Hillsong LA

My mom and I have been searching for a «home» church away from home while we visited LA and I believe we found it today. They even had banners that said «welcome home» felt great :) we attended the 12pm service and as soon as we walked in the ushers helped us find seats. Worship was spirit-​filled, message was good. It’s located downtown so you will have to pay for parking, but there is a parking lot next to the theater with a flat rate.

I went to this church a couple of weeks ago. There was no one from the church helping with the crazy parking situation. I found out you have to pay to park and then go to church. Very unusual. I walked into the lobby and no one said hi or welcomed me. I Don’t have a traditional look, so i got glares instead of a handshake. I didn’t feel a warm vibe. A couple of guys came over to my direction, but not to welcome me. Instead, they were sizing me up as a stranger to see if i was a threat. I look middle eastern. I felt uncomfortable. The message was confusing. The lead pastor was not the speaker. There was a guest speaker who demanded that everyone smile and be happy, even if you were in a heartbreaking place. At one point, when i didn’t want to fake pretend everything was great, we were forced to shake the hand of people around me. I just sat down. I guess that being unholy and reserved is frowned upon there. It’s like hurt broken people were not allowed in that church to just be where they are mentally. Be happy or get out was what i felt. I think i felt more of the spirit of White Caucasian man instead of a Spirit of a living God ready to heal broken hearts. The white guy who i was seated next to, spent most of the service playing unspoken head games with me as i tried to concentrate on the speaker. We all know those unspoken feeling of being sized up and even powerplay mind games of projected i’m better that you arrogance. I will look for a church that doesn’t try so hard to be hip, and forget all about the real understanding of the church structured for the unsaved individual as opposed to trying to overstimulate already saved young hipsters. The real truth of Christ seems to be lost in loud music and a relentless demand to be happy and not come just as you are to the alter of brokenness and understanding. It felt more like a show, than a spirit filled people.

Holy Spirit filled, great praise & worship, and a truthful word/​/​what more could you want from a church. The only downside is the fake high fives from seven people make you feel not at church but a football game. As well the last song after the message usually turns into a rave for God which some people take inappropriately.

You don’t have to be confirmed, baptized or even ‘know Jesus’ to come here. There are chill people, a beautiful theatre and a positive message that is super applicable to er’day life. The music/​lights are dope. Whether ‘Christian’ or not Christian or whatever you are, it is a cool place with a cool vibe to meet cool people. Also, they have pretty decent coffee in their courtyard between the services.

Got into line about 40 min before the 10am service and was able to find seats easily. There were plenty of volunteers around who say hello and shake your hand as you walk in and people that help you find a seat.
The worship set was fun and the entire band was having a great time as the led us through worship.
Then there are two minutes for you to say hi to people around you. Super awkward for introverts! Ha!
The message was great and the Pastor was friendly, welcoming and funny. He had a great message that kept your attention and was very genuine. You could see that he’s passionate about what he does.
At the end they don’t mention anything about the courtyard but we just so happened to exit in that direction. So we picked up some coffee and hung out for a bit. There were plenty of people hanging out in this area but as a first time guest I wasn’t greeted by anyone here during this time. I think if I stopped by the next steps table I may have had the chance to talk with people who regularly attend, but I was visiting from out of town so didn’t think I really needed to attend the next steps table. It seemed as though people stuck close to others they already knew rather than approaching new people/​visitors.
Other than that, everything else went really well. The place was easy to find, the line wasn’t too long and there was plenty of seating available. The only negative was the location, but I’m sure this is only temporary. Downtown LA can be cool, but also still very sketchy.
Do not park in the free street parking, pay the $ 4 for the lot across the street from Hillsong LA. I visited for the first time today and parked on Hill St between 12^th St and Pico Blvd and when I walked back to my car after service I found my front passenger window completely shattered with a few items stolen. =(

Amazing place of worship !! I have been going since August of 2014 and I don’t plan on leaving unless I go to their college

Not my home church but do come to attend during Sunday evenings with friends when we can. Hillsong has been such a blessing especially with their praise in worship, its very anointed. We were glad Hillsong came to LA to start a church in our city and to unite with the body of Christ in LA to continue to spread God’s Word and the Gospel.

So I went to the 10am service on Sunday.
I wasn’t 100% sure what to expect from a Hillsong church, besides maybe some great worship. It did not disappoint.
The vibe is energetic & welcoming. There’s a line to get in because it’s so popular, but it’s not bad & a great way to meet new people. The greeters are especially friendly & happy to answer any questions or just chat.
The church meets in the Belasco club, so its dark. The lighting is bright & reminiscent of a concert. There’s enough space for all the people. We came a little late, so we had to sit in the balcony. I didn’t feel too disconnected though.
The worship was truly incredible, loud, spirit-​filled, & fun. Just what you’d expect from Hillsong. They play all Hillsong music as well. The message was comedic, convicting, & biblical. It wasn’t long either.
I’m very bug in social justice & they showed a video about homeless ministry the church is doing in LA. That sold me. It’s not just Hillsong being a popular church in the city, they’re really being good neighbors & stewards.
The crowd is definitely younger & it’s a large church, but I feel like I saw enough people from different walks of life.
I’m not sure on the parking situation as I took the bus, but I definitely recommend taking public transportation if possible.

This place is amazing. Love this church with all of my heart. I love the environment, I love the people. I’ve made so many friends here that have helped me through my new life as a follower of Jesus. This church definitely is not the church you imagine it to be, we get crazy during worship, and get passionate when hearing the word. Our pastor always says ‘Come as you are’! If you are looking to renew your faith, or follow Jesus this place is amazing. ‘Church should be enjoyed, not endured.
I love this Church, I love what this church is about, I love how the created a huge family. ‘A small church with a lot of people.‘
Come check us out! You will not regret it!

Yes!!! The Lord saved me through Echoes of Faith church in Ontario, CA (though recently relocated) and for many years Ive been going to Echoes of Faith, I tried other churches, but the presence of God was mighty in EOF so I never went anywhere else. I also pretty much left it to God, He led me there and He will lead me out if the time comes where He needs to.
I recently got married and hubby and I couldn’t quite agree on a church. He is a «new» believer coming to the Lord and for many many months I was spiritually starving. I’d attend a church he liked, it was visually appealing and it was so «hip» and etc… Not really what I care about, what I was lacking was teaching that fed my spirit and empowered and strengthened me for the victory we have in Christ.
Long story short, I felt hungry all the time, to the point where I felt like I was starving and desperate for the Word of God. Like bad.
Fervently praying, God led my husband and I to Hillsong LA and God’s love and presence is upon this place. Im not so hungry anymore yet there is still nothing like my pentecostal church Echoes of Faith!!! However, it’ll do. I believe in prayer in laying hands in healing in deliverance in freedom and LOVE through Christ Jesus!!! Amen!!!

«When Jesus said we could do is leave typical behind. We could leave all of the comparisons and all of the trappings and all of the pretending of religion. Jesus told the people He was with that it’s not enough to just look like you love God. He said we’d know the extent of our love for God by how well we loved people.”-Bob Goff
HillsongLA is home! It means I am no longer a spectator that just comes to church… I have found a church family that has displayed Jesus’s love… A place that you can come as you are because God will meet you there. I am so grateful for that!

This church is one of the healthiest things for this great city of Los Angeles! The Hope for life change, the truth that is communicated, and the community of people here are absolutely next level!
The love, hope, and change I’ve seen In people that are a part of this church is remarkable. In a city full of brokenness their is Hope through Jesus. Time and time again people’s lives are changed through the welcoming, accepting and loving community and culture at Hillsong LA.
The entire city of LA will look completely different because of this churches influence. I’m so honored and grateful to have to opportunity to be influenced by such a healthy church culture. Even if it means paying for parking or waiting in line for a seat in the balcony.

My reviews are far and few between because I choose only to comment on the places that have really impacted my life or the way I experience something.
As of this review I still consider myself new to church and Christianity. Many people know about God, but they miss the blessing of knowing Him personally. I was one of those people for a really long time. A friend of mine recommended I check out Hillsong so I went one Sunday not really sure what to expect or if I’d even like going.
Without a doubt that first step, that first leap of faith was life changing.
I found so many things because I decided I’d give it a shot. I found real friendship, a loving community of people, an encouraging family, and a home. And above all I found Jesus.
Hillsong LA is an incredible way to experience worship and the word of God. The pastors are incredibly warm, well-​spoken, and personable. They even poke fun at themselves for their Aussie accents and habits! It’s human and it’s fun.
Every week I try and sit next to someone I haven’t met before and always end up meeting a new friend. This Church is a healthy, thriving example of God’s kingdom on earth. The culture at Hillsong is fun-​loving and wonderful. The people are warm and bright.
I used to look forward to Fridays and the start of the weekend but now my weeks begin on Sunday.
I’m just glad I gave it a shot!

I had to report on a new experience for work, and I decided to share about my visit to Hillsong LA. Here’s the play by play. Please enjoy!
9:40 AM — Waiting for the Big Blue Bus on Ocean Ave. Awesome day out. Have my two singles ready. Dressed in white jeans and dressy Ferragamos. Feet are killing. Ugh.
10AM — There’s one other guy on the bus. What if he’s going to Hillsong too?
1020 AM — Arrive at Olive and Olympic. The other guy gets off, and I follow him to The Mayan Theater AKA Hillsong! What are the odds?
1025 AM — In line waiting to get in. Already around 50 people are here for the 11AM service. Really nice people in line. Light convo here and there. I’m all smiles. Side note: Downtown is a completely different beast from Santa Monica.
1032 AM — Hillsong volunteers have been unleashed to the line to make us feel like we’re not strangers. All very nice people, except for the one guy who tried to sell the fact Justin Bieber attended a service. I’m sorry, but of all people in the world, JB is the last person I’d brag to me about.
1033 AM — Thinking about why Justin Bieber is even relevant. I mean, is he still recording? I only hear of his reckless attitude in public. Ugh.
1034 AM — More light convo with line volunteers. Cheers.
1035 AM — Checked out the food truck which is parked right in front of the theater. Nothing to be seen here, folks.
1045 AM — Doors. Yay! Feet are killing. The lobby greets you with a merch table, and another table where you can officially sign up and join. More people greet you and shake hands. I wish I’d brought my hand sanitizer. Next time.
1046 AM — I find a prime seat, and sit myself down. I take a moment to admire this majestic theater/​former night club. I can almost smell the hairspray from the good ol’ days.
1059 AM — Music is pumping. The lighting is dramatic. Expectations are rising. A heart warming video is played for a few minutes, featuring some of Hillsong United’s music.
1105 AM — The band heats up, and the assembly is on their feet.
1120 AM — We’re about 15 minutes into high-​octane praise music. The music is awesome, but all these songs are starting to sound the same. Still digging it, but if Justin Bieber hops on stage, I AM LEAVING.
1130 AM — These Ferragamos are KILLING ME! The lyrics are projected on a screen, so I can mouth the words to make it look like I’m actually participating. Yay me!
1135 AM — At last we sit for a few announcements, an invitation to attend a mid-​week event, the opportunity to give money, say some prayers for some church members, and hear the introduction of Reed, who will be preaching his message this morning.
1140 AM — And, OMG, we’re on our feet again. Ugh. Don’t tell me. Another praise song?
1145 AM — Reed comes out, and he’s impossibly cool (but not in a slick way). He’s pushing 30, and is wearing what looks like a J Crew outfit. He speaks about this being a new year, and that he’s not going to just give us a typical New Year sermon, and that we’re going to get more from him, and that we’re going to leave here changed. You hear that world? I’m going to leave here changed. I’m into it. Reed oftentimes refers to scripture, and voila — it’s on the screen.
12PM — Love it when Reed is in the middle of saying something, and a guy upstairs is encouraging him by saying, «C’mon!»
1210 PM — When Reed says «Amen?» the rest of us answer «Amen!» I’m waiting for someone to shout «Hallelujia!»
1215 PM — The last few minutes of Reed’s sermon is kind of disjointed, but he’s trying to exit his set with grace. He invites everyone to close their eyes, and bow their heads. And, now we’re asked to raise our hands. I don’t do any of that, but I see others aren’t either.
1220 PM — And, that’s a wrap for Reed. Someone comes out thanking Reed, and the band is on one last time. I’m feeling good!
Here’s my lasting impression of today:
As far as preachers go, Reed is alright. No, he’s not the most eloquent or the most sophisticated guy you could hear from. He plays it kind of safe, and definitely will appeal to a large number of people, especially young people. His message is basic; but in a church, what more do you need?
I was hoping to hear the same dynamism as Carl Lentz (the pastor of Hillsong in New York), but Reed is so young. And, how can a guy this young tap into life the same way Lentz does? I don’t think I can expect him to. But Reed doesn’t bite off more than he can chew, and what he does is fine. Not great, but fine.
Reed is only a small part of what Hillsong is about, I believe. Hillsong is a movement of people, who choose to get together weekly, then go and try to live their Christian lives. And, in a time when organized religion is so harshly criticized, Hillsong meets their peoples needs, or at least they try their best to.

What I love about Hillsong LA is the fact that it really feels like home… As a church body, Hillsong LA has a heart for Jesus and a heart for people, and it’s really refreshing to see such strength and unity at the core of a church.
I am a recent transplant to LA, and I love the way that Hillsong LA not only says «welcome home» to anybody who walks through the doors, but everyone from the leaders to the greeters genuinely wants you to feel welcome, to know that you have a place, and to be assured that you belong, even if you’re not sure what you believe… after all, that’s the love that Jesus was all about!
When you walk through the doors, you’re greeted with smiling faces and high fives (great to pump you up for sure!), and I’m often able to stop and talk with these church volunteers who authentically want to get to know people who walk through the doors… it isn’t fake, it’s a genuine love in this place. When service starts, there’s never pressure to look or feel a certain way, and the music and Biblical message you get to hear always leaves you feeling encouraged and even challenged. I love the way that God is welcomed in such a tangible way at every Hillsong LA gathering I’ve been to… In a city like Los Angeles, this place is a beacon of light, proclaiming God’s glory and grace.
If you’re looking for a place with great music, a fun and enjoyable vibe, solid and strengthening Scripture being taught, and a fantastic community, I highly recommend Hillsong LA!

New hours
11am
4:30pm
7pm
Love this church. Love the music. Love the people. The vibe. Nonjudgmental
Every Time It’s a whole new experience. Blows my heart with peace and happiness every single time with out a doubt

Awesome worship service for the youth, and for new believers. Great location in the HEART of LA who need to hear the name of Jesus.
However, i dont understand why they play secular music before church begins… bummer.

Wonderful Experience. Youthful and great worship. Really kind greeters and the exact music you’d expect from Hillsong.
I can’t wait to return.

Hillsong LA is part of the Hillsong churches that are all around the world (also associated with Hillsong the band, Hillsong United). They just started this summer and have decided to settle down in LA for a new location!
LOCATION: Services are at the Belasco Theatre at 11AM, 5:30PM, and 8PM.
PARKING: Metered street parking is around, but the meters are free on Sundays! It can be hard to find, but there’s also cheaper valet parkings a couple blocks away from the Belasco Theatre. On Hill Street, there’s annoying valet workers who walk out into the road, waving their flags, trying to get you to come valet with them. The one right next to Belasco charges $ 20 even though it’s advertised for $ 3… sooo lame. When I asked them about it, they said it’s $ 3 per 15 minutes or whatever… in the tiny lettering. Stupid!
ENVIRONMENT: The greeters are so welcoming and genuine, I love walking in and out the doors. They have large banners at the front of Belasco theatre saying, «Welcome Home», and it really does feel like home! If you get there early before they open the doors, you’ll have to wait in line, but there’s always friendly people who will want around a strike up conversations which is so refreshing.
OVERALL: It’s a large church but they have mid-​weeks in different locations throughout the week so you can get to know people which is nice! The pastor is great and worship is of course awesome! Come check it out!

This is really a dynamic church that is affiliated with the world renown Hillsong Church based in Sydney, Australia. They are currently holding their services in the Belasco Theatre in downtown Los Angeles. I’ve never been to the Belasco before so it was a good opportunity to be able to see the ornate architectured ceiling inside. It’s a dance club at night so it makes it interesting.
Hillsong was made internationally known for their Sydney worship team that had put out many worship albums and so worship teams in churches all over the world would play and still play their music during their service. The music here is great too and they had just put out a new album recently which I intend to purchase at my first opportunity.
The church welcoming committee is really cool. It seems all the volunteers greet you with a warm smile, wave or handshake which makes you feel really welcome and loved.
The message was very good and something I’ve been looking for, for a really, really long time. It was both encouraging and thought provoking.
Parking is $ 5 in the multiple lots adjacent and across the street. They have services at 11 am, 5:30 pm and another one at 8 pm. I’m told the 11 am and 5:30 pm services both share the same messages but the message for the 8 pm service is different. They have mid week services at four different locations around town such as DTLA, Hollywood, Orange County and Glendale. You can get the exact locations by sending them an email on their website.
If you visit here or start attending, I truly believe your life will be changed for the better. I’m so thankful I felt lead to come visit today. It was my first visit but will definitely not be my last.