Faith Filled Family Magazine September 2016 | Page 98
EMPIRES album, which the film
shows the band producing, that
Scripture was (I can’t remember, but I know Joel says it in the
movie).
With LET HOPE RISE the goal
is to capture the energy, intensity
and worshipfulness of a HILLSONG show on the big screen.
Movies get categorized into all
sorts of genres – action, sci-fi,
drama, comedy, historical epic.
We wanted to create a new one,
something that’s never been
done before: the theatrical worship experience. And I think we
accomplished that.
What is the overall purpose
and message of Hillsong
United? How has this ministry
impacted the lives of others?
The band will be the first to tell
you that their purpose is what
is says on the movie poster: It’s
all about Him. That’s the ministry of Hillsong UNITED. Pointing
people to Jesus – and a relationship with Him.
Is “Let Hope Rise” Hillsong
United’s first Film? Is it a documentary or more on the level
of a live concert? How did this
come into manifestation?
It is the first film of its kind about
the band. They have done some
concert videos – but this is the
first feature-length theatrical film
on them. It came about after I
took a movie producer friend
to their show at the Hollywood
Bowl. This friend is not very religious, but he was so impressed
with the talent and the humility and the genuineness of the
band that he was moved. They
moved him. Their music moved
him. And we hatched the idea of
bringing that impact and energy
to theaters.
What’s funny is that the band
and the church wanted no
part of it in the beginning. We
brought the idea to them and
their reaction was, “Why would
anyone want to watch a movie
about us?” So it took a little
convincing, and assurances on
our end that it wasn’t going to
be a movie about them; it was
going to be a movie about their
mission and ministry and its
impact.
I see John 10:10 is a scripture chosen for the band.
Why is this particular scripture so significant to Hillsong
United? What does Hillsong
United say in regards to this
scripture to those who are
going through hardships and
find it difficult to have faith in
God? Is it all about fame and
fortunate?
UNITED is all about pointing
people to the goodness of God.
To celebrate Him and help
others do the same. To revel in
His goodness. Yes, hardships
and trials come – in the movie
you see some devastating circumstances that band members and the church’s pastors
have to deal with. But the point
they make as they encounter these trials is the same
point they make in their songs:
God is good. He will help you
weather any storm.
Hillsong Untied has won 5
Dove Awards and in 2015
not only was the band nominated for the second year at
the American Music Awards,
it also won the Billboard’s
Music Award in the category of Top Christian Artist.
They’ve sold over 16 million
albums. WOW! Thad’s an
amazing
accomplishment.
Unfortunately, in this Ministry, some have allowed such
accolades and achievements
to cause them to become full
of pride and arrogance. What
should be the response of any
Christian Artist/Group/Band
after achieving such fame?
How does anyone in the Ministry of the Arts remain h umble
and grateful to God without it
leading them astray from the
faith?
Again, you’ll see on the screen
how the members of UNITED
keep themselves from “living the
rock star life” and all the trappings that come with it – material
and emotional. Most of them are
employees of the church; they
don’t make rock star money.
The revenues generated by their
music and merchandise sales
are used overwhelmingly for the
church’s ministry programs.
More than money, though, what
keeps the band humble is that
they truly know it’s not about
them. It’s all about God. The
album sales and cheering crowds
and all of that are nice – but to a
person they view those things as
good only because those things
allow them to achieve their goal
of pointing people to God.
Now, in my conclusion, we
all realize life does come with
adversities and our faith being
tested beyond the limits. And
neither of us is exempted
from such. As a matter of fact,
being a Christian greatness
that we will face challenging
times. Do you care to elaborate on a time when Hillsong
United was faced with such