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Brian Charles Houston ( born 17 February 1954) is a New Zealand-Australian former pastor and evangelist. He was the founder and senior pastor at Hillsong Church, based in Sydney with locations around the world. He was the national president of Australian Christian Churches, the Australian branch of the Assemblies of God, from 1997 to 2009. In January 2022, Houston stepped aside from his roles within the church, after being criminally charged in Australia for allegedly concealing sexual abuse of a child by his father, of which he became aware in the 1990s. 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. In August 2023, he was found not guilty of concealing a serious indictable offence.
Hillsong Founders Brian And Bobbie Houston Launch ‘Online Church’ And Ask For Money
Disgraced Hillsong founder Brian Houston and his wife, Bobbie, are asking for money for an online church venture. The longtime pastor says they’ve “got desperate needs” for a TV studio, while glossing over recent scandals and a government probe into past church spending. “This is actually a dream I’ve had for some time,” said Brian Houston in the launch video for Jesus Followers TV, which premiered on July 28. The website describes the ministry as an “online platform and church ... a trustworthy voice of hope and inspiration in the days ahead.”
(Religion Unplugged 8/28/24) READ MORE>>>>>
Disgraced Hillsong founder Brian Houston and his wife, Bobbie, are asking for money for an online church venture. The longtime pastor says they’ve “got desperate needs” for a TV studio, while glossing over recent scandals and a government probe into past church spending. “This is actually a dream I’ve had for some time,” said Brian Houston in the launch video for Jesus Followers TV, which premiered on July 28. The website describes the ministry as an “online platform and church ... a trustworthy voice of hope and inspiration in the days ahead.”
(Religion Unplugged 8/28/24) READ MORE>>>>>
Should Brian Houston return to ministry?
The Hillsong founder is one of many Christian leaders who appear to have brushed off past scandals, and made a quick return to the pulpit. But when serious misconduct is unearthed, should church leaders be restored to ministry? Tim Wyatt investigates. Two years ago, Brian Houston was the global senior pastor of the Hillsong empire. He oversaw a megachurch network which boasted hundreds of sites in more than 25 countries. He was an in-demand international speaker. His wife Bobbie – who had co-founded their first church plant in a Sydney suburb in 1983 – and several of their children were deeply embedded in Hillsong ministries alongside him. And then it all fell apart. First, Houston was charged with failing to report historic child abuse carried out by his own father, also a pastor, when he became aware of the crimes in the 1990. Then it emerged complaints had been made against the pastor for sending inappropriate text messages to a younger member of staff, and for drunkenly spending a mysterious 40 minutes inside the hotel room of a woman while attending a Hillsong conference. Meanwhile, a string of highly critical documentaries on Hillsong were released, accusing the megachurch of exploiting unpaid volunteers working 12-hour shifts while its celebrity pastors lived the high life off church donations. Eventually, the pressure became too great and Houston was forced into quitting his role, accusing Hillsong of “losing its soul” as he went.
(Premier Christianity 4/14/24) READ MORE>>>>>
The Hillsong founder is one of many Christian leaders who appear to have brushed off past scandals, and made a quick return to the pulpit. But when serious misconduct is unearthed, should church leaders be restored to ministry? Tim Wyatt investigates. Two years ago, Brian Houston was the global senior pastor of the Hillsong empire. He oversaw a megachurch network which boasted hundreds of sites in more than 25 countries. He was an in-demand international speaker. His wife Bobbie – who had co-founded their first church plant in a Sydney suburb in 1983 – and several of their children were deeply embedded in Hillsong ministries alongside him. And then it all fell apart. First, Houston was charged with failing to report historic child abuse carried out by his own father, also a pastor, when he became aware of the crimes in the 1990. Then it emerged complaints had been made against the pastor for sending inappropriate text messages to a younger member of staff, and for drunkenly spending a mysterious 40 minutes inside the hotel room of a woman while attending a Hillsong conference. Meanwhile, a string of highly critical documentaries on Hillsong were released, accusing the megachurch of exploiting unpaid volunteers working 12-hour shifts while its celebrity pastors lived the high life off church donations. Eventually, the pressure became too great and Houston was forced into quitting his role, accusing Hillsong of “losing its soul” as he went.
(Premier Christianity 4/14/24) READ MORE>>>>>
Church founder Brian Houston was ruled not guilty Thursday of an Australian charge of concealing his father's child sex crimes.
Houston, 69, was the Sydney-based church's senior global pastor when police charged him two years ago with concealing a serious indictable offense. He resigned from his church roles months later.
Sydney Magistrate Gareth Christofi ruled Brian Houston had a reasonable excuse for not reporting Frank Houston's offenses to police. Christofi accepted that Houston believed the victim Brett Sengstock did not want the abuse in the 1970s reported to police. --NPR: Hillsong Church founder found not guilty of concealing his father's child sex crimes 8.17.23
Houston, 69, was the Sydney-based church's senior global pastor when police charged him two years ago with concealing a serious indictable offense. He resigned from his church roles months later.
Sydney Magistrate Gareth Christofi ruled Brian Houston had a reasonable excuse for not reporting Frank Houston's offenses to police. Christofi accepted that Houston believed the victim Brett Sengstock did not want the abuse in the 1970s reported to police. --NPR: Hillsong Church founder found not guilty of concealing his father's child sex crimes 8.17.23
May 30, 2023: Sydney Morning Herald: The Hillsong experiment is over. Christianity was never meant to be cool
"If Brian Houston does indeed preach the Christian gospel as he claims, then he would know that the Muslim and Christian faiths are incompatible," states the Hillsong Church Watch website in a viral post on Houston's sermon. "But we know that he can't preach the Christian gospel because he doesn't know it. Brian Houston's comment is just as offensive to Muslims as it is to Christians and is essentially doing more unjust damage to both faiths."
"If Brian Houston does indeed preach the Christian gospel as he claims, then he would know that the Muslim and Christian faiths are incompatible," states the Hillsong Church Watch website in a viral post on Houston's sermon. "But we know that he can't preach the Christian gospel because he doesn't know it. Brian Houston's comment is just as offensive to Muslims as it is to Christians and is essentially doing more unjust damage to both faiths."
May 30, 2023: Tulsa World: Now on staff at Tulsa church, Carl Lentz speaks out in Hillsong documentary on FX
Just a few years ago, Carl Lentz was on top of the world.
Lentz is also critical of Hillsong's leadership, particularly that of founder Brian Houston, a former friend and mentor, who is now in the midst of a trial in Australia, where he is accused of failing to report child sexual abuse by his father, Frank Houston, a preacher who died in 2004 and whose Pentecostal church there was a precursor to Hillsong.
Just a few years ago, Carl Lentz was on top of the world.
Lentz is also critical of Hillsong's leadership, particularly that of founder Brian Houston, a former friend and mentor, who is now in the midst of a trial in Australia, where he is accused of failing to report child sexual abuse by his father, Frank Houston, a preacher who died in 2004 and whose Pentecostal church there was a precursor to Hillsong.
Mar 30, 2023: Religion Unplugged: Hillsong Founder Brian Houston Charged With Drunk Driving In California
Disgraced Hillsong founder Brian Houston has been charged with drunk driving in southern California, the latest of several legal charges facing the former megachurch pastor.
Newly uncovered court records reveal that Houston was arrested in Newport Beach, California, for driving under the influence of alcohol on Feb. 26, 2022. The case filed in the Superior Court of California in Orange County also charges Houston with driving with a blood alcohol content of .08% or more and failure to display two license plates on his vehicle.
Disgraced Hillsong founder Brian Houston has been charged with drunk driving in southern California, the latest of several legal charges facing the former megachurch pastor.
Newly uncovered court records reveal that Houston was arrested in Newport Beach, California, for driving under the influence of alcohol on Feb. 26, 2022. The case filed in the Superior Court of California in Orange County also charges Houston with driving with a blood alcohol content of .08% or more and failure to display two license plates on his vehicle.
Mar 24, 2022: The Cinemaholic: What is Brian Houston’s Net Worth?
As of 2014, Brian’s LMI gross earning of more than $600,000. Taking into account Brian’s previous statements, the profitability of Hillsong’s music, and the church’s continued growth worldwide, Brian Houston’s net worth could be around $10 million.
As of 2014, Brian’s LMI gross earning of more than $600,000. Taking into account Brian’s previous statements, the profitability of Hillsong’s music, and the church’s continued growth worldwide, Brian Houston’s net worth could be around $10 million.
Mar 23, 2022: NBC News: Hillsong founder resigns after church finds evidence of misconduct
Australia’s biggest evangelical church said on Wednesday its founder had resigned after acting inappropriately toward two women, another blow to an influential organization already reeling from charges the leader had covered up sex abuse.
Australia’s biggest evangelical church said on Wednesday its founder had resigned after acting inappropriately toward two women, another blow to an influential organization already reeling from charges the leader had covered up sex abuse.
Mar 18, 2022: The Guardian: Hillsong church apologises after investigations find Brian Houston engaged in ‘inappropriate’ behaviour
Hillsong has been forced to “apologise unreservedly” after the church’s founder, Brian Houston, was found to have engaged in conduct “of serious concern” by the church.
Hillsong has been forced to “apologise unreservedly” after the church’s founder, Brian Houston, was found to have engaged in conduct “of serious concern” by the church.
Jan 30, 2022: Christian Post: Brian Houston steps down as global senior pastor of Hillsong
Brian Houston has stepped down as the leader of the global multisite Hillsong Church, saying he will remain absent for the rest of this year as he faces trial for allegedly concealing sex abuse committed by his father decades earlier. Phil and Lucinda Dooley will be new interim global pastors.
Brian Houston has stepped down as the leader of the global multisite Hillsong Church, saying he will remain absent for the rest of this year as he faces trial for allegedly concealing sex abuse committed by his father decades earlier. Phil and Lucinda Dooley will be new interim global pastors.
Dec 13, 2021: New York Post: Hillsong founder Brian Houston secretly meets with church elders at $1.5K/night hotel
This church founder is enjoying some of the least-humble accommodations imaginable.
Brian Houston, the scandal–burdened creator of Australian-based megachurch Hillsong, was recently spotted staying at a $1,500-a-night hotel. The embattled 67-year-old, who previously stepped down from his role as board chairman of the once celebrity-beloved church, allegedly was at the Park Hyatt — reportedly one of Sydney’s most expensive — to secretly meet with church elders and board members, the Daily Mail reported.
This church founder is enjoying some of the least-humble accommodations imaginable.
Brian Houston, the scandal–burdened creator of Australian-based megachurch Hillsong, was recently spotted staying at a $1,500-a-night hotel. The embattled 67-year-old, who previously stepped down from his role as board chairman of the once celebrity-beloved church, allegedly was at the Park Hyatt — reportedly one of Sydney’s most expensive — to secretly meet with church elders and board members, the Daily Mail reported.
Sept 20, 2021: Christianity Today: Hillsong founder Brian Houston steps down from church board ahead of court case
The founder of Hillsong Church, Brian Houston, has announced his decision to step down from the board ahead of a court case into what he knew about his father's abuse.
The founder of Hillsong Church, Brian Houston, has announced his decision to step down from the board ahead of a court case into what he knew about his father's abuse.
Feb 4, 2021: Daily Mail: Hillsong founder Brian Houston's wife says sorry for making 'retard' slur while opening up on their energetic sex life
- The wife of Hillsong founder Brian Houston has issued a grovelling apology
- Bobbie Houston 'deeply regrets' using 'offensive' language in an audio book
- Apology came after the 2003 tape about couple's sex life recently resurfaced
Aug 23, 2020: Sydney Morning Herald: The meaning of life: Australians praying more during COVID-19
Brian Houston, Senior Pastor at Hillsong Church said he had no doubt more people were asking questions about faith and their relationship with God during the pandemic.
Brian Houston, Senior Pastor at Hillsong Church said he had no doubt more people were asking questions about faith and their relationship with God during the pandemic.
June 28, 2020: Evangelical Dark Web: Is Brian Houston a false teacher?
Category 4 Verdict: Brian Houston propagates the Prosperity Gospel as well as the Popularity Gospel
Background
Category 4 Verdict: Brian Houston propagates the Prosperity Gospel as well as the Popularity Gospel
Background
Feb 27, 2018: Outreach Magazine: Brian Houston: Living God’s Calling—Part 1
Chances are, wherever you live on the globe, there’s a Hillsong Church campus somewhere near you. With 80 affiliated campuses worldwide and an attendance of more than 100,000, Hillsong is as much known for its worldwide church movement as it is its contemporary Christian worship hits. Its scope also includes a film and television platform and three record labels, not to mention conferences, curricula, an international college, apparel, and books. At the helm of this worldwide movement is Brian Houston, founder and global senior pastor of Hillsong Church. Houston not only leads pastorally, but he’s deeply involved as visionary leader across the spectrum of Hillsong’s reach.
Chances are, wherever you live on the globe, there’s a Hillsong Church campus somewhere near you. With 80 affiliated campuses worldwide and an attendance of more than 100,000, Hillsong is as much known for its worldwide church movement as it is its contemporary Christian worship hits. Its scope also includes a film and television platform and three record labels, not to mention conferences, curricula, an international college, apparel, and books. At the helm of this worldwide movement is Brian Houston, founder and global senior pastor of Hillsong Church. Houston not only leads pastorally, but he’s deeply involved as visionary leader across the spectrum of Hillsong’s reach.
Feb 28, 2016: Churchwatcher Central: Inside Story - Lazy Journalism Allows Brian Houston’s Unfettered Spin
This article is broken into three sections, exposing the lazy journalism of Channel 9’s online report (Brian Houston speaks out on dealing with Hillsong’s nasty secret), on Hillsong Church. In section 1 we introduce the issues in Channel 9’s article. In section two we review the online report. And in section three you can examine all the sources to the material we referenced throughout our article.
This article is broken into three sections, exposing the lazy journalism of Channel 9’s online report (Brian Houston speaks out on dealing with Hillsong’s nasty secret), on Hillsong Church. In section 1 we introduce the issues in Channel 9’s article. In section two we review the online report. And in section three you can examine all the sources to the material we referenced throughout our article.
June 7, 2015: The Guardian: Hillsong church drops controversial US preacher Mark Driscoll from conferences
Brian Houston said on Sunday after “personal interaction” with Driscoll he had decided to rescind his invitation to the events, the Australian version of which is expected to draw 30,000 this month.
Brian Houston said on Sunday after “personal interaction” with Driscoll he had decided to rescind his invitation to the events, the Australian version of which is expected to draw 30,000 this month.
Oct 10, 2014: Christian Today: Brian Houston denies abuse compensation cover-up
Hillsong senior pastor Brian Houston has today denied claims that he tried to mask his involvement in paying 'compensation' to a man who was sexually abused as a child by his father.
Hillsong senior pastor Brian Houston has today denied claims that he tried to mask his involvement in paying 'compensation' to a man who was sexually abused as a child by his father.
Sept 18, 2014: Christian Today: Child abuse investigation into Frank Houston, father of Hillsong lead pastor Brian Houston
Child abuse allegations against Frank Houston, the father of Hillsong's lead pastor Brian Houston, are to be investigated by a national inquiry, the Guardian reports.
Child abuse allegations against Frank Houston, the father of Hillsong's lead pastor Brian Houston, are to be investigated by a national inquiry, the Guardian reports.
Sept 9, 2014: New York Times: Megachurch With a Beat Lures a Young Flock
“These are tough, hard, dry towns for contemporary churches,” said Brian Houston, the Sydney-based senior pastor of the Hillsong empire. “We want to be strategic, and really impact cities of influence, so that the influence can reach far beyond.”
“These are tough, hard, dry towns for contemporary churches,” said Brian Houston, the Sydney-based senior pastor of the Hillsong empire. “We want to be strategic, and really impact cities of influence, so that the influence can reach far beyond.”
May 17, 2014: The Narrowing Path: Hillsong Pastor Brian Houston’s Continual Abuse Of Scripture by Cameron Buettel
Following on from the previous series of articles by Cameron Buettel, the author further reflects on the unrepentant false teaching Brian Houston persistently engages in.
Following on from the previous series of articles by Cameron Buettel, the author further reflects on the unrepentant false teaching Brian Houston persistently engages in.
Mar 28, 2014: Christian Post: Hillsong Church Pastor Brian Houston Denies Promoting 'Chrislam;' Says Sermon Taken Out of Context
Brian C. Houston, leader of one of the world's largest Christian churches, is denying allegations that he promotes "Chrislam," a theological blend of Christianity and Islam, after stating in a December 2013 sermon, "Do you know – take it all the way back into the Old Testament and the Muslim and you, we actually serve the same God. Allah to a Muslim, to us Abba Father God."
Brian C. Houston, leader of one of the world's largest Christian churches, is denying allegations that he promotes "Chrislam," a theological blend of Christianity and Islam, after stating in a December 2013 sermon, "Do you know – take it all the way back into the Old Testament and the Muslim and you, we actually serve the same God. Allah to a Muslim, to us Abba Father God."
Brian Houston
"Do you know – take it all the way back into the Old Testament and the Muslim and you, we actually serve the same God. Allah to a Muslim, to us Abba Father God. And of course through history, those views have changed greatly. But let's make sure that we view God through the eyes of Jesus, the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, the beauty of a Savior, the loving open inclusive arms of a loving God. And that way we'll lead out of that and you'll be purposeful about your leadership and you'll draw people just like the Lord Jesus always does through the power of the Holy Spirit." --Brian Houston; December 2013
Sept 10, 2013: Christian Post: Hillsong Pastor Brian Houston Announces Australia Megachurch's Expansion to So. California
Hillsong Church is setting its sails for the shores of Southern California. Brian Houston, founding pastor of the Sydney, Australia, megachurch that already has 11 congregations worldwide, announced that his son would be packing his bags for Los Angeles to start tilling the ground for what is likely to be another fruitful Hillsong church plant.
Hillsong Church is setting its sails for the shores of Southern California. Brian Houston, founding pastor of the Sydney, Australia, megachurch that already has 11 congregations worldwide, announced that his son would be packing his bags for Los Angeles to start tilling the ground for what is likely to be another fruitful Hillsong church plant.