Faith Filled Family Magazine September 2016 | Page 98

EMPIRES album, which the film shows the band producing, that Scripture was (I can’t remember, but I know Joel says it in the movie). With LET HOPE RISE the goal is to capture the energy, intensity and worshipfulness of a HILLSONG show on the big screen. Movies get categorized into all sorts of genres – action, sci-fi, drama, comedy, historical epic. We wanted to create a new one, something that’s never been done before: the theatrical worship experience. And I think we accomplished that. What is the overall purpose and message of Hillsong United? How has this ministry impacted the lives of others? The band will be the first to tell you that their purpose is what is says on the movie poster: It’s all about Him. That’s the ministry of Hillsong UNITED. Pointing people to Jesus – and a relationship with Him. Is “Let Hope Rise” Hillsong United’s first Film? Is it a documentary or more on the level of a live concert? How did this come into manifestation? It is the first film of its kind about the band. They have done some concert videos – but this is the first feature-length theatrical film on them. It came about after I took a movie producer friend to their show at the Hollywood Bowl. This friend is not very religious, but he was so impressed with the talent and the humility and the genuineness of the band that he was moved. They moved him. Their music moved him. And we hatched the idea of bringing that impact and energy to theaters. What’s funny is that the band and the church wanted no part of it in the beginning. We brought the idea to them and their reaction was, “Why would anyone want to watch a movie about us?” So it took a little convincing, and assurances on our end that it wasn’t going to be a movie about them; it was going to be a movie about their mission and ministry and its impact. I see John 10:10 is a scripture chosen for the band. Why is this particular scripture so significant to Hillsong United? What does Hillsong United say in regards to this scripture to those who are going through hardships and find it difficult to have faith in God? Is it all about fame and fortunate? UNITED is all about pointing people to the goodness of God. To celebrate Him and help others do the same. To revel in His goodness. Yes, hardships and trials come – in the movie you see some devastating circumstances that band members and the church’s pastors have to deal with. But the point they make as they encounter these trials is the same point they make in their songs: God is good. He will help you weather any storm. Hillsong Untied has won 5 Dove Awards and in 2015 not only was the band nominated for the second year at the American Music Awards, it also won the Billboard’s Music Award in the category of Top Christian Artist. They’ve sold over 16 million albums. WOW! Thad’s an amazing accomplishment. Unfortunately, in this Ministry, some have allowed such accolades and achievements to cause them to become full of pride and arrogance. What should be the response of any Christian Artist/Group/Band after achieving such fame? How does anyone in the Ministry of the Arts remain h umble and grateful to God without it leading them astray from the faith? Again, you’ll see on the screen how the members of UNITED keep themselves from “living the rock star life” and all the trappings that come with it – material and emotional. Most of them are employees of the church; they don’t make rock star money. The revenues generated by their music and merchandise sales are used overwhelmingly for the church’s ministry programs. More than money, though, what keeps the band humble is that they truly know it’s not about them. It’s all about God. The album sales and cheering crowds and all of that are nice – but to a person they view those things as good only because those things allow them to achieve their goal of pointing people to God. Now, in my conclusion, we all realize life does come with adversities and our faith being tested beyond the limits. And neither of us is exempted from such. As a matter of fact, being a Christian greatness that we will face challenging times. Do you care to elaborate on a time when Hillsong United was faced with such