A qualitative study : a journey towards Hillsong Church : a Norwegian story

Abstract

Hillsong Norway, which have congregations in several of the larger cities in Norway. Hillsong Norway quite recently formally established through incorporation of an already existing comparable locally grown church network. Based on qualitative studies and fieldwork in both churches, the thesis discusses how individuals and congregations come to see themselves as part of a global church and how this relates to individual and congregational identity. Using especially transnational social theory and globalization perspectives, the thesis addresses how taking part in global networks like these affect the sense of belonging, identities as well as social and community values in the congregations. My master thesis set focus on young adults putting church as number one priority in their life. The church is Hillsong Norway, where my fieldwork has primarily been on the west coast of Norway, in Sandnes and Stavanger. I want to investigate what attract young adult towards Hillsong Church, and further what it means to be a part of a global network like Hillsong. As there are no research published on Hillsong Norway at this point, I find it very exciting to enter this new field. As Hillsong being such a fast growing and worldwide church, I wanted to study this church and the concept it is built on both a local and global perspective. Moreover, why is this church attracting so many young people- especially people who might not be used to going to church. Personally, I have been to Hillsong Church several times- both at their global conferences and Sunday-services at my local church. I find the enthusiasm and engagement interesting, therefore I wanted to find out more about this particular church, Hillsong.