Fifteen years later, in a new world of smartphones and social media – Hillsong has again launched a new youth music team – "Young and Free" – with a brand new sound.
Hillsong's youth pastor Laura Toggs has dubbed today's youth the "silent generation".
"They lack face-to-face interaction, therefore the need to hear, see and feel a relevant message is greater than ever," she declared.
Young and Free's first album – boldly titled 'We are Young and Free' – is being released on October 1, and is available now for pre-order.
Consistent with Hillsong's mission to be a church that "changes mindsets and empowers people to lead and impact in every sphere of life", 'We are Young and Free' doesn't compromise on lyrics.
The first single 'Alive', which has stayed at the top of Australia's Christian music chart for 8 consecutive weeks, declares, "I'll follow You Lord for all my days; I'll fix my eyes, follow in Your ways; Forever free in unending grace."
Yet the pop style of the album is something the Christian music world has never seen.
"It's a sound that we as a church have never tackled before, breaking into new areas of worship music," said team member Alex Pappas.
While the style is different, the passion behind the music and lyrics is undeniable. Toggs hopes it will draw people who have never listened to Christian music.
"The message of Young & Free is a message of joy – joy that is only found through relationship with Jesus.
"We hope that this project blesses people but ultimately we hope that they will find Jesus and get a sense of freedom."
'We are Young and Free' is available now for pre-order on iTunes and at www.hillsong.com.
