Hillsong Church

Hillsong Church
Hillsong Church, commonly known as Hillsong, is a

Hillsong Church
charismatic Christian megachurch and a Christian association
of churches based in Australia. The original church was
established in Baulkham Hills, New South Wales, as Hills
Christian Life Centre by Brian Houston and his wife, Bobbie
Houston, in 1983. Hillsong was a member of the Australian
Christian Churches – the Australian branch of the US-based
Assemblies of God – until 2018, when they separated to form
a new denomination. The church is known for its
contemporary worship music, with groups such as Hillsong
Hillsong Convention Centre in the
Worship, Hillsong United and Hillsong Young & Free with
many musical credits and hits and a series of scandals and Norwest Business Park
criticisms.
Hillsong and its music have been highly successful globally,

with its presence described as a global corporate brand, but a
series of scandals and criticisms have negatively affected its
image in recent years. In March 2022, Houston stepped down
as global senior pastor after an internal investigation found that
he had breached the church's moral code of conduct for pastors
by engaging in inappropriate behaviour with women on two
occasions in the 2010s. Phil and Lucinda Dooley, who had
been acting in the position since January 2022, took over the
position as senior global pastor. Country Australia
Weekly 150,000 (global),
History attendance 43,000 (Australia)
Website hillsong.com (http://hil
lsong.com)
Beginnings: 1977–1999
History
In 1977, six years before the establishment of what would Founded 1983
become Hillsong Church, Brian Houston's father Frank Clergy
founded the Sydney Christian Life Centre (Sydney CLC) in
Waterloo, New South Wales, an inner-city Sydney, in what Senior Phil and Lucinda
was described by scholar Sam Hey as "a neo-Pentecostal pastor(s) Dooley
megachurch."[1][2] Brian and his wife, Bobbie, started holding Laity
services at a school hall in Baulkham Hills, establishing Hills
Christian Life Centre (Hills CLC) in 1983. Both Sydney CLC Music Hillsong Worship
and Hills CLC were affiliated with the Australian Christian group(s) Hillsong United
Churches (ACC), the Australian branch of the US-based Hillsong Young &
Assemblies of God.[3][4] Free
Hills CLC's growth into a megachurch through the 1980s and
1990s was largely driven by young people attracted by its
contemporary worship music, and by its practice of planting
churches internationally.[5][6] In 1992, Hills CLC planted
London Christian Life Centre as an independent church, with
Gerard and Sue Keehan as pastors; it was renamed Hillsong
London in 2000 and gradually grew to twelve locations across
the United Kingdom.[7] Kiev Christian Life Centre, now
Hillsong Kiev, was also planted in post-Soviet Ukraine in
1992.[8] Hillsong Church
Theology Charismatic
In 1997, Hills CLC moved into a new building at Baulkham
Polity Independent
Hills' Norwest Business Park.[9] The church merged with
Structure Hillsong Global
Sydney CLC in May 1999,[4][3] after Frank Houston had been
Board, Hillsong
exposed as a paedophile.[10] Brian Houston became senior Eldership
pastor of both churches for eighteen months.[4] The multi-
Headquarters Baulkham Hills, New
campus church was renamed Hillsong Church in 2001.[4] South Wales,
Australia
21st century Founder Brian Houston and

Bobbie Houston
Between 2008 and 2018, Hillsong Church planted more Members 150,000 (global,
churches in Russia,[11] South Africa, Sweden,[12][13] 2022)
Israel,[14] Canada[15] and Mexico.[16] Hillsong also branched Places of worship 80
out into the United States, establishing sixteen locations by Aid organization Hillsong City Care
2022.[17]
Tax status Charitable
institution
In September 2018, Hillsong left the Australian Christian
Churches – of which Brian Houston had been national
superintendent/president from 1997 to 2009 – to become an
autonomous denomination, identifying itself more as a global and
charismatic church.[18] According to both Hillsong and ACC, the
parting was amicable.[19] Of the decision to spin itself off into its
own denomination, Houston wrote, "We do not intend to function
as a denomination in the traditional sense of the word... We are a
denomination purely for practical reasons related to having the
ability to ordain our pastors in Australia to legally conduct
weddings as marriage celebrants operating under the rites of
Hillsong Church". Houston added that they had not shifted
doctrinally and that the ACC was still their "tribe".[20] Early Hills Christian Life Centre logo
In October 2020, they purchased the Festival Hall venue in

Melbourne to become the home of Hillsong Church Melbourne City's weekly church services after
undergoing renovations to better suit the new uses.[21][22]
In October 2021, Hillsong bought the Golders Green Hippodrome in London, England, with the intention
of holding Sunday services there.[23]
Brian Houston stepped aside from his senior roles as global senior pastor and chair of the board in January
2022, owing to the pressures of a court case relating to his alleged failure to report sexual abuse of a child
by his father, of which he became aware in the 1990s.[24][25] In March 2022, he stepped down as the
global senior pastor of the church after he was found to have breached the moral code of the church in his
behaviour with two women.[26][27]
In August 2022, Hillsong was sued by an Australian whistleblower in federal court there, alleging that the
megachurch had moved millions of dollars overseas to avoid the charities regulator, the Australian Charities
and Not-for-profits Commission (ACNC).[28] The whistleblower alleged that Hillsong made "large cash
gifts" to Houston and his family using tax-free money.[28]
In August 2023, Brian Houston was acquitted of covering up his father's crimes.[29]
Reach and branding
Statistics
In 2018, it had 80 churches.[30]
According to a census published by the association in 2022, it would have 38 churches in Australia and
150,000 members in 30 countries,[31] up from 130,000 in 21 countries in May 2019[32] and 100,000 in 14
countries in September 2015.[33]
Due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, the church started measuring online attendees
instead of regular attendees, which they stated average 444,000 per weekend.[34]
Branding
Hillsong has been described as a "global corporate brand",[35] and "Australia's most powerful brand",[36]
with its fast global growth assisted by the spectacle of its huge conferences, the popularity of its music
releases, young people's attraction to the charismatic leaders,[35] Hillsong Television, its messaging and
language ("health and wealth"), customer service, targeting of children, presence on social media, and
merchandising.[36]
Governance
The church is governed by the Hillsong Global Board and a group of elders known as the Hillsong
Eldership,[37] headed by Pastors Phil and Lucinda Dooley since 2022.[38] The elders lead the church
spiritually whereas the board of directors manages the corporate administration appointed for one year, with
renewable terms.[39]
The founders, Brian and Bobbie Houston, had been the global senior pastors of Hillsong Church.[40] On
31 January 2022 it was announced that Phil and Lucinda Dooley, pastors of the South African church,
would be acting global senior pastors in Houston's absence until the end of 2022, after Brian Houston
stepped down owing to the pressures of a court case relating to his alleged failure to report sexual abuse by
his father, of which he was later acquitted.[29]
Brian Houston was also chairman of the board, until his resignation from this position in January 2022.[41]
As of February 2022 the replacement chairperson has yet to be announced. George Aghajanian is General
Manager, as well as a director of Hillsong Church Australia and its international entities.[42]
In March 2022, Brian Houston resigned from the board of Hillsong Church and from his role as global
senior pastor as a result of breaching the moral code of the church in his behaviour with two women.[25]
Locations and ministries

Hillsong has a global presence, with churches and ministries in Australia, Indonesia and Japan, many
European countries, Canada, US, South Africa, and, in Latin America, Argentina, Brazil, Mexico, and
Uruguay as of February 2022.[43]
Hillsong's various ministries include Hillsong Music, Hillsong Kids, Hillsong Youth, Hillsong Sisterhood,
Hillsong Men, Hillsong Conference, Hillsong CityCare, Hillsong International Leadership College,[44]
TBN Inspire (branded as Hillsong Channel from June 2016[45][46][47] to 31 December 2021[48]), TV &
Film, Hillsong Performing Arts Academy and Hillsong Health Centre. Their total facilities are estimated to
be worth around A$100 million.[44]
Hillsong College
Two campuses of the Hillsong International Leadership College arose from the two churches that are now
Hillsong Church, the Sydney Christian Life Centre and Hills Christian Life Centre. Both original colleges
had similar goals of creating courses in ministry and leadership development based in a local church setting.
With an emphasis on the creative arts, theological education was based on the ministry model.[49]
The Sydney college was originally founded in 1983 by David Johnston and located at Arncliffe as the
"International Institute for Creative Ministries" (IICM), but in 1989 Johnston parted ways with IICM,
bringing the college under the auspices of Wesley Mission. That college moved to the Wesley Centre in Pitt
Street, Sydney, and after a few name changes became Wesley Institute (now Excelsia College).[50]
In 1988, Hills Christian Life Centre developed a training arm of IICM, under Ian Fuller. It was first known
as Power Ministry School, then in 1992 Power Ministry College, under Steve Kelly. In 1993 the Hillsong
School and a School of Music was established to train young musicians. In 1996, after Mark Hopkins took
over as director, the Hillsong School and the School of Music were merged to form the Hills Leadership
College.
In 1990, Robert Fergusson became principal at the Sydney location and switched the focus to practical
ministry training. Classes, at this time accommodating around 50-70 students, were moved back to the
church site and the name changed to Aquila College of Ministries in 1993. After Hills CLC merged with
Sydney CLC (referred to as its "parent church") in 1999, in early 2000 the Sydney college merged with the
Hills Leadership College to become Hillsong International Leadership College, with Duncan Corby
appointed principal of its "City campus". It was approved as a registered training organisation in December
2002, and by 2007 there were around 900 full-time students enrolled across the two campuses, the majority
from overseas.[49]
In February 2016, Duncan Corby was dean of the college, while Catrina Henderson was principal. and it
was still trading as Hillsong International Leadership College.[51] In late 2016 it shortened its name to
simply Hillsong College,[52] and as of 2022 has campuses in Sydney and Phoenix, Arizona, and has an
online curriculum.[53] The official trading name of the city campus is Sydney Christian Life Centre Pty Ltd,
and one of its tax-deductible charitable funds is called the International Institute for Creative Ministries
Library Trust Fund.[54]
Hillsong Sisterhood
Bobbie Houston has been especially influential in Hillsong's ministry for women, called Sisterhood. She is
a mentor to many of Hillsong's women leaders. Although Hillsong generally supports the traditional roles
of wife and mother for women, the church's position is that their ministries "empower" women. Riches
found via interviews with attendees that the ministries increased women's choice regarding around sexuality
and child rearing; encouraged women to start small businesses and to take on promotions at work;
facilitated women's participation in cultural events, as well as promoted women's voices in religious
teaching and public life.[55] Church members have described Hillsong's leadership development as a
process that supports women's movement from timid, supportive wife into leadership roles within the
church. The Sisterhood is involved in issues such as HIV/AIDS, domestic violence and human trafficking.
Their midweek gathering is primarily for women. It is attended by all female staff members and is the
foundation of Hillsong's women's ministries. The Thursday meeting for mothers includes businesswomen,
and special quarterly "Sisterhood United" night meetings include working women. Members of the church
say that her authority as a leader comes from "a Pentecostal understanding of Spirit empowerment".[3]
Australia
Hillsong has multiple campuses around Australia. As of February 2022 in New South Wales it has
Baulkham Hills, two Sydney city campuses (one the location of the original Sydney CLC), several around
various suburbs, and one each in Newcastle and Wollongong.[56][57] There are also one or two churches in
major cities in all of the other states except for South Australia.[58] It also has churches in 30 countries
across the world, and As of February 2022 reports 150,000 regular attendees globally.[31]
Avalon Theatre
Hillsong purchased the heritage-listed Avalon Theatre in Hobart, Tasmania for $2.55 million in 2020.[59]
The theatre underwent renovations in 2022.[60]
Hillsong CityCare
In 1986 a social engagement program called CityCare was established in New South Wales, offering
various community services including personal development programs, counselling services, a health centre
and youth mentoring. CityCare's "street teams" worked within the community to care for, feed and clothe
the homeless.[3]
In July 2008, concerns were raised by some teachers, parents, and experts about the Hillsong City Care
Shine program for girls being run in New South Wales public schools, community groups and the juvenile
justice system. The concerns include that the program is "inappropriate for troubled young women, that the
under-qualified facilitators are reinforcing gender stereotypes and that some parents have not been properly
informed" and that "the program encourages girls to be subservient by teaching them that they need to be
attractive to men".[61] Hillsong claimed that parents were supportive and that the program broke down
barriers in a group situation.[62] In a further response, Hillsong denied that the program had been used for
evangelism,[63] but a teacher's federation representative insisted that children had been exposed to religious
content, such as people relating stories about finding religion and joining the Hillsong Church.[64]
Beliefs
Hillsong was formerly affiliated with Australian Christian Churches (the Assemblies of God in Australia),
part of Pentecostal Christianity. The church's beliefs are Evangelical and charismatic.[65][66] [67]
Hillsong's positions on non-central doctrines of the faith are diverse, although individuals have taken a
public stand on many topical issues in contemporary Christianity in keeping with mainstream
Pentecostalism; for example, the church's founder opposes abortion and supports teaching creationism in
schools.[68] Hillsong has also declared support for Creationism and Intelligent Design and believes this
should be taught in schools.[69][70][71][72]
Hillsong's prosperity teachings have been criticised by Christian leaders Tim Costello[73] and George
Pell.[9] Subsequent statements by Tim Costello indicated that he was satisfied with changes made by Brian
Houston to Hillsong's teaching in response to criticism.[74] Costello also wrote a foreword in Hillsong's
2019 annual report.[75] Hillsong's teachings have been commented on favourably by Peter Costello, Tim
Costello's brother, also a Baptist and a former Treasurer of Australia, who has defended the church against
accusations of unorthodoxy.[76]
Media and events
Music
Hillsong has been described by popular music scholar Tom Wagner as a "confluence of sophisticated
marketing techniques and popular music". The music of Hillsong United and Hillsong Worship are credited
with driving Hillsong's global popularity.[6] Through the 1980s and 1990s, the congregation grew from 45
members to nearly 20,000 and emerged as a significant influence in the area of contemporary worship
music. This was a result of strategic marketing that targeted younger generations and Hillsong's success at
establishing itself as a global music standard.[5]
Hillsong Church has produced over 40 albums, which have sold over 11 million copies. Albums are
produced for different target audiences including Hillsong Kids for children. Hillsong Chapel features
acoustic arrangements, which are "quieter" than the electric guitar, keyboard and drums that are typical of
Hillsong's music.[6] Hillsong's albums are produced by Hillsong Music Australia. Hillsong's congregational
music has been the dominant source of the church's influence in the Charismatic Christianity movement.
Music is central to worship at the church. Hillsong's worship leaders have generally enjoyed a high-profile
international position. Early worship leaders included Geoff Bullock and Darlene Zschech.[3] Zschech was
Hillsong's second worship leader and Hillsong achieved international acclaim during her ministry.[5]
Zschech's "Shout to the Lord" was an early hit for Hillsong in mid-1990s.[77] In 2008, Reuben Morgan
became Hillsong's third worship leader.[5]
Hillsong's worship music has been widely influential not only in Pentecostal churches, but more broadly in
Evangelical churches. Many of Hillsong's "worship expressions" have been incorporated into Evangelical
services including raised hands, vocal utterance and dance.[5] Hillsong Music has released over 40 albums
since 1992, many of them achieving gold status in Australia and one of them, People Just Like Us,
achieving platinum status.[78] The church's 2004 live praise and worship album For All You've Done
reached No. 1 in the mainstream Australian album charts (ARIA).[79]
In September 2012, Hillsong produced The Global Project, a collection of their most popular songs
released in nine different languages including Spanish, Portuguese, Korean, Mandarin, Indonesian,
German, French, Swedish and Russian.[80]
Hillsong Worship
The Hillsong Worship albums, formerly led by Darlene Zschech and Reuben Morgan and previously
named Hillsong Live before 2014, all achieved gold status in Australia. The live album series was recorded
at the Sydney campus(es) and then edited and produced by Hillsong Music Australia. The worship series
began as a compilation of songs and developed into studio recorded albums. To help make Hillsong Music
mainstream, an agreement with Warner Music Australia took place in 1999. In 2003, Sony Music Australia
also signed with Hillsong Music to make the group even more mainstream.[81] In 2018, Hillsong Worship
won its first Grammy Award for Best Contemporary Christian Music Performance/Song for "What a
Beautiful Name".[82]
Hillsong United
Hillsong United was conceived as the youth arm of the worship ministry, producing annual live albums
similarly to Hillsong Live, with a focus on alternative rock. As the members grew older, United has since
transitioned into a band with currently an eleven-member fixed lineup of Hillsong musicians as well as a
focus on studio albums compared to the Worship and Young & Free ministries. Their song "Oceans (Where
Feet May Fail)" was No. 1 on the Billboard Hot Christian Songs list for a full year.[3] It was the No. 1 song
on the Billboard Christian Songs chart in 2014[83] and 2016,[84] No. 2 for 2015,[85] and the No. 1 song of
the 2010s decade.[86] The New York Times described their music as "ornate mainstream arena rock but with
God-only lyrics that are vetted for adherence to theology".[77] Joel Houston, Hillsong's creative director
and former lead pastor of Hillsong New York, leads Hillsong United.
Hillsong Young & Free
Hillsong Young & Free was established in 2012 as a new youth branch of Hillsong's ministry. Hillsong
Church has been successful at adjusting the musical style of their ministries to keep up with changing
musical trends. Hillsong Young & Free was launched to attract postmillennial youth worshippers. The style
of music in this particular ministry reflects features of musical genres that are popular with this target
demographic, including electronic dance music.[5] Laura Toggs and Peter Toganivalu were founders of the
collective, while Laura was also one of the vocalists of Young & Free prior to her resignation from Hillsong
in 2023.
Hillsong Kids
Hillsong Kids is music designed for and by Hillsong's children's ministry. The albums Jesus Is My
Superhero and Super Strong God were included on Natalie Gillespie's "Best Christian Children's Albums"
lists for 2005 and 2006, respectively (published in Christianity Today).[87][88][89]
Television
In late March 2022, Network 10 removed Hillsong-produced television programs from its schedules and
video on demand service 10Play.[90] The removal came amid controversies involving Brian Houston, who
resigned from his position as senior pastor after being indicted in a misconduct investigation by the
ministry.[26][27]
Hillsong Channel
On 9 March 2016, Trinity Broadcasting Network (TBN), the American religious broadcaster, announced a
partnership with Hillsong that saw TBN's digital terrestrial television (DTT) sub-channel, The Church
Channel, rebranded as the broadcast version of Hillsong Channel on 1 June 2016.[91][92] The American
linear channel was rebranded as TBN Inspire on 1 January 2022, and the international versions followed
suit in April 2022, though Hillsong remained a partner in the network.[48][93][94]
Hillsong Conference
Hillsong Conference is a mid-year week long annual conference in

Sydney, London and New York City each year. First started in
1986, it has grown to be the largest annual conference in Australia
as of January 2022.[95]
The Australian conference is hosted by Hillsong Church and lead

pastors Brian and Bobbie Houston and involves a variety of guests Hillsong Conference 2021 logo
from across the globe. Baptist minister Michael Frost described the
2011 conference as having, "a kind of electric, almost carnival
atmosphere ... the delegates were full of anticipation and excitement".[96]
In 2014, the New York event was held in Madison Square Garden, while the London conference was held
in The O2 Arena over three days[35] and has continued to be held at this venue until at least 2018.[97]
Media appearances
On 16 September 2016, the documentary Hillsong: Let Hope Rise, directed by Michael John Warren, was
released to cinemas across the United States.[98] The film explores Hillsong's beginnings and its rise to
prominence as an international church. The focus is on the band Hillsong United as they write songs for
their upcoming album and work toward a performance at The Forum in Inglewood, California.
In 2023, various programs charting the rise and demise of Hillsong were aired on a number of media
platforms. In March 2023, satirical news outlet The Betoota Advocate partnered with Paramount to release
a new satirical series on TV which would include an episode about Hillsong.[99][100] In early 2023, a four-
part documentary series, The Secrets of Hillsong, was released on FX in the United States, and in Australia,
the Herald Sun produced an investigative podcast called Faith on Trial. In June of that year, ex-Hillsong
member Marc Fennell presented The Kingdom on SBS Television.[101]
Political influence
Hillsong Church has attracted support from high-profile politicians, especially from the Liberal Party of
Australia.[102][103] In 1998, Brian Houston met with the prime minister of Australia, John Howard, and
most of his cabinet at Parliament House in Canberra before sharing prayers.[104] In 2002, Howard opened
the Hillsong Convention Centre at the Baulkham Hills location.[105] In 2004 and 2005, the Treasurer of
Australia, Peter Costello, spoke at its annual conferences. Mark Latham, the Leader of the Opposition,
declined Hillsong's invitation to the 2004 conference,[106] although Bob Carr, the Premier of New South
Wales (from the New South Wales Labor Party), attended the 2005 conference.
Liberal MP for Mitchell, Alan Cadman, and two Family First Party senate candidates, Joan Woods and Ivan
Herald, who failed to win senate seats, were featured in a Hillsong circular during the election, with
members being asked to pray for them.[9]
Hillsong's high-profile involvement with political leaders[107] has been questioned in the media, and
publicly, the church has distanced itself from advocating certain political groups and parties, including the
fledgling Family First party.[108] Brian Houston has replied to these criticisms by stating, "I think people
need to understand the difference between the church being very involved in politics and individual
Christians being involved in politics."[109]
In 2008, Sydney inner city publication Central Magazine stated that Hillsong had donated A$600 to a
Member of the Legislative Council, Kristina Keneally (ALP), for the tickets of a fundraising dinner,
featuring the New South Wales' planning minister, Frank Sartor (ALP), as a guest speaker one month
before the 2007 state election,[110] despite Hillsong's own statement of corporate governance declaring that
"Hillsong Church does not make financial contributions to or align itself with any political party or
candidate."[111] A Hillsong staff member, Maria Ieroianni, said that no donation had been made and that the
dinner was not a fundraiser. Hillsong also issued a statement on their website denying that the money was a
donation.[112] According to the Central Magazine article, Keneally has described the dinner as a fundraiser
and the money from Hillsong as a donation. The article also states that these descriptions are confirmed by
the records of the New South Wales Electoral Commission.[113]
Prime Minister Scott Morrison opened the 2019 Hillsong annual conference, shortly after the May 2019
federal election.[114][115] He is not a member of Hillsong, being part of the Horizon Church's
congregation.[116][117]
Controversies
Hillsong has been criticised by politicians,[118][119] media,[120] community groups,[121] Christian
leaders[9][122] and former members such as Tanya Levin.[123][124] Criticisms have included Hillsong's
finances, its ties to controversial organisations, its attitudes towards LGBT people and its treatment of critics
as well as scandals involving Brian Houston and other prominent church leaders.
Finances
Criticisms have been levelled at Hillsong in regard to its finances, particularly its use of government grants
when it reportedly made A$40 million in 2004,[125] and A$50 million in 2010.[126]
In 2005, Hillsong was accused of spending most of the money it received through government grants for
programs to assist the Riverstone Aboriginal Community Association (RACA) on their own staff
salaries.[127] The federal government acknowledged that A$80,000 from the grant money had been used to
pay Hillsong Emerge CEO Leigh Coleman, who was only indirectly involved in the programs.[128] One
program, designed to give microloans to Indigenous Australians, paid A$315,000 to Hillsong staff over the
course of a year, though only granted six loans averaging A$2,856 each during that time.[128] Hillsong's
application for the grant listed the RACA as a co-funder, though the RACA denied ever offering funding,
saying they were never in a position to do so.[127] In 2006, Hillsong were stripped of A$414,000 from the
grant on the grounds they had faked the Indigenous endorsement that was required to obtain it.[129]
Hillsong were also accused of offering the RACA A$280,000 in order to silence their complaints regarding
the matter, which they declined; a Hillsong spokesperson stated the offer of money was "not an attempt to
silence RACA but amicably resolve the issue."[127]
Pushes for a charity commission in Australia have stemmed from claims that religious organisations like
Hillsong avoid taxes by paying their staff in tax-exempt fringe benefits.[126] In 2010, The Sunday
Telegraph reported that the Houston family was enjoying a lavish lifestyle, almost entirely tax-free,
including vehicles and expense accounts.[130]
In early 2023, it was announced that 153 staff members accepted voluntary redundancies in 2022, a cost-
cutting method that reportedly will save the church close to $10 million. The moves were made following
the accusations that the church had been extravagantly spending money and participating in fraud. The
move comes alongside an independent review into the church's financial structure.[131]
Sexual abuse by founder's father
Frank Houston, the father of Hillsong Church founder Brian Houston, was a pastor in New Zealand and
Australia who sexually abused boys over the course of his ministry.[132] One of the nine identified victims
was routinely subjected to sexual abuse in the 1960s and '70s when he was 7 to 12 years old.[133][134][135]
In 1999, his mother reported the abuse to the Assemblies of God denomination. Although Brian Houston,
then national president of the Assemblies of God denomination in Australia, was legally obligated to report
the crime, he allegedly did not do so.[135]: 6:30 Brian Houston stated that he felt it reasonable not to report
the crime when it came to light at the time that the victim was an adult, and when the victim did not want
the crime reported (an assertion that was denied by the victim).[136] The victim later testified to the Royal
Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse that Frank Houston offered him
AU$10,000 as compensation at a McDonald's in the presence of Nabi Saleh.[137][138] During an internal
church investigation, Frank Houston eventually confessed to the crime.[139] The commission also heard
that he was involved in the sexual abuse of other children in New Zealand.[140][141] Frank Houston
resigned from his church in 2000 which, then lacking a pastor, was merged into Hillsong
Church.[134][140][142] A further internal investigation by the Assemblies of God in Australia, in conjunction
with the Assemblies of God in New Zealand, found six additional child sexual abuse allegations that were
regarded as credible.[143][135]
On 5 August 2021, NSW Police issued a warrant for Brian Houston to attend the Downing Centre Local
Court in Sydney on 5 October, alleging that Houston concealed child sexual abuse by his late father, Frank.
Houston was in the United States at the time of being charged. He has denied the charges[144] and his
lawyer stated he intends to plead not guilty.[145] In January 2022, Houston resigned his chairmanship of the
Hillsong board, as court proceedings were likely to be protracted.[41] Phil and Lucinda Dooley, pastors of
the South African church, became acting global senior pastors in Houston's absence, expected until the end
of 2022.[24]
In August 2023, Brian Houston was found "not guilty" of covering up his father's sex crimes.[29]
Views on homosexuality
The church has been criticised for its stance on homosexuality issues. It considers homosexual practice
sinful, and does not allow homosexuals to assume leadership roles. It issued a statement in February 2019
stating that it was inclusive; however, Houston had formerly said that Hillsong would accept those who did
not follow a "homosexual lifestyle".[7]
In 2014, Brian Houston discussed being more understanding of homosexuals. Later, he clarified his
position after being criticised by some Christians for allegedly supporting homosexuality. In a statement
released on Hillsong's website, he stated: "Nowhere in my answer did I diminish biblical truth or suggest
that I or Hillsong Church supported gay marriage."[146][147]
Mercy Ministries
Hillsong has been criticised for its involvement with Mercy Ministries, an evangelical charity with an anti-
abortion view and a conservative perspective on homosexuality.[148] Hillsong responded by praising the
work of Mercy Ministries and stating that "we are not involved in the operational aspects of the
organisation." The church also said: "We have heard many wonderful testimonies about how the work of
Mercy has helped the lives of young women facing often debilitating and life-controlling situations. Some
would even say that Mercy Ministries has saved their life." [149] Mercy Ministries in Australia was shut
down on 31 October 2009, preceding which Hillsong had distanced itself from the organisation despite
earlier funding it, and staffing elements of it.[150]
Former members' criticisms
Hillsong's attitude towards criticism was portrayed negatively by one former member, Tanya Levin, in her
book People in Glass Houses: An Insider's Story of a Life In and Out of Hillsong.[151] Specific criticisms
covered authoritarian church governance, lack of financial accountability, resistance to free thought, strict
fundamentalist teachings and lack of compassion.[152] In an interview with Andrew Denton, Levin further
discussed her experience of Hillsong, which she described as "toxic Christianity".[153]
In 2020, former church members accused the church of exploiting volunteers, due to overwork, lack of
recognition and interference in privacy.[154][155] Hillsong replied that an internal investigation had been
launched in 2018 after receiving a complaint and that a global human resources team had been put in place,
as well as an ethical code of conduct to guide voluntary work and an email address to facilitate
denunciations.[156]
Guglielmucci cancer claim scandal
On 20 August 2008, Michael Guglielmucci, a then pastor of Planetshakers Church,[157] composed

"Healer", a song about his experience of cancer. He was invited by Hillsong to add his song to the album
This Is Our God.[158] Later, he confessed that he had lied about having cancer. Hillsong leadership told the
press they were unaware of this situation and that the suspended pastor was seeking professional help. The
Australian Christian Churches promised that all money donated by listeners inspired by the song would
either be returned or donated to charity.[159][160] "Healer" has since then been removed from further
releases of the album.[161][162]
Mark Driscoll appearance
In 2015, American preacher Mark Driscoll was invited to attend the Hillsong annual conference. When it
was revealed that Driscoll had made offensive comments about women, Brian Houston announced that
Driscoll would no longer attend the conference.[163] However, a pre-recorded interview with Driscoll was
played during the conference.[164]
Black Lives Matter movement
Gary Clarke, then pastor of Hillsong London, was criticised for refusing to comment on the murder of
George Floyd in the US, having said on 30 May 2020, "For me to be railing as a pastor about something
that's going on in another country, I'm not really sure that's going to help anyone." Both Clarke and
Houston subsequently apologised for the comments[165] and, in early 2021, Clarke and his wife Cathy
were moved into an international leadership role.[166] In early June 2020, Hillsong came out in support of
Black Lives Matter in the US,[167] with Brian Houston stating that they are "committed as a Church to
playing our part in seeing racism eradicated ... until that becomes a reality, we will continue to say black
lives matter".[168]
In response to the Black Lives Matter protests, Hillsong held a panel discussion, with members consisting
of people of colour of diverse backgrounds who were involved with the church, such as Hillsong Darwin
pastor and Aboriginal Australian academic Robyn Ober.[169]
Carl Lentz affairs
Hillsong pastor Carl Lentz helped to lead Hillsong's first church in the United States, in New York City, in
2010.[170] Lentz became friends with singer Justin Bieber and developed a celebrity following.[171]
Hillsong expanded on the East Coast under Lentz, but some members felt that it became unduly focused on
fashion, and on servicing the desires of its pastors and its famous patrons.[171] Church volunteers were
allegedly expected to work long hours, and were reportedly treated as second-class citizens and
gaslighted.[171][172] Around 2017, two Hillsong volunteers who attempted to convey their concerns about
Lentz to Hillsong leadership were allegedly intercepted and dismissed.[171]
In 2020, Hillsong fired Lentz after finding that he had engaged in "more than one extra-marital affair" and
was currently involved in one.[171][173] Lentz's lover stated that Hillsong is not "genuine. That's the truth.
It's a money machine ... and I think it's wrong ... I think [Lentz] is a victim of his own church. He gave his
life to this church, and that's how they played him."[172]
Sexual assault reporting
In early 2021, Vanity Fair, the Christian Post and News.com.au reported that a female student at Hillsong
Leadership College named Anna Crenshaw had been indecently assaulted by a married Hillsong
administrator named Jason Mays, the son of the church's director of human resources. In January 2020,
Mays had pleaded guilty to indecent assault and received two years probation and mandatory counselling.
Though Mays received a 12-month ban from ministry, he was subsequently reinstated to his ministry role
and volunteered with singing at worship services. Crenshaw criticised Hillsong's leadership for
downplaying the incident and not holding Mays accountable for his actions.[174][175] Brian Houston
subsequently apologised for his Tweet questioning Crenshaw's version of events.[175] That same month,
several Hillsong Leadership College students penned a letter criticising the church leadership for allowing
Mays to remain on staff despite his indecent assault conviction.[176]
In September 2021, 60 Minutes aired a segment called "Hillsong Hell" featuring Crenshaw and a second
woman known as "Katherine", who alleged that she had been raped by a fellow church member on church
premises in 2018. Both women alleged that Hillsong had ignored their complaints and tried to downplay
the incidents.[177][178][179] According to 60 Minutes, Hillsong see itself as the victim when it is criticised
and care more about protecting itself than investigating accusations, noting that Mays had pleaded guilty to
assaulting Crenshaw yet retained his job at Hillsong. Brian Houston subsequently posted a Twitter message
questioning Crenshaw's version of events and also gave an interview with Eternity magazine portraying the
church as the victim of allegations.[180]
Hillsong criticised the 60 Minutes report, saying it was "factually wrong, sensationalised, unbalanced and
highly unethical". Hillsong stated that it had investigated both incidents and reported the assault on
Crenshaw to police in May 2019. It defended its decision to retain Mays on the grounds that the magistrate
had described the offence as "low-level", that Mays had expressed remorse for his actions, and that
Crenshaw's account was contradicted by other witnesses. It also claimed that "Katherine" had been
unwilling to provide details about the date and perpetrator of the alleged rape, and was unwilling to take the
matter to the police.[177][178][179] Nine News journalist Tom Steinfort criticised Hillsong's response as
"tone-deaf" and accused the church leadership of victim blaming.[180]
COVID-19 rule breaches
In January 2022, during the COVID-19 pandemic, participants at a Hillsong youth camp at the Glenrock
scout camp near Newcastle, New South Wales, were filmed dancing and singing without masks. While the
state government's public health order did not apply to religious gatherings, singing and dancing at most
recreational and public venues and gatherings was prohibited. NSW Health ordered the organisers of the
Hillsong youth camp to stop singing and dancing after public outcry and media coverage from a video of
the youth camp.[181] The Premier of New South Wales, Dominic Perrottet, stated that he was "completely
shocked" by the video from the event. In response, Hillsong apologised for reinforcing the perception that
they were not complying with the public health order and stated that they would comply with health
authorities' instructions and maintained that the youth camp was not a music festival. While New South
Wales Police personnel spoke with organisers of the youth camp, they declined to issue a fine.[182] All
attendees were tested before arriving at the camp.[183]
Resignations of senior pastors
In March 2022, Brian Houston resigned his position as global senior pastor after an internal investigation
into his misconduct began. It was reported that in both 2013 and 2019 he had engaged in inappropriate
behaviour with women connected to the church.[25][26][27]
Hillsong Dallas pastor Reed Bogard resigned in January 2021, two weeks before an internal investigation
found that he had been accused of raping a female junior colleague while serving at Hillsong New York
City. According to the report, the married Bogard had been having an affair with the colleague between
2013 and 2014, and Hillsong Australia had been aware of the affair in the second half of 2014 but had
declined to take action. Hillsong paused the Dallas campus in April 2021 following Bogard's
resignation.[184]
On 24 March 2022, Sam Collier, the lead pastor of Hillsong Atlanta, established less than a year earlier,
resigned, citing the ongoing scandals and allegations towards senior figures in Hillsong church. Collier was
the first African-American pastor to lead a Hillsong church. He announced plans to establish his own
church.[185]
In late March 2022, Hillsong Phoenix lead pastor, Terry Crist, announced that his church would be leaving
the Hillsong global network, citing a loss of confidence in Hillsong's Global Board leadership in the wake
of the resignation of founder Houston.[186]
As of 6 April 2022, nine Hillsong branches in the US had separated from the church since the revelations
about Houston.[17]
On 10 May 2023, Houston's daughter Laura Toggs and her husband Peter Toganivalu, founders and global
pastors of youth ministry group Hillsong Young & Free, announced to the church that they were leaving
Hillsong, citing that they were called by God elsewhere.[187]
Property acquisition
An investigative report on ABC TV's 7.30 program on 6 April 2022 revealed that Hillsong had acquired
many properties that had been hidden behind a web of entities across the world. It had done this in part by
assuming financial control over other churches, starting with Garden City Church in 2009, which later
transferred over 12 properties in Brisbane to one of the Hillsong charities, with no transfer of money. It has
also taken control of the finances of at least one church in Sydney, which has since broken away. It took
over Hillsong Kiev in 2014, coercing its then pastors to hand over assets and leave Hillsong. An
investigator from the Trinity Foundation in Dallas found that Hillsong owned at least three condominiums
in New York City, a US$3.5-million home in California and 31 properties in Arizona, expected to be worth
a total of US$40 million by 2023. Its corporate and financial structures mean that the church is protected
against litigation which demands large payouts to plaintiffs.[17]
Criticism by Hillsong leadership
On 19 March 2022, John Mays, head of people and development in the church, wrote a letter to the global
leadership recommending that the Houstons should be dismissed from the church, saying that they had
contributed to "many unhealthy people practices... over many years". He alleged that Brian Houston had a
"strong, immovable, leadership disposition together with a distinct lack of personal accountability", and that
Bobbie was not a victim, but also shared the responsibility of maintaining accountability. He said that the
motive behind his letter was "to support Hillsong employees" rather than personal malice, and that he
joined in celebrating aspects of the Houstons' legacy.[188]
See also
Evangelical
Christianity portal
Christianity portal
C3 Church Global
Transformational Christianity – Modern evangelical movement
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reasonable excuse for not including the police.' Speaking to the New Daily later on
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of Sydney Christian Life Centre for approval. From May 1999 Pastor Brian Houston was the
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and I to enter retirement', he wrote. 'It has been a privilege to minister in the church and to
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Further reading
Blaine, Lech (May 2020). "Hillsong's strange tides" (https://www.themonthly.com.au/issue/20
20/may/1588255200/lech-blaine/hillsong-s-strange-tides#mtr). The Monthly.
Hardy, Elle (18 March 2020). "The House That Brian Built: Inside The Global Empire That Is
Hillsong" (https://www.gq.com.au/success/opinions/the-house-that-brian-builtinside-the-glob
al-empire-that-is-hillsong/news-story/abb469531dbeda8f5abc5bf71e5e1bfa). GQ.
Hardy, Elle (2 October 2021). "In reckoning with its demons, Hillsong will be forced to move
away from what made it powerful" (https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2021/oct/03/
in-reckoning-with-its-demons-hillsong-will-be-forced-to-move-away-from-what-made-it-powe
rful). The Guardian.
External links
Official website (http://www.hillsong.com/)
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Hillsong Church

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Hillsong Church

Hillsong Church, commonly known as Hillsong, is a

Hillsong and its music have been highly successful globally,

21st century Founder Brian Houston and

In October 2020, they purchased the Festival Hall venue in

Reach and branding

In 2018, it had 80 churches.[30]

Locations and ministries

Media and events

Hillsong Young & Free

Hillsong Conference is a mid-year week long annual conference in

The Australian conference is hosted by Hillsong Church and lead

Sexual abuse by founder's father

Former members' criticisms

Guglielmucci cancer claim scandal

On 20 August 2008, Michael Guglielmucci, a then pastor of Planetshakers Church,[157] composed

Mark Driscoll appearance

Black Lives Matter movement

Carl Lentz affairs

Sexual assault reporting

COVID-19 rule breaches

Resignations of senior pastors

Criticism by Hillsong leadership

Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Hillsong_Church&oldid=1187122326"

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