film/TV songs known the globe over, Australia’s Hillsong Church blazed the trail and Steve McPherson has Top Adult been there from the start. With a keen sense of Contemporary Songs ministry on a localized level, initially serving at Hillsong in youth ministry and on worship teams, Top Gospel Songs McPherson has taken his twenty-five year-plus career to now serve the Church through music on Top Rock Songs a worldwide scale. We take a few moments to chat with McPherson about the music, milestones, and Overall Chart Toppers ministry, as well as a little more about him on a personal level (Ever wondered what a guy like him Top Artists jams to while cruising the Sydney streets?) on Social Media Steve McPherson (Continued on page 3) Movement NEWS the current cover artists for the Jun. 15th with hip hop artist Blake Whitely and edition of CCM Magazine. speaker Clayton Jennings. Hillsong UNITED’s sixth studio album John Butler, former Wonder debuted VP of Promotions at at No. 1 and No. 5 on Curb Records, began the iTunes Christian his role as the head and Overall charts. of Christian Music Garnering immediate at Spotify in late April.
    [Show full text]
  • Transnational Pentecostal Connections: an Australian Megachurch and a Brazilian Church in Australia Introduction I Arrived at Th
    Transnational Pentecostal Connections: an Australian Megachurch and a Brazilian Church in Australia Introduction1 I arrived at the Comunidade Nova Aliança (CNA) church on a Sunday, a little bit before the 7 pm service. From the street I could hear loud music playing. When I crossed the front door I unexpectedly found myself in a nightclub: the place was dark, lit only by strobe lights, and there was a stage with large projection screens on each side. People were chatting animatedly in the adjacent foyer. They were all young, mostly in their late teens. A young woman came to chat and asked if I were okay, if I knew anyone. Prompted by me, she took me to pastor Henrique and his wife, Denise, whom I had spoken to on the phone the previous Sunday. We exchanged pleasantries and they excused themselves because service was about to start. We all moved on to the audience seats and five young people climbed onto the stage. There were three young males (a guitar and a bass players, and a drummer) and two female singers. Pastor Henrique asked the crowd in Portuguese: “Who wants to be blessed by God?” Everyone raised their arms and replied “yes”. The band started playing worship music. For an hour there was one song praising Jesus after another. Songs were in Portuguese but real-time telecasts of the band and the song lyrics translated into English were beamed onto the screens beside the stage. Everyone was dancing and singing together with the band. Many raised their arms, some kept their eyes closed, others were crying with their hands on their hearts, a few dropped to their knees overwhelmed by emotion.
    [Show full text]
  • [Article] Aboriginal Australian Pentecostals Taking the Initiative in Mount Druitt’S Urban Songlines TANYA RICHES Tanya Riches Is a Ph.D
    [Article] Aboriginal Australian Pentecostals taking the initiative in Mount Druitt’s urban songlines TANYA RICHES Tanya Riches is a Ph.D. student at Fuller Theological Seminary, currently investigating worship and social engagement practices of Aboriginal-led congregations in Australia from a missiological frame. Her previous M.Phil. study addressed the global expansion of Australia's Hillsong Church, and is entitled Shout to the Lord! Music and Change at Hillsong: 1996–2007. A well- known singer/songwriter in Australia, Tanya seeks creative ways of illuminating the lived experiences of those at the margins of the worship community. Her first solo album, Grace, was released in 2012. It was composed ecumenically with Christian songwriters in Sydney, and was inspired by listening to the experiences of people with disability. She regularly tours regional and transnational Pentecostal communities, including, most recently, Sicily and Malaysia. In this article I outline a renegotiation of identity boundaries as observed within the musical performance of Initiative Church, an Indigenous-led urban Pentecostal church in the suburb of Mount Druitt, Sydney, Australia, which performs under the name “Mount Druitt Indigenous Choir.” The group’s engagement with its various “others” is evident from its appeal to traditional Indigenous eldership accountability, and its location within a Pentecostal Christian religious identity. Language use and integration of culturally charged identity- markers, however, provide a subversive method of communicating both resistance and reconciliation to dominant culture holders, as music becomes a common point of intersection between various “others”: local Dharug nation elders; nearby dominant-culture Pentecostal congregations; Australian mega-churches, such as Hillsong, that disseminate music; and their North American Pentecostal counterparts, such as Bethel Church in Redding, California.
    [Show full text]
  • City Church, Tallahassee, Blurring the Lines of Sacred and Secular Katelyn Medic
    Florida State University Libraries Electronic Theses, Treatises and Dissertations The Graduate School 2014 City Church, Tallahassee, Blurring the Lines of Sacred and Secular Katelyn Medic Follow this and additional works at the FSU Digital Library. For more information, please contact [email protected] FLORIDA STATE UNIVERSITY COLLEGE OF MUSIC CITY CHURCH, TALLAHASSEE: BLURRING THE LINES OF SACRED AND SECULAR By KATELYN MEDIC A Thesis submitted to the College of Music in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Music Degree Awarded: Spring Semester 2014 Katelyn Medic defended this thesis on April 11, 2014. The members of the supervisory committee were: Margaret Jackson Professor Directing Thesis Sarah Eyerly Committee Member Michael McVicar Committee Member The Graduate School has verified and approved the above-named committee members, and certifies that the thesis has been approved in accordance with university requirements. ii ACKNOWLEDGMENTS Make a joyful noise to the Lord, all the earth! Serve the Lord with gladness! Come into his presence with singing! (Psalm 100:1–2, ESV) I thank the leaders and members of City Church for allowing me to observe their worship practices. Their enthusiasm for worship has enriched this experience. I also thank the mentorship of the members of my committee, Margaret Jackson, Sarah Eyerly, and Michael McVicar. iii TABLE OF CONTENTS LIST OF FIGURES ....................................................................................................................... vi ABSTRACT
    [Show full text]
  • Hillsong Church London Information About the Academy Programme
    HILLSONG CHURCH LONDON INFORMATION ABOUT THE ACADEMY PROGRAMME YOUR BEST IS YET TO COME! Thank you for your interest in our Hillsong Church London Academy Programme. The Academy is a grouP of hard working, fun loving, energetic and Christ-centred individuals that are dedicated to building the local church. We are Passionate about raising uP leaders and equiPPing individuals to maximise their Potential through a unique combination of weekly bible studies, leadershiP develoPment and Practical ministry experience. We are also committed to the Personal develoPment of each student and believe that our Programme will empower you to flourish in every sphere of life. Please look through this information Packet for a detailed descriPtion of the Programme. If you have any further queries, Please do not hesitate to contact us at 020 7384 9200 or email us at [email protected] We believe that one year can change your life and we hoPe you do too! God bless, Alistair McNally Academy Pastor Hillsong Church London, UK. Registered Charity number: 1120355 WHAT IS THE ACADEMY PROGRAMME? The Academy is oPen all year and allows you to give a year of your life to grow in your knowledge of Practical ministry as you become immersed in the day-to-day life of Hillsong Church London. The Programme consists of weekly team meetings, leadershiP develoPment, Bible Studies, dePartment specific training and much more. Please refer to the last Page of this Pack for a full list of dePartment descriPtions. You will be given the oPPortunity to learn from great leaders, grow your character and spiritual walk, and be encouraged in who God has called you to be.
    [Show full text]
  • NEW LIBERATOR Winter 2020
    1 NEW LIBERATOR Winter 2020 How many Royal Commissions, how much evidence of rape, sexual abuse and cover-ups by Catho- lic bishops - how many victims of crime - are required - before judges, magistrates, tribunal mem- bers, judicial registrars, court officials and barristers reconsider this cowering public submission to the Catholic Church of Australia? Below: 29 January 2020: St Patrick’s Cathedral Melbourne, Care Leavers of Australia Network protesting against the Red Mass for the beginning of the Legal Year 2 IN THIS ISSUE: Australian Christian Lobby Supports Suspended Doctor Meg Wallace...................................................3 Do French Clerics Carry “Get Out Of Jail Free” Cards? The Law Must Be Reformed To Protect Children From Abuse NEW LIBERATOR Keith Porteous Wood…………………………4 Winter 2020 ‘Gullible’ Politicians Fooled By The Catholic Church Says Malcolm Turnbull Journal of the Rationalist Association of NSW Jean Ely……………………..………….....5 Inc. The Huge Lie of the Canadian Civil Lib- PO Box R684 Royal Exchange NSW 1225 erties Association and the Canadian Bar Website: www.nswrationalists.com Association. David Rand..................................................7 Email: [email protected] The aims and objectives of The Rationalist Association Misrepresentations, Distortions and Lies of New South Wales are to promote: in the Assisted Dying Arena: The Motive That Dare Not Speak Its Name • a philosophical and scientific approach to life Martin Hanson………………………………….8 free from superstition and dogmatism; • secular education in government schools; and Houston, We Have A Problem With You. • the separation of church and state. Alec Smart…………………………….…11 The title New Liberator was chosen in honour of Jo- seph Symes (1841–1906) a British secularist and pub- Ultracrepidarianism - A Load of Old licist, who arrived in Melbourne in 1884.
    [Show full text]