Over Thanksgiving break, I had the opportunity to do a good amount of traveling, starting out in New York City, then heading to Indianapolis, and finally spending the weekend in State College for my last home football game as a student. Besides seeing old friends and spending quality time with my family, the highlight of the entire nine days came on the first Sunday of break, when I was in New York.
I always love checking out new churches when I’m traveling. I love my home church here, but I think it’s really interesting to see how other people “do church” and get a fresh perspective. I had been wanting to go to this church called Hillsong NYC. Hillsong is a church started out of Australia, and now has locations all over the world. It also has it’s own record label, and produces many of the songs my church here in State College sings during worship.
Walking into Hillsong on Sunday was an incredible experience. It didn’t feel like I was going to church, in fact it looked more like a rock concert. Despite the lights and special effects, the welcome team made me feel at home. The room seats 1,200 people, and it was filled to the brim. Everyone was so welcoming and friendly though, which can sometimes be rare in New York.
The music was amazing, singing songs the church itself has produced. The most gripping part of the experience probably was the pastor, Carl Lentz.
He’s very untraditional when it comes to how he looks and even how he preaches. He is so dynamic and clearly so filled with the Holy Spirit, and also preached heavily on acceptance of others. When it comes down to it, it’s not about what we think of others but rather what God thinks of others. He is the Judge and the Jury, and we should have the heart He has towards us. I was so moved by my experience at Hillsong, and I’m hoping to go back next weekend as I will be visiting New York again.
Follow Us!