Global Pentecostal Studies

I visited Hillsong London last night. The Dominion Theatre was filled to capacity with primarily young adults. The cosmopolitan congregation and other tourists and travellers like myself filled the streets in front of the theatre waiting for the 6pm worship event to begin, the fourth of four regular such Sunday services. I sat in the balcony about fifteen minutes before the hour. The music, stage lights, and special effects all set the tone for what was about to begin including the “Welcome Home” video that looped through its message every two minutes. Feeling at home somewhere in a global world is an attractive message. At 6pm the stage was filled with musicians and singers and immediately the crowd rose to its feet dancing to the music. For about forty minutes the musicians led in worship followed by prayer. Prayer requests scrolled across the screen from the emails sent to Hillsong leaders. Next was the offering that included video instructions on how to use your smartphone to give ...