Hillsong Australia Annual Report 2021

Annual Report

2021

Hillsong Australia Hillsong

Australia

Annual Report

2021 hillsong.com

3

Hillsong Australia Annual Report 2021

CONTENTS CONTENTS

About

05

Leadership Reports

07

Church

16

People

21

Our Local Community

48

Our Global Reach

59

Education

71

Creative Arts

79

Financials & Governance

84

The Board

91

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Hillsong Australia Annual Report 2021

We acknowledge Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People's as the Traditional Custodians of all the lands throughout Australia. We recognise and respect the connection to their land, culture and community and we pay our respects to their Elders past and present.

'MY CHURCH ARTWORK' ARTIST: CHRISTIE JACOBS NORTHERN TERRITORY HILLSONG CREATIVE PASTOR

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About HILLSONG CHURCH

Hillsong Church was founded by Brian and Bobbie Houston in 1983 in the western suburbs of Sydney. It began in the Baulkham Hills Public School hall, with a small team of 45 people with huge vision, little resource but willing hearts. It has since grown to become a global movement known as Hillsong Church, with campuses spanning 30 countries and six continents. As well as developing into a multi-campus church both locally and globally, Hillsong Church has a network of contributing services and ministries.

At any of our locations, people are met with a display of Welcome Home, which is a posture we have sought to embody from the beginning.

Although Hillsong Church is known for its praise and worship music, this is only one expression of our church.

We are a church dedicated to helping people in the challenges of life through pastoral care and support and assisting the vulnerable and marginalised through local and global social justice initiatives.

Throughout our 39-year history, we have seen people from every walk of life find ‘home’, a genuine relationship with God, a sense of purpose and opportunities to make a meaningful contribution to the world around them. Ultimately, our desire is to share the Good News and gospel message of Jesus Christ within each of the local communities where our church is located.

HILLSONG CHURCH ADHERES TO A CHRISTIAN STATEMENT OF BELIEFS. CLICK HERE TO READ MORE

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This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him. This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins. Dear friends, since God so loved us, we also ought to love one another.

1 JOHN 4:9-11 (NIV)

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Leadership Reports Reports

8 INTERIM SENIOR PASTORS' REPORT

WE LOOK TO THE FUTURE WITH STEADFAST FAITH, FRESH HOPE, AND GREAT EXPECTATION, KNOWING THAT GOD IS WITH US.

Amazing days are ahead for our church. We’re emerging from the global pandemic, and it’s been truly heartwarming to see smiling faces at in-person gatherings in all our locations. We’ve loved greeting people in the foyers (and even getting a few hugs before and after church!), chatting to our college students during the week, or randomly bumping into members of our congregation in our local suburb. All the kindness and encouragement have meant more than we can say. Your prayers for us and for our church have been deeply felt and much appreciated.

It hasn’t been an easy season. We’re navigating the most significant change in our church’s history – transitioning from the leadership

of our founding pastors into a brand-new era of impact, centred (as always) on reaching people with the hope of Jesus. We’re incredibly thankful for Pastors Brian and Bobbie and the legacy they have established building a church focused on the cause of Christ and seeing His goodness at work in the lives of people. This legacy is what we have the honour to build on.

There’s been much to consider and re-evaluate.

God has put it on our hearts to attend to the health of our church. This is a multifaceted goal, which begins with strengthening the wellbeing of our church family, volunteers and staff. Vital to this goal of building health are the practical aspects of church life, which has involved reviewing and fortifying our internal

9 systems and structures, so that we can sustain our existing responsibilities and propel the vision and mission of our church forward, guided and led by the Holy Spirit. We’ve also set up an external review of our global board and governance to help us serve our church better.

This has been a time of asking some tough but necessary questions in order to be more effective in all we’re called to do and be. One question we keep coming back to is: what are our key areas of focus in this new season? As a well-resourced church, we’re positioned to do a lot of good in the world. However, it’s wisdom to ask ourselves: what should we commit to?

What has God graced us for? How can we be most fruitful? The answers to these questions will determine our strategy going forwards.

Girding all of the above is our genuine desire and encompassing purpose to set up our church for a bright and enduring future, and we’re excited about the days ahead. We'd love to see our church become a wellspring of life, brimming with testimonies of lives

transformed and made fruitful, of relationships restored to health, and, ultimately, of the Good News of Jesus being shared in healthy church communities across Australia and beyond.

We are infinitely grateful for everyone who has contributed to our church: our faithful volunteers, our incredible staff and campus pastors, our church family as a whole. We would also love to thank everyone who gives financially into our church through their tithes and offerings and also through their unswerving sacrificing in our Heart for the House miracle offering each year.

We have wonderful memories from our many years at our church in Australia before setting out for South Africa, where we’ve had the privilege to establish a life-giving church filled with incredible people. Now, we look to the future with steadfast faith, fresh hope, and great expectation, knowing that God is with us in it all.

PHIL & LUCINDA DOOLEY

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A NOTE FROM OUR GENERAL MANAGER

OVER THE LAST TWO YEARS, WE HAVE LIVED THROUGH ONE OF THE GREATEST DISRUPTERS TO OUR SOCIETY AS THE WORLD DEALT WITH THE CONSEQUENCES OF THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC...

Nothing in recent history can compare with the effects this has had on the individual. The total impact of this may never be known but it is evident many have endured significant levels of anxiety, fear and a sense of hopelessness made even worse by the need for isolation.

Then there is the financial impact this has had on so many globally.

Our church has not been immune to the vast and varying effects of the pandemic which is still causing challenges across the world.

We have had to make significant operational changes to meet the demands this has placed on our staff and resources. Many of the church’s activities have been delivered online during Covid-19, including weekend services, conferences, pastoral care, and community programs. In spite of the difficulties, our pastors and team have risen to the challenge and provided exceptional care in this season.

The interruption to activities along with the effects of Covid on our congregation have impacted the church’s operating revenue. We experienced a 12.3% drop in total revenue compared to 2020 resulting in a reduction of our surplus to $514,318 for 2021 (2020: $4,696,547).

In order to meet these challenges, we had to respond with a reduction in expenditure and will continue to rationalise costs as it may take several years to rebuild from the effects of the current season. The good news is that we have always operated from a basis of good fiscal management and went into this period debt free, coupled with strong savings.

We have a generous congregation which has supported the vison and work of our church strongly whether it is through the general offerings or the Hillsong Foundation. Despite the challenges being faced by all, we are thankful

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for your ongoing faithfulness especially toward the Hillsong Foundation which finances the welfare programs supported from our church. This includes the work of Hillsong CityCare, One80TC, Vision Rescue, Hillsong Africa Foundation and A21. The majority of this offering finances the acquisition, fit out and improvements of facilities where we meet and host church programs. In 2021 we celebrated our first services in Macquarie Park, in Sydney, and Festival Hall in Melbourne.

Our church has also been going through a leadership transition and it has been one of the most difficult things our board has had to navigate. I am thankful to the men and woman of our board who serve our church in a voluntary capacity and do so steadfastly, faithfully and with great integrity.

At the end of January 2022, we welcomed our Interim Global Senior Pastors Phil and Lucinda Dooley. They have been leading us through a season of significant change. The congregation has embraced their leadership as they focus on the health and rebuilding of our church.

I would also like to thank our incredible staff and volunteers who have served so diligently.

We cannot do all that our church is called to without these many devoted individuals.

We are committed to the rebuild. We look to the future with great hope. There is no doubt that we have gone through significant challenges but are filled with expectations for all that the Lord has for us going forward.

Hillsong Church Australia’s Annual Report for 2021 is a testimony of the faithfulness of our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ, and the work our church has done to make a difference in people’s lives. Please take the time to read the stories and be encouraged.

GEORGE AGHAJANIAN

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HILLSONG AUSTRALIA & ASIA PACIFIC LOCATIONS OUR JOURNEY AND STORY SO FAR

2021 Returned to physical gatherings in all locations post Covid-19 restrictions.

2020 New Connects

2016 Hillsong Channel Launched

Tokyo, Japan

New Connects

2019

Malak, NT Palmerston, NT Surfers Paradise, QLD

Church Online Launched

2015

New Campuses

New Campuses

Geelong, VIC Launceston, TAS Ku-ring-gai, NSW Sunshine Coast South, QLD Denpasar, Indonesia

Brisbane West, QLD Brisbane Downtown, QLD Coomera, QLD Hobart, TAS

2013

New Connects

Suva, Fiji

New Campuses

2017 New Campuses

Wollongong, NSW Perth, WA Kuta, Indonesia

*Connects link into weekend church services wheras Campuses hold full live services.

Melbourne East, VIC Melbourne West, VIC Melbourne Greater West, VIC Newcastle, NSW Alexandria, NSW

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2012 New Campuses

1999 Sydney Christian Life Centre at Waterloo came under the leadership of Brian & Bobbie Houston

Melbourne City, VIC

New Campuses

2011

North Shore, NSW Villawood, NSW

New Campuses

Noosa, QLD Sydney Greater West, NSW

1997 Inaugural Colour Your World Women's Conference (602 delegates)

2009 New Campuses

New Campuses

Sydney Inner West, NSW

Brisbane Central, QLD

1996 Hillsong TV first aired

2009 New Campuses

Bondi, NSW

1988 Recorded first worship album

2007 New Campuses

Sydney, South West, NSW Northern Beaches, NSW

Hillsong international Leadership College commenced courses

1988 2002

Hills Convention Centre opened by Prime Minister John Howard

Hills Care (Which became CityCare) started care programs

1986 Inaugural Hillsong Conference (150 delegates)

2001 We became known as 'Hillsong Church' New Campuses

Macquarie, NSW Merrylands, NSW

1983 Hills Christian Life Centre (Hills Campus) Pastor's Brian and Bobbie Houston launched the first service in Baulkham Hills Public School hall, NSW

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HELPING PEOPLE IN ASIA PACIFIC FIJI

services have continued to reach people all over

This year highlighted the importance of having a strong global church community. While we spent over six months in lockdown, being able to link to the Hillsong Australia services streamed each week was not only important for our immediate Fiji Connect community, but was a blessing for so many churches here in Fiji.

Indonesia who have connected into the online small group community. In 2021 we continued to support vulnerable individuals and families in our communities through our ‘Kilo of Kindness’ hampers. Our generous church community at Hillsong Bali donated 8,967 items which were distributed in partnership with local councils and community organisations in Bali.

Our care and support of those in need continued throughout 2021 as we prayed with individuals and families and provided tangible assistance.

TOKYO In 2021, Hillsong Tokyo church community was encouraged by miracle stories of salvation,

In total, our Care team distributed 491 packs or

restoration and breakthrough in people's lives. As

approximately 51,500 meals. At Christmas, we

the year progressed our creative team was able to

were also able to bless 150 families with ‘Kilo of

translate and record more songs into Japanese,

Christmas’ hampers.

which brought even greater faith to the online services.

The women who were part of the Colour Conference watch party prior to lockdowns endeavoured

By November, for the first time in 20 months, we

to make a felt difference in the community as

meet together again in person. We moved to a

they donated 77 hampers to support two local

beautiful new hired venue in the young and vibrant

community organisations.

suburb of Ebisu. This new space created room for more people and enabled the transition to full live

BALI

services and Hillsong Kids programs.

At the beginning of 2021 Hillsong Bali was able to relaunch live services

seeing many people

come back to in-person services and come to church for the first time. Indonesian language

For Christmas, we partnered with the Salvation Army in Tokyo and gave hundreds of food items to serve families and children in need in the local community.

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Australia's Changing Times The world around us has changed dramatically over the last two years. People have changed, their priorities have changed, Mark McCrindle, award-winning social researcher, helps us understand these shifts and shares how the Church is positioned to deliver on the deeper needs of spirituality, connection and purpose, that our modern-day society is seeking.

COVID-19 has disrupted the normal

socialising and largely screen-based

The openness to attend a church

rhythms of life and has provided

interactions have seemed to atrophy

service if invited, and the strong

an opportunity to revaluate. In

our relational muscle with almost

support for protections of religious

response, many have chosen to

three in five Australians (58%) now

freedom and expression, highlight

reprioritise aspects of their lives to

less confident in organising and

the positive sentiment towards

be more in line with what they value.

participating in social activities.

Christianity and a recognition of

For almost four in five Australians

the role of faith in the future of our

(79%), the experience of COVID-19

community.

has clarified the relationships into which they want to invest their time. Three in five people who don’t currently live in a regional area (60%) have considered moving to one. In a time when people have

“Despite the accelerating changes, technologically and socially, or maybe because of them, Australians are still seeking spiritual meaning and wellbeing."

Despite the accelerating changes, technologically

and

socially,

or

maybe because of them, Australians are still seeking spiritual meaning and wellbeing. As prior periods of

been more isolated, almost three

great ructions have shown, and

in five (58%) experienced increased

perhaps it is something of the human

feelings of loneliness due to the

It is understandable to assume

condition, when stability wanes and

pandemic.

that in this era of screen ubiquity

uncertainty rises, attention is given

and entertainment saturation, any

not only to the temporal, but also

reflecting or wondering is easily

the transcendent.

“53% of Australians value a strong local community more than they did three years ago."

interrupted. The distractions of our times and influencers in the

As people look to the future with

media and social media alike, seem

optimism and hope of life resembling

to overwhelm any yearnings of the

what they once knew, faith-based

soul. It is easy to point to declining

organisations can provide much-

In the midst of this disruption

adherence to Christianity and the

needed assurance, connection and a

and isolation there has been a

rise of secularism as evidence of

sense of purpose. Yet the landscape

renewed search for meaning and to

the result. Yet there is more to

in which to do this is changing, and

experience a sense of community.

the story. Our research shows

it is important to understand and

53% of Australians value a strong

that below the headline figure

recognise it.

local community more than they

of Christianity

did three years ago. Yet at the

minority status, is a rise in the

MARK MCCRINDLE

same time, our relational fitness

pursuit of spiritual meaning, a

Social Researcher

has taken a hit. Prolonged periods

renewed priority on community and

of restricted movements, limited

a desire to contribute to others.

References: McCrindle, Australia Towards 2031 (2021) McCrindle, Australia’s Changing Spiritual Climate (2021)

edging

towards

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Reports Church

A new command I give you: love one another.

As I have loved you, so you must love one another.

By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.

JOHN 13:34-35 (NIV)

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23,431 DECISIONS TO FOLLOW JESUS 10,120 of these through online services

OVER 8 MILLION CHURCH ONLINE LIVE VIEWS

CHURCH SERVICES

Including Easter & Christmas Services

Our Sunday services are a gathering point across

Our church supported each other in really practical

the church, meeting in auditoriums and rented

ways: phone calls, notes, flowers and food. Through

halls for corporate prayer, worship, preaching and

pastoral calls, connect groups, blogs and social

community. As we navigated the second year of the

media, we encouraged our church to keep a healthy

pandemic, our 2021 church services and the ability

sense of well-being, to counter the negative impact

to meet in person varied greatly from state to

of social isolation.

state across Australia. Our local teams responded skilfully to the ever-evolving environment, to

As well as online services, connect groups also

provide community, connection, and spiritual

moved online to help keep a sense of relational

input to our congregation, whilst adhering to and

connection during times of physical isolation.

working with relevant government authorities and guidelines.

Our online church services (see page 18) allowed for vulnerable people to connect to church gatherings

With 30 locations in five different states, each with

while taking into consideration their unique health

its own unique experience, the common thread was

circumstances.

encouraging our church, in whatever place they found themselves, to continue to love God and love people.

ATTENDANCE Average Weekly Attendance

Number of weeks gathered in person in 2021 NSW

26 WEEKS

12,668

NT

51 WEEKS

348

QLD

48 WEEKS

4,930

TAS

51 WEEKS

363

VIC

34 WEEKS

2,156

WA

49 WEEKS

754

Gathered in person Gathered online

52 Weeks

*Geelong, VIC and Newcastle, NSW locations were able to meet more often

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CHURCH ONLINE

Each week, church services continued to be streamed live and on demand, giving those who were isolated, unwell and unable to physically meet, the opportunity to gather in church community.

While still being a hybrid option for inperson locations, the church online team have continued to focus on serving a distinct online community of faith. To those who due to proximity or personal situations, wanted to connect with this community more, small groups began to meet regularly online. Our team endeavoured to connect people into small groups in context of their culture, language and location. These small groups gather, just

as many do across our church and week in and week out, around a Bible study, discipleship, to support and pray for each other. These groups provide a way to genuinely connect to a community of faith that people would otherwise not have access to. Individuals were provided with additional pastoral support and opportunities to get involved which in many cases, fostered a sense of belonging.

In 2022, we look forward to being able to explore how we can facilitate in-person connections and community from these digital connections.

"INDIVIDUALSARE PROVIDED WITHADDITIONAL PASTORAL SUPPORT AND OPPORTUNITIES TO GET INVOLVED, WHICH IN MANY CASES, FOSTERED A SENSE OF BELONGING."

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Read Jacob's Story AS A FAMILY FINDS CONNECTION TO FAITH IN A HOSPITAL ROOM

Read the full story on Hillsong Collected.

Choking back tears and silently praying for strength, I went into my son’s hospital room after that meeting and that’s when I saw it. A sign.

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CONNECT GROUPS

Distinct from Sunday services, connect groups (small groups) are an invitation to every individual to share and participate in life together.

Small groups are foundational to assisting people develop lasting relationships through Bible study, prayer and mutual support. Small groups are a deeply profound expression of the Church at her roots, where people are in ‘common-union’ with one another. Simply put, we do life together from house to house (Acts 2:42-47).

Small groups are formed across Hillsong Church such as age groups, interests, shared cultures, business connects, and Sisterhood groups. It is in these small groups that each person's uniqueness is celebrated and encouraged, and their life flourishes within a healthy environment. This is the place where friends become like family.

Over the course of the 2021, small groups have rallied together to bring additional support to those deeply impacted by the various challenges through the pandemic: contributing to City Care and Kilo of Christmas, volunteering their time for many areas of need, and lovingly assisting those who were separated from their families and homeland by opening their homes.

Small groups continue to provide practical support through meals, prayer, group participation in events, welcoming new friendships, assisting the vulnerable, translating Sunday services into new languages and helping people new to Christianity learn more about their faith.

They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.

Acts 2:46–47 (NIV)

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People Reports

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Read Sofi's Story AS SHE DISCOVERS HER MIRACLE

Read the full story on Hillsong Collected.

I recall saying to the doctor at the time, “You do what you need to do, and we'll put our faith in God, and He will do the rest.

23 CARING FOR PEOPLE CARE & CONNECTION

PASTORAL CARE SUPPORT

Pastoral Care is about loving God and loving people in a practical way. It is a ministry that is extended to any person who is experiencing personal, social, physical, mental, or spiritual distress. Our Pastoral Care team assists these people offering compassion and support in whatever way we can.

In 2021 pastoral support was required most in the areas of Life Skills, Relationships and Health. Life Skills includes a broad range of needs such as prayer support, connection and spiritual guidance to those in employment transition.

In 2021 our Pastoral Care team were able to continue to make meaningful connections with our church congregation via technology where restrictions were in place across Australia.

HEALTH MENTAL HEALTH

17% 7%

LIFE SKILLS

Our team of staff and volunteers seek to respond to needs as they arise and assist in practical ways. From supporting someone who is grieving the loss of a loved one, delivering meals and flowers after a surgery, to walking alongside a person as they find their way to a flourishing place in life.

28%

RELATIONSHIPS

MENTAL HEALTH FIRST AID TRAINING

20%

GRIEF & LOSS TRAUMA CRISIS & COMPLAINTS ADDITIONAL NEEDS

12% 5% 8% 3%

Mental Health First Aid Australia is a training program that was formed in 2000 and has been adopted by over 25 countries.

We have been been training pastors in Mental Health First Aid since 2015.

27, 357 PASTORAL CARE HOURS (percentages are in the graph above)

82 TRAINED IN MENTAL HEALTH FIRST AID

37,763

656

PRAYER REQUESTS RECEIVED

PASTORAL CARE VOLUNTEERS

105 STAFF TRAINED IN SUICIDE PREVENTION

594 HAMPERS HAND DELIVERED TO PEOPLE FROM OUR CHURCH WHO HAVE HAD A TOUGH YEAR AND 514 TOYS TO FAMILIES IN NEED.

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THE NEEDS OF SENIORS DURING THE PANDEMIC Conversation around the over 60’s was that they were more vulnerable to the virus and less likely to survive the disease prior to the availability of vaccinations. It was a time where they had to find a balance between fear and faith, and medical and health guidelines.

Employed seniors were advised to work from home. There were some cases where that was possible, but some employers did not allow this. In some cases, people had to retire or cease employment earlier than planned due to health risks.

The effect on our seniors required Pastoral Care to provide a different ministry to what we had done in the past. Our seniors were isolated and learning new skills. They became more dependent on their computer and phones than they had ever hoped to be. Ordering their groceries online, conducting their regular medical visits by phone, church online and their regular catch ups and visits with friends by phone.

All personal visits ceased as they knew them, some visits were conducted through windows or glass sliding doors.

DURING THE PANDEMIC OUR SENIORS FACED A DIFFERENT SET OF NEEDS FROM OUR OTHER AGE GROUPS.

Pastoral Care addressed these new circumstances with more regular calls, chatting and praying with our seniors, teaching them computer skills so that they could watch church online or attend zoom meetings with friends, family and Sisterhood and other church meetings.

Life had changed and we encouraged all our seniors to adapt and move forward in order to remain within the community of church during this time.

It was evident to me that our seniors have a different level of faith. Jesus had seen them through many seasons and storms in their lives and they knew that “He had done it before, and He would do it again”. With experience comes a greater level of trust and faith! Their praise and their trust is amazing and never ending.

This pandemic was, and still is in many cases uncomfortable, but our seniors knew it would end.

KATHRYN FOSTER HILLSONG PASTORAL CARE NEWCASTLE

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The Power Of Prayer "This, then, is how you should pray:"'Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come, your will be done, on hearth as it is in heaven'".

– Matthew 6: 9-10 (NIV)

WHY PRAY CONTINUALLY?

“Our Father” also reminds us

Some of the most powerful and

Advances in psychology have

we are not alone. Loneliness and

destructive emotions we experi-

disconnectedness

devas-

ence are guilt, shame, fear, anger,

tating and can negatively affect

and bitterness. The inner turmoil

mental health, a fact especially

and discontent this causes with

highlighted in the isolation ex-

ourselves, others and even God,

perienced during the Covid lock-

negatively impacts our mental

downs. Instead of loneliness, no

and physical health and wellbe-

matter where we are, God is al-

ing.

identified how our thinking is integrally related to our feelings, our body responses and to our behaviour. Prayer has a profound impact on our world – releasing God’s miraculous power in situations and relationships but also impacting our whole being, our body, our thinking and feelings (or soul) and our spirit.

Jesus taught us to pray beginning with “Our Father in heaven”.

Turning to God in prayer immediately turns our thoughts and focus off ourselves and onto a sovereign and all-powerful Father God. It situates us as dependent on one who is greater than us, one who is capable, dependable, and in control especially when we are feeling out of control.

Acknowledging our dependence and seeking God’s will and plans to be established here on earth can be difficult but so releasing, relieving pressure on ourselves, and reducing stress levels. The breathing rate slows automatically, and adrenaline levels and other stress hormones activated in the fight-flight-freeze syndrome that race through our bodies begin to drop, helping us calm down and relax.

are

ways present, ready and willing to listen, be present with us. And

Asking forgiveness for our mis-

we are part of a church family or

takes and wrongdoing in prayer

community who also care.

and forgiving others who have hurt or wronged us, allows us

"Turning to God in prayer immediately turns our thoughts and focus off ourselves and onto a sovereign and all-powerful Father God."

to gain inner peace and freedom from these destructive forces.

Relationships can be restored.

Self-destructive behaviour can be overcome. Not only can we gain freedom from powerful negative emotions and behavioural

This security liberates us to pour

patterns, praying helps us exer-

out our hearts and seek God’s

cise self control against tempta-

plans and answers for the here

tion and gain protection against

and now. We can ask for what we

fear and evil attack. Hope and

want and need, the big and the

trust flourish instead of fear and

little things, and for His kingdom

hopelessness. When we choose

to be established in our hearts

to pray, it is easy to rejoice al-

and minds in our families and re-

ways and give thanks in Jesus

lationships and workplaces, and

name.

beyond. As we do this, anxious, angry, distressing, and hopeless thoughts calm further. The breathing rate further slows, moving the body from high stress alert to a state of relaxation.

Feelings of worry, despair, and hopelessness can be replaced by feelings of hope.

PROFESSOR VIVIENNE RICHES Clinical Professor, Psychologist, Researcher and Trainer

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“Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus."

1 THESSALONIANS 5:16-18 [NIV]

PRAYER God has wonderful plans for each one of us.

But how do we access those plans? One way is through prayer. In the Bible, God promises us that if we pray, He will hear us; if we look for Him, we will find Him; and if we need help, He will rescue us. But how do we pray? Prayer is not complicated. Prayer is simply a conversation with God. A conversation that He has already started through His Word. It’s a conversation to which everyone is invited. When we pray together it’s just a bigger conversation.

At Hillsong Church, we believe in the power of corporate prayer, and take time to pray for needs in each church service. Our pastors continued to support those with health challenges including cancer, surgery,

long-term illness and family health issues. In lockdown periods, we utilised Zoom to pray for people who were facing serious diagnosis and situations..

THE PRAYER WALL In 2021 we launched ‘The Prayer Wall’. This digital space facilitated people being able to submit prayer requests online, and also encouraged our faith community to take time to pray for others.

CLICK HERE TO VISIT THE PRAYER WALL

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CHILDREN

Hillsong Kids programs, both online and in person, deliver age-specific curriculum lessons to foster children's personal growth and spiritual development. During lockdowns, Hillsong Kids hosted weekly services on YouTube alongside live Zoom webinars. Each week, interactive lessons include; Bible teaching, praise and worship songs, fun and engaging media and games.

Children connected in focused small groups to foster community, peer relationships and receive mentoring from leaders. In small groups children work together to apply the lesson to their everyday lives through guided discussion, crafts, activity pages, games and prayer. Small groups provided vital connection to community, especially throughout the lengthy lockdowns in Victoria and New South Wales.

Hillsong Kids developed reading plans through the App. These were available languages and in 2021 had subscribers.

devotional Bible YouVersion Bible in nine different a total of 81,739

Hillsong Kids pastors and leaders across Australia provided pastoral support to children and families who were going through a particularly rough time due to health or other challenges.

1, 255

AVERAGE TOTAL VIEWS ACROSS WEEKEND

3,807

EASTER SERVICE VIEWS

519

WORKING WITH CHILDREN'S APPLICATIONS FOR ALL HILLSONG STAFF, VOLUNTEERS AND HILLSONG COLLEGE STUDENTS APPROVED OR RENEWED TO WORK WITH CHILDREN AND YOUNG PEOPLE

ONLINE SERVICES:

LIVE 2 MORNING SERVICES, 1 EVENING SERVICE, 1 TREASURE CHEST SERVICE

ON DEMAND 1 EARLY CHILDHOOD SERVICE, 2 SUNDAY SERVICES

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KIDSFEST ONLINE

JUNIOR LEADERSHIP PROGRAM

Kidsfest Online was held during the September school holidays, with many children around Australia in lockdown. Children were involved in leadership roles throughout the event, featuring as co-hosts for the live broadcasts as we crafted an experience where children could have fun, be creative and connect with friends in a safe online space. Children could choose from electives including cooking, craft, science and gaming. We also offered an online Treasure Chest program with a puppet show, fun videos, games, crafts and stories.

The Junior Leadership Program provides children an opportunity to participate in leading their peers through various aspects of Hillsong Kids services. Junior Leaders are part of a mentoring program to develop leadership and life skills as they serve.

827

KIDSFEST ONLINE REGISTRATIONS

KIDS DAY OUT In states where it was possible, we hosted ‘Kids Day Out’ in the July school holidays. In Western Australia, Tasmania, Queensland, Victoria and Northern Territory, children from our church and the greater community enjoyed various outings and activities such as ice skating, tenpin bowling and inflatable parks.

469

IN ATTENDANCE AT KIDS DAY OUT

CHILD SAFETY The Hillsong Safe Church office works across all areas of church life to coordinate the recruitment and selection of volunteers in child-related areas. This includes state-based government Working With Children Checks, developing and communicating Safe Church policies and procedure, conducting Safe Church training for all staff and volunteers and handling concerns and disclosures.

Hillsong Kids also participates in key national days including Safer Internet Day and National Child Protection Week, taking the opportunity to provide tools and information to parents and carers, and reminders of steps our church takes to provide safe environments for kids.

VOLUNTEERS Our Hillsong Kids Team is largely made up of dedicated volunteers. We are grateful for their time, care and leadership in programs as they create a welcoming, safe and fun environment.

604

AVERAGE NUMBERS OF LEADERS INVOLVED

29

Treasure Chest A STORY OF REBUILDING

Read the full story on Hillsong collected

Treasure Chest program run at six of our Australian locations. Since the opening of our specialised facilities in the Epi Centre at the Hills Campus in 2017, we have been able to reach many more families who have children with additional needs. In 2021 a program also began in our Orange County, USA location.

When I saw the room for the first time, I cried.

I thought, wow, I have never been in a church that provides this kind of support for kids with disabilities.

30

SUPPORTING CHILDREN AND YOUNG PEOPLE WITH ADDITIONAL NEEDS AND THEIR FAMILES Additional needs programs engage children, teens and young adults in a fun, safe environment where they can learn about Jesus in a way that is meaningful for each individual.

Programs include specialised curriculum that engages children with additional needs in gross motor activities (active play), sensory play, worship (singing and Bible stories) and cognitive development (learning room: puzzles, craft, reading etc). By caring for the children, parents have respite and attend church, which has a positive impact on their own wellbeing and mental health.

Individuals with additional needs often flourish when they have routine and structure.

Lockdowns in several states brought challenges to all families, however to families who have a child with additional needs the impact is greatly increased.* The disruption to routine included pauses on most in-person disability support programs and moving to online formats for school, therapies and church.

We pivoted to an online Treasure Chest program each Sunday, which consisted of music, Bible stories, games and activities. This was engaging for the children and allowed opportunities to connect with their parents as well. There was also a regular Zoom for Young Adults to connect and play a game.

In order to support families during lockdowns, we stayed in regular contact through text messages, phone calls and video calls.

Pastoral support and connection to online programs, such as Night School was offered.

During extended lockdowns we sent the children activity packs and sensory toys to give them something exciting, along with an encouragement card and small gift for all parents during National Carers Week (10-16 October 2021).

"JESUS SAID, 'LET THE LITTLE CHILDREN COME TO ME, AND DO NOT HINDER THEM, FOR THE KINGDOM OF HEAVEN BELONGS TO SUCH AS THESE." MATTHEW 19: 14 (NIV)

"With a special needs child, you spend your life trying to normalise your child into your own environment. The gift of Treasure Chest Zoom every Sunday was the highlight of our daughter Jasmine’s week. This is where Jasmine felt very important to conduct her meeting in “her office” just like everyone else in the family did throughout the week. Her squeals of excitement were heard throughout the house each Sunday."

THERESA, TREASURE CHEST ONLINE

* More than isolated: The experience of children and young people with disability and their families during the COVID-19 pandemic, CYDA, viewed 18 February 2022, https://www.cyda.org.au/resources/details/161/more-than-isolated-the-experience-of-children-and-young-people-with-disability-and-their-families-during-the-covid-19-pandemic

31

YOUTH AND YOUNG ADULTS

IT'S ALL ABOUT DISCIPLESHIP Discipleship involves ‘vertical’ relationship For the original disciples of Jesus, discipleship with God and ‘horizontal’ relationship with was a journey of following Him. This type of community. Teenagers, most likely in the same journey included both individual and communal stage of life as the original disciples, can engage experiences with Jesus. in discipleship through our youth ministry.

They have access to mentors in their connect The early church, now entrusted and empowered group leaders, connect groups to grow in their by the Holy Spirit, helped in this ‘journey of relationship with Jesus, and larger events on following’ in the context of community. Within Fridays to gather together in Jesus’ name. It is this context, mentoring relationships such within this context that they learn from each as Paul and Timothy's began to take shape. other through friendship, and have space to Therefore, one of the most important parts of experience personal moments with Jesus that church has been access to relationships which will change their lives forever. help us in our individual journeys with Jesus and to provide safe environments for people to Our youth team are more committed than ever embark on this journey together. to mentor the next generation in their journey of following Jesus.

According to findings from The Mission Australia Youth Survey, young people in 2021 were grappling with concerns around mental health, coping with stress, and difficulties surrounding Covid-19.* Whilst working within the parameters of government health regulations, our Hillsong Youth locations across Australia found ways to make points of connection available for young people. * Youth Survey Report 2021, Mission Australia, accessed 1 March 2022 https://www.missionaustralia.com.au/publications/youth-survey/2087-mission-australia-youth-survey-report-2021/file

32

REGULAR PROGRAMS

SMALL GROUPS

Hillsong Youth and Young Adults is divided into three age groups. Fuel (year 7-9), Wildlife (year 10-12) and Powerhouse (18–25-year-olds).

Fortnightly small groups provide opportunities for young people to develop meaningful friendships, receive positive mentoring, peer support, prayer and discipleship. They provide an avenue for additional support for youth leaders to work with parents and caregivers and our Pastoral Care team to support young people. We do this by connecting families to professional and emergency services, pastoral assistance, and emergency food relief for those going through crises.

Friday Night programs involve music, games and teaching Biblical principles and Christian values. Through the programs we encourage young people to be resilient, respectful, generous and to be part of making a positive difference in their schools, universities and communities.

YOUTH ONLINE

389,432

TOTAL VIEWS ACROSS 2021

These programs encourage and empower leadership opportunities for young people.

Each state faced unique circumstances when it came to weekly Fuel and Wildlife programs in 2021. Where possible, in-person gatherings were held while other locations again moved to the ‘Youth Online’ digital format.

For Powerhouse, when it was possible to gather, we hosted monthly gatherings with Bible-based teaching, practical life skills, and conversations with professionals. Gathering points after Sunday evening services encouraged young adults to connect socially each week.

SUPPORT Our leaders are particularly mindful to practically assist students as they transition into high school by partnering with parents and caregivers to guide their child into small groups. This process takes time but is supported with intentional connection throughout the week at Friday night programs, Sunday services and mid-week at small groups.

Additional support at this time has shown to give the student more confidence and success moving from primary school to high school. We also recognise the heightened expectations placed on year 12 students during exam season and support them by giving them study packs, written encouragements and provide continual mentor support.

650

SMALL GROUPS RAN EACH FORTNIGHT ACROSS YOUTH AND YOUNG ADULTS IN 2021.

33 SUMMER CAMP ONLINE Each year during the Summer holidays, we would typically be rallying youth and young adults to attend our Summercamp events, however due to restrictions in 2021, we moved to an online platform for live worship and teaching, as well as encouraging our youth and young adults to gather in small groups for pool parties and barbecues.

3,791 YOUTH AND YOUNG ADULTS REGISTERED TO ATTEND OUR SUMMER ONLINE EXPERIENCE

ENCOUNTER ON DEMAND During the Spring holidays we launched the Encounter On Demand platform. This was designed for young people to have a positive online platform to turn to during isolation.

The aim was to help them grow in their faith, find encouragement in their relationship with Jesus, and help them walk through the rest of the year with resilience.

5,719 UNIQUE PLATFORM VISITS

12,776 VIDEO STREAMS

THE NEIGHBOURHOOD ONE DAY In October, our Young Adults gathered online.

One Day speakers covered topics such as devotion, calling, relationships, and business.

"Lockdown House Parties" were interactive online gathering points to create more avenues of connection.

OVER

2,000 YOUNG ADULTS PARTICIPATED ONLINE

YOUVERSION PLANS To provide tools to assist in the personal devotional lives of young adults, in 2021 our team wrote new YouVersion plans such as 'Refresh the Mind' and a 30-day deep dive through the book of Galatians.

YOUNG ADULTS PODCAST In 2021 our Young Adults team launched ‘The Neighbourhood Podcast’. The goal was to have meaningful conversations with civic leaders and pastors around important topics such as mental health, finances, and leadership.

WE NOW HAVE OVER

100,000 YOUVERSION PLAN COMPLETIONS THROUGH THE YOUVERSION PLANS WE’VE CREATED AS POWERHOUSE HILLS

34 YOUNG LEADERS LAB Young Leaders Lab is a one-day event where our leadership team invest into the volunteers within our ministry, by training and equipping them with skills that will help them grow in their leadership capacity.

673 YOUTH LEADERS ATTENDED

VOLUNTEERS Our Youth and Young Adult volunteers consist of everyday people who are devoted to discipling and mentoring young people along their faith journey.

While often studying and in the workforce, they are passionate about being a positive example and volunteer their time each week to place value on the young people they lead.

We run weekly training for our youth leaders on topics including: • Child Safety • Mentoring • Mental Health Training • Suicide Prevention

WHY I VOLUNTEER I am currently a practicing junior medical doctor, and have worked in various settings throughout my short career so far. At the end of 2021 I will have completed 10 years in youth leadership! Balancing youth leadership throughout my university days and now with my job has at times been difficult, however always rewarding.

There are so many reasons as to why I have been a youth leader despite the challenges, but what comes to mind is Pastor Brian’s often quoted line - “you never come second by putting God first”. Being a youth leader has kept me grounded to what is most important in life, in the midst of a career that can be demanding and taxing. Prioritising volunteering as a youth leader has constantly reminded me that life is more than just about my own advancement in the world. But rather life is about seeing God’s kingdom established by serving the people around us.

Leading young people was no doubt a challenge throughout the COVID pandemic. Having to resort to online video calls as the point of contact with students required creativity to keep them engaged and focused. It was most definitely a unique experience. Although youth ministry looked completely different from the norm in this season, I have faith to believe that God still moved in the lives of young people!

It is imperative that young people have role models who help guide them throughout the challenges of life.

I understand the significance that youth leaders have on the trajectory of young people’s lives, as I myself once had youth leaders who inspired me to live the life God has called me to live. My hope and prayer is that as a youth leader, I may have a similar impact on the lives of the students that I lead.

KENNETH JUNIOR MEDICAL DOCTOR & FUEL CONNECT GROUP LEADER

35

Read Jayden's Story

WHEN SHE FOUND COMMUNITY IN POWERHOUSE

Read the full story on Hillsong Collected

Because of my illness and because I wasn't sporty or talented or academic, I thought no one would like me. I soon realised my friends at Powerhouse weren't expecting any of those things. They loved me for who I am.

36

WOMEN

SISTERHOOD Sisterhood is the women's ministry of Hillsong Church. It is a community of women of all ages who seek to support and encourage each other in their faith as they endeavour to have a positive impact on the world around them.

2021 saw the introduction of ‘The Friendship Table’ – a weekly program with Bobbie Houston and guests involving Bible-based discussions and inspiring stories. Options to be part of these mornings both live and on-demand meant that women everywhere in lockdown, working or juggling home schooling could join.

LOCAL IMPACT:

636 MOTHER’S DAY ‘TEA AND BISCUIT’ CAMPAIGN DELIVERED 636 TO NURSING HOMES IN PARTNERSHIP WITH CITYCARE.

In October, we raised awareness of global, national, and local needs through ‘Fight Club Month’, including being part of Breast Cancer Awareness Morning.

Where parts of our church community were in extended lockdowns, focus was placed on online connection points after regular programs. Women were encouraged to support each other and reach out to those in their wider communities who may be at increased risk of isolation; in nursing homes, facing illness or crisis, to see how we could support them in practical ways with phone calls, meals, and letters of encouragement.

OUR HILLS CAMPUS KNITTED JUST UNDER

1,000

87

120

SISTERHOOD IN VICTORIA DONATED 87 PAIRS OF NEW SHOES FOR REFUGEES DISTRIBUTED THROUGH ADULT MULTICULTURAL EDUCATION SERVICES (AMES)

TEDDY BEARS FOR THE CHILDREN ADMITTED INTO WESTMEAD CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL AND SAMARITANS PURSE. AS WELL AS

HEAD BANDS FOR THE ONCOLOGY WARD

37

COLOUR CONFERENCE Colour Conference is Hillsong Church’s annual women’s conference, hosted by Bobbie Houston. In 2021, we celebrated our 25th year milestone as we hosted the first ever Colour Conference Online Experience.

The Colour mandate, placing value on womanhood, embracing humanity and engaging all generations and backgrounds – was woven throughout the conference. Women engaged in worship, main session Bible teaching, and on-demand masterclasses on topics such as leadership and longevity. Our hope is that every woman who was part of the gathering would continue to bring solution to the needs they see within their communities, with the belief that together, we can make a significant and positive difference in our hurting world.

COLOUR SISTERHOOD LOCAL IMPACT INITIATIVE Each delegate of Colour Conference Online was given an e-book called ‘Be the Change in Your Community’. This book contained 500 simple ideas to help bring positive change in an individual's community. We invited delegates to address needs of vulnerable groups and to build a strong community in practical ways in their own neighbourhood.

29,381 TOTAL REGISTRATIONS IN AUSTRALIA AND ACROSS THE GLOBE

111 TOTAL COUNTRIES REPRESENTED

137,924 TOTAL LIVE VIEWERS

237,200 THE TOTAL VIEWERSHIP LIVE & VOD COMBINED

SISTERHOOD UNITED NIGHT In 2021, three ‘Sisterhood United’ nights connected the global Sisterhood community in person and online for fun evenings of encouragement, worship, and Bible teaching. In seeking to make a noticeable difference to specific needs in our communities, in partnership with CityCare, one of these nights in Australia contributed $7,537 towards maternity bags for new mums in remote communities distributed through maternal health organisations in the Northern Territory.

38

EMPOWERING WOMEN TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE IN THE WORLD Due to the shift to an online conference in 2021, many Colour delegates chose to donate the difference between the price of a physical ticket and an online ticket towards COVID emergency relief work around the world.

Australian and US Colour delegates donated $50,000 towards Vision Rescue’s Covid-19 response in India.

The Vision Rescue team discovered that malnutrition levels had been increasing in a lot of the kids they had been assisting in several communities during the past year due to a lack of access to nutritious food during the pandemic. With advice from nutritionists, Vision Rescue used the Colour Sisterhood donations to provide groceries with items high in nutritional value such as jaggery, peanuts, soya chunks, roasted chana, larger portions of wheat, and various lentils and grains.

In the UK, support for asylum seekers and refugees is backlogged and overburdened.

Donations of almost £21,500 went towards providing basic essentials for newly arrived families including clothing packs and school uniforms.

In South Africa, our delegates donated 112,000 RAND (approx. AUD $10,000) towards supporting Hillsong Africa Foundation to come alongside local partners on the ground, feeding people who were out of work due to the pandemic and lockdowns. Many people in vulnerable communities around the world have

casual or day labour work, which means they can’t work from home, and when they don’t work, they don’t have any income. Lockdowns have highlighted the vulnerability of these communities, which is exacerbated in a global crisis like a pandemic.

KEEPING GIRLS IN SCHOOL The Colour Sisterhood has contributed generously over the years to the work of Watoto and other organisations. Once again Hillsong was able to contribute to Watoto Child Care Ministries ‘Keep a Girl in School’ initiative, with $130,000 helping over 10,000 girls stay and participate in school by providing them with basic feminine hygiene products, like sanitary pads, underwear and bars of soap, giving them a very tangible gift as well as hope for the days ahead.

Watoto’s Country Director for Australia and New Zealand said , “This really is a huge, practical blessing to Watoto and especially to the girls who will be the recipients of it… As Uganda starts to open up after a protracted lockdown, the need to help the girls of Uganda and South Sudan experience and see the fruit of staying in school is even more vital. The Keep a Girl in School program is maximising the potential of girls, revealing dreams and empowering them to help in rebuilding their respective nations.”

Once again, we are grateful to the Colour Sisterhood and Colour delegates for their continuing generosity and desire to be the change in their world.

39

Kylie's Story

OF HOW SHE FOUND BELONGING AT SISTERHOOD ON A THURSDAY MORNING

Read the full story on Hillsong Collected.

Sisterhood on a Thursday morning was my saving grace in 2021 and it's what made Hillsong home.

40

SAFE CHURCH

The Safe Church Office supports the church in creating safe and secure environments, in compliance with relevant legislation, for all people who are part of Hillsong Church and its community services.

COVID-19 In 2021, Safe Church continued to support our church operations and ministries throughout the changing landscape of the impact of COVID-19 around Australia. Safe Church provided guidance for resuming inperson services, re-opening workplaces, and the management of COVID-19 compliance responsibilities. Safe Church worked with government, board, executive management, pastors, managers and operations teams to keep Hillsong Church staff, volunteers, students and congregation members safe.

8

NEW TRAINING COURSES WERE DELIVERED BOTH FACE-TO-FACE AND ONLINE NATIONALLY TO RAISE UNDERSTANDING AND AWARENESS OF EMERGENCY RESPONSE MANAGEMENT

4,989

COURSE COMPLETIONS. STAFF AND VOLUNTEERS COMPLETED TRAINING MODULES IN KEY SAFETY RESPONSIBILITIES, INCLUDING WORK HEALTH & SAFETY, CHILD SAFETY, FOOD SAFETY, AND COVID-19

519

WORKING WITH CHILDREN'S APPLICATIONS FOR HILLSONG STAFF, VOLUNTEERS AND HILLSONG COLLEGE STUDENTS. THIS INCLUDES NEW APPLICATIONS AND RENEWALS

41

CHILD SAFE PRINCIPLES Safe Church further enhanced our focus on keeping children and young people safe by conducting a review of our framework in line with the National Principles for Child Safe Organisations and the newly legislated NSW and VIC Child Safe Standards. One key aspect of Child Safe Organisations is the empowerment and participation of young people.

Throughout 2021 and ongoing, Safe Church is working with other religious groups, in conjunction with the NSW Office of the Children's Guardian, to discuss strategies and develop resources to support children and young people to participate in programs and be part of decisions that affect them.

READ MORE ABOUT THE SAFE CHURCH FRAMEWORK

NATIONAL CHILD PROTECTION WEEK Hillsong participated in this national campaign in September 2021 to help raise awareness about child safety and continue supporting parents and families.

The theme of National Child Protection Week 2021 was, “To treat all of Australia’s children fairly, we need to make sure every family and community has what kids need to thrive and be healthy.” Hillsong participated in this national campaign in September 2021 to help raise awareness about child safety and continue supporting parents and families. Read articles published throughout the week on Hillsong Collected.

CARING FOR PEOPLE FOLLOWING A DISCLOSURE

STRATEGY & RESOURCING

HANDLING CONCERNS & DISCLOSURES

HILLSONG SAFE CHURCH FRAMEWORK

EMERGENCY RESPONSE Early 2021 brought the completion of a national project to harmonise emergency response management across all our locations.

This standardised approach raises the overall quality of our emergency management systems and means that investment into policy, procedures and training resources benefits all congregants in each state and territory.

POLICY & PROCEDURES

CULTURE & CODE OF CONDUCT

TRAINAING & MONITORING

RECRUITMENT & SELECTION

RISK MANAGEMENT

42 AUSTRALIAN RACIAL DIVERSITY, EQUITY AND INCLUSION COMMITTEE: Hillsong Church is a globally diverse church, which is committed to racial equity and justice for all. As a global church centered on Jesus and His gospel, we are compelled to ensure that all people are treated with dignity and respect. We believe that racism is a sin and we do not endorse, support or accept any form of racism, both implicit and explicit – the very nature of racism is an affront to the gospel, and we are committed to listen, reflect and act to play our part in being the change.

In 2021, we announced several commitments to build racial equity and reconciliation both internally and externally across our church. We recognise that our commitment to advancing racial justice requires intentionality, action, and accountability. We have been attentive to the conversations that deepen our understanding of racism and implicit bias, and how it impacts our church and our community.

Our Global Board and committee will routinely review these action items to assess our progress against our goals and to make the changes we believe will accelerate our success.

Although we are focusing on race explicitly, we are not focusing on it exclusively and recognise the need to adapt as we encounter new perspectives and additional information.

We recognise that our objectives require ongoing learning, reflection and action, and there’s still more work to be done.

Moving forward, we realise that our policies, actions and commitments will look different in each local context. As a church founded in Australia, it is imperative that we also hear the plight of our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, and seek further reconciliation and understanding.

OUR COMMITMENTS:

BUILD AWARENESS We commit to provide all staff and volunteers with resources and tools to build their awareness and empower them to create a racially diverse, equitable, and inclusive environment.

ADVANCE REPRESENTATION & EQUITY We commit to ensure the recruitment, retention, and advancement of Hillsong’s staff and volunteers is equitable and reflective of the diversity of the campus communities.

EQUIP LEADERS We commit to support and empower Hillsong’s staff and volunteers to lead from a biblical standpoint, by increasing their capacity to identify and address barriers to racial diversity and equity and lead inclusively.

MEASURE & REPORT We commit to monitor, report, and evaluate the church and the committee’s progress in relation to racial diversity, equity and inclusion.

43 The role of Racial Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee (Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander group) is to support, consult and where necessary, provide strategic direction to Hillsong Church and its leadership in the

implementation of its Reconciliation Action Plan; as well as to champion the cultural safety and security of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples attending Hillsong Church and involvement in its affiliated ministries.

DR. TANYA RICHES Senior Lecturer and MTh Course Coordinator, Hillsong College, Phd Committee Member since 2020/21

DAVID BAGHERI CO-CEO OF IØ CHAIRPERSON

Committee Member since 2020/21

KERRY HOOKEY Hillsong City Volunteer Youth Leader Committee Member since 2020/21

BENNY EGGMOLESSE

Owner of AAK-ITHER Board Member since 2020/21

DR ROBYN OBER Research fellow with Batchelor Institute of Indigenous Tertiary Education Committee Member since 2020/21

NATHANAEL GREEN Hillsong Gold Coast Volunteer Leader Committee Member since 2020/21

PASTOR WILLIAM DUMAS Ganggalah Church and CEO of Ganggalah Training Centre, and Ganggalah Aboriginal Arts, ACC national Indigenous Iniative Leader Committee Member since 2020/21

HIGHLIGHTS FROM 2021 :

DEVELOPMENT OF RACE MATTERS online training in collaboration with Hillsong Network (April 2021)

HOSTED COMPULSORY TRAINING FOR ALL OUR LEAD PASTORS facilitated by Fadzi Whande. (May 2021)

HILLSONG COLLEGE HOSTED A DIVERSITY STUDENT CONSULTATION DAY (September 2021)

DEVELOPMENT OF THE RACIAL DIVERSITY, EQUITY AND INCLUSION STRATEGY to be implemented across all our locations in 2022.

(November 2021)

44 THE IMPLEMENTATION TEAM:

DANIEL MPAMAUGO Hillsong Evening College Operations Coordinator Committee Member since 2020/21

DARREN KITTO Hillsong International Ministry Director

MUCHIRI GATERI Hillsong Aust Creative Technology Committee Member since 2020/21

ROB BEACH Hillsong Online Church Pastor Hillsong CTO, Invorto Agency GM Committee Member since 2020/21

TANYA RICHES Senior Lecturer and MTh Course Coordinator, Hillsong College, Phd Committee Member since 2020/21

FADZI WHANDE Senior Diversity and Inclusion Adviser, UN Human Rights Office Committee Member since 2020/21

LEE BURNS EVP Hillsong College Committee Member since 2020/21

PETER TOGANIVALU Hillsong Aust Youth Pastor Committee Member since 2020/21

DAVID BAGHERI CO-CEO OF IØ CHAIRPERSON

Committee Member since 2020/21

JOHN MAYS Hillsong HO People & Development Committee Member since 2020/21

CASS LANGTON Hillsong Global Creative Pastor Committee Member since 2020/21

CATHERINE THAMBIRATNAM Head of International Programs, ACC International Relief Committee Member since 2020/21

45

ETHICAL SUPPLY CHAIN ADDRESSING MODERN SLAVERY

We strongly believe that every person is made in the image of God and is inherently of equal worth, dignity and respect (Genesis 1:27). As believers, we are committed to putting our faith into action.

In 2021, we supplied our first Modern Slavery Statement to the Australian Department of Home Affairs. This statement pertains to the 2020 reporting year, and explains how we are working to assess and address modern slavery risks in our operations and supply chains.

We have been actively engaging in the fight against modern slavery since 2015, when Hillsong Church was invited by the Australian Freedom Network to become a Founding Member, and we signed the ‘Joint Declaration of Faith Leaders Against Modern Slavery.’

In 2016, the Australian Freedom Network reinforced its stance on modern slavery in a letter addressed to the Prime Minister, the Honorable Malcolm Turnbull MP, supporting the introduction and implementation of a Modern Slavery Act for Australia.

Although many of the entities reporting under the Act are large commercial businesses, we recognise that all organisations – irrespective of size and capacity – have a part to play. As a not-for-profit, faith-based organisation, passionate about loving God and loving people, we are committed to working with other notfor-profits, businesses, and governments to combat modern slavery.

READ MORE HERE: MODERNSLAVERYREGISTER.

46

OUR COMMITMENTS

•

Considering options to develop a formal framework and KPIs to support our efforts to assess the effectiveness of our response.

•

Continuing to monitor guidance produced by the Australian Government and relevant expert civil society and multi-stakeholder bodies about reporting under the Act, and broader modern slavery risk management.

•

Considering potential modern slavery risk areas relating to donated goods, including through The StoreHouse.

•

Implementing our new Formal Concerns Policy.

The Report Outlines: •

The reporting entity.

•

Our structure, operations and supply chain.

•

Risks of modern slavery practices in operations and supply chain.

•

Action taken to address risks and due diligence.

•

Policies and framework.

•

The effectiveness of our actions to reduce modern slavery.

Over the coming reporting period, we aim to refine and expand our modern slavery risk management approach in the following ways: •

Developing a principles-based modern slavery response plan to help guide our response to any potential future incidents or allegations of modern slavery.

•

Continuing to revise our Supply Chain Code of Conduct and ensure fitness for purpose.

CASE STUDY During the reporting period, COVID-19 impacted the nature and extent of our procurement activities in a number of ways, including the need to purchase increased volumes of products and services to facilitate our transition to online services. We recognise that COVID-19 has increased the vulnerability of global supply chain workers to modern slavery, and understand that the lack of COVID safe products, such as hand sanitiser and masks, contribute to additional modern slavery risks. We continue to work with our suppliers to manage the impacts of the pandemic, and assess and address potential modern slavery risks. For example, in March 2020, we procured hand sanitiser or delegates at Colour Conference. To mitigate modern slavery risks associated with the production of hand sanitiser overseas, we elected to source hand sanitiser from an Australian supplier that produced the product in Australia. Sourcing from an Australian producer enabled us to engage directly with the supplier to understand their operations and manufacturing process, including their labour standards.

47

Read Celeste's Story AS SHE DISCOVERED THE POWER OF A SMALL ACT OF KINDNESS IN HER NEIGHBOURHOOD

Read the full story on Hillsong Collected.

After that encounter, God corrected my heart and showed me that being kind is never based on how I feel – it's a fruit of the Spirit and an act of obedience.

48

Our Local Reports Community “The church that I see is committed to bring the love and hope of Christ to impossible situations through the preaching of the gospel and a mandate that drives us to do all we can to bring help and solution to a needy world.

Whose head is Jesus, whose help is the Holy Spirit and whose focus is the Great Commisssion."

THE CHURCH I NOW SEE

49

CITYCARE

IF 2020 TAUGHT US ANYTHING, IT WAS TO PIVOT, AND 2021 WASN’T ANY DIFFERENT.

As the pandemic stretched into year two, and with extended lockdowns looming for most states of Australia, our CityCare team responded by shifting again into our COVID-19 response of ‘Emergency Food Relief’ for those people who were not able to access savings or government support or who simply fell through the cracks. Our CityCare teams across the country sourced and packed bags of food to be delivered to homes in COVID-safe ways through partners or directly to individuals in the community. This meant a huge change in the way we worked, as well as impacting the outcomes we were looking to achieve in 2021.

The blessing we have as CityCare is that we are primarily funded by our church, and what we saw over the last two years of the pandemic – but even more so in 2021 – is that while other organisations' funding may have declined, CityCare’s funding not only stayed steady but increased due to the amazing generosity of our church. This enabled us to have a greater impact with our response, with CityCare being able to provide over 490,000 meals to the most vulnerable in our communities in 2021.

CityCare was not only able to strengthen current community partnerships but also establish new partnerships, which put CityCare in good stead coming out of lockdowns and restarting our core programs.

With lockdowns and restrictions throughout

2021, we were unable to achieve the outcomes we planned for, but we were still able to implement and run 70 programs with over 12,500 participants attending those across Australia.

Our work with vulnerable youth in schools is increasingly needed as children came back into the school system, having lost not only weeks of work, but some also lost the structure and safety of the school environment. Domestic violence skyrocketed across the world, with the pressures of lockdown increasing the risk for women and children in unsafe homes. Our Homes of Peace, which provide transitional housing for women and children escaping violence, is in more demand. Children and families will need additional support coming out of this crisis, and our work with families, vulnerable children and young people will be vital.

In the recovery phase of this pandemic, we have seen that the vulnerability people experience before the pandemic is more prevalent than ever, and therefore, our mission as CityCare is also more important than ever.

JONO DENTON, COO, CITYCARE AUSTRALIA

50

A SHIFT IN FOCUS DURING LOCKDOWN Due to government health advice and restrictions

There was a big focus on ongoing Emergency

around COVID-19, and the ensuing lockdowns that

Food Relief, which was distributed through our

occurred throughout the year across the country,

community partners where most needed.

many of CityCare’s programs had to be paused.

These included programs such as Playgroups, Safe

We were still able to run two Youth events in NSW

Spaces, Shine and Strength in schools, Youth Coach

(in April and December), and QLD continued many

mentoring program, and community gatherings.

of their programs as normal. Playgroups ran in

Where possible, some of these programs were

NSW until the June lockdown, and Melbourne was

able to be facilitated online including English

able to launch Playgroups, albeit experiencing some

Conversation Classes in QLD.

disruptions due to lockdown.

EMERGENCY FOOD RELIEF FOR 2021

8, 385 EMERGENCY FOOD HAMPERS DISTRIBUTED

100,620 FOOD ITEMS

KILO OF KINDNESS DONATIONS WERE USED FOR THE COVID-19 EMERGENCY FOOD RELIEF RESPONSE

51

KILO OF CHRISTMAS

Once again CityCare’s Kilo of Christmas was able to provide support to families and individuals who were facing another Christmas impacted

by COVID restrictions, isolation, lockdown, job losses and financial insecurity. Through the generosity of our church, we were able to give 7,040 food hampers (120,560 food items) and 3,322 toy packs (10,140 individual toys) to 162 partner organisations to distribute to vulnerable families and individuals across Australia at Christmas.

KILO OF CHRISTMAS 2021:

7,040 FOOD HAMPERS

3,322 TOY PACKS

162 PARTNER ORGANISATIONS

“Thank you for providing those Christmas hampers for our residents, they all loved the surprise. It was perfect timing as that was the day we hosted Christmas dinner for all our ressies.”

ASHMIN MOHAMMED, WESTERN SYDNEY UNIVERSITY VILLAGE (PENRITH CAMPUS)

52 Over the past two years, Community organisations have faced significant challenges with extended lockdowns and COVID restrictions, which meant many had to close their doors or limit the services they were able to provide, especially at Christmas time. CityCare experienced a greater demand for hampers and toy packs than ever before in 2021.

One of the main goals of Kilo of Christmas is to place value on parents by resourcing them with quality unwrapped toy packs that they can directly gift to their children on Christmas Day. CityCare distributes these toy packs through our various Community Partners each year. In Hobart, one these Community Partners, Mission Australia, uses the gifts we provide to help facilitate their Christmas Shop.

Kilo of Christmas extends beyond the physical items that are provided and is also about the sense of community and connections it creates between CityCare and our partners. It helps us strengthen existing partner relationships as well as lay the foundations for new ones.

In Queensland, local police and other partners had some of their staff come along to help with our Wrap and Pack sessions and have since been involved with our Safe Spaces Youth Programs. In NSW, relationships with local schools that began through the provision of hampers for families within these schools, has led to partnerships that have paved the way for us to run programs such as SHINEGirl and STRENGTH that empower the next generation.

“One mum arrived at the Christmas Shop, so very thankful for the invitation. She shared that a week before she received the invite, she’d had to let her teenage daughter know that she couldn't afford to buy gifts for her this Christmas. But a few days later, she received our invitation to the Christmas Shop and was overjoyed that she was able to come and pick up some gifts. What a privilege it is to be able to share good gifts with families each Christmas.”

TIM DWYER, MISSION AUSTRALIA

“We are very grateful to be partnering with Hillsong CityCare, supporting refugees, and struggling families living in Western Sydney. Your generous donations of both Christmas and regular food hampers you provide have blessed many people who are in desperate need. Thank you so much!”

PAULA BLACK (PROGRAMME MANAGER SERVANTS COMMUNITY CARE)

53 STAYING CONNECTED WITH YOUNG PEOPLE DURING LOCKDOWN CityCare is all about supporting young people to step confidently into a future they have the power to shape. Our goal is to see resilient young people who are empowered to pursue their potential. Our community engagement programs are run in partnership with local organisations and services and include a range of key activities for Youth such as SHINEGirl and STRENGTH, Safe Spaces, Youth Events and Youth COACH. While many of CityCare’s youth programs had to pause during lockdowns, particularly in schools, our CityCare teams found ways to continue to support young people in this season.

SHINEGirl and STRENGTH are nine-week programs that focus on equipping students with the knowledge and skills to discover who they are and the person they want to become.

For students who were part of these programs during lockdowns, our team put together encouragement packs for our students, which were distributed through school’s Student Support Officers.

CITYCARE YOUTH PROGRAMS (NATIONAL):

7,810

TOTAL ATTENDANCE

208

WEEKLY AVERAGE ATTENDANCE

23

One of the programs we were still able to run in person was Youth COACH in Queensland.

CityCare is proud to partner with Youth COACH, a mentoring program for young people between the ages of 12-18 years to help them learn and benefit from a positive adult role model. Youth mentoring is school-based or community-based in partnership with an external organisation.

The Youth COACH program seeks to empower young people to achieve a significant life goal and increase their personal wellbeing by providing mentoring from a specifically trained volunteer for the purpose of strengthening the young person emotionally, educationally and socially.

CityCare received $193,073 from the NSW Department of Communities and Justice (DCJ) in 2021. This funding was for two community workers to run programs in the local government areas of Blacktown and Baulkham Hills. When NSW went back into lockdown, in consultation with DCJ these two community workers’ focus shifted to providing emergency food relief in these government areas until programs were allowed back into schools in Term 4.

DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNITY YOUTH REPORTING (HILLS CAMPUS ONLY)

1,434

NUMBER OF ORGANISATIONS/ SCHOOLS

SAFE SPACES

225

SHINE GIRL

384

STRENGTH

YOUTH COACH:

17

PARTICIPANTS

16

MENTORS

142 2

MENTORING SESSIONS ORGANISATIONS

*Due to COVID lockdowns in NSW & VIC, Youth COACH only ran in QLD in 2021

54 SUPPORTING CHILDREN & FAMILIES OUR VILLAGE PROJECT Our Village Project exists to encourage more people to consider opening their homes to a child who needs one, and to ensure those who do are well supported. It is currently being piloted in Melbourne and while navigating COVID restrictions, we were able to host an Information Session, encouraging people to consider the wide range of ways to engage with children and families with an experience of the Out-of-Home Care system. Current Carers also gathered online and in person, providing valuable social and spiritual support during a challenging season.

PLAYGROUP Our Playgroups provide a safe space for children and their carers. Parents and caregivers meet on a weekly basis during school terms with their babies, toddlers, and pre-schoolers. Playgroup offers children a wide variety of play-based learning experiences, an opportunity to interact and play with other children of similar age, and carers and parents an opportunity to meet with others and share ideas and experiences. Despite only being able to run for 12 weeks in 2021, the testimonies that emerged prior to entering to restrictions and lockdowns again, showed us that Playgroup provides a place that helps

combat loneliness and creates community and wellness in a season that can be incredibly tough and isolating.

SUPPORTING AFGHAN REFUGEES In September, in response to the Afghanistan refugee crisis, our CityCare team was able to give quality toys and food hampers to refugees who had arrived from Afghanistan and were staying in quarantine hotels; many of whom were families and children who arrived with nothing more than the clothes they were wearing.

CityCare was one of several organisations helping to support refugees arriving in Australia and we are thankful to be able to play a small part in this effort.

Through our Hillsong Queensland campuses, over 3,000 items were donated in partnership with Multicultural Australia, a local humanitarian support agency working directly with the refugees.

Hillsong CityCare provided 154 brand new suitcases filled with kids toys and over 3,000 personal items to welcome Afghan refugees as they settled in Queensland. Thank you to all those who generously donated.

55 CITYCARE: HOMES OF PEACE PROGRAM BRINGS SUPPORT WOMEN At CityCare, our goal is to help women find their place and their voice in their homes and communities, empower them with the tools to flourish, lead and impact in their world. Our programs are designed to provide inclusive, safe, and empowering communities for women, including women and families experiencing domestic and family violence.

Violence against women and girls is one of the world’s most prevalent issues of our time, taking place every day, many times over, in every pocket of society and in every nation. UN Women says that Gender-Based Violence (GBV) has serious short and longterm physical, economic and psychological consequences on women and girls, preventing their full and equal participation in society.

The magnitude of its impact, both in the lives of individuals and families and society as a whole, is immeasurable.

Conditions created by the pandemic – including lockdowns, reduced mobility, heightened isolation, stress, and economic uncertainty –

have led to an alarming spike in domestic violence and have further exposed women and girls to other forms of violence, from child marriage to sexual harassment online. While much is and still needs to be done in preventing violence against women and children in the first place, there is also great work taking place to restore women to a life free from violence and abuse.

HOMES OF PEACE BRINGS NEW HOPE Homes of Peace is CityCare’s DFV (Domestic & Family Violence) Transitional Support Program, providing opportunity for women to live independently and safe from their perpetrator and provides DFV case management, safety planning. Families achieve incredible outcomes as they pursue study, start their careers, improve wellbeing through mental health care plans, enroll their children in childcares and schools, obtain independent housing, and more.

OTAL 46 TCLIENTS 16

FAMILIES HOUSED & SUPPORTED

8 HOMES

HIGHLIGHTS FROM HOMES OF PEACE IN 2021:

One woman began a bachelor level of education

Three women were able to transition into the private rental market

Two women obtained their driver’s license

Two women were successful in obtaining a property through Department of Housing

Four women received full-time employment while in the program

Additional Info

The average length of stay for families is around 12 months due to the increase pressure in obtaining housing in QLD

89% of families supported were from Cultural and Linguistic Diverse (CALD) communities

Obtaining housing in QLD

33% of families exiting the program transitioned into the private rental market

56 Athena* comes from a culturally and linguistically diverse community background (CALD) and found herself extremely isolated as she experienced violence from her former partner. As her living situation became unsafe, she fled her home, becoming at risk of homelessness and dwelling in short term refuge accommodation.

Athena had no social support structure, network, or family locally to turn to and had to rely solely on support services to seek safety.

She also had to quit her job during this time, and in desperation, she even contemplated returning to her perpetrator, due to risk of homelessness and the lack of a stable income.

She simply did not believe she would ever be able to rent a property or live independently.

The refuge supporting Athena made a referral for her to enter the Homes of Peace program.

Upon entering Homes of Peace, it was evident that she needed support for long-term housing stability, safety planning, mental support pathways, education, employment, and upskilling. Athena became hopeful, resilient, and determined to put further goals and steps in place to succeed.

Among those involved in supporting the client was Homes of Peace Case Worker, Selena.

Selena linked Athena to rental support, local housing providers, TAFE, Child Care services, Local Support Services, local GP, and employment support services. Through the case plan support, with Selena's assistance and encouragement, Athena was able to go from a state of homelessness into sustainable accommodation, successfully acquiring her first private rental tenancy agreement. Her mental health improved and she was able to proactively apply strategies learnt through her counselling support that was set up through Homes of Peace referrals.

For Athena, this has meant freedom from violence and the fear of violence, having secured long-term housing, employment, and a greater sense of self-esteem, emotional health and wellbeing.The support Homes of Peace program provides is an imperative support to women. According to Australian Government statistics, 1 in 4 women have experienced abuse by a current or former partner. Women become incredibly vulnerable due to DFV leaving them at risk of homelessness. The stark reality, according to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, is that 42% of individuals accessing homelessness services have experienced DFV, 94% of which were women.

“DFV workers reported 67% increase in the number of clients accessing services during the pandemic..."

The Impact of COVID has been significant as DFV workers reported 67% increase in the number of clients accessing services during the pandemic, which caused additional demand on crisis accommodation (Carrington, K., et al, 2020).

Our hope is that more and more stories of people like Athena will allow this ‘shadow pandemic’ to be brought into the light, offering freedom, hope, healing and the opportunity to tackle the root causes, reshaping our societies to be ones that afford every woman the right to flourish in safety and freedom with dignity and respect.

BY SELENA WITH NIKKI SEALEY *The name of the client has been changed to protect her identity

57 STOREHOUSE Going into the second year of the pandemic we saw many families who were reporting food insecurity. According to the Foodbank Hunger Report 2021, one in six adults in Australia haven’t had enough to eat in the last year.

One in three of these people are new to the situation.

Our work makes a positive impact in the lives of Victorians. In 2021, we donated the equivalent of 58,026 meals to families in need. In addition to this, we saved Victorians $298,143 in groceries, which enabled them to put this towards other expenses such as rent and utilities.

58,026

MEALS DONATED TO FAMILIES IN NEED

The Storehouse works with a number of local charities to assist them with fruit and vegetables that are then donated to families in need. In 2021, we gave out 290,131kg of fresh fruit and vegetables to those charities.

The Storehouse doesn’t only increase food security in the lives of Victorians, but we also play a role in reducing the food waste problem and helping the environment. In 2021, we saved 200,000kg of CO2 emissions.

The Storehouse is committed to providing good quality, affordable grocery and fresh food items to people in local communities who may struggle with food insecurity, with no strings attached. As a social enterprise, The Storehouse generates an income, which is then fed back into the community for continued support of vulnerable people. It also has an emergency relief arm that assists people who are in need of emergency food supplies, and supports other local charities assisting thousands of other families in need.

In 2021, The Storehouse has continued to be a beacon of hope to many individuals and families who have struggled due to COVID-19.

JOHN SPAREY HEAD OF SOCIAL ENTERPRISE GENEROSITY T

"Once again The Storehouse has been an invaluable partner with Empower Australia to fight against hunger in our city. The generosity they have shown over the last 3 years has been outstanding. Together, with the help of The Storehouse, and other like minded organisations, we have seen 1.6 million meals distributed to those who need it most! Thank you to you and all the staff and volunteers."

PASTOR NEIL SMITH, CEO OF EMPOWER

"FareShare is grateful to receive surplus fresh vegetables from The Storehouse that our chefs and volunteers cook into delicious, nutritious meals for people experiencing hardship. Some of these free meals are in turn shared with The Storehouse to give to local families and other community members who are struggling to put food on the table. FareShare’s homestyle meals provide instant comfort and show vulnerable people that somebody cares about them."

FARESHARE

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Partnership in the Pandemic THE IMPACT OF THE PANDEMIC HAS BEEN SO TOUGH ON SO MANY PEOPLE.

At Wesley Mission, committed as we are to continue the work of Jesus in word and deed, we’ve seen and experienced just how hard it’s been for so many in our community. We’ve seen it in the huge spike in calls to our Lifeline services from people struggling with mental health challenges magnified by lockdown isolation and uncertainty. We’ve seen it experienced by so many families through unemployment, underdevelopment and the financial stresses it causes. Demand for our emergency relief services has never been higher, and tragically, rising cases of domestic and family violence continue to impact so many, with record numbers of survivors reaching out to us for support.

“Demand for our emergency relief services has never been higher..."

Not just in our cities, but in many parts of regional Australia, fami-

lies are struggling to find homes they can afford to rent or buy.

Too many people are sleeping in cars, couch surfing or on the street. The pandemic, multiple flood events, bushfires, rising inflation – our nation has been, and is going through a lot.

And through this season, we’ve seen the church continue to embrace the opportunity to serve and bless our neighbours.

We’ve been blown away as passionate Jesus-followers have given generously and sacrificially to support those struggling to put food on the table or have a roof over their head.

“And through this season we’ve seen the church continue to embrace the opportunity to serve and bless our neighbours."

The Hillsong family has donated goods and money to Wesley Mission outreaches – like our flood relief, Christmas hamper and emergency relief appeals.

Hillsong team members have

blessed our amazing foster care families through music and hospitality. We love serving alongside you. We are so very grateful.

Friends, in this season full of challenges and rich with opportunity, now is not the time for the church to step back, but to step up. Now is not the time to retreat, but to advance – with servant-hearted compassion and radical generosity – to be rivers that flow with God’s love, not reservoirs that store it up.

“Now is not the time to retreat, but to advance – with servanthearted compassion and radical generosity."

Our community longs for good news, and in and through Jesus we have and can offer it, with both our words and deeds.

REV. STU CAMERON

Wesley Mission CEO and Superintendent

59

Our Global Reports Reach

60

HILLSONG FOUNDATION

“God is building a home. He’s using us all—irrespective of how we got here—in what he is building. He used the apostles and prophets for the foundation. Now he’s using you, fitting you in brick by brick, stone by stone, with Christ Jesus as the cornerstone that holds all the parts together. We see it taking shape day after day—a holy temple built by God, all of us built into it, a temple in which God is quite at home."

EPHESIANS 2:19-22 (THE MESSAGE)

Whilst weekly tithes and offerings fund the dayto-day running and ministry of our Australian church and the team employed to bring about these endeavours, our congregation also has the opportunity to provide for the outworking of our church through new and improved facilities and social justice vision globally, by donating to the Hillsong Foundation.

The Hillsong Foundation partners with organisations such as Vision Rescue, A21, and the Hillsong Africa Foundation to provide care, justice and hope to people living in poverty all around the world. In 2021, as Covid-19 contin-

ued to ravage communities already struggling with insecurity and instability, the assistance provided by these organisations was needed more than ever. Locally, the Hillsong Foundation assisted CityCare to help meet increased community welfare demands (see pages 49-57 for more information), as well as to ONE80TC’s drug and alcohol rehabilitation program. The digital ministries of Hillsong Channel and Hillsong Church Online (see pages 18 and 62 for more information) - both such an incredible blessing to those who were in isolation or lockdown - were also supported through the Foundation.

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As we entered Heart for the House season in June 2021, it had already been almost 18 months since the global pandemic was first declared. The normalcy of life had not yet returned in full and our nation was still navigating its way to breakthrough. In this one offering our church community gave sacrificially to raise $15,054,879 bringing the total amount given to the Hillsong Foundation in 2021 to $20,823,626.

Every single person who gave to the Foundation, including our Kingdom Builders, played a part in making this a reality, and we cannot thank them enough. Not only was the commitment to giving a great blessing to our own Hillsong vision, but also an incredible inspiration and encouragement to others around the world, who were also seeking to remain envisioned for the future.

Church buildings offer the opportunity for people to connect, be included and belong seeing lives championed through the message of the gospel. Many of the midweek programs that serve our local community rely on church facilities to be effective.

Festival Hall in Melbourne was the primary project funded through the offering; it was renovated and it is now the home of our City Campus. We are also excited to be able to continue to make this iconic building available to the community. Funds were also allocated to the completion of Highland Park on the Gold Coast and Hobart in Melbourne. As churches start to re-gather and rebuild after the global pandemic, the need for buildings to enable community and corporate worship will be more important than ever.

HILLSONG FOUNDATION INCOME ALLOCATION: AUSTRALIAN FACILITES

64%

GLOBAL & LOCAL BENEVOLENT ACTIVITIES

19%

CHURCH PLANTING & SUPPORT HILLSONG CHANNEL FUNDRAISING & ACCOUNTABILTY COSTS

7% 6% 4%

62 PARTNER INITIATIVES Through the Hillsong Foundation, Hillsong Church is committed to loving our neighbours from immediate emergency relief and crisis response through to long-term recovery and development. Our long-term partnerships and programs with organisations with proven track records and expertise in their fields, have enabled us to support those most impacted through crisis, conflict and extreme poverty: the vulnerable.

ONE80TC For over two decades we have partnered with ONE80TC, restoring lives from the devastating effects of alcohol and drug addiction. Since 1977, ONE80TC has set the benchmark for rehabilitation in NSW with their Men’s and Women’s Residential Programs, Day Programs, Aftercare Program, Smart Recovery and early intervention #NotEvenOnce® School Program.

One80TC provides an environment where those needing help to overcome life controlling issues and addictions can feel loved, accepted and cared for. They have a vision to help people put their lives back together and set them on a pathway to success.

HILLSONG CHANNEL In 2021, Hillsong Channel continued to send the message of Jesus around the world through broadcast, satellite and digital television. Our worship and on-demand library of inspirational programming was available in 174 countries.

We received testimonies weekly from people

who experienced life-change by watching, including salvations and many rededicating their lives to Jesus.

We received stories of people receiving breakthrough and healing from the show, ‘Touch of Heaven’, which is an intimate ministry experience with God through worship, teaching, communion and prayer. To share testimony of God transforming people’s lives, we released impact programs including ‘Stories of Hillsong Conference’, ‘Stories of Hillsong Channel’, and ‘Stories of Worship and Creative Conference’. In 2021, Hillsong Channel partnered with ‘The Chosen’ television series to share Season 1.

HIGHLIGHTS FROM HILLSONG CHANNEL IN 2021:

HILLSONG CHANNEL RECEIVED OVER 20,000 MONTHLY SUBSCRIBERS

AVAILABLE TO 160+ MILLION HOMES IN 174 COUNTRIES

IN THE USA ALONE 2.1 MILLION UNIQUE HOMES TUNE IN EACH MONTH, WITH OVER 4.5 MILLION HOURS VIEWED EACH MONTH

HILLSONG CHANNEL YOUTUBE HAD OVER 3.5 MILLION VIEWS WITH OVER 77,000 SUBSCRIBERS

63

GLOBAL AID & DEVELOPMENT With second and third waves and new variants of the Covid-19 pandemic sweeping the world and the ripple effect of pressure on world economies, the gaps in social equality became noticeably wider. The ongoing impact and affects of Covid in the majority, of the world, played out most glaringly in unemployment, food insecurity and access to adequate healthcare and most importantly, vaccines.

Escalation of conflicts in East Africa and particularly Afghanistan late in 2021, also saw an increase in refugees and asylum seekers fleeing their homes and the lobbying for

governments across the world, including here in Australia, to do more to welcome refugees was a critical issue.

But we also saw the world come together in remarkable ways with stories of startling kindness, generosity, partnership, volunteering, and care seen across countries, communities and industries. Despite the intensity of crises being faced the world over, compassion, hope and generosity toward each other still prevails.

DARREN KITTO, INTERNATIONAL MINISTRY DIRECTOR

“Hillsong’s generosity will help us to continue that work, providing health and nutrition assistance, education, vocational training for women and girls, clean water, waste management, cash for work, awareness-raising around child protection and gender-based violence and providing mental health support for so many deeply traumatised children.

Your gift will also aid our COVID-19 protection work, in which we’ve reached more than 60,000 people, including 18,227 children, in the last few months alone with PPE, handwashing stations, messaging, training and cash transfers for internally displaced people, refugees and their host communities.

At World Vision Australia we appreciate deeply that Hillsong as a church community continues to demonstrate the generosity of God's people by responding to the needs of the vulnerable and the disadvantaged in situations just like that of the Syrian people.”

DANIEL WORDSWORTH, CEO, WORLD VISION AUSTRALIA

64 WORLD VISION AFGHANISTAN APPEAL The security and humanitarian situation in Afghanistan deteriorated dramatically and quickly in mid-August when the Taliban declaring the war in Afghanistan over after its fighters took over the capital, Kabul, and President Ashraf Ghani left the country.

As the world watched on, 18 million people, of which 10 million were children, became in need of humanitarian assistance because of decades of conflict, the COVID-19 pandemic, and an ongoing drought. More than three million people were internally displaced, 2.7 million people were already facing starvation.

Children were at a greater risk of violence,

abuse and exploitation and child marriage.

Hillsong Church launched a global appeal in partnership with World Vision, who had been operating in Afghanistan to address the critical needs on the ground.

World Vision has been working in Afghanistan for the last 20 years - impacting six million lives in total. We continue to work in partnership with faith leaders, local organisations and donors to improve the lives of children and families in Afghanistan, irrespective of ethnicity or religious belief. Hillsong Church contributed $410,795 to World Vision's work in Afghanistan.

HIGHLIGHTS FROM WORLD VISION PARTNERSHIP FOR AFGHANISTAN:

World Vision has been able to safely reopen offices in Herat, Ghor, Faryab and Badghis, following assurances male and female staff can assist women and men, girls and boys without discrimination.

Life-saving mobile health and nutrition teams are now operating in three provinces – already giving much needed assistance to over 10,000 people during September alone (5th-26th).

Work on building solar powered bore wells is also due to start in Badghis and Ghor to provide clean drinking water.

Primary education support activities have started in Ghor, ensuring girl and boy pupils and those in community-based classes have access to socially-distanced learning, and increased teacher numbers. Students are also being kept safe from COVID-19 by providing water, soaps and masks. Over 30,000 girls and 75,000 boys have benefited so far.

Over 10,000 people have received food via World Food Programme assistance in Ghor, Faryab and Badghis.

ONGOING RESPONSE TO SYRIA CRISIS Hillsong Church contributed $57,042 to World Vision’s work in Syria to support families and children in one of the world’s most complex humanitarian crises. The Syrian refugee crisis has been one of the world’s deadliest and most destructive conflicts, particularly for children.

Almost 600,000 people, including 55,000 children, have been killed, half the population has been displaced, and Syrians’ life expectancy has been slashed by 13 years by the ravages of this unfathomable crisis.

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LONG-TERM PARTNERS VISION RESCUE While the pivot to emergency relief continued to be a central activity over 2021, Vision Rescue did not waver in their core mission, to bring educational pathways to children in vulnerable communities.

Children have been out of school for well over a year and Vision Rescue, with their community champions and in partnership with other local organisations, supported families and communities devastated by the pandemic, and helped restore lives by getting children back in school and offering the support families needed to rebuild and look forward to the

future. There was an overall increase in the number and effectiveness of partnerships created by Vision Rescue.

Currently they work in four slum communities in Mumbai as well as smaller programs in Chennai and Kolkata. In the last six months (July-Dec 2021) over 40,000 people have been impacted by their COVID response.

Hillsong Church contributed $432,185 to Vision Rescue's work in 2021.

HIGHLIGHTS FROM VISION RESCUE IN 2021

4,785

463

FAMILIES WERE PROVIDED FOR WITH GROCERY KITS TO SUPPORT THEM DURING THE PANDEMIC

TABLETS WERE DISTRIBUTED TO CHILDREN ATTENDING VISION RESCUE’S EDUCATIONAL PROGRAM IN MUMBAI TO ENABLE TEACHERS TO CONDUCT LIVE TEACHING CLASSES AND TO ENHANCE DIGITAL LEARNING

219 PEOPLE WERE ABLE TO OPEN NEW BANK ACCOUNTS AND 805 WERE HELPED IN ENROLLING FOR VARIOUS GOVERNMENT SCHEMES

60 FOCUS GROUP MEETINGS HAPPENED IN THE COMMUNITY AND 1,523 WERE IN ATTENDANCE

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A21 THAILAND Through programs like hotlines, child advocacy centres, identification trainings and legal support, freedom is the heart of A21’s mandate. With a mission to partner with authorities to secure the freedom of victims and the conviction of human traffickers.

Hillsong partners specifically with A21 in Thailand, which works in partnership with the government and other NGOs to support and restore people who have been rescued from slavery in all its various forms. This includes ensuring children can go back to a home environment as well as finding safe work and

accommodation for adult victims alongside trauma counselling and support.

Like all partners, A21 was limited in the work that they could do during the COVID pandemic and ensuing lockdowns. However, despite this, they were able to reach 9,271 people with anti-traffickingawareness programs as well as support 40 survivors in 2021.

Hillsong Church contributed $171,730 to A21 Thailand in 2021.

HIGHLIGHTS FROM A21 THAILAND IN 2021

7 new survivors were referred into A21’s care and received crisis intervention support

An increase in the number of survivors starting new employment

Approximately 11,866 people benefited from A21’s COVID-19 response

40 survivors of trafficking provided support towards their restoration and independence. The Restore team continued to work proactively to support survivors, whether in person or remotely, and maintaining relationships with their responsible counterparts, both within the government and civil society sectors.

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HILLSONG AFRICA FOUNDATION Hillsong Africa Foundation (HAF) is the local expression of community care for Hillsong South Africa, and as such, it provides a variety of programs to the local communities around each of the campus locations seeking to ‘build lives that build the nation’. HAF outworks a variety of programs with a specific focus on identity, empowerment and influence.

From school-based interventions like Shine and Strength, to after-school activities and sports clubs, as well as mentoring to develop employment skills and other personal development programs for adults, HAF works with their local community to identify the needs and respond as the local church.

Due to COVID lockdowns, HAF had to pivot most of their personal development programs online (graduating 170 people through online courses in 2021) as well as focusing on emergency food relief instead of their normal programming.

Over the last year, Hillsong Africa has impacted 162,280 people with food relief through their digital vouchers.These were distributed as individual vouchers as well as via support to local community food relief services across South Africa, including supporting local initiatives like community gardening in Dunoon.

Hillsong Church contributed $352,854 to Hillsong Africa Foundation in 2021.

HIGHLIGHTS FROM HAF IN 2021

The launch of online courses due to restrictions enabled HAF to increase their reach and impact, as well as train and equip more facilitators in areas they wouldn’t normally have been able to reach in person

Transition to digital vouchers for partners to efficiently purchase items they need, as well as launching digital care vouchers for individuals to purchase to responsibly reach and care for others in need

162,280 beneficiaries reached through through COVID-19 response activities

HAF’s first scholar, Calvin, graduated from High School

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UNITED FOR AFGHANISTAN: The Power of Advocacy

The situation in Afghanistan remains a political,

groups signed onto the Afghan-Australian led

economic, and humanitarian

crisis, that is

Action For Afghanistan petition, united in a call for

worsening on the ground, with effects spreading

federal parliamentarians to commit to additional

worldwide. Displacement, hunger, human rights

humanitarian places.

abuses, jeopardized healthcare, and a collapsing education system, is just part of the devastation

The campaign aims to show gratitude to the

being faced by the Afghan population.

Australian Government for their response to the needs of those in Afghanistan – for the initial 4,100

In August 2021, a coalition of Christian leaders,

people evacuated from the country.

including from Hillsong, brought together by Micah Australia, came together in a significant

In addition to this, Micah’s coalition of Church

sign of unity to launch the Christians United for

leaders specifically called on the Australian

Afghanistan Campaign. The objective being to lift

Government to welcome, protect, reunite and

the government’s intake of Afghan refugees beyond

support people from Afghanistan.

the existing humanitarian program.

As we present this report in 2022, Christian The catalyst for this initiative began in the Hills

leaders welcomed the Australian Government’s

District when 50 pastors and 41 churches wrote

commitment in the 2022-23 Federal Budget to take

to their local MP who is Australia’s Immigration

an additional 16,500 Afghan refugees.

Minister, Alex Hawke. Collectively, they pleaded with him to support a special additional intake of Afghan refugees.

From this moment, the campaign grew and churches from across the nation were emboldened and mobilised including Hillsong Church. More than 162,000 organisations, businesses and community

READ MORE HERE.

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LEADERSHIP NETWORK

EQUIPPING PASTORS TO FLOURISH The Hillsong Leadership Network equips pastors and leaders to flourish, serving local communities all over the world.

Members of the Network come from various denominations, styles, ages, locations, cultural groups, languages and sizes, and we support them to fulfill their potential.

The goal of all our resources is to empower other churches and their leaders to learn from the leadership and cultural insights of our various Hillsong churches and campuses.

The call to build the church is not an easy one,

and in many contexts the discouragement and isolation that church leaders face is all too familiar. Therefore, in an extraordinarily challenging year, it has been an enormous privilege to intentionally speak courage and hope into our friends and partners in the gospel.

In the face of continued travel restrictions, our ability to leverage digital content and personal touch points continued to expand our reach and impact.

“Being a part of Hillsong Leadership Network for the last four years has been a massive blessing in helping build our local church here in India. During the peak of the pandemic, with all the restrictions in place, the Leadership Network team spoke at our online conferences and were part of our Zoom interviews that blessed many thousands. Having access to all the church health & growth resources online has been a tremendous help, especially during this time, and the podcast from staff meetings has been a constant source of encouragement for our leadership growth.

We are grateful and thankful to God and everyone at Hillsong Leadership Network for their continued support - we’ve only become better because of it!"

STEVE PATTA - THE KING'S TEMPLE, HYDERABAD, INDIA

70

IN 2021:

WE PARTNERED WITH

492

3,837 LEADERS RECEIVED

MEMBER CHURCHES AND 54,916 LEADERS FROM AROUND THE WORLD

WEEKLY ‘PREACHING TIP’ EMAILS FROM ROBERT FERGUSSON (TEACHING PASTOR)

CONTINUED TO SEE THE 'REACH & INFLUENCE' ONLINE PREACHING COURSE RESOURCE 1,119 LEADERS IN 65 COUNTRIES

DESPITE RESTRICTED TRAVEL MOVEMENTS, OUR MEMBERS CONTINUED TO HAVE A ‘FRONT ROW SEAT’ TO THE BEST OF HILLSONG'S GLOBAL LEADERSHIP TEACHINGS FROM STAFF MEETINGS AND HEART & SOUL NIGHTS. WITH THE CONVENIENCE OF A PRIVATE PODCAST FEED, WE ARE ABLE TO INVITE LEADERS EVERYWHERE INTO THE VERY ‘HEART AND SOUL’ OF OUR LEADERSHIP CULTURE

71

Reports Education “I see a church with a world-class college that raises, equips, and empowers generations of young, anointed leaders from across the globe.

Graduates who serve God in all walks of life, released to salt the earth with dynamic ministries and churches throughout the continents of the world."

THE CHURCH I NOW SEE

72

HILLSONG COLLEGE

CAMPUSES:

COURSES:

UNDERGRADUATE - AUSTRALIA - USA - ONLINE

VOCATIONAL TRAINING

-

Diploma of Ministry (DipMin)

-

Certificate IV in Ministry

-

Associate Degree in Ministry (AAMin)

-

Diploma of Ministry

-

Bachelor of Ministry (BMin)

-

Advanced Diploma of Ministry

-

Bachelor of Theology (BTh)

POSTGRADUATE

-

Master of Arts (MA)

-

Master of Theology (MTh)

"We are grateful that we got to gather in the room and online for our 2021 graduation ceremony. Alongside our students, their families, alumni and our Hillsong Church community, we celebrated 346 graduating students."

At Hillsong College, our mission is to raise, equip, empower and release anointed leaders across the world. Our courses are designed to equip students for a life of purpose and impact.

No matter which program our students find themselves in, they will be prepared for a lifetime of loving God, loving people and utilising their gifts to build The Church.

In 2021 we continued to provide quality education throughout the ever-changing Covid-19 landscape. Restrictions varied at

each of our campuses, but we were grateful for the virtual innovations we implemented in 2020 that allowed us to seamlessly provide classes regardless of changing restrictions.

Our students and team have continued to inspire us with their commitment to each other, their studies and community in relation to the direction of our business. ITECA was key in assisting with some of these changes during COVID restrictions and where leniency needed to be applied for business survival.

73 NEW COURSES

Vocational

Our heart at Hillsong College has always been to equip students to build the local church no matter what their vocation may be. To do this to the best of our ability, we’ve refined what programs we offer, how we cultivate community and the way we present a dynamic learning environment for our students.

Hillsong College is a member of the Independent Tertiary Education Council Australia (ITECA), which is a group of tertiary education providers who are committed to supporting their students with best quality education. ITECA provides membership to small training organisations through to large non-government universities who all work together to seek common goals of leadership, professionalism, and quality education in the private sector of tertiary education. By working with ITECA we can access additional professional development, network with other education providers, stay informed of key changes within the education sector, and gain access to government stakeholders and regulators in relation to the direction of our business. ITECA was key in assisting with some of these changes during COVID restrictions and where leniency needed to be applied for business survival.

In 2021, we improved our course offerings in Australia and online by launching three new undergraduate courses: Diploma of Ministry, Associate Degree in Ministry, and Bachelor of Ministry. These courses are fully accredited through our academic partnership with Alphacrucis College and bring a whole new level of excellence to our hands-on ministry training. Through each of these courses, students get to elect subjects in areas that interest them - including leadership, ministry, music and more. Each of these new courses are available for Fee-Help and Financial Assistance for all domestic Australian students, which has made these courses accessible to more people.

ACCREDITATION Higher Education Since 2018, through academic partnership with Alphacrucis College, Hillsong Collge has offered research units in its BTh, MA and MTh awards. The research committee has developed a strong research culture at Hillsong College, with students undertaking a variety of research projects to explore areas directly relevant to their interests.

During COVID-19 restrictions, alongside our faculty publications, students continued to present at conferences and write peerreviewed articles from their projects to share their knowledge with the world.

ASQA (Australia Skills Quality Authority) and TEQSA (Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Agency) are the national regulators for tertiary education within Australia and hold education providers responsible to legislative standards in their registration for delivering tertiary education. Obligations to these regulators require consistent monitoring of compliance with regular reporting requirements. Throughout the pandemic, there were some adjustments made to the delivery of education and training that allowed us to shift temporarily to online and virtual formats of delivery. Under the Education Services for Overseas Students (ESOS) Act there is specific legislation that stipulates students cannot study more than 30% of their course online, by distance or virtual.

74

SUPPORT FOR STUDENTS The wellbeing of our student body is of the utmost importance to us. This is why we have a Pastoral Care team specifically dedicated to the emotional and practical support of our students throughout their studies.

Throughout the pandemic and changing restrictions, our Pastoral Care team continued to provide food and financial assistance

to students in need. In 2021, a new initiative was launched called “your wellbeing workout”.

This initiative was outworked through weekly webinars that equipped students with helpful habits and strategies to improve their mental health. This proactive approach proved to be helpful to our student body and we believe it was vital in forming mental health foundations that will last a lifetime.

Since I made the decision to come to Hillsong College, it is like God lined up a number of small faith steps for me. In every step, God has challenged me and led me closer to Jesus and knowing Him.

“I chose to study at Hillsong College because I want to be a pastor. And what better place to learn how to do so than at one of the most influential churches in the world?

The leadership and student body at Hillsong College are honestly a community that you want to be a part of – a place where you belong, always have someone to speak with and that ultimately pushes you to be a better servant of God. Since I made the decision to come to Hillsong College, it is like God lined up a number of

small faith steps for me. In every step, God has challenged me and led me closer to Jesus and knowing Him. Studying with Hillsong College virtually throughout the pandemic was really tough, but at the same time, it built character. Now, getting to actually be in the room, in the same time zone, is an absolute honour and so beautiful. I still think it is a dream.”

ALDRIN | SOUTH AFRICA | CURRENT STUDENT

75 “When I was in College, I really felt like I was instilled with confidence. I remember as a 19-year-old girl, praying a prayer and asking God to give me His heart for young people.

But it was through coming to Hillsong College that I felt I got the tools put into my hands to fulfill what was in my heart. I am so grateful for my time at Hillsong College and how it has impacted who I’ve become, my love for God, and my ability to build His Church with grace and purpose.”

SARAH | AUSTRALIA | ALUMNI & YOUTH PASTOR

Hillsong College has been one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. In my past year and a half, I have fallen more in love with Jesus...

Hillsong College has been one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. In my past year and a half, I have fallen more in love with Jesus, learned about the importance of community, and become so much more confident in my identity. The community and the people I have been able to meet over the past year, despite being virtual, were no doubt from the Lord.

The toughest part about studying virtually wasn’t the lack of community, it was the fact that I was thousands of miles away from all my classmates who over the course of the year had become my best friends. There were times when I wanted to give up, but the encouragement I received from my classmates,

and even my trainers, helped me to keep going.

So, coming to study in person has been the sweetest time. The community we have built feels so strong because we have been waiting to study in Sydney together for so long, and now it is finally our reality.

I’ve dreamt of coming to Hillsong College since I was a child, but it seemed impossible because I didn’t feel qualified and Sydney was across the world. Now I am 22, and living in the dream the Lord gave me as a 12-year-old. Although it didn’t start in the way that I thought it would, it has been the most transformational time of my life.”

EMIKO | USA | CURRENT STUDENT

76

Roda's Story

GOD IN THE DETAILS FROM ERITREA TO KHARTOUM, SUDAN TO WINNIPEG, CANADA TO SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA.

Read the full story on Hillsong Collected

Going to college chapel services, being immersed in worship, and sitting under God's word, allowed me to heal."

77

NIGHT SCHOOL Night School creates opportunities through short, five-week courses through to 12 months, for people to grow in their faith, calling and gain valuable life skills. 81 courses ran in 2021 across four streams: Bible, Leadership, Creative and Life. Through a team made up largely of volunteers, we continued to deliver an excellent online weekly class

1,272 ENROLEMENTS

3 OUT OF 4 TERMS COMPLETELY ONLINE (ONE HYBRID TERM)

80% OF STUDENTS CONSISTENTLY IN ATTENDANCE

learning experience. We had students of all ages and walks of life attend and whilst most of our students were from Hillsong, we served people from many other churches and wider community. Despite the restrictions with Covid, we decided to celebrate their achievements by creating an online graduation.

81

49

COURSES OFFERED

STUDENTS JOINED FROM ACROSS 10 COUNTRIES

46

23

COUPLES PARTICIPATED IN THE PREMARRIAGE COURSE.

HILLSONG LOCATIONS IN AUSTRALIA

42 COUPLES PARTICIPATED IN THE MARRIAGE COURSE

78

Read Buzz's Story WHEN HE LEARNED NEW LEADERSHIP SKILLS AT NIGHT SCHOOL

Read the full story on Hillsong Collected

The leadership skills I learnt at Night School are still a key part of my life and both my wife and I run a connect group and serve at church. Despite the ongoing health challenges my wife faces and Covid, God has answered many of our prayers, including the birth of our gorgeous baby girl.

79

Creative Arts

80

HILLSONG MUSIC AUSTRALIA

In 2021, we continued our efforts in creating worship that resounds from villages and tribes to great cities and nations, by releasing 52 recordings, in 15 languages including Spanish, French, Bahasa Indonesia, Tamil, Afrikaans, Xhosa, Zulu and more. We continued to support local churches around the world by providing training, songs, guidance and resources.

curriculum for children’s ministries, titled ‘Who You Say I Am’, supporting local churches with Christ-centered, Bible-based, curriculum for children’s programs ranging from 1-12 years of age. In addition, we included an additional special needs experience to ensure that every child can learn about the love God has for each of them.

The reach of Hillsong content was evidenced in over 13 billion minutes watched on YouTube, with nearly one million comments. Many of these comments expressed their deep appreciation for the songs. Hillsong Kids released a new

IN 2021 Y&F WERE NOMINATED FOR A GRAMMY FOR ‘BEST CONTEMPORARY CHRISTIAN ALBUM' FOR ‘ALL OF MY BEST FRIENDS'

81

CREATIVE ARTS

WORKING TOGETHER Each week the creative team focus their efforts towards Sunday services. This year presented unique opportunities across the country, with each location meeting in different formats– online, in person or a hybrid form. Live worship elements of online church is facilitated out of our Hills campus in Sydney. When this wasn't possible our Queensland team stepped in.

As locations returned to in-person gatherings, we adjusted our arrangements each week in line with Safe Church. We ensured that safety and wellbeing for all our staff and volunteers was our emphasis. We held regular meetings with our creative teams across Australia and around the world, providing encouragement, support, coaching and practical assistance.

TEAM NIGHTS Our Creative Team Nights were important gatherings for our creative community. They provided a place for our creative teams across the country to find and build a sense of community, continue to upskill in the craft, and sit under teaching that further disciples them to Christ.

TABLES When it was possible to gather together, we introduced the concept of 'tables' with the goal to sit together in smaller groups, studying the Scriptures and encourage each other in our faith. This was an expansion of our regular gatherings - usually focused around rehearsals and midweek preparation and we were encouraged to see the teams galvanised in their faith and also their commitment to healthy community.

YOUTH Part of our mandate as a church is to equip, empower, and release the next generation into their calling. Our creative team have made a concerted effort to include youth from a variety of campuses and backgrounds to develop their creative gifting and heart for worship. We ran creative workshops and songwriting programs for highschoolers throughout the year - some digital but in person where possible - with a strong focus on mentoring these young creatives towards Christ through the vehicle of their creative giftings.

82 AMPLIFIED ARTS ACADEMY

ARTISTS STILL LIVE HERE

Amplified Arts Academy (AMP), is a creative arts school based at our Hills campus, largely staffed and run by teachers and experts from within our church. This outreach builds into families by championing and developing the creative abilities of children in a safe, encouraging, and high value environment.

During 2021, our AMP team needed to take many classes online. This helped children and parents maintain some sense of normalcy in the midst of great personal challenges and our AMP classes were filled with both joy and skill.

The competition teams were able to attend local competitions at the end of the year.

Despite rehearsing mostly on zoom, our hiphop team won first place at two competitions. The AMP year ended with over 100 enrolments, and we look forward to continued community impact in 2022.

In 2021, we released a digital magazine called ‘Artists Still Live Here’. The magazine captured stories from a diverse group of creatives and artists in a stunning variety of fields, while also providing a creative outlet for many of our team and volunteers to share their gifts and passions with a wider audience.

SUPPORT IN BALI Like many communities, Bali was hit hard by the pandemic with many people losing employment, housing, and steady access to food and clean water. Aware of some specific needs, our creative team banded together, raising over AUD $11,000 for food hampers that could be distributed by local centres.

THE HILLSONG CREATIVE PODCAST In 2021, we released 24 episodes of the The Hillsong Creative Podcast for our community of more than 13,000 listeners. The podcast remains a great tool for resourcing our creative volunteers, with inspiring and practical conversations. In 2021, episodes included voices from our global Creative team, as well as special guests like Bobby Gruenewald from YouVersion, Martin Smith, and Dallas Jenkins from The Chosen TV series.

WORSHIP & CREATIVE CONFERENCE This past year, our Worship & Creative Conference became a 24-hour live-streamed online experience. We took the opportunity to try something completely new and untried that had never been done before, and our teams around the globe rose to the challenge.

We had all our global teams involved, hosting parts of the conference and creating incredible moments of inspiration for a worldwide conference audience online. We went around the globe, from Australia, to London, Sweden, South Africa, Latin America, the USA and back to Sydney. We also recorded 25 masterclasses, doing our best to empower local churches and creative teams .

We also had the opportunity to partner with Open Doors on Project Pearl - providing Bibles for the Chinese underground church. We also furthered our partnership with Compassion International, working closely with them throughout the conference raise awareness and sponsor children living in extreme poverty.

83 SIMPLY CHRISTMAS PRODUCTION One of the largest creative projects of 2021 was our Simply Christmas show, a production we put on as a gift and outreach to the local community in and around our church.

Held at our Hills Campus, we were able to put on six shows, attended by over 12,000 people

across one weekend - an amazing opportunity to point people to the true power of the Christmas story. Our team invested hundreds of hours in preparation and rehearsal - all worth it to know that over 1,400 people made a decision for Jesus.

‘Darwin is such a unique and diverse part of Australia. Being the Creative Pastor up here this past year has been gratifying and such an honour. It has been met with the challenges of COVID but what I have loved and what continues to remain consistent, strong and raw in this season, is worship. Whether we’re leaning into Hills campus worship over a link, facilitating worship in a regional Aboriginal community with an acoustic guitar, or we have our local team on stage, Jesus is there, and we unite around His name and the presence of God is tangible.’

CHRISTIE JACOBS, NORTHERN TERRITORY, CREATIVE PASTOR

84

Financials & Governance OUR SOURCES OF REVENUE

9% 77% Donations

Other

8% Service & Events

5% Venue Hire Income

1% Care Programs

HOW PROCEEDS ARE SPENT

27%

Programs & Operations

26%

Pastoral Care, Kids & Youth

24%

Worship, Creativity & Events

14%

Missions & Outreach Corporate Services

9%

85

86

87 STATEMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

For the year ended 31 December 2021 2021 ($)

2020 ($)

76,924,646

87,751,315

(69,785,526)

(74,864,157)

(197,483)

(259,729)

Conferences

(2,150,123)

(3,508,630)

Other expenses

(3,762,241)

(3,919,458)

1,029,273

5,199,341

(514,318)

(502,794)

1,029,273

5,199,341

–

–

514,318

4,696,547

TOTAL REVENUE

Church and other benevolent activities Resources

SURPLUS FROM OPERATIONS

Financial expense, net NET SURPLUS AVAILABLE FOR CHURCH AND MINISTRY PROJECTS

OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME TOTAL COMPREHENSIVE INCOME FOR THIS PERIOD

STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN EQUITY

For the year ended 31 December 2021

Balance at 1 January 2021 Total comprehensive income for the period BALANCE AT 31 DECEMBER 2021

Balance at 1 January 2020 Related party debt forgiveness Transfer of reserve Total comprehensive income for the period BALANCE AT 31 DECEMBER 2020

COMMON CONTROL RESERVE ($)

RETAINED SURPLUS ($)

TOTAL ($)

17,451,665

17,913,516

35,365,181

-

514,318

514,318-

17,451,665

18,427,834

35,879,499

15,535,762

12,997419

28,533,181

2,135,453

-

2,135,453

-

4,696,547

4,696,547

(219,550)

(219,550)

-

17,451,665

17,913,516

35,365,181

STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION

For the year ended 31 December 2021 CURRENT ASSETS

2021 ($)

2020 ($)

Cash and cash equivalents

19,053,104

11,124,708

Trade and other receivables

855,494

1,653,993

Inventories

254,058

225,804

36,933

698,116

20,199,589

13,702,621

Other receivables

23,056,626

27,542,048

Property, plant and equipment

29,607,235

32,148,890

Total non-current assets

52,663,861

59,690,637

TOTAL ASSETS

72,863,450

73,393,558

Trade and other payables

2,913,309

1,306,090

Lease liabilities

3,094,291

3,318,972

Employee benefits

5,308,009

5,524,552

Other payables

3,235,046

4,396,438

14,550,655

14,546,052

4,423,122

5,026,682

17,299,368

17,813,974

710,806

641,669

TOTAL NON-CURRENT LIABILITES

22,433,296

23,482,326

TOTAL LIABILITIES

36,983,951

38,028,377

NET ASSETS

35,879,499

35,365,181

Common control reserve

17,451,665

17,451,665

Retained surplus

18,427,834

17,913,516

35,879,499

35,365,181

Other assets Total Current assets

NON-CURRENT ASSETS

CURRENT LIABILITIES

TOTAL CURRENT LIABILITIES

NON-CURRENT LIABILITIES

Other paybles Lease liabilities Employee benefits

ACCUMULATED FUNDS

TOTAL ACCUMULATED FUNDS

89

STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS

For the year ended 31 December 2021 CASH FLOW FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES

2021 ($)

2020 ($)

Cash receipts in the course of operations

77,649,308

86,314,032

(69,600,345)

(79,884,785)

465,579

503,778

(980,534)

(1,006,572)

7,534,008

5,926,453

(1,006,346)

(2,111,567)

7,273

43,181

999,073

2,068,386

(2,399,487)

(10,852,557)

Repayments from related Hillsong entities

7,591,642

2,802,542

Loans from related Hillsong entities

1,520,415

6,629,583

Repayments to related Hillsong entities

(2,123,977)

(223,779)

Repayments to related Hillsong entities

(3,195,132)

(2,160,774)

NET CASH PROVIDED BY/(USED IN) FINANCING ACTIVITES

1,393,461

(3,804,985)

Net increase in cash and cash equivalents

7,928,396

53,083

Cash and cash equivalents at the beginning of the year

11,124,708

11,071,625

19,053,104

11,124,708

Cash payments to suppliers and employees Interest received Interest paid NET CASH PROVIDED BY OPERATING ACTIVITIES

CASH FLOW FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES

Payments for property, plant and equipment Proceeds from sale of asset NET CASH USED IN INVESTING ACTIVITIES

CASH FLOW FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES

Loans to related Hillsong entities

CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT THE END OF THE YEAR

90

CHAIRMAN'S REPORT

This 2021 Annual Report is full of stories and reports where our pastors and staff stared down the significant Covid-19 challenges. They adapted, pivoted and innovated new ways to serve you and our community.

Phil and Lucinda Dooley stepped in as Interim Global Senior Pastors in January 2022.

Their focus on health (spiritual, mental, and emotional) has been embraced by all as we deal with the ongoing impacts of the pandemic. We deeply value the way our whole church has embraced them.

Hillsong Church is working through an historic transition. Where there is opportunity and new vision there will be change and challenge, so we press forward with God’s grace.

As we look to a bright future, I believe Brian and Bobbie‘s legacy will live large, and we are grateful for their decades of leadership, faithfulness and vision.

I would like to thank the board members who diligently served through the challenges of 2021. They turned up to our many meetings with wisdom, care, and a determination to see a unified and smooth transition.

Most of all, I want to thank you, the people of Hillsong Church for seeing this transition through with faith and prayer.

Together we continue to serve and build a church that is focused on Jesus and His goodness in the lives of all people.

DR. STEPHEN CROUCH

91

Board Dr Stephen Crouch

Brian Houston

GAICD, FCA, B. Bus, MEc, DBA Chairman

Dr. Min. (Honoris Causa), Dip. Min. & Bib. St.

Board Member since 2021

Board Member since 1988

Stephen is a Charted Accountant [Fellow] and Principal of an accounting and financial services firm. With over 30 years of industry experience – starting as a CA with KPMG and then moving to private practice in 1996 – Stephen has a wealth of commercial experience and is well placed to make contributions to strategy and structure, financial reporting and taxation, risk and assurance, supply chain and information systems. Stephen completed his Doctorate of Business Administration at Macquarie Graduate School of Management in 2010. In addition to this he chairs and is a director in both commercial and charitable organisations. Stephen is an active member of Hillsong Church Sydney and has served in a voluntary capacity for over 30 years.

Brian is a credentialed minister of religion and a devoted pastor. Together alongside his wife, Bobbie, he is the founder of Hillsong Church. In 1983, Pastors Brian and Bobbie planted what was then known as Hills Christian Life Centre. What began in a local school hall with 70 people on the fringe of Sydney has since grown to become a global movement with campuses in 30 countries across six continents. Brian resigned from the Board, effective 17th August 2021.

92

George Aghajanian

Amanda Tay

GAICD, B. Sc. Company Secretary

GAICD, B. Bus

Board Member since 1996

Board Member since 2019

George has been the General Manager of Hillsong Church for over 25 years. Prior to joining Hillsong Church, he gained extensive experience in management, customer service, sales, and marketing in the private sector. He possesses a wealth of senior management experience, working with both Australian and international organisations and brings a strong balance of faith and practical business application to his role.

Amanda is an experienced banking executive with over 20 years in the finance industry.

Amanda offers expertise in senior leadership, business acumen, risk management and leading transformation. She has a passion for developing people and has championed and chaired multiple women’s events, both locally and internationally.

Peter Toganivalu

Nabi Saleh

MAICD, Dip. Min.

B. Sc. PCM

Board Member since 2017

Board Member since 1990

Peter and his wife, Laura, are Global Pastors of Hillsong Young & Free. Peter is a credentialed minister of religion and is passionate about seeing young people rise up across the earth, finding their God-given identity and calling in knowing Jesus Christ. Peter is a visionary, dynamic communicator, and a creative leader.

Nabi is the former Executive Chairman of Gloria Jean’s Coffees worldwide and Executive Chairman of Praise International USA, which operates It’s a Grind Coffee Houses. His drive, passion and belief in people, coupled with his strong business acumen and godly wisdom, has enabled him to continue to sit on several boards for large, nonprofit organisations.

93

Phillip Denton

Don Cooper-Williams

GAICD

MAICD

Board Member since 2010

Board Member since 1993

Phillip is an Executive Director of Hillscorp, a property development company. With his 29 years of experience in the industry, he offers business acumen and facilities development expertise to the Board.

Don is the founder of AltoPoint Consulting.

With over 40 years of experience in executive management within the IT industry, Don offers a wealth of experience in business leadership, church leadership, corporate governance, and growth strategy to corporations. Don resigned from the Board, effective 31st March 2022.

Melinda Dwight

Dane Gambrill

OMC

GAICD, PMC

Board Member since 2016

Board Member since 2008

Melinda serves as the National Director of Alpha Australia, and is actively involved in several faith based organisations championing leadership, justice and faith. Melinda has been a credentialed minister of religion with the ACC for over 30 years and previously served as Senior Pastor of a thriving church network active in church planting. For many years she served on the ACC State Executive, the board of ACCI World Missions and Youth Alive. She is a regular communicator in churches, conferences, justice forums and leadership gatherings. Melinda resigned from the Board, effective 21st March 2022.

Dane is an experienced manager and executive with 20 years in Information Technology with roles in IT operations, product and offering management, sales, and marketing. Throughout this time, Dane has been responsible for leading both industry verticals and product segments across the Asia Pacific region for IBM. He has participated in several global executive education programs and is a graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors (GAICD). Dane is currently undertaking strategic management studies at the University of NSW. Dane also chairs Hillsong’s IT Advisory Committee and was previously the Pastor of our Northern Beaches campus.

94 GOVERNANCE Hillsong Church understands that strong governance is essential for the church to be healthy, operating in line with its values, and successful in its mission. Effective governance is central to building an environment of trust and engagement within both the congregation and the broader community being served. The board acknowledge that recent events have led to reduced confidence in the church’s governance and initiated an external review. An independent review of the effectiveness of the Hillsong Global Board commenced in the second quarter of 2022 with a review of the Australian Board to follow. The governance framework will clearly define roles and responsibilities, along with supporting processes, policies, and accountabilities.

STRUCTURE Hillsong Church consists of several legal entities registered as charities with the Australian Charities and Not-for-profit Commission (ACNC). The activities undertaken by the church are principally for the purpose of ‘advancing the Christian faith of Hillsong Church and its ministries in Australia, in accordance with the Statement of Belief’. Related activities include education, welfare, and culture.

Hillsong Church is committed to acting with integrity, due care and diligence as would be expected from any Australian charity.

THE ROLE OF GLOBAL SENIOR PASTOR The Global Senior Pastor is appointed by the board and brings spiritual and organisational leadership to Hillsong Church, providing vision and strategic direction for the church, under the authority of the board. The Global Senior Pastor is accountable to the board for the operations of Hillsong Church.

ROLE OF THE BOARD The role of the board is to provide governance, stewardship and accountability needed for alignment with and fulfilment of the church’s vision, purpose and values.

Being ultimately accountable for the church’s activities, effectiveness, and compliance, the board seeks to add value, oversees management and the strategic direction provided by the Global Senior Pastor.

DUTIES OF DIRECTORS Each director fulfills the duties outlined in ACNC Governance Standard 5, being: • to act with reasonable care and diligence • to act honestly and fairly in the best interests of the charity and for its charitable purposes • not to misuse their position or information they gain in their role • to disclose conflicts of interest • to ensure that the financial affairs of the charity are managed responsibly, and • not to allow the charity to operate while it is insolvent.

SUB-COMMITTEES Subcommittees have been established to assist the board to meet its responsibilities in the key areas of audit, risk, compliance, and remuneration.

95 ETHICAL STANDARDS AND VALUES

BOARD REMUNERATION

Hillsong Church is a Christ-centred ministry and therefore the directors, management and employees are expected to conduct themselves with the highest of ethical and biblical standards. The expectations of directors are outlined in each respective constitution as well as the governance standards of the ACNC. Employees are bound by various policies including the Code of Conduct and the Terms and Conditions within their employment contract, and pastoral staff are accountable through the Pastor's Code of Conduct.

The directors are not paid any remuneration for their services on the board. Remuneration received by executive directors is in respect of their executive duties. There is no relationship between the packages received by executive directors and the church’s financial performance and no equity-based remuneration packages are entered into.

ASSURANCE The responsibility of the board is to seek assurance from the organisation and its management that the church is complying and managing its risks effectively. An effective assurance tool is audit. This is annually conducted on the financial statements of the church

by Ernst & Young.

RISK MANAGEMENT Oversight and assessment of the effectiveness of risk management is the responsibility of the board. Members of the board require that risks facing the church have been identified and assessed, and that the risks are being properly managed. The board of Hillsong Church Australia is committed to the practice of risk management to assist with strategic decision-making and operational oversight.

Compliance The board is responsible to ensure the church is compliant with all relevant laws. The breadth of compliance responsibilities ranges from matters relating to charity regulations, financial reporting, employment, WH&S, food safety, building codes and protecting vulnerable people.

CONFLICTS OF INTEREST Hillsong Church is committed to the effective management of conflicts of interest to ensure decision making is conducted in the best interest of the church and for its charitable purposes. Those in a position of authority to make decisions on behalf of the church must not misuse their position or information they gain and must disclose conflicts of interest when they arise.

The appropriate handling of conflicts of interest is prescribed in the constitutions and the Conflicts of Interest Policy and a conflicts register held by the secretary is regularly updated.

SAFETY AND THE PROTECTION OF VULNERABLE PEOPLE Hillsong Church is committed to providing a safe environment for all of those who are involved in its activities, with special consideration to those who are vulnerable. The board is responsible for monitoring the performance of safety measures being implemented within the church.

To ensure concerns are appropriately handled, the church operates both grievance and whistleblower processes which can be found at www.hillsong.com/concern.

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Our Thanks The effectiveness of our programs and services is only possible because of the collective sacrifice of many. Thank you to the community of Hillsong, all the families and individuals, all the volunteers and so many who make Hillsong Church feel like home.

We are grateful too, for the dedicated participation of our Hillsong College students who take part in a wide range of church

operations. We also would like to extend our thanks to those who attend Hillsong Church and to those who give financially to support our vision. Hillsong Church is also grateful to have partnered with numerous organisations in 2021, both within Australia and internationally, through a range of initiatives to support and facilitate projects, and to provide humanitarian assistance.

Annual Report

2021

Hillsong

Australia

hillsong.com

@hillsong

Annual Report

2021 hillsong.com