Frequently Asked Questions

Where did the name HillSong come from?

Based on Isaiah 55, HillSong refers to God's joy when people turn to Him for spiritual fulfillment. Isaiah writes that God is so overwhelmed by joy when women and men come to Him to satisfy their spiritual longings that "the hills burst into song." (Isaiah 55:12)

Does HillSong Church have any affiliation with Hillsong Church in Australia?

There is no connection between our church and either Hillsong Church in Australia or Hillsongs Australia. However, if you're looking to reach these organizations, their web address is www.hillsong.com.

What's HillSong really like?

A number of words come to mind in answer to that question. Words that fit HillSong would be laid-back, authentic, biblical, spiritual, diverse, caring, contemporary, committed, evangelical, and centrist. Some words that would not fit HillSong would be traditional, intolerant, liberal, sexist, legalistic, inflexible, fundamentalist, or pious.

What are the people like?

HillSong Church is diverse. The church resembles, to a great degree the community of which it is a part. There are a number of young families, students, and people who work in "The Park," UNC Hospitals and various colleges and universities. There are people from different regional, racial, and ethnic backgrounds. Most of us have mortgages, problems, challenges and all the rest that comes with living. What is significantly different is that the people who make up the church are on a journey toward becoming passionately devoted followers of Jesus Christ. Some are further along in that journey than others, but that should make finding someone you connect with along the path that much easier.

What is HillSong's worship like?

Our church has a contemporary worship style that utilizes updated arrangements of hymns and praise songs to the accompaniment of drums, guitars, synthesizer, etc. However, the focus of our worship is not on being contemporary; rather it is on seeking God's presence through the experience of authentic worship. This means worship for us is not a passive experience performed by the folks up front, but the people's ministry to God.

What is the preaching like?

Helpful, without being boring. The Sunday morning teaching is an integration of biblical exposition and application. The ultimate aim of this teaching is to show how God can help in day to day living.

What does HillSong offer for children and youth?

In addition to offering a fully graded Sunday School program from nursery through senior high, HillSong is committed to ministering to children and youth. One of HillSong's four key goals is to minister to families. The church has a core of excellent volunteers who plan outings and other activities for children and their families.

Where do singles fit in at HillSong?

Singles don't just "fit in" at HillSong they are both essential and indispensable to our church. Singles serve throughout the church in ministries and in leadership. A number of singles serve as elders, deacons, chairs of strategic committees, and lead some of the church's most important and vital ministries. Additionally, singles always enjoy being together at HillSong.

What does HillSong believe about the Bible?

We believe the Bible is God's Word. The Bible for us is a blueprint for Christian living. Additionally, the Bible reveals in intimate detail the God who loves us and with whom we share a vital and personal relationship. (See What We Believe.)

What is the role of women at HillSong?

HillSong believes in the biblical equality of men and women. Therefore, no distinction is made as to which offices, ministries, or functions are open to men and women. We have come to this position after careful study of the scriptures. Yet, we acknowledge our position on this matter may differ from people who hold an equally high view of scripture as we do. As a result, we do not make this matter either a test of Christian orthodoxy or a standard for church membership. We do encourage, however, individuals to study the scriptures on this matter and recommend Gilbert Bilezikian's (New Testament scholar and a teaching pastor at Willow Creek Community Church outside Chicago) Beyond Sex Roles: What the Bible Says About a Woman's Place in Church and Family as an excellent starting point in such a study.

Are you a Baptist church?

Yes, HillSong Church is Baptist both in its doctrine and affiliations. HillSong affirms the 1963 Baptist Faith and Message as reflective of our church’s doctrinal beliefs. Additionally, HillSong cooperates with Yates Baptist Association and the North Carolina Baptist Convention for the purposes of global evangelism and ministry.