It was any other day; Bobbie and I were in California visiting Hillsong Church Los Angeles amongst other things, and had arranged to meet with friends, Matt and Laurie Crouch for a casual lunch and catch-up.  It was on the way to that very lunch date Matt tells a story of God dropping an idea into his spirit – A Hillsong Channel.

It was that prompting, and after many discussions and a lot of prayer that we are just days away from launching a 24-hour Hillsong Channel on the TBN Network.  It was in 2014 that I re-wrote a layer to the Hillsong Church vision with these very words:

“I see a church that is constantly innovative: A church that leads the communication of a timeless message through media, film, and technology. A church with a message beamed to people around the globe through their television screens, bringing JESUS into homes, palaces and prisons alike.”

Words that I never could have imagined would come to fruition a mere two years later.  God is so faithful, and we couldn’t be more excited with the opportunity that is in front of us to simply be ourselves, stretch our capacity and enable the Good News of Jesus Christ to travel further and wider than we ever could take it on our own.  As you read this, Hillsong Channel is going LIVE and you can click the link at the bottom of this email to watch.  We have so much vision for what this channel could be and who it could reach… I hope you will lean in, pray and believe with us as this vision unfolds…

HILLSONG CHANNEL MISSION STATEMENT

To reach and influence the world by building a large Christ-centered, Bible-based television channel that changes mindsets and empowers people to lead and impact in every sphere of life.

THE CHANNEL I SEE

The channel that I see is a global channel, outworked from the heart of a local church and operating from a unified vision. I see a prophetic and visionary channel committed to boldly impacting millions for Christ in every nation throughout the earth with the greatest of all causes – the cause of our Lord Jesus Christ.

I see a channel that champions local churches everywhere; that isn’t a substitute for Sunday services or the gathering of the saints, but resources pastors and parishioners alike every day of the week. A channel that brings the local church into the homes of those who have not yet ‘come Home.’

I see a channel that is constantly pioneering: one that leads the industry in revolutionary communication of an ancient message through media, film and technology. A channel with a message beamed to people around the globe through their television screens, bringing JESUS into homes, palaces and prisons alike. A channel that is constantly looking towards the future – filled with a vision that inspires and influences many.

I see a channel that encourages unity through diversity. Showcasing the body of Christ in all her glory with different styles of worshipping and different ways of communicating; encouraging every viewer to be all that God has called them to be.

I see innovative content powerful enough to draw the masses, while personal enough for every ONE. A channel that unfolds inspiring stories that collectively proclaim the character of our big, gracious and ever-present God. I see a channel committed to authenticity and credibility, creating pathways for ministries to go where they have never gone and do what they have never done.

I see a selfless and growing, partner base, dedicated to playing their part by praying and supporting the global mission and initiatives of the Hillsong Channel.

I see skilled and talented individuals committed to giving their time, craft, creativity and imagination to programming that captures the hearts of people from every walk of life.

The channel I see resources others with worship and songs – reflecting such passion for Christ that people are impacted by His magnificence and power. I see a distinct look and sound that carries that undeniable sense of God’s presence to villages and tribes – great cities and nations all around the globe.

I see a channel that is all about loving God, loving people and loving life; glorifying Jesus Christ and bringing His hope to humanity.

Youthful in spirit; generous at heart; faith-filled in confession; loving in nature and inclusive in expression – this channel is committed to bringing the love and hope of Christ to everyday and impossible situations through the preaching of the gospel. This mandate is what drives us to do all we can to bring help and healing to a needy world.

I see a channel whose head is Jesus, whose help is the Holy Spirit and whose focus is the Great Commission.

– Brian Houston 2016