When our family moved to a new area, we weren’t just looking for a church—we were searching for a place to belong. As a multiethnic and multiracial family through birth and adoption—and parents of nine children, many with additional special needs—we’ve often asked, Is there a place for us here?
We visited several churches, hoping to find a community where our children would be embraced. At Hillsong Church, we experienced something different. My kids weren’t just greeted—they were known. The youth leaders, staff, and key team made us feel like family, not visitors.
We didn’t just hear the words Welcome home. You belong here. We experienced them. And that changed everything.
Recently, I sat down with one of our global lead pastors, Chris Mendez. Alongside his wife, Lucy, Chris has led with boldness and deep conviction—championing unity and belonging in Australia and Latin America.
Ever since I’ve known Chris, his passion has been unmistakable. I wanted to start by understanding his story.
What I didn’t expect was the incredible God-story behind his why.
As the son of immigrant parents in Australia, Chris experienced cultural tensions and discrimination firsthand. Growing up in a Latino home while navigating Australian culture daily, he often wrestled with identity. But at the age of 21, everything changed.
Through a radical encounter with God, Chris received a revelation of Kingdom culture—as described in Revelation 7:9 (NIV):
“After this I looked, and there before me was a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, tribe, people, and language, standing before the throne and before the Lamb. They were wearing white robes and were holding palm branches in their hands.”
The Holy Spirit revealed to Chris that God’s Kingdom is for everyone—every age, every culture, every background.
What a powerful Kingdom way for us all to live.
Jesus and Unity
Chris emphasized that unity and belonging go beyond race or culture—division can come from classism, economics, theology, or more.
Chris pointed to Jesus’ ministry as the ultimate model of unity and belonging. We explored several moments in Scripture that powerfully illustrate Jesus’ heart for unity and belonging.
- John 4:1-42 – Jesus and the woman at the well. Jesus broke gender, ethnic, social, and religious barriers to bring reconciliation. He sought out the marginalized, valued the unseen, and created belonging.
- Luke 8:43-48 – Jesus and the woman with the issue of blood. She should have been shunned, but Jesus called her daughter and boldly restored her worth.
- Luke 17:11-19 – Jesus and the lepers. Lepers were the ultimate outcasts (Leviticus 13:45-46), yet Jesus did the unthinkable—not only healing them but restoring their place in society.
- John 17:20-23 – Jesus prays for our unity. He prayed that we would be one as He, the Father, and the Holy Spirit are one—so that the world would know God.
Chris put it powerfully:
“The way we do church, lead, and treat people—either we are answering Jesus’ prayer for unity, or we are not.”
“Jesus constantly went to the people no one else would go to. How can we not be challenged by that?”
The Role of the Holy Spirit in Unity
It’s not just a human effort—it reflects God’s glory (John 17) and the move of the Holy Spirit (Acts 2).
Chris pointed to the first outpouring of the Holy Spirit:
Acts 2:5-6 (NIV):
“Now there were staying in Jerusalem God-fearing Jews from every nation under heaven. When they heard this sound, a crowd came together in bewilderment, because each one heard their own language being spoken.”
Chris shared:
“The first outpouring of the Holy Spirit wasn’t just about power—it was about unity. The Holy Spirit brought understanding, togetherness, and belonging.”
These verses remind us that unity isn’t an extra—it’s part of God’s blueprint for His Church.
Welcome Home
“The way I live my life should mirror how Jesus welcomed me.”He challenged us to stop living with magnifying glasses—scrutinizing others—and start living as mirrors that reflect Jesus’ love.
“I received a ‘Welcome Home.’ Now I need to mirror that. We can’t get so familiar with Christianity that we forget we were once welcomed. It’s not ‘come as I need you to be,’ but ‘come as you are and let Jesus transform you.’ “
Intentional Leadership
Chris has led in Australia, Argentina, Brazil, Mexico, and Uruguay (Latin America), so I asked him about leadership. He emphasized that unity and belonging require intentionality:
“Pastors need to identify the main challenges in their context and be intentional about addressing them. It starts with a heart check—do we treat people differently? Do we unintentionally create divisions based on status?”
Fostering Kingdom culture starts with leaders actively resisting favoritism, classism, and personal preferences. It requires ensuring our ministries reflect God’s heart for all people.
For those who have the conviction but lack boldness, Chris’ advice is simple:
“Be intentional. It starts with leadership, language, and the way we do things.”
He added:
“Some people struggle with unity and belonging because they’re still operating out of a cultural or denominational mindset instead of a Kingdom mindset.
‘It’s not about my Latino heritage or my Australian nationality anymore—it’s about the Kingdom. That’s my identity now.’
‘When you have a Kingdom revelation, you realize unity isn’t optional—it’s foundational.’”
Unity and Belonging: A Kingdom Mandate
As Hillsong continues to grow globally, Chris sees unity and belonging as central to our future:
“We started as a local church with a global impact. Now we are a global church with a local impact.”
With new locations in Colombia, Fiji, and Bali, Hillsong carries a clear message: All are welcome in God’s Kingdom.
“Unity brings belonging, and belonging brings unity. They are intertwined. If we keep building healthy churches that embrace every background, we will be a force in this space.”
The Invitation to Unity
Chris’ words leave us with reflection:
- Are we answering Jesus’ prayer for unity?
- Are we being intentional about fostering unity and belonging?
- Are we allowing the Holy Spirit to shape us into people who reflect the
Kingdom?
Unity and belonging aren’t ministry initiatives. They’re a Kingdom calling.
Let’s live it out—together.
Written by:
Unity & Belonging Program Manager
Hillsong Church
Maria Hansen-Quine
Mar 25 2025
