Alive and Called: Reflections On Hillsong Africa’s ‘Called To Worship’ Concert

PRETORIA, SOUTH AFRICA. Alive and Called: Reflections On Hillsong Africa’s ‘Called To Worship’ Concert Last night, on June 27 2025, Moreleta Kerk in Pretoria East was transformed into a sanctuary of praise and worship as Hillsong Africa held the much-anticipated worship concert, “Called To Worship.” It was a night where faith, music, and community converged seamlessly, inviting believers from all walks of life to encounter God through new songs and classic hymns birthed from a heart of revival.

From the moment attendees arrived, it was clear that thoughtful planning was at the heart of this event. The ticketing system stood out, each person had an assigned seat number, a clever touch by iTicket and Moreleta Kerk that kept things orderly and ensured genuine access. This attention to detail prevented gate-crashers and made the experience smooth, allowing everyone to settle into their spaces with ease.

Moreleta Kerk itself proved to be the perfect venue for this winter evening. Unlike larger stadium events, the cosy atmosphere of the 7,000-seater church offered warmth that penetrated beyond the chill outside. The intimacy fostered a deeper connection between the worshippers and the music, a stark contrast to grander, sprawling venues where the human element can sometimes feel distant.

As the concert began, the worship moment was nothing short of powerful. The prelude and pre-roll, lasting close to 20 minutes, set the spiritual tone with verses from Psalms projected on the big screens, inviting hearts to sing new songs and lift praise to God. This wasn’t just entertainment; it was an invitation to experience worship as a living, breathing encounter. Hillsong Africa unveiled new songs, “Spirit of Revival” and “Jesus My Hope”, that have already captured hearts within their community.

But beyond the songs, the sound quality was impeccable — a vital lifeline for any live event. The clarity and balance of the audio enhanced every moment of worship, allowing voices to rise and instruments to soar without distraction. This careful attention to sound showed a deep respect for the congregation’s experience and the message being carried.

And what would a Hillsong gathering be without the Word? The message, drawn from the book of Luke 9:51, served as both a balm and a charge. It reminded those in attendance that worship isn’t just melodic, it’s missional. It’s not just about singing to God, but living for Him.

One particularly striking observation was the genuine engagement from the audience. Unlike many modern concerts where phones dominate the scene, capturing every moment on smartphone screens, here, more hands were lifted in surrender than phones in the air. It was a collective reminder that worship is not a show to be recorded, it is a sacred offering, a dialogue between the heart and the Divine.

In short, “Called to Worship” wasn’t just a concert. It was a well-thought-out, Spirit-led gathering that honoured both God and those who came to meet with Him. From the logistics to the lyrics, the scriptures to the sound, every detail pointed upward.

As winter continues to wrap its chill around the country, many left Moreleta Kerk with hearts ablaze, not just warmed by music, but rekindled by the presence of the One they came to worship.