BOBBIE HOUSTON:Your Colour Conference Host
31 January, 2012
We chatted to Pastor Bobbie, and thought you’d love to hear a bit about her journey from cute short hand typist in New Zealand to host of Colour Conference.
6 WEEKS till conference ONE begins
Q. Growing up in New Zealand…
I never dreamed in a bazillion years that I would firstly live in Australia (because I completely hate snakes), nor travel the world like we do. I was actually very shy and with no ambition to actually see the world. Isn't that crazy!!
Q. When I grew up I wanted to be…
like my sister. She was seven and a half years older and my only mentor if I could use that word. So when she became a "shorthand typist", that is what I did. Despite a love for art and biology, I don't recall my parents or anyone else asking or encouraging me to think of University or pursuit of these interests.
Q. I am always inspired by…
what is visual - a bill board, graffiti on a wall, flowers cascading over fences, magazine advertising, the colours on a sandy beach, people doing everyday life... anything. We were recently in Cape Town and driving home one night, Table Mountain was completely lit up - it was amazing, grand, spectacular. That sight inspired me about the grandness and greatness of God.
Q. If I could live as a ‘Miss Sisterhood’ high-school–er’ for a day, I would…
host a pamper morning at lunchtime, get someone in to speak about whatever flicks a teenager’s switch and weave a testimony in. I'd also labour to change the way "girls walk around the playground criticising others". I say that, because that is what my friends and I did...until the day I got saved. And then somehow I didn't feel right to do that anymore.
Q. My favourite place to ‘pause and consider’ is…
anywhere. A nice cafe with a nice view always helps.
Q. First impressions are…
interesting for me. I don't make judgements on people in a first meeting, because it takes time to get to know the real person inside, and often people can be shy or nervous. First impressions for artwork I have to sign off on or comment on is a different thing - I always pay attention to my first reaction.
Q. You have been overseas with Brian this past year, visiting our global campuses, joining with the South America ONE DAYS. What did you notice about ‘Sisterhood’ across the earth?
Across our global campuses the Sisterhood is alive and well. We launched in NYC in August and it felt like they were on the page from the start. Time will tell, but I feel there is a tangible maturity amongst our Hillsong women. As for South America, I'm not completely sure. I know that the crowds were very attentive to me when I spoke with them and I recall our driver in Bolivia saying, that after the meeting, his wife said, “SEE, WOMEN CAN MINISTER". South America is a huge, diverse continent - but I do get many twitter messages asking me to bring Colour to South America.
Q. If anything could happen, anything at all – what would be your desire for Colour 2012?
An open heaven like we have never experienced before.
Q. If someone could ‘get it’ with regards to the Sisterhood, what would that look like?
Wow, a big question. Perhaps that their eyes would open to the reality that God is gathering His daughters and what we have to offer collectively is beyond all our imaginations. So many girls want to change the world - and Sisterhood is a tangible way to do this.
Q. How has being a mum and grandma changed you in 2011?
I love babies, always have, always will...and to have my own "little people" around the house is too much fun. I just love every part and hope that the young mums in our church know how much I value them and the season they are in.
Q. What’s your best-kept secret? (Beauty / Love / Relationship / Motherhood / Friendship)
Really? Beauty: be happy inside, because it really does show on your face (although sometimes I am very happy and look terrible on the outside. Joys of a big life I think). Love: Love needs expression, so don't hide what you have. Relationship: Be kind and gracious and always measure things on the scale of eternity and in context of how would this reaction or response fly if Jesus was in the corner of the room. Motherhood: Kiss and cuddle ya kids a million times a day. Friendship: Friendship is a gift, treasure it accordingly.
Q. When you consider where you have been on the earth, all that you have done and experienced, what still surprises you?
Immmm....a beaming face in church always surprises and delights me.
Q. What scriptures stand out to you at the moment?
Loving everything at the moment. It all feels so ALIVE. Psalm 18 and some verses in Thessalonians struck me whilst on our recent leave in Europe.
Q. If you could write a ‘post-it’ note to someone anywhere in the world, what would you say? (Meaning a short and sweet message to someone – if you know them or not)
Look up, there's a God in Heaven who adores you.
Q. What was the greatest life gift your mother gave / taught you?
Hopefully kindness and gentleness. She was a very gentle spirited woman and I don't hardly recall any unkind words coming from her mouth.
Q. Who was your first friend growing up, and what do you remember about that friendship?
My first school friend was a girl called Margaret. She had jet-black hair and we were inseparable as children. When I became a Christian at 15, she made me choose between her and God. When I said I love God, she literally got on her bike and rode out of my life.
Q. What have your life long girlfriends taught you?
That friendship is very precious and that laughing is the best medicine ever.
For more information and to register for Colour Conference, please visit colourconference.com
For more information on Pastor Bobbie, please visit brianandbobbie.com and follow her on Twitter twitter.com/bobbiehouston and Facebook facebook.com/brianandbobbie
You might also like:
Disqus Comments
Hillsong Collected is a blog. It is an ongoing collection of thoughts and stories from the leadership and key team of Hillsong Church around the world, conveniently packaged in three different streams.
We want to inspire and encourage everyday people that your efforts and contributions can and will make a difference. So take a look around, make yourself at home and check back often.
For more information about Hillsong Church and our community initiatives please visit hillsong.com
Share this site 
Get Collected For You in your inbox.
