Interview with Kristi Heppner from Canada

Kristi Heppner is from Canada. She is 22 years old and she is currently doing her Diploma of Pastoral Leadership at Hillsong International Leadership College. Read more about Kristi's experience of Hillsong College below.

What made you come to Hillsong College?

I did YWAM on the Gold Coast in Australia in 2005 and that was when I first got a taste of ministry. After this I worked for a few years and got really involved in my church back home. I decided that I wanted to work full time in the church, so that’s the area my education would be in as well. That’s when I decided to go to Bible College. I had visited Hillsong Church when I was in Australia in 2005, so I had already seen how amazing it was and how great the leaders were so when I decided to go to Bible College, I knew straight away that this was where I would go.

What has surprised you about moving to Australia?

Since I have already lived here I knew what to expect! When I first moved here the heat and the humidity really surprised me. I had heard people talking about Australians being friendly, but I was surprised to figure that out myself. They are actually very much like Canadians. That made it really easy to adapt. Coming to Hillsong Church, the biggest shock was the encouraging environment. The people here believed in me and encouraged me and I have felt so empowered straight from the beginning. There is a very “homey” feeling here and that helped me to fit in right away.

What has been your favorite subject during the years you have been at college?

Preaching and Teaching with Robert Ferguson. This class gave me a practical understanding of what it means to hear and read the word and outlive it in your daily day life. Preaching is not only from the platform, but it is living out your faith in your everyday life.

What has challenged you the most during your stay?

I decided to get really involved in church and college life straight away when I came, so I would probably say figuring out the balance between myself, family, relationships, college and church. Fitting all of these things into my schedule, figuring out what God has for me in this season, and not getting distracted by all the other things has been challenging.

What, out of the things you have learned at Hillsong College, will you be using 10 years from now?

Hillsong College is hugely leadership oriented and one of my natural gifts is leadership. I am challenged to live a life for God that is honoring Him and glorifying Him in everything that I say and do. With that comes leading in every sphere of influence I have in the next 10 years.

What is one of the main things that God has done in your life while being at college?

He has grown my faith. My expectancy is huge after seeing what God can do in me and in the lives of those around me. I don't want to have small beliefs because I serve a great God who can do anything....GOD IS BIG!


Do you feel more equipped to do what God has called you to do after having been at Hillsong College?


Yes, definitely! I feel like I am believed in and in that way equipped to step into all that God has for me. I have gained some great knowledge, wisdom and practical tips on how to outwork that in my life. For example, Preaching and Teaching has helped me to understand how to communicate what is on my heart and in my head in a practical way of speaking out to others. 


Where do you serve in Church?

Since I came to college I have been very involved in ”Powerhouse,” which is our youth program for the 18-25 year olds, and also in “Sisterhood”, which is a weekly gathering for all the girls and women at Hillsong. The church has asked me to take on zone leadership in Powerhouse, which involves having about 100 youth that you disciple through leading about 15 other leaders, that you are responsible for. This is a great opportunity for me to disciple and minister to young adults.

What is the very best thing about studying at Hillsong College? 


The opportunity of studying with amazing leaders from all around the world, challenging each other in our faith and walks with God. I know that in a few years I will hear about some of these amazing leaders doing incredible things for God all around the world. 


Have you gotten what you came for?

I didn't have a huge expectation because I didn't really know what to expect. What I have gotten far exceeds anything I could ever ask for! Honestly seeing how much I have changed over the last two years has been quite significant. My family and friends have noticed a huge, positive change in me and in my character. 


What are you going to do after college?


The plan is to do third year and then I am thinking of doing degree here. When I get home I want to get involved in a church and work with young adults and youth to serve the body of Christ in that way. 


Is college worth it?

YES! College is totally worth it! Hillsong College is worth any person’s time at whatever age and whatever season in life he or she is in to come and encounter God. This school will equip you for any dream and plan you have for the future in whatever area of influence you want to have. I would recommend Hillsong College to anyone because it is practical and it equips you for life.