Are Hillsong's faithful willing volunteers or simply being exploited? Listen to Faith on Trial early and ad free by subscribing to Crime X+ on Apple Podcasts. New episode released every Wednesday. Go to faithontrial.com.au for more. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
A reflection on how hardworking staff play a crucial role in making the world function properly, using the example of hotel staff who collect deliveries from the back entrance.
College students are often exploited as free labour in conferences, where they perform various tasks that should be properly compensated. This is a form of volunteering that raises ethical questions about the exploitation of free labour.
The speaker wishes that values such as unconditional love, respect for others, faith, hope, peacemaking, self-control, gentleness, and kindness were taught more equally to employees instead of only institutional training. It seems like an elaborate system to get people through, and the values are not being taught enough.
The speaker discusses the pressure and stress that can come with working in ministry and wonders if it's healthy or even possible to maintain a balanced life.
The speaker shares her experience with living in a house in Sydney run by a trafficking syndicate, modified her wordings of calling it institutionalized slavery, and now explains how they rent rooms in groups of two, three or four for 150-200 dollars a bed.
The pressure of Hillsong's volunteer work can lead to mental exhaustion and even suicidal thoughts, with some volunteers feeling obligated to prioritize their service to God over their personal well-being and work commitments. Some former members have spoken out against the organization's heavy reliance on volunteers and the toll it can take on their mental health.
The next episode of Faith on Trial will explore the Hillsong cover-up scandal and how the church's focus on the millionaire mindset has left many of its followers struggling financially.