The Ultimate Worship Playlist: Hillsong
When I was fourteen, my mom had a goal: to keep me involved in church. At the time, a lot of teens we knew were drifting—pulling away from church, rebelling, and distancing themselves from family. Mom didn’t want that for me, so she suggested we join our church’s Christmas choir.
What started as something small turned into something really meaningful. A year later, Mom and I were singing together on the worship team every Sunday. Two years later, I was playing in the church band. By nineteen, I was leading worship and directing my own worship teams.
As I’ve mentioned in The Ultimate Grace-Filled Playlist, worship is close to my heart. It’s been such an important part of my faith and family life, and I’m grateful for how it’s shaped me.
WHAT IS WORSHIP
Worship is pouring our love on God, acknowledging His majesty and power, and lifting Him up above everything else. It’s not about us—it’s all about Him. Worship isn’t just a song or a Sunday morning service; it’s a lifestyle.
Somewhere along the way, we’ve reduced worship to a 30-minute music set on Sundays—two fast songs, three slow ones, and done. But true worship goes so much deeper than that. It’s not a religious obligation; it’s a response of love. In David’s Tabernacle, worship was constant—24/7, 365 days a year. Teams of worshippers took shifts to give praise and thanksgiving to God. Their lives revolved around worship; it wasn’t a moment but a way of life.
Worship is falling to your knees in gratitude during the hardest storms. It’s prioritizing prayer over distractions like Netflix. It’s living in continual conversation with the Father.
As Judson Cornwall said: “Worship is love responding to love.”
HILLSONG
When I first started leading worship, Hillsong Music Australia was creating a fresh and original sound. Shout to the Lord was just making its way to America, and I was immediately drawn to Darlene Zschech and the music of Hillsong. I read her books, attended their services, and studied their music, writing, and style with admiration.
Through Hillsong’s songs, I learned so much—not just about worship but about God’s Word.
Darlene Zschech beautifully captures the essence of worship:
“When we worship Jesus, we declare His kingdom and announce His presence. When we worship, we come by grace through faith, bringing the voice of our hearts before heaven. When we worship, we dispel the darkness and take authority over principalities and powers. When we worship, we exalt Christ and His dominion over every situation and circumstance. When we worship, thanksgiving is our entry point, joy is our strength, and breakthrough is our inheritance. When we worship, demons tremble and angels join in. When we worship, kingdom dominion is established in our lives.”
In recent years, Hillsong Church has faced significant challenges and controversies, which have caused many to question its leadership and direction. These troubles are heartbreaking, especially for those of us who have been blessed by their music. Yet, while the organization has its flaws, the power of the lyrics and the heart behind their songs remain. These songs have drawn countless people into the presence of God and have been a source of healing, hope, and renewal.
The music of Hillsong helped me live out Psalm 100:4: “Enter His gates with thanksgiving, and His courts with praise.”
I’ve compiled a playlist of my favorite Hillsong Worship songs (yes, I’m partial to the Darlene Zschech era!) to help you enter into a place of worship with Jesus. As you worship Him, I pray you’ll feel His love surrounding you. May your worries fade in the light of His glorious grace. May you come before His presence with thanksgiving and bless His name.
