HILLSONG COLLEGE YEARBOOK 2019
YEARBOOK 2019
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TABLE OF CONTENTS 07 08 10 16
THANK YOU
Message from B&B Houston
THANK YOU
Message from our Exec Team
OUR TEAM OUR TEAM
Staff Photos
FEATURE STORY FEATURE STORY
Revival starts with one
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BATTLE OFOF T H THE E T RA ITRAINERS N ERS BATTLE
Duncan & Wendy Corby
HIGHLIGHTS
Photo highlights from 2019
STUDENT STO RY STUDENT STORY
Josh Rockhoff
STUDENT STO RY GET TO KNOW
Aaron Richardson & Abi Clarence
S ENIOR E D I TO R S
Rachel Helms, Anastasia Anstey COOR D I NATO R
Natalie Zuidersma-Ros
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STUDENT STORY STUDENT STORY
Rachel Higginbotham
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HLP STORY HLP STORY
Jason Roache
DE SI GNE R S
Anastasia Anstey, Hendrik Zuidersma-Ros PHOT OGR AP H E R S
Hayley Rafton, Kassandra Brown, Jayden Gleeson
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FEATURE STORY FEATURE STORY
Phoenix Pioneers
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STAY CONNECT ED STAY CONNECTED
2019 Graduates
CONT RIBUT ING W R I TE R S
Rachelle Castro, Uteng Masuku, Lucia Font Trejos, Tunde Ojikutu, Hannah Agum, Alex Melnic, Rachel Higginbotham, Cory Halfast, Jacoby Bly, Andrew Stech, Callie Walsh, Daniel Najera, Victoria Bly, Joe Gutteridge, Jordan Brown, Josh Rockhoff, Jason Roache, Aaron Richardson, Abi Clarence
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THANK YOU
MESSAGE FROM BRIAN & BOBBIE HOUSTON
Well done for yet another amazing year! We are so proud of you, who you have become and all you’ve accomplished. It is no small thing for God to entrust you to Hillsong for such a pivotal time in your life. We are thankful and honoured the Holy Spirit led you here, and we trust it has been a remarkable season of your life. As you finish, let us remind you why you started. For most, you had a desire to pursue God’s plans and purposes for your life, and you committed to the process of wholeheartedly entrusting yourself to the adventure of living in God’s will. Bobbie and I are over forty years down the road on this adventure, and we’ve endeavoured to remain true to why we began in the first place: to love God and love people. Don’t hunger for progress if you have no appetite for the process; there is always a process to progress. Look how far you have come in your time here and thank God for it. Amidst these most critical days in which we live, we believe you will be a mover and shaker in every sphere you step into. Our prayer is that the spark of faith that drew you here would continue to be fueled into a heart ablaze and that you would carry God’s light into darkness, salting the earth with the Good News of Jesus Christ.
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During your time with us, we hope you have been everawakened to the possibility, promise and heaven-touched future that is ahead of you. Remain connected to the source, Jesus, and you will step into the days to come with vigour, hope and confidence. There is so much more on the horizon for you. May God’s goodness and faithfulness follow you all the days of your life and may His face and favour shine upon you in all seasons. We believe in you. Your best is yet to come. “…Keep your eyes on Jesus, who both began and finished this race we’re in. Study how he did it. Because he never lost sight of where he was headed—that exhilarating finish in and with God…” - Hebrews 12:1 With love,
Brian & Bobbie Houston Global Senior Pastors of Hillsong Church Presidents of Hillsong College
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LEE BURNS
THANK YOU
MESSAGES FROM OUR EXECUTIVE TEAM
EX ECUT I V E V I CE P RES I D EN T
What an incredible year it has been! Pastor Brian declared prophetically over 2019, ‘Revival is in the Air’, and this has been our experience at Hillsong College this year. In Chapels, in classrooms, in leading and serving, we have experienced the Holy Spirit afresh in the life of our student body. The themes “Revival in Spirit, Re-Bible in Word” and “Advance”, set the tone and expectation for what God was doing among us – growing in our sensitivity to hear from Him, and strengthening our faith to act accordingly. As a result, we have continued to experience his miracle working power among us and grown in our capacity to lead the Kingdom of God forward in what He has called us to do. On Vision Sunday 2018, Pastor Brian announced that we would start Hillsong College USA in Phoenix, Arizona. After 18 months of planning and strategising for this new season, we were elated to finally launch Hillsong College USA on the 26th August 2019. It was an incredible celebratory weekend! We were honoured to have guests, parents, families and friends joining us from across the USA, celebrating with us this milestone in the life of our church and college. This is just the beginning of what I believe will be a place where many leaders are raised, equipped, empowered, and released to build the Church across the earth. THANK YOU to all our students for making this year exceptional. It’s always an honour to do life with you and see you grow in your relationship with, knowledge of, and passion for our Lord Jesus Christ. For all of you who are graduating this year, I’d like to extend a special thank you for journeying this season of your life with us. I’m believing for this next season that you will reap a harvest for all you have sown and continue to be fruitful in all He is calling you into. For all the new and returning students, 2020 awaits us! Like Caleb in the Old Testament (Joshua 14:6-15), may we keep ADVANCING His Kingdom: still just as strong, just as vigorous, and more ready than ever to take hold of the promise ahead for us!
ANGELA BACHTLE
P RI N CI PAL , AUS
2019 has been amazing! What an incredible theme over this year, ‘Revival is in the Air’ and it is not a one-off declaration, it is our stance as the people of God! Jesus is the goal and will always be the goal. Thank you for contributing to the building of God’s House and all you’ve sown into our lives personally, it’s been an honour to serve alongside each of you. Watching you, our student body go after God whole-heartedly and get equipped to lead and influence our world is a privilege.
DUNCAN CORBY
ACADEMIC DEAN
This has been a Revival kind of year. Revival is the normal state of the Church. Revival is the normal state of the Christian. Revival has been the normal state of Hillsong College. Not that we take it for granted. Rather, College has always been a place intentionally full of faith, alive with the Spirit and overflowing with a passionate pursuit of Jesus, His presence and His Kingdom. And this year has been no exception. Our students are incredible. Time and again this year they amazed me with their hunger, their lean-in and their love for God and his church. Their excitement for the things of God is infectious, spilling out into our church and the churches of the world, igniting revival wherever they serve. Our College team, too, are the best. Year after year they dedicate themselves to growing students, growing the College and growing themselves. And this year, as we stretched out and pioneered our first global campus in the USA, our team was up for the challenge yet again. And our Church has made College possible, continuing to be a ‘revival house’ committed to a generous heart, inspiring leadership, and ever-increasing vision. Thank you Pastors Brian and Bobbie!
BLAKE ROBINSON
PR I NC I PA L, U SA
The inaugural launch year of Hillsong College USA has been one for the history books! We have seen our students recognise, develop and grow their own personal leadership abilities, gifts and talents to be those ‘once-in-a-generation’ type leaders who are naturally gifted, spiritually potent and genuinely humble. Thank you to our, first-ever, new intakes, here in our USA College campus, who helped us pioneer the way of raising up leaders, equipped to build the local church, empowered to share the love of Jesus to the world and released to make this world a better place. This is just the beginning for you. Seek first God’s kingdom and the rest will be added to you. Let’s continue to ADVANCE in competency, confidence and character as we saw modelled by Caleb in the Bible. As Brian Houston always says, ‘The best is yet to come.’ Students, your best days are still ahead, and God has so much more for each and every one of you. “Now all glory to God, who is able, through his mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think.” Ephesians 3:20 (NLT)
“Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord rises upon you.” - Isaiah 60:1 (NIV) He will continue to lead you and guide you after this season of Hillsong College. Remember always that you are called to do great and mighty things in this world! Keep on bringing revival everywhere you go!
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OUR TEAM
OUR TEAM
STAFF PHOTOS
STAFF PHOTOS
Michelle Castaneda
Peter Cain
Aran Puddle
Cameron McDonald
Mary Capper
Robert Fergusson
Bryan Campos
Alistair McNally
Jonathon Hooper
Dylan Kruger
Business Manager
Finance Manager
Creative Director
Vice Principal (Hills)
Vice Principal (City)
Senior Pastoral Trainer
Hills Adv. Diploma Year Coordinator/ Pastoral Trainer
City Adv. Diploma Year Coordinator/ Pastoral Trainer
Hills Diploma Year Coordinator/ Pastoral Trainer
City Diploma Year Coordinator/ Pastoral Trainer
Christopher Parkes
Tracy Barrell
Joel Hingston
Matt Gilmour
Dalton Miles
Keren Fuller
Riley Chong
Amy Saggin
Andrew Kovacsiss
Vice Principal (Higher Education)
Faculty Head (Higher Education)
Hills Campus Coordinator (Higher Education)
City Campus Coordinator (Higher Education)
Hills Cert. IV Year Coordinator/ Pastoral Trainer
City Cert. IV Year Coordinator/ Pastoral Trainer
City Cert. IV Year Coordinator/ Pastoral Trainer
Pastoral Trainer
Pastoral Trainer
HIGHER EDUCATION TEAM
Jared Naidoo
Matt Fitzgerald
Tanya Riches
Haydn Nelson
Renee Deng
Anita Perera
Anna Deevy
Bryden McGhee
Christian Anstey
Cody Nesper
Online Campus Coordinator
Senior Lecturer (Ancient History)
Senior Lecturer (Theology & Social Sciences)
Senior Lecturer (Biblical Studies & Theology)
Lecturer/ Tutor (Academic Literacy)
Pastoral Trainer
Pastoral Trainer
Pastoral Trainer
Pastoral Trainer
Pastoral Trainer/ Tutor
Elise Nesper
Matt Del Nevo
Belinda Nelson
Shobnna Storer
Daniel Oliva
Heather Simpson
Henrietta Hawkins
Judy Fisher
Keiron Wratt
Larney Peerenboom
Lecturer/ Tutor (New Testament Studies)
Lecturer/ Tutor (Theology & Philosphy)
Academic Manager (Higher Education)
Operations Manager (Higher Education)
Administrative Assistant
Pastoral Trainer
Pastoral Trainer
Pastoral Trainer
Pastoral Trainer
Pastoral Trainer
Benjamin Cochrane
Bjorn Luling
Daniel Whithorn
Amanda Fergusson
Laura Daniels
Lizzy Liersch
Michelle Leaney
Paul Mcghie
Remo Castagno
Pastoral Stream Head Trainer (Hills)
Pastoral Stream Head Trainer (City)
Pastoral Stream Head Trainer (Phoenix)
Senior Pastoral Trainer
Pastoral Trainer
Pastoral Trainer
Pastoral Trainer
Pastoral Trainer/ Tutor
Pastoral Trainer
PASTORAL LEADERSHIP TEAM
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OUR TEAM
OUR TEAM
STAFF PHOTOS
STAFF PHOTOS
WORSHIP MUSIC TEAM
Katie Dodson
Bree Ironside
Rena Brown
Adam Dodson
Gabriela Zerger
Justin Buesnel-May
John Cavallaro
Micah Osis
Craig Herbert
Worship Stream Head Trainer (Hills)
Worship Stream Head Trainer (City)
Worship Stream Head Trainer (Phoenix)
Hills Adv. Diploma Year Coordinator/ Worship Trainer
Film & TV Trainer
Film & TV Trainer/ College Creative Production Manager
Contract Trainer
Contract Trainer
College Creative Audio Studio Oversight
Brenton Maunder
Gemima Gray
James McCabe
Katrina Peoples
Kayleigh Alexandre
Allan Ndolo
Kevin Kwan
Trevor Beck
Michael Cuthbertson
Patreese Erskine
Worship Trainer
Worship Trainer
Worship Trainer
Worship Trainer
Creative Producer/ Worship Trainer
Production Staff
Production Staff
Contract Trainer
Contract Trainer
TV Producer
DANCE TEAM
PRACTICUM TEAM
Kmy Denton
Lara Tenhoorn
Nick Mueller
Norm Lugtu
Pablo Bizama
Tabitha Alfredsson
Casey Mackenzie
Gabrielle Bennet
Worship Trainer
Worship Trainer
Worship Trainer
Worship Trainer
Worship Trainer
Dance Stream Head Trainer
Dance Trainer
Dance Trainer
Ray Badham
Rolf Wam Fjell
Sarah Funke
Sophia Christopher
Tamryn Kyselov
Julia Cuthbertson
Tiffany Andrukat
Lina Rodrigues
Stephen Taylor
Daniel Hingston
Worship Trainer
Worship Trainer
Worship Trainer
Worship Trainer
Worship Trainer
Training Quality and Systems Manager
VET Academic Administrator
Course Development Manager
Practicum Manager/ Pastoral Trainer
City Practicum Coordinator/ Tutor
FILM & TV / PRODUCTION TEAM
BUSINESS TEAM
Ty Braland
Wes German
Robert MacDowall
Caleb Krause
Jonathan Sealey
Robin Frazell
Rachel Helms
Emily Snowberger
Worship Trainer
Worship Trainer
Film & TV and Production Streams Head Trainer
Film & TV Stream/ College Creative Technical Manager
Adv. Diploma Year Practicum Coordinator/ Pastoral Trainer
Hills Practicum Coordinator
Brand and Marketing Manager
Marketing Coordinator
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OUR TEAM
OUR TEAM
STAFF PHOTOS
STAFF PHOTOS ADMIN TEAM
Anastasia Anstey
John Davis
Hugh Lloyd
Wesley Senna Cortes
Rachelle Castro
Braylen Hansraj
Daniela Cipriano
Maria Mitchell
Wendy Corby
Content Marketing Specialist
Digital Marketing Specialist
Video Editor
Recruitment and Engagement Manager
Recruitment and Engagement Representative
Registrar’s Assistant
Executive Assistant to EVP and Academic Dean
Administration
Administration
FINANCE / ACCOMMODATION TEAM
Isaac Soon
Sarah Sibi Thomas
Linn Miles
Kimberly Baxter
Simoné Van Den Heever
Reagan Miller
Cassandra Webb
Kristen Blackford
Sallicia Sammy
Recruitment and Engagement Representative
Admissions Manager
Admissions Assistant
Admissions Assistant
Admissions Assistant
Administration
Librarian
Finance and Administration Manager
Finance Administrator
Sonia Tahmizian
Amy Fallon
Bryon Tatum
KatieBeth Bowers
Caitlyn Searles
Chloe Campos
Makenna Evans
Fernanda Rangel Da Silva
Barak Pauls
Admissions Assistant
Hills Campus Manager
City Campus Manager
Phoenix Campus Manager
Finance Administrator
Accommodation Coordinator
Accommodation Assistant
Accommodation Assistant
Accommodation Assistant
CAMPUS MANAGEMENT TEAM
HILLS ONG LEADERSHIP PROGRAM TEAM
STUDENT SUPP ORT TEAM
Izaac Baxter
Jacob Laidler
Jemma Flloyd
Kathy Squillace
Darcy Hunter
Mauricio Fragale
Murray Averill
John Taylor
Logistics Coordinator
Student Development Manager
Student Counsellor
Student Counsellor
Accommodation Assistant
Accommodation Assistant
Hillsong College Brisbane Oversight
Pastoral Trainer
Samir Eljagh
Wendy Cumberworth
Samantha Portwin
Celeste Healey
Joseph Kohring
Meyling Kohring
Elise Heerde
Student Support Officer
Registrar
Registrar’s Assistant
Registrar’s Assistant
Pastoral Trainer/ Tutor
Administrative Assistant
Hillsong College Melbourne Oversight
REGISTRAR TEAM
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TUNDE OJIKUTU
F E AT U R E S T O R Y
REVIVAL STARTS WITH ONE
I believe that I’m called to build the Church by discipling and raising a generation that worships God truthfully and represents Jesus accurately. Since being here, I’ve truly encountered the transformational power of God’s Love. I’m praying that my nation and the churches in it will experience a revival in this same Love. We have many mega-churches in Nigeria, but I’m afraid that our fear-based/ legalistic understanding of God limits us from fully stepping into all that He has called us to. Pastor Brian once said that the Church — not the institution, but individuals — are called to live, love, and lead. I want to show non-believers that being Christians enables us to live full lives out of the grace of God. And I believe that once we understand this, everything will change.
HANNAH AGUM
LUCIA FONT TREJOS
C O S TA RI CA
I feel so privileged to be a part of Hillsong College. I’ve been so impacted by the community and powerful teaching, that I can’t help but want others to experience this too! I’m from Costa Rica, and my heart for my country is to see people grow stronger in unity and purpose. I believe that we need to change our thinking and truly understand the richness in what our country has to offer. And I believe that the Church can influence this change. Hillsong College has taught me that the relevant, authentic, and transformational love of Christ is what it takes to see this change through. I want people to experience the transforming love of Jesus for themselves, and as a result, be open to change their pre-established ideas of “church”. Costa Rica is in need of a life-speaking, welcoming, non-judgmental, grace-filled Church. And I can’t wait to be a part of building this again.
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U G A ND A
I’m grateful for Hillsong College. I have found family here! We may not be from the same country, but it feels like home. I believe God’s called me to build His house and I am open to whatever that might be. My heart for Uganda is that we realise the potential and gifts we have. At times our thinking has limited us from moving past the turmoil and things that have happened to us a country. The majority of people in Uganda would identify as Christians, but somehow, we’re often so stuck on how we’re perceived. We need to get into the mess of things and learn how to use what’s in our hand to take our nation forward, not ignoring the realities that might seem unpleasant about where we come from but identify them as something to change. We can acknowledge the issues and refuse to let that taint our identity. Uganda has so much potential to do more, think bigger, and take the country forward. I want to be a part of a church that will get into the world of others and change the rhetoric to something positive!
This year, Pastor Brian declared ‘REVIVAL IS IN THE AIR’. Hillsong College exists to raise ‘once-in-a-generation’ leaders who will pay the price and count the cost of seeing this vision across the earth. This mandate is no small thing, and for some, it meant leaving everything behind. Read the stories of four brave individuals who are the only students to represent their country at Hillsong College.
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N I G ERI A
ALEX MELNIC
MO L D O VA
I feel the immense privilege and honour of being a part of something just beginning. I know that God has put me here so that others from my country can come too. Since He made the impossible possible for me, I have every confidence that He will do the same for others too. What I’m believing for my country is a Revival in faith and prosperity. That each family affected by poverty will be able to experience God’s blessing! I believe that those who left the country for a better life will return and will start to invest in their villages and cities. What I’ve learnt at Hillsong College is that effective change will require everyone. But everyone will always start with one.
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STUDENT STORY
RACHEL HIGGINBOTHAM U S A | A D V. D I P L O M A S T U D E N T
W H AT’ S I T LI K E B EI N G A W OM A N I N T HE F I LM I ND USTRY ?
Being a woman in the film industry is quite inspiring. I’m seeing a lot more women step into this arena and who doing well and this only inspires me more. Women’s voices in this field are vital and I believe culture is starting to see this and completely back this, which I am all for! W H AT P R O J E C TS HAVE Y OU W OR KED ON D UR I NG Y O UR T I M E I N COL L EG E? W HAT WA S Y O UR FAV O UR I T E A N D W HY ?
I was involved in the 2018 Graduation. In January, I filmed and edited the semester opener and this past August, I was the creative director for the semester opener. Within the Film & TV Stream, I’ve been a part of Studio Projects and got to volunteer with the Hillsong Channel working on ‘Now With Natalie’. My favourite was this semester’s opener because it stretched me, I loved the team that I got to work with, and I just really enjoyed the experience as a whole! H AV E TH E R E B E E N A N Y PR OJ ECT S T HAT D I D N’ T GO E X AC T LY T O PL A N B U T CA M E OU T B E TTE R TH AN Y OU EXPECT ED?
Before Hillsong College, I studied Digital Media Production (which is just fancy for Film School). At university, there was very little room for creativity or imagination. We kind of had to fall into the fold of what the market or industry wanted. At Hillsong College, I discovered some new things. For instance, the insane thrill of inviting the Holy Spirit into your creative process. One trainer said, “Don’t move unless God speaks. Often it’s our own ideas. And it’s not going to feel right.” This changed the trajectory of every decision that I made creatively. I don’t believe that God is silent, nor does He throw roadblocks in our creative process. I find that He gives us vision and story, the artistic freedom to see it through.
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Everything that we make can be of use. We just need to let it breathe a little bit and to keep refining it until it’s done. If what we’ve seen and what we’ve heard isn’t clear yet, we just need to keep working. We don’t need to scrap it. Just work on it. Kind of like discovering the depths of God. It’s ultimately our duty to get what He whispers to us onto film, onto paper — just get it out there. God gives us ideas, and we’ve got to be obedient and create what He’s asked of us. I’ve learned that I’m not in control, nor do I want to be. God’s at work, and it’s nice knowing that I’m right in the thick of what He wants me to do. I came here to combine my passion for film with my heart for ministry. And yet, the biggest lesson for me was realising that I just need to shape my character to always be ready for God to use me at any time.
Our January opener didn’t go exactly as planned when it came to the storytelling in the film. But I think it ended up a lot better than we expected because once we had all the footage, we realised we could twist the story a bit to make it a little more suspenseful to fit the plot of the opener better!
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F E AT U R E S T O R Y
PHOENIX PIONEERS 2019 has been a history-making year for us as a College. On the 26th of August 2019, we celebrated the official launch of Hillsong College USA in Phoenix, Arizona. This day not only marked our commitment to raise, equip, empower and release anointed leaders from across the globe – but it was also a stake in the ground, as we claimed revival across the United States of America. Read the experiences of 8 students who began their journey in Sydney, Australia and are now helping pioneer the first ever Hillsong College Global Campus as the inaugural Advanced Diploma class.
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CORY HALFAST What has your experience at our USA Campus been like so far?
I moved to Phoenix, Arizona three months before the launch of College in order to get familiar with the campus, the equipment, and to start building relationships with the church and college staff. I was able to get plugged in straight away helping prepare the campus to get ready for classes and chapels to be held there. I’m so glad I got to be a part of the launch of a new campus of Hillsong College! Although it’s a different country and very different climate, the atmosphere of faith and excitement feels just like College in Sydney!
ANDREW STECH
JACOBY BLY How does it feel to be a part of the first intake at Hillsong College USA? What are some highlights and challenges?
Being a part of the first intake here in USA is huge for me — I truly cannot shake the idea of the generations after generations that will be impacted by this college and we get the honor of laying down the foundations for that! When it comes down to it, this brand-new College and all that we’re driving forward is “all hands-on deck” and that’s challenging. But the relationships, and culture that is built in the process — that’s the highlight.
CALLIE WALSH
How did two years in Hillsong College Sydney prepare you for this season?
How do you think Hillsong College USA will impact the Church in America?
Hillsong College has been one of my greatest decisions I have ever made. It was during these two years that I began to grow a passion for the local church. While doing College in Australia I had the opportunity to serve at a location service in Sydney (shout out to Macquarie) and this really prepared me for what it would be like to come back to America and continue building God’s church. Whether I’m setting up chairs, walls or helping the carpark team, I carry the same passion to serve. I’m honoured and blessed to have this opportunity and I look onward with expectation for what God is going to do through Hillsong College USA.
While I was in Sydney, I remember hearing conversations about how Hillsong College would never leave Australia. Now that it’s here, you can tell that there is something so special and unique about this campus. One staff member described our students as becoming like “little wildfires” across the country, eventually starting a massive revival. I believe that this College is going to explode and grow at rates that we never thought were possible. I’m believing that we’re going to come back to visit College one day and not even recognise it. It’s a wild dream, but I know God’s plan for revival in the USA has just barely begun!
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DANIEL NAJERA What has been your biggest highlight, since moving?
Moving to Phoenix, has been an incredible journey already. The biggest highlight has been our chapels. It’s not an atmosphere full of spectators, but of expectant hearts. Our College staff and student body come together to create spaces for the presence of God. There’s no other atmosphere like it! Chapel also carries into the ordinary moments. Its momentum comes into the quiet places and reminds us of what we’re really a part of. It truly is the heartbeat of everything we learn, put into practice. It is also the safest place where we can learn and make mistakes and learn some more.
JOE GUTTERIDGE What has been your biggest challenge, since moving?
Each one of us, have stepped into areas that we have had very little experience in. Were we prepared for this to happen? I would say yes, however, I didn’t grasp its extent! Yet, we’ve all made the choice to keep building this College and its culture, despite our comforts. There were many times where we could’ve ignored the call, because “it wasn’t my area of serving for two years”, or “this isn’t related to my practicum”. But these challenges have been worth taking, because the College becomes a little more excellent every time. It is such an honour and privilege for us to help pioneer Hillsong College USA.
VICTORIA BLY An encouraging word for our students from Hillsong College Australia, heading back home to America.
No matter the amount of time spent at Hillsong College you will walk away changed. My advice for Americans heading back to the USA is simple - America needs you. Essentially, YOU are the church and America need a bright, beautiful, and healthy church. Hide every single thing you learn deep down in your heart because I promise you’ll need it, but more than anything our nation needs it. Believe that God can and will use you in whatever sphere you are released back into upon arrival in the USA. You are an essential piece to the body of Christ, keep serving others and glorifying God.
JORDAN BROWN What are you most grateful for about your season at Hillsong College?
Never in a million years did I think Hillsong College would be a real thing for me to be a part of, but through Gods perfect timing I found myself in Sydney, Australia in July 2017. I found myself in the healthiest atmosphere I’ve ever experienced, I found myself amongst leaders that I could trust, and I found myself welcomed home. Then the moment came when Pastor Brian announced we would be planting a College campus in my actual HOME. With tears in my eyes on that vision Sunday I knew I had to be a part of it. Year one and two in Sydney gave me the revelation of what I was born to do, and year 3 gave me the opportunity to literally do it: BUILD THE CHURCH.
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B AT T L E O F T H E T R A I N E R S
DUNCAN & WENDY CORBY
W H E R E D O Y O U SE E Y O UR S ELVES 1 0 Y EA R S F R OM NO W ?
Both: Still doing what we’re doing now – building Church by building college…whilst laying on a beach somewhere (is that possible?)
WAS I T LO V E AT F I R ST SI GH T ?
Both: No. We got to know each other by hanging out with mutual friends for around six months or so….and then it happened!
H AS Y O UR B I GGE ST D R E AM I N L I F E COM E T R U E Y ET ?
W H AT W E R E Y O U L IKE IN YOUR 20S?
Wendy: A young wife and mother, passionate about serving God and building the church, but still finding myself and dealing with insecurities. Duncan: A yuppie banker, and a young husband and father, who was passionate about serving God and building the church, but a bit super-spiritual and uptight at times.
IF Y O U C O U L D R E L IVE ONE MOME NT OF YOUR L IFE, W H AT W O U L D I T BE?
Wendy: The moment I saw my future husband across a crowded room… Duncan: The moment Wendy saw her future husband across a crowded room…
W H AT B O O K D O Y OU WISH EVE RYONE WAS REQUIRED TO R E A D I N S C H O OL ? (OTH ER TH AN TH E BIBL E )
Wendy: “I Am Malala” by Malala Yousafzai – an inspiring example of standing up for what you believe. Duncan: Wow, that’s a hard one – “To Kill a Mockingbird” – ‘cos who wouldn’t want to have the moral courage and basic decency of Atticus Finch.
W H AT WA S Y O U R FIRST D ATE L IKE?
Both: We dressed up and went to a French restaurant in North Sydney called La Potiniere (it’s not there anymore). Then a moonlit walk by Sydney Harbour. It was pretty romantic.
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Wendy: Playing my part in building the church by working at college is a big dream come true! Duncan: I’m still not an astronaut.
W H AT’ S O NE P I E C E O F AD V I CE Y OU W OU L D G I VE T O M AR R I E D C O UP LE S I N M I NI S T RY ?
Wendy: Be intentional in spending time together doing things you enjoy - soul food for your marriage (date nights, weekends away) Duncan: commit to still being together at the end, and then do whatever you need to do to achieve that goal – have the difficult conversations, make the hard personal changes, repent and say sorry, and all the rest.
W H AT LE GAC Y D O Y O U WAN T T O L EAVE? (HOW DO Y O U WANT TO B E R E M E M B E R ED? )
Wendy: to set the next generation up to win in life – understanding who they are in Christ and God’s purpose for their life – and then living it out. Duncan: to have changed and enlarged the way people think about God, their bibles, the Christian faith and the church, and then reflect that in the kind of lives they live and the churches they build.
W H AT’ S O NE P I E C E O F AD V I CE T HAT Y OU W OU L D G I VE TO SO M E O NE O N TH E B R I N K OF T HEI R FA I T H? ( NE AR LY GI V I NG UP / AD V I CE F OR L ON G EVI T Y )
Duncan: Remember that there are so many people in the past and around the world in the present, who are smarter or better than both you and me, and who have faced the same doubts and questions or faced deeper pits of trouble, pain and despair, yet who have come through the other side. If they can, you can too. Wendy: what he said.
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STUDENT STORY
JOSH ROCKHOFF GERMANY | BACHELORS STUDENT
W H Y I S STUD Y I NG TH E B AC H E LO R O F TH E O LO GY I M P O RTA N T T O Y OU ?
I see myself in church for the rest of my life in whatever capacity possible. If the opportunity ever came up, I would like to be in a much more pastoral position and if I am pastoring people, I really want to know what I am talking about. If someone comes to me with a question, I want to be able to give them an educated answer, but also, I don’t want to stagnate ever, so knowing more about the thing I love the most seems sensible to me. LE C TUR E R O R C LASS TH AT M O ST I M PAC TE D Y O U AND W HY ? DES CRIBE YOURS ELF IN A S ENT ENCE
My name is Josh, I’m 22 (in my Taylor Swift year), I’m from Germany and I’m very spontaneous, hardworking and I just love the Lord and the Church. WHAT ARE YOU S ECRET LY GOOD AT ?
I can make the weirdest noises with my mouth, I can dislocate my finger whenever I feel like it and I can jump incredibly high! IF YOU WERE A S UPERHERO, WHICH ONE WOULD YOU BE AND WHY?
Thor...they say we look alike... IF YOU WEREN’T IN COLLEGE, WHAT WOULD YOU BE DOING?
I would be pursuing something in science or neurobiology, which was actually Plan B, or I would be working with people with disabilities. Three very different areas, but College won.
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Lee Burns in Luke and Acts. It’s a phenomenal class. You see how the way Jesus responded to the broken and needy was not only crazy at the time but is incredibly challenging to the way we interact with the sick, the homeless, and the hurt now. Every time I leave this class, I leave a bit bigger, but more in love with the Church, a bit more in love with people, and most importantly a bit more in love with Jesus. W H AT H AS B E E N Y O UR FAV O UR I TE SUB J E C T TO STUD Y S O FA R A N D W HY ?
CHURCH HISTORY. Going through the history of the Church changed and still changes everything for me - knowing where we come from makes me appreciate where we are at the moment. I love the Church and being able to build it by knowing about challenges from the past is an incredible honour! Plus, I love history. W O ULD Y O U R E C O M M E ND TH E B AC H E LO R O F TH E O LO G Y PR OG R A M T O S OM EON E TH AT D O E SN’ T WANT TO B E I N F ULL- TI M E M I NI STRY ? I F S O, W HY ?
I get both sides, but I think the Bachelor of Theology program is the most incredible thing in this world! Having done three years of VET and now, being able to study Theology in depth, blows my mind daily - even when I’m working on the same essay for four weeks, haha. In the end, learning more about God does not only lead to incredible revelations for myself but it helps me disciple people - an incredible privilege and responsibility we are given and should never take lightly!
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STUDENT STORY
STUDENT STORY
AARON RICHARDSON
ABI CLARENCE
TE L L U S A L I T T L E B I T ABOUT YOURSEL F
WHAT DOES ‘REVIVAL IN T HE AIR’ MEAN T O YOU?
TE LL US A LI TTLE B I T AB O UT Y O UR SE LF
B E ST P I E C E O F AD V I C E Y O U’ VE EVER R ECEI VED?
I was born and raised on the island of Oahu which is part of the island chain that comprises the State of Hawaii. I worked in various jobs, from being a waiter to building houses, for about three years, and then I started College in January 2017 as part of the Worship Stream (Vocals). Now I’m in my second semester of third year, doing my third year with David Ware!
Revival is in the Air for me has been both a challenge and an encouragement. It has challenged me to seek after God in order to unpack and unravel what it means for the church at large and what it means for me personally. I’m not certain I have ever been a part of what we might historically define or classify as a revival. So it was definitely a cause for stretching and growth - ultimately believing and trusting God in areas and in ways I’ve never quite experienced. It was also a massive encouragement to me because it woke something up within me which reminded me that our God is the same yesterday, today, and forever. That He is still at work in our midst and ever-present!
My name is Abi, I come from a Sri Lankan background and was born and raised in Germany. I worked for four years as a kindergarten teacher before I came to Australia. In January 2018 I started my studies at Hillsong College (City Campus) as part of the Worship Stream (Vocals) and at the end of this year I’m heading into my third year!
Stop worrying about tomorrow, about next week, about next year or about your future. It’s about what you do today! Give everything to what you can do and give your best TODAY!
O N E S TAT E M E N T T O D E SC RIBE YOUR E XPE RIE NC E AT CO L L E G E
It’s hard to think of only one quote to summarise my experience. However, I think I would be remiss if I failed to emphasise just how grateful I am for God’s faithfulness and kindness, and by extension the people He has placed around me to champion, challenge, encourage, shepherd, and be a friend to my future. W HAT S O N G H I T S Y OU WITH A WAVE OF NOSTAL GIA E V E RY T I M E Y O U H E AR IT?
Most definitely “Never Too Much” by Luther Vandross. The song hits me with a wave of nostalgia because it’s a song that I grew up listening to. It was before my time, but I grew up listening to a lot of soul/funk/R&B music and to this day it reminds me of my childhood!
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HOW HAVE YOU EX PERIENCED REVIVAL IN YOUR O W N LI F E T HIS YEAR?
Many different areas of life come to mind, one of which being that I have definitely experienced revival in my life in the area of provision (both financially and otherwise).
O NE STATE M E NT TO D E SC R I B E Y O UR E X P E R I E NC E AT
W H AT D O E S ‘ R E V I VAL I N TH E A I R ’ M EA N T O Y OU ?
To trust God, stop worrying, and to put your life in His hands. He has everything in control and He works in your life. You will see revival in every area of your life because He loves you!
C O LLE GE
Hillsong College is a once in a lifetime opportunity where you get to meet people from over 60 different nations and get to learn so much from each culture and life experiences. When it comes to your God-given gifts you are stretched and re-built into the person He made you to be. It’s a place where our trainers and leaders believe in us even more than we believe in ourselves - a training ground for where God will take us in the future.
H O W H AV E Y O U E X P E R I E NC E D R EVI VA L I N Y OU R OW N L I F E TH I S Y E AR ?
I saw a lot of revival moments in my life this year. I saw revival in my finances: I had weeks where I didn’t have money and I had to pay rent at the end of the week. I prayed, trusted God and gave it to Him, and I would have the exact amount of money to pay the rent. Family: He healed a lot of broken hearts in my family, plus my heart. Healing: I prayed for a lot of family members and friends, and they got healed!
W H AT SO NG H I TS Y O U W I TH A WAV E O F NO STALGI A E V E RY TI M E Y O U H E AR I T?
“Macarena” - this is my song!
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HILLSONG LEADERSHIP PROGRAM W H AT I S TH E B E ST TH I NG AB O UT STUD Y I NG AT TH I S TI M E
JASON ROACHE
I N Y O UR LI F E ?
I think it’s the fact that my girls are at an age where they can see that their dad is going to school. And I love that they are intrigued by what their dad learns at school, so that gives me the opportunity to speak into their life and outwork some of the things I’ve learnt.
W H AT H AS Y O UR E X P E R I E NC E B E E N LI K E , TRY I NG TO J UGGLE FAM I LY LI F E AND F ULL- TI M E STUD I E S?
It’s been tough at times and there were moments when I felt like giving up. Usually when I get into that kind of mindset God will bring someone to me immediately who would speak into my life and remind me why I am here, and remind me of the sacrifice and the cost that my family has paid in so that I could do College. When it comes to juggling it all, well, there isn’t as much juggling when you have an amazing wife who is the real super-hero in all this! She carries a lot while we are in this season, but I love that she has a heart for God and is always supportive and wants to see me do well. I’m super lucky. TE LL US A LI TTLE B I T AB O UT Y O UR H E ART B E H I ND TH E GE E LO NG LI NK SE R V I C E ? CA N Y O U T E L L U S A L ITTL E BIT ABOUT YOURSEL F
My name is Jason Roache and I am the oldest of four kids. My parents are Samoan and I was born and raised in Napier, New Zealand. I moved to Australia at the end of 2004 and I got married to the love of my life Rita in 2012. I am a father to two beautiful girls. I am a passionate All Blacks supporter and a loyal Queensland Maroons supporter. DE S C R I B E T H E C U LT URE AT H L P ME L BOURNE
The culture here is incredible. There is a culture of believing that God has an incredible and unique plan for each student. There is a culture of safety, where you can ask questions and give an opinion and not feel discouraged and this is outworked through students encouraging each other and respecting other opinions whilst having an inclusive culture that makes new students feel like they belong.
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WHAT ’S BEEN T HE BIGGES T LES S ON YOU HAVE LEA R NT S INCE COMING T O COLLEGE?
To trust God more. There is only so much you can do from your own strength. There comes a time where you reach rockbottom or a dead-end and it’s then that you realise you need Jesus. I realised that I was leaning on my own understanding for so long and that I wasn’t progressing in all that God had planned for me because I still wanted to be in control. The moment I let go of the steering wheel and asked God to take over, that’s when things started to get into motion. That’s when I started to see God work on areas that I struggled with.
Geelong is such a beautiful city and when Pastor Brian announced a Link location in Geelong, that was exciting news for all the rooms in Victoria. My heart was that people would come to encounter Jesus, so by having a link during the pioneering season it allowed us to shift energy that might have gone into bump in/bump out, creative teams, hosts, etc, and directed all that energy towards building community and culture where people can come to encounter Jesus. W H AT I S NE X T F O R Y O U? W H E R E D O Y O U SE E Y O UR SE LF I N TH E NE X T C O UP LE O F Y E AR S?
I’ve thoroughly enjoyed the planting of a link service in Geelong. I hope to be involved in assisting with planting more Link Churches around Victoria. But I’ve also learnt to just leave it all in God’s hands and trust for Him to direct my path. Also, my girls remind me that in two years I should be taking them to Disneyland. (We’ll pray about that!)
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CONTINUE YOUR STUDIES
2 0 1 9 G R A D U AT E S
STAY CONNECTED 01 JOI N OUR FACEB OOK G R OU P
Head to Facebook and look up Hillsong College Alumni Network and click join!
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Register your interest at hillsong.com/college/online and begin your online learning experience today!
J O I N O U R G L O BA L EV EN T S
Stay tuned with all Hillsong College events in the future. We are always on the look for alumni willing to volunteer in our conferences and tours around the world!
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A L U MN I G AT H ERI N G S
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“NOW TO HIM WHO IS ABLE TO DO IMMEASURABLY MORE THAN ALL WE ASK OR IMAGINE, ACCORDING TO HIS POWER THAT IS AT WORK WITHIN US.” EPH ES IA N S 3 :2 0 NIV
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