WORLDWIDE WORSHIP: EXAMINING THE RISE OF HILLSONG AND THE GLOBALISATION OF A CHRISTIAN WORSHIP CULTURE

Abstract

The advent of globalisation has increased in intensity, extensity and velocity in recent years with ideas, people and practices moving more easily across borders. In the realm of cultural globalisation, there have been debates about whether the homogenisation, polarisation or hybridisation thesis have held the most validity. The advent of cultural globalisation has hence also impacted Christianity. However, whilst there have been discussions on the relations between Christianity and globalisation more broadly, very few works have specifically examined the relation between Christianity and cultural globalisation. By specifically analysing the globalisation of Hillsong within continental Europe and contextualised against the presence (or lack thereof) of Evangelicalism within Europe, this Honours Thesis strives to understand the strands of Christianity and Christian worship practices and cultures that have become increasingly popular globally. To do so, I conducted case study research on Hillsong churches within Europe, examining their websites, ministries and services, complemented with library research and other academic sources on cultural globalisation, Evangelicalism and Hillsong itself. It was found that Hillsong?s rise, overall, proves the validity of the homogenisation thesis. Despite reiterations of constant marketing as local churches, Hillsong gained prominence by imposing a near-homogenous, monolithic brand of Christianity that is consumed by its attendees globally, providing a direct challenge to mainline denominational Christianity by offering a different worship experience that resonates with a new generation of Christians.