www.nextwaveonline.com
News
Hillsong Phenomenon Hits Paris
30 October 2005
The Hillsong Church phenomenon has hit the vibrant centre of Paris.
Hillsong London in Paris is a new church now only four weeks old, but it is already attracting attention for its growth and its spirit of faith.
Mal Fletcher spoke in the church recently and found more than 320 people fired up with a passion to change Paris.
‘For me,’ said Mal, ‘one of the most significant things about this new church is that it didn’t kick off with an event. It started with more than a year of small-group meetings.’
'Many people will of course think of the Hillsong church model as being built on high-energy public meetings and great worship -- and they're a key feature of Hillsong's success. But the Hillsong churches are really founded on communities of believers who are committed to the same goals.’
‘That’s been very clearly demonstrated in the Paris church, because small connect groups were meeting for a year before public meetings were even launched.’
‘As a result, the church is attracting young French people who are looking for connection and community. Now they've added great public meetings and they're already seeing some unusual growth.’
Hillsong London in Paris kicked off when a team led by Brendan White began weekly visits to Paris in August of 2004. They spent several days of each week building small groups and establishing the ethos for what has become a vibrant new church.
Pastor Gary and Cathy Clarke, leaders of Hillsong Church London, have a vision to establish similar works in a number of other European centres in time.
Mal adds: ‘I was so impressed with the strong pioneer faith I felt in the Paris meeting.’
‘This is one new church worth watching. It’s definitely going to make its mark! I say, “Vive Le Hillsong Paris!”’
www.nextwaveonline.com