Hillsong Creative Podcast

Practice, practice, practice! In this special episode, we have a panel interview with 4 incredible guests from various creative disciplines including music, film creation, audio, and dance. They cover how to prioritize practice amidst full and busy lives, what their practice disciplines have looked like over the years, and debunking the myth that talent is everything. We get so many requests to share what we do at Team Nights, so we thought this was the perfect interview to share with our Podcast listeners! Enjoy this exclusive interview from Hills Team Night with Sebastian Strand, Tabitha Alfredsson, Chelsea LaRosa, and Muchiri Gateri. Make sure to stick around after the interview for the special segment in Season 2, “The Creative Compass”.

Is there a place for art in devastated places? Join Jeremy Court, founder of the Preemptive Love Coalition, as he talks about the impact of art and story from his perspective on the front lines of providing aid in some of the most war-torn parts of the world. Hear him discuss how imagination threatens groups like ISIS as well as how making soap brought hope and transformation to an entire community. Make sure to stick around after the interview for the special segment in Season 2, “The Creative Compass”.

Ben Nicholson, a highly accredited video director and creative producer, talks about his personal journey of starting out in the field and how he found himself working with Grammy-Award winning artists and events like the Super Bowl Halftime Show. Ben discusses the significance of finding a balanced rhythm in the midst of a fast-paced industry, prioritizing relationships and community in addition to task. Make sure to stick around after the interview for the special segment in Season 2, “The Creative Compass”.

Hear Chris Davenport discuss the ins and outs of being the creative pastor at Hillsong NYC as well as the challenges that come with maintaining a healthy culture in an actively growing team. Working with a volunteer team in the city that never sleeps, Chris provides key tips to become an intentional leader, prioritizing detail and consistent communication in a creative environment. Make sure to stick around after the interview for the special segment in Season 2, “The Creative Compass”.

Season 2 of the Podcast kicks off with a special interview with host Rich Langton. Rich and his wife Cass lead and pastor the Hillsong Creative team, with him focusing on the leadership of the team in Australia. He speaks vulnerably about his journey over the years and the unexpected paths in following Christ’s calling for his life. Rich shares passionately about creating a healthy team culture, where people are pastored and cared for alongside the stewarding of their contribution, including when tough conversations need to be had.

Ben Fielding, worship leader and Grammy Award-winning songwriter from Hillsong Worship, discusses the process of writing songs, and developing a culture of feedback and collaboration with other writers. Having penned some of the modern Church’s most wide-reaching songs like Mighty to Save and What a Beautiful Name, Ben unpacks the importance of melody and Biblical lyrics, and his heart for writing worship anthems that point people to Jesus.

Join Brian Houston, founder and Global Senior Pastor of Hillsong Church, as he shares wisdom from over 40 years of ministry. Brian offers profound insight on partnering with God in dreaming for more for our lives and our creativity, which is the theme of his new book ‘There Is More’. He also talks about the process of building credibility throughout your life in both good times and bad as well as how life is founded on our consistent everyday decisions.

In the first of a 2-part interview with Hillsong Church’s Global Worship and Creative Pastor, Cass Langton talks about the importance of developing a Christ-centered and inclusive creative team. Cass shares milestones and wisdom gathered from her own journey into creative leadership, highlighting the significance of “hidden seasons,” building margin to continually hear from God, and her heart for creatives in the Church.

Hear David Whitworth dive into the role of a recording and travelling musician with Bethel Music, keeping a fixed vision while dealing with setbacks and the need for constant output. David shares his personal experiences of collaborative music creation and developing a unique creative rapport with different artists. He talks about the importance of having a creative outlet and finding new ways to stretch his craft of musicianship.

Jay Argaet, Global Communications and Art Director of Hillsong Church, unmasks the execution of creating a visual identity for the church. He talks about the importance of structure and parameters while pushing the limits of an oftentimes chaotic environment. Listen to Jay demystify the process to harvest wild ideas and dream for the impossible, including the tumultuous journey behind creating the artwork for Hillsong United’s recent album “Wonder”.

Pastor Charles Nieman is a man of discipline who learned the art of chewing on revelation before putting pen to paper. Hear Pastor Nieman share the journey of Abundant Life Faith Center, with over 30,000 members. He shares honestly and vulnerably about losing his wife to cancer, and the insights and lessons he’s learnt from this journey, including how to keep going and keep creating through the worst hardship in life.

Listen to Stefan Kunz, lettering artist & teacher, as he shares the story of how he dropped a desk job to follow the call of God at the dawn of his creative pursuit. Stefan sees himself as somewhat of a brand manager for the kingdom of God, helping to visually and creatively communicate the message of the Gospel. With more than 200k followers on Instagram and creative partnerships with industry giants such as Apple, Adobe, & Hallmark, Stefan breaks down his own process in the hope of inspiring other creatives.

In this heartfelt interview with Taya Smith from Hillsong United, she shares her journey of seemingly small beginnings that laid the foundation for everything she does now. She talks openly about the stretch and capacity of a busy, travel-filled life and the process of learning to rely on God in every season. She also explains how she’s learnt to bring her own story and revelation of Christ to the songs she has the opportunity to sing and steward.