Hillsong Church
Encyclopedia
Hillsong Church is a Pentecostal megachurch
affiliated with Australian Christian Churches
(the Australian branch of the Assemblies of God
) and located in Sydney
, Australia
. The church's senior pastors, Brian
and Bobbie Houston
, began the church in 1983 as the Hills Christian Life Centre in Baulkham Hills
. Hills Christian Life Centre later merged with Sydney Christian Life Centre at Waterloo
. Over 20,000 people attend services each week.
While headquartered at its "Hills" campus in Baulkham Hills' Norwest Business Park
in the Hills District
, Hillsong is a multi-site church
with another congregation, designated the "City" campus, located in Waterloo, near Sydney's central business district. In 2009, a third Sydney campus, "South West", located in Campbelltown
and a fourth interstate campus, the "Brisbane" campus in Mount Gravatt
, were added.
Apart from the four main campuses, Hillsong Church currently has 14 extension services across Sydney. These extension services are based on either location or culture and rely on Hillsong Church for support and leadership. Hillsong Church's international offshoots include Hillsong Church London, in the United Kingdom
, Hillsong Church Kiev
in Ukraine
, Hillsong Church Cape Town
in South Africa
, Hillsong Church Stockholm
in Sweden
and Hillsong NYC, in New York
, USA. Hillsong services are also held in Paris, Berlin, Amsterdam
and Moscow
.
Hillsong Music
has topped Australian charts, with albums achieving gold and platinum sales status. Hillsong is known internationally through its teaching, album sales, and the annual Hillsong Conference
, which attracts over 28,000 people. The Hillsong Television program is seen in over 160 countries and Hillsong International Leadership College
is attended by over 900 students.
and Bobbie Houston
moved from New Zealand
in 1978 and joined the Sydney Christian Life Centre at Darlinghurst, pastored by Brian Houston's father, Frank Houston
. They started Hillsong Church, which was then known as Hills Christian Life Centre, in August 1983 with services held at the Baulkham Hills Public School hall and with an initial congregation of 45. Within four years it had grown to 900 people. In 1990, the church moved from "the warehouse", which they had occupied since 1984, to hold services at the Hills Centre
. In 1986, an annual conference was developed, now called Hillsong Conference
, which was created to be a blessing to the church worldwide and to champion the cause of the local church.
In the early 1990s, praise and worship recordings from the Hills Christian Life Centre were released in Australia and internationally under the name Hillsong. This raised the profile of the church. The name is also used for a television show featuring clips from the videos of the recordings and a message from Brian Houston. In 1997 the church moved into its new building at Baulkham Hills'
Norwest Business Park.
In the late 1990s the church realised that the name Hillsong was more well-known than Hills Christian Life Centre due to the branding of its recordings. The church was renamed Hillsong Church in 1999, about the same time its mother church, Sydney Christian Life Centre, was merged into Hillsong Church.
After further consistent growth, a new 3,500 seat convention centre at the church's "Hills" campus was opened, on 19 October 2002, by John Howard
, the then Prime Minister of Australia
. Due to the rapid growth of the "City" campus, in 2007 the church announced its intentions to develop a significant area of land on Rothschild Avenue, Rosebery
into the new "City" campus. In August 2008, Hillsong withdrew the development application they had lodged with the Sydney City Council after an independent report recommended against the council approving the development, and in August 2009 announced that the site was for sale. It has been reported that Hillsong is looking at other options for its City church plans, including buying the former Royal South Sydney Hospital
site.
, were planted
from the Hillsong Church as independent churches. When Hills Christian Life Centre changed its name to Hillsong Church, the international churches also did so. While these churches are a part of Hillsong Church they are fully independent, unlike extension services.
Hillsong London have planted extension services in Surrey
and in Paris
. There is also a "connect group" meeting in Berlin every Wednesday. In March 2007, Hillsong Kiev planted an offshoot church in Moscow, which started regular services in July 2007. It was announced in October 2007 that Phil and Lucinda Dooley would plant a Hillsong Church in South Africa
in March 2008. Hillsong Stockholm
, Sweden
, formerly known as Passion Church, was planted in 2008-2009. The senior pastor at Stockholm is Andreas Nielsen,
As Hillsong has grown, other churches have joined and new churches established as extension services
. Extension services are also held for cultural groups in other languages. These extension services are run by a team of people but look to Hillsong Church for leadership and support and join the vision of the church. There are currently 15 extension services across Sydney, many of which join with the "Hills" and "City" congregations for Sunday night services. In September 2007, Brian Houston's son Ben planted the 15th extension service in Mona Vale
, known as the Northern Beaches service. In August 2008, Hillsong started a Sunday morning service at the Greater Union Cinema at Bondi Junction, this service being part of the City Campus.
, which belongs within the Pentecostal tradition of Christianity. The church's beliefs are Evangelical
and Pentecostal in that it holds the Bible
as accurate and authoritative in matters of faith and that Jesus Christ reconciled humanity to God through his death
and resurrection
. The church believes that in order to live a fruitful Christian life a person should seek the baptism in the Holy Spirit and that the Holy Spirit enables the use of spiritual gifts, which include speaking in tongues.
Hillsong's stand on many topical issues in contemporary Christianity is in keeping with mainstream Pentecostalism, teaching that homosexuality is unnatural, opposing embryonic stem cell research and abortion on the basis that human life commences at conception. Hillsong has also declared support for Creationism
and Intelligent Design
and believes this should be taught in schools.
Hillsong's prosperity teachings
have been criticised by Christian leaders Tim Costello
and George Pell
. Subsequent statements by Tim Costello indicated that he was satisfied with changes made by Brian Houston to Hillsong's teaching in response to criticism, a change which has been noted by the media. Hillsong's teachings have been commented on favourably by Peter Costello
, a Baptist
and former Treasurer of Australia
, who has defended the church against accusations of unorthodoxy.
structure named "connect groups". Groups of approximately 10-20 people meet on a fortnightly basis across Sydney. The main ministries of Hillsong Church include:
Hillsong Kids runs children's programs during major conferences and events. During the Hillsong Conference
there is "Kidsong" and during the Colour Your World Women's Conference there is "Colour Kids". Hillsong Kids have adopted two mascots, Max and Melody. The popularity of Hillsong Music
has allowed Hillsong Kids to release five albums to date: Jesus Is My Superhero
(2004), Super Strong God
(2005), Supernatural
(2006), Tell the World
(2007), Follow You (2008), Ultimate Kids Collection (2009) and Crazy Noise (2011).
, is for women of all ages. Hillsong Sisterhood runs on Thursdays at the Hills and City campuses. Hillsong Sisterhood initiated the annual Colour Your World Women's Conference, which has become the Australian Christian Churches women's conference and brings together women from many different denominations across the world.
to the people of Sydney. Overseeing Hillsong City Care is Hillsong Church executive pastor Donna Crouch. Hillsong City Care was established in 1989, and reaches people centres, courses and visits. Around Sydney, there are many Hillsong City Care Centres and Hillsong Health Centres. These centres are places that people can go to for help, support and also counselling. Hillsong Youth Services and Hillsong Children's Services conduct a range of community based programs and services to encourage and empower young people and children. Hillsong City Care run several courses through the LIFE (Living in Freedom and Excellence) and SAFE (Sexual Abuse, Freedom and Education) programs that aim to help and educate people.
In July 2008, concerns were raised by some teachers, parents and experts about the Hillsong City Care Shine program for girls being run in NSW 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". Hillsong claims that parents are supportive and that the program breaks down barriers in a group situation. In a media response on 29 July 2008, Hillsong expressed strong support for their program and explicitly denied charges of using the program for evangelism.
and "Shout to the Lord" by Darlene Zschech
sung in churches worldwide. Originally published as "Hillsongs", Hillsong Church now produces its music through its own label, Hillsong Music Australia. 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. The church's 2004 live praise and worship album For All You've Done
reached #1 in the mainstream Australian album charts (ARIA
).
Hillsong's most successful albums, the Live Album Series, have all achieved gold status in Australia and since the inception in 1992 of the annual live praise and worship albums, Hillsong has branched out and released other albums including the worship series Hillsong United, worship for kids, Christmas albums and compilation albums. The worship series began as a compilation of songs and developed into studio recorded albums. The Hillsong United series and the Hillsong United
band led by Joel Houston
, contains songs from the Hillsong United youth ministry. Hillsong Kids has released an annual worship for kids album since 2004. Hillsong music has released two Christmas albums, several compilation albums as well as recordings from Hillsong London, Hillsong Kiev and Youth Alive
.
Geoff Bullock served as Hillsong's first worship pastor. Darlene Zschech
has been Hillsong's most well-known worship leader and led Hillsong's music ministries as worship pastor from 1995 until 2008. Reuben Morgan
is currently the worship pastor.
On 24 October 2010, it was announced that Darlene Zschech
and her husband, Mark, would be taking over as senior pastors at Church Unlimited in Charmhaven on the central coast region of New South Wales, effective as of 23 January 2011. However, Darlene also continues to be a part of the Hillsong Worship Team for key Hillsong events as well as featuring as lead vocal on all of Hillsong's annual Live Album series as well as many other Hillsong songs. Darlene also continues to lead tours with the Hillsong Team around the world and remains a part of the Executive Team for both the Colour Your World Women's Conference
and the annual Hillsong Conference
, hosting the Creative Worship Stream at the conference.
There are some notable musicians and celebrities who attend Hillsong Church such as Brooke Fraser, Stan Walker, Guy Sebastian, Christian Rapper Purified and others.
Hillsong Church holds three conferences annually.
The Hillsong Conference
is an annual conference designed to promote the cause of the local church. The conferences are attended by many from various countries and denominations. The first conference was held in 1986 and has since grown from 150 to 30,000 delegates in its two decade history. The conferences feature the Hillsong Church team as well as prominent international guests. They are usually held during the first week of July at the Acer Arena in Sydney Olympic Park and are hosted by Brian and Bobbie Houston with worship led by the Hillsong Team.
The Colour Your World Women's Conference
(also known as the Colour Conference) is an annual women's conference aimed to empower women. The conferences were started in 1997 by Bobbie Houston, who hosts each conference, including the ones in London and Kiev.
The Hillsong Men's Conference was first held in 2002 and is hosted by Brian Houston at the Hillsong Convention Centre in Baulkham Hills.
. In 1998, Brian Houston met with then Prime Minister of Australia, John Howard, and most of his Cabinet
, at Parliament House
in Canberra
before sharing prayers. In 2002, John Howard opened the Hillsong Convention Centre at the Baulkham Hills campus. In 2004 and 2005, the then Treasurer of Australia
, Peter Costello
, spoke at its annual conferences. Mark Latham
, the former Leader of the Opposition, declined Hillsong's invitation to the 2004 conference, although Bob Carr
, the then Premier of New South Wales (from the Australian Labor Party
), did attend 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.
Hillsong's high profile involvement with political leaders 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. 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."
In 2008 it was claimed by a Sydney inner city newspaper, Central Magazine, that Hillsong had donated A$
600 to a Member of Parliament
, Kristina Keneally, for the tickets of a fundraising dinner, featuring NSW Planning Minister Frank Sartor as a guest speaker, one month before the 2007 state election, 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'. A Hillsong staff member, Maria Ieroianni, claimed 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. 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 claims that these descriptions are confirmed by the records of the Electoral Commission.
TV show.
for the assistance of the Riverstone Aboriginal community. Hillsong responded by claiming "gross inaccuracies" in the report submitted to Parliament, but did not deny that some of the grant had been used to pay Hillsong staff members.
in his congregation in New Zealand 30 years earlier.
and Mercy Ministries
, an Evangelical charity with a similar stance on abortion and sexuality issues. Complaints by former residents of Mercy Ministries include "emotionally cruel and medically unproven techniques", such as exorcism and residents being required to sign over social welfare payments to Mercy Ministries. Hillsong responded by praising the work of Mercy Ministries and stating that "we are not involved in the operational aspects of the organization." They 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."
in her book People in Glass Houses: An Insider's Story of a Life In and Out of Hillsong. Specific criticisms covered authoritarian church governance, lack of financial accountability, resistance to free thought, strict fundamentalist teachings and lack of compassion. In an interview with Andrew Denton
, Levin further discussed her experience of Hillsong, which she described as "toxic Christianity".
, a claim the TV show rejected. However, some Hillsong members and former members indicated that some co-ordinated support of church members on Australian Idol has taken place.
, a Planetshakers
pastor who composed "Healer" from the album This Is Our God
- a song about his experience of cancer - admitted he had lied about ever having cancer. Hillsong leadership told the press they were unaware of this situation and that the suspended pastor was seeking professional help. The ACC promised that all money donated by listeners inspired by the song would either be returned or donated to charity. The track "Healer" was promptly removed from the album This Is Our God
on Hillsong's website and there are plans to revoke CDs and DVDs that contain the song.
33.734503°N 150.960935°W
Megachurch
A megachurch is a church having 2,000 or more in average weekend attendance. The Hartford Institute's database lists more than 1,300 such Protestant churches in the United States. According to that data, approximately 50 churches on the list have attendance ranging from 10,000 to 47,000...
affiliated with Australian Christian Churches
Australian Christian Churches
Australian Christian Churches , also known as Assemblies of God in Australia , is a Pentecostal Christian denomination and the Australian branch of the Assemblies of God, the largest Pentecostal denomination in the world...
(the Australian branch of the Assemblies of God
Assemblies of God
The Assemblies of God , officially the World Assemblies of God Fellowship, is a group of over 140 autonomous but loosely-associated national groupings of churches which together form the world's largest Pentecostal denomination...
) and located in Sydney
Sydney
Sydney is the most populous city in Australia and the state capital of New South Wales. Sydney is located on Australia's south-east coast of the Tasman Sea. As of June 2010, the greater metropolitan area had an approximate population of 4.6 million people...
, Australia
Australia
Australia , officially the Commonwealth of Australia, is a country in the Southern Hemisphere comprising the mainland of the Australian continent, the island of Tasmania, and numerous smaller islands in the Indian and Pacific Oceans. It is the world's sixth-largest country by total area...
. The church's senior pastors, Brian
Brian Houston (pastor)
Brian Houston is a pastor in the Australian Christian Churches. He is currently the Senior Pastor at Hillsong Church which has locations in Sydney and Brisbane, Australia, London, Cape Town, Kiev, Germany, Paris, Moscow, Stockholm and New York City. He was also the National President of Australian...
and Bobbie Houston
Bobbie Houston
Bobbie Houston is a Pentecostal Christian pastor in the Australian Christian Churches. Bobbie Houston and her husband Brian founded the Hillsong Church in Sydney, Australia.-Biography:...
, began the church in 1983 as the Hills Christian Life Centre in Baulkham Hills
Baulkham Hills, New South Wales
Baulkham Hills is a suburb in the north-west of Sydney, in the state of New South Wales, Australia. Baulkham Hills is located 31 kilometres north-west of the Sydney central business district in the local government area of The Hills Shire...
. Hills Christian Life Centre later merged with Sydney Christian Life Centre at Waterloo
Waterloo, New South Wales
Waterloo is an inner-city suburb of Sydney, New South Wales, Australia. Waterloo is located 4 kilometres south of the Sydney central business district and is part of the local government area of the City of Sydney.-History:...
. Over 20,000 people attend services each week.
While headquartered at its "Hills" campus in Baulkham Hills' Norwest Business Park
Norwest Business Park
The Norwest Business Park is a business park in the suburb of Bella Vista, New South Wales in Australia. Norwest Business is bordered by Windsor Road to the East, and Old Windsor Road to the West, with Norwest Boulevard stretching the length of the park between the two main arterial roads. It is...
in the Hills District
Hills District (Sydney)
Hills District or The Hills is a general term for the north-western suburbs of Sydney, in the state of New South Wales, Australia. The Hills District is also referred to as The Sydney Hills and The Hills Shire...
, Hillsong is a multi-site church
Multi-site church
A multi-site church is one church that meets at multiple locations. Churches began to use the multi-site church model in the mid 1980s...
with another congregation, designated the "City" campus, located in Waterloo, near Sydney's central business district. In 2009, a third Sydney campus, "South West", located in Campbelltown
Campbelltown, New South Wales
Campbelltown is a suburb in south-western Sydney, in the state of New South Wales, Australia. Campbelltown is located 51 kilometres south-west of the Sydney central business district and is the administrative centre for the local government area of the City of Campbelltown.- History :Campbelltown...
and a fourth interstate campus, the "Brisbane" campus in Mount Gravatt
Mount Gravatt, Queensland
Mount Gravatt is the name of both a major suburb of Brisbane, Queensland, Australia and a prominent hill in this suburb. The suburb is situated in the south-east of the city and was one of Brisbane's largest...
, were added.
Apart from the four main campuses, Hillsong Church currently has 14 extension services across Sydney. These extension services are based on either location or culture and rely on Hillsong Church for support and leadership. Hillsong Church's international offshoots include Hillsong Church London, in the United Kingdom
United Kingdom
The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern IrelandIn the United Kingdom and Dependencies, other languages have been officially recognised as legitimate autochthonous languages under the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages...
, Hillsong Church Kiev
Hillsong Church Kiev
Hillsong Church Kiev is the Kiev-based offshoot of Hillsong Church in Sydney, Australia.-History:In September 1992, an outreach began in the October Palace in Kiev with team members from Hills Christian Life Centre...
in Ukraine
Ukraine
Ukraine is a country in Eastern Europe. It has an area of 603,628 km², making it the second largest contiguous country on the European continent, after Russia...
, Hillsong Church Cape Town
Hillsong Church Cape Town
Hillsong Church Cape Town is a Pentecostal Christian church affiliated with the Assemblies of God and is the South African offshoot of Hillsong Church in Sydney, Australia...
in South Africa
South Africa
The Republic of South Africa is a country in southern Africa. Located at the southern tip of Africa, it is divided into nine provinces, with of coastline on the Atlantic and Indian oceans...
, Hillsong Church Stockholm
Stockholm
Stockholm is the capital and the largest city of Sweden and constitutes the most populated urban area in Scandinavia. Stockholm is the most populous city in Sweden, with a population of 851,155 in the municipality , 1.37 million in the urban area , and around 2.1 million in the metropolitan area...
in Sweden
Sweden
Sweden , officially the Kingdom of Sweden , is a Nordic country on the Scandinavian Peninsula in Northern Europe. Sweden borders with Norway and Finland and is connected to Denmark by a bridge-tunnel across the Öresund....
and Hillsong NYC, in New York
New York
New York is a state in the Northeastern region of the United States. It is the nation's third most populous state. New York is bordered by New Jersey and Pennsylvania to the south, and by Connecticut, Massachusetts and Vermont to the east...
, USA. Hillsong services are also held in Paris, Berlin, Amsterdam
Amsterdam
Amsterdam is the largest city and the capital of the Netherlands. The current position of Amsterdam as capital city of the Kingdom of the Netherlands is governed by the constitution of August 24, 1815 and its successors. Amsterdam has a population of 783,364 within city limits, an urban population...
and Moscow
Moscow
Moscow is the capital, the most populous city, and the most populous federal subject of Russia. The city is a major political, economic, cultural, scientific, religious, financial, educational, and transportation centre of Russia and the continent...
.
Hillsong Music
Hillsong Music
Hillsong Music is Christian music produced by Hillsong Church in Sydney, Australia as well as offshoot churches, Hillsong London and Hillsong Kiev...
has topped Australian charts, with albums achieving gold and platinum sales status. Hillsong is known internationally through its teaching, album sales, and the annual Hillsong Conference
Hillsong Conference
The Hillsong Conference is an annual Christian conference held each July in Sydney, Australia, London, Europe, and Kiev, Ukraine and hosted by the Hillsong Church. It features prominent Christian pastors, leaders, businesspeople and motivational speakers as well as worship artists like singers,...
, which attracts over 28,000 people. The Hillsong Television program is seen in over 160 countries and Hillsong International Leadership College
Hillsong International Leadership College
Hillsong International Leadership College in Baulkham Hills, New South Wales, Australia, is the training college of Hillsong Church, a Pentecostal Christian church, affiliated with the Assemblies of God. The college operates from the church's two main worship centres in Baulkham Hills and Waterloo...
is attended by over 900 students.
History
BrianBrian Houston (pastor)
Brian Houston is a pastor in the Australian Christian Churches. He is currently the Senior Pastor at Hillsong Church which has locations in Sydney and Brisbane, Australia, London, Cape Town, Kiev, Germany, Paris, Moscow, Stockholm and New York City. He was also the National President of Australian...
and Bobbie Houston
Bobbie Houston
Bobbie Houston is a Pentecostal Christian pastor in the Australian Christian Churches. Bobbie Houston and her husband Brian founded the Hillsong Church in Sydney, Australia.-Biography:...
moved from New Zealand
New Zealand
New Zealand is an island country in the south-western Pacific Ocean comprising two main landmasses and numerous smaller islands. The country is situated some east of Australia across the Tasman Sea, and roughly south of the Pacific island nations of New Caledonia, Fiji, and Tonga...
in 1978 and joined the Sydney Christian Life Centre at Darlinghurst, pastored by Brian Houston's father, Frank Houston
Frank Houston
Frank Houston , was a Pentecostal Christian pastor in the Assemblies of God in New Zealand and Australia....
. They started Hillsong Church, which was then known as Hills Christian Life Centre, in August 1983 with services held at the Baulkham Hills Public School hall and with an initial congregation of 45. Within four years it had grown to 900 people. In 1990, the church moved from "the warehouse", which they had occupied since 1984, to hold services at the Hills Centre
Hills Centre
The Hills Centre is an entertainment complex in Castle Hill, in the Hills District, North-West of Sydney....
. In 1986, an annual conference was developed, now called Hillsong Conference
Hillsong Conference
The Hillsong Conference is an annual Christian conference held each July in Sydney, Australia, London, Europe, and Kiev, Ukraine and hosted by the Hillsong Church. It features prominent Christian pastors, leaders, businesspeople and motivational speakers as well as worship artists like singers,...
, which was created to be a blessing to the church worldwide and to champion the cause of the local church.
Baulkham Hills, New South Wales
Baulkham Hills is a suburb in the north-west of Sydney, in the state of New South Wales, Australia. Baulkham Hills is located 31 kilometres north-west of the Sydney central business district in the local government area of The Hills Shire...
Norwest Business Park.
In the late 1990s the church realised that the name Hillsong was more well-known than Hills Christian Life Centre due to the branding of its recordings. The church was renamed Hillsong Church in 1999, about the same time its mother church, Sydney Christian Life Centre, was merged into Hillsong Church.
After further consistent growth, a new 3,500 seat convention centre at the church's "Hills" campus was opened, on 19 October 2002, by John Howard
John Howard
John Winston Howard AC, SSI, was the 25th Prime Minister of Australia, from 11 March 1996 to 3 December 2007. He was the second-longest serving Australian Prime Minister after Sir Robert Menzies....
, the then Prime Minister of Australia
Prime Minister of Australia
The Prime Minister of the Commonwealth of Australia is the highest minister of the Crown, leader of the Cabinet and Head of Her Majesty's Australian Government, holding office on commission from the Governor-General of Australia. The office of Prime Minister is, in practice, the most powerful...
. Due to the rapid growth of the "City" campus, in 2007 the church announced its intentions to develop a significant area of land on Rothschild Avenue, Rosebery
Rosebery, New South Wales
Rosebery is a suburb in south-eastern Sydney, in the state of New South Wales, Australia. Rosebery is located 6 kilometres south of the Sydney central business district and is part of the local government area of the City of Sydney....
into the new "City" campus. In August 2008, Hillsong withdrew the development application they had lodged with the Sydney City Council after an independent report recommended against the council approving the development, and in August 2009 announced that the site was for sale. It has been reported that Hillsong is looking at other options for its City church plans, including buying the former Royal South Sydney Hospital
Royal South Sydney Hospital
Royal South Sydney Hospital was a hospital in the southern Sydney suburb of Zetland, New South Wales, Australia.Initial efforts to open a hospital in South Sydney began in 1908 when fundraising efforts by local residents saw James Joynton Smith, local businessman and racecourse owner, elected as...
site.
Extensions
In the 1990s, Kiev Christian life Centre, now Hillsong Kiev, and London Christian Life Centre, now Hillsong LondonHillsong London
Hillsong Church London is a Pentecostal Christian church, and is the London congregation of Hillsong Church, which also meets in Sydney, Paris, Kiev, Cape Town, and Stockholm...
, were planted
Church planting
Church planting is a process that results in a new Christian church being established. It should be distinguished from church development, where a new service, new worship centre or fresh expression is created that is integrated into an already established congregation...
from the Hillsong Church as independent churches. When Hills Christian Life Centre changed its name to Hillsong Church, the international churches also did so. While these churches are a part of Hillsong Church they are fully independent, unlike extension services.
Hillsong London have planted extension services in Surrey
Surrey
Surrey is a county in the South East of England and is one of the Home Counties. The county borders Greater London, Kent, East Sussex, West Sussex, Hampshire and Berkshire. The historic county town is Guildford. Surrey County Council sits at Kingston upon Thames, although this has been part of...
and in Paris
Paris
Paris is the capital and largest city in France, situated on the river Seine, in northern France, at the heart of the Île-de-France region...
. There is also a "connect group" meeting in Berlin every Wednesday. In March 2007, Hillsong Kiev planted an offshoot church in Moscow, which started regular services in July 2007. It was announced in October 2007 that Phil and Lucinda Dooley would plant a Hillsong Church in South Africa
South Africa
The Republic of South Africa is a country in southern Africa. Located at the southern tip of Africa, it is divided into nine provinces, with of coastline on the Atlantic and Indian oceans...
in March 2008. Hillsong Stockholm
Stockholm
Stockholm is the capital and the largest city of Sweden and constitutes the most populated urban area in Scandinavia. Stockholm is the most populous city in Sweden, with a population of 851,155 in the municipality , 1.37 million in the urban area , and around 2.1 million in the metropolitan area...
, Sweden
Sweden
Sweden , officially the Kingdom of Sweden , is a Nordic country on the Scandinavian Peninsula in Northern Europe. Sweden borders with Norway and Finland and is connected to Denmark by a bridge-tunnel across the Öresund....
, formerly known as Passion Church, was planted in 2008-2009. The senior pastor at Stockholm is Andreas Nielsen,
As Hillsong has grown, other churches have joined and new churches established as extension services
Multi-site church
A multi-site church is one church that meets at multiple locations. Churches began to use the multi-site church model in the mid 1980s...
. Extension services are also held for cultural groups in other languages. These extension services are run by a team of people but look to Hillsong Church for leadership and support and join the vision of the church. There are currently 15 extension services across Sydney, many of which join with the "Hills" and "City" congregations for Sunday night services. In September 2007, Brian Houston's son Ben planted the 15th extension service in Mona Vale
Mona Vale, New South Wales
Mona Vale is a suburb in northern Sydney, in the state of New South Wales, Australia. It is located 28 kilometres north of the Sydney central business district and is the administrative centre of the local government area of Pittwater Council. Mona Vale is also part of the Northern Beaches region.-...
, known as the Northern Beaches service. In August 2008, Hillsong started a Sunday morning service at the Greater Union Cinema at Bondi Junction, this service being part of the City Campus.
Beliefs
Hillsong is affiliated with the Assemblies of God in AustraliaAssemblies of God in Australia
Australian Christian Churches , also known as Assemblies of God in Australia , is a Pentecostal Christian denomination and the Australian branch of the Assemblies of God, the largest Pentecostal denomination in the world...
, which belongs within the Pentecostal tradition of Christianity. The church's beliefs are Evangelical
Evangelicalism
Evangelicalism is a Protestant Christian movement which began in Great Britain in the 1730s and gained popularity in the United States during the series of Great Awakenings of the 18th and 19th century.Its key commitments are:...
and Pentecostal in that it holds the Bible
Bible
The Bible refers to any one of the collections of the primary religious texts of Judaism and Christianity. There is no common version of the Bible, as the individual books , their contents and their order vary among denominations...
as accurate and authoritative in matters of faith and that Jesus Christ reconciled humanity to God through his death
Crucifixion of Jesus
The crucifixion of Jesus and his ensuing death is an event that occurred during the 1st century AD. Jesus, who Christians believe is the Son of God as well as the Messiah, was arrested, tried, and sentenced by Pontius Pilate to be scourged, and finally executed on a cross...
and resurrection
Resurrection of Jesus
The Christian belief in the resurrection of Jesus states that Jesus returned to bodily life on the third day following his death by crucifixion. It is a key element of Christian faith and theology and part of the Nicene Creed: "On the third day he rose again in fulfillment of the Scriptures"...
. The church believes that in order to live a fruitful Christian life a person should seek the baptism in the Holy Spirit and that the Holy Spirit enables the use of spiritual gifts, which include speaking in tongues.
Hillsong's stand on many topical issues in contemporary Christianity is in keeping with mainstream Pentecostalism, teaching that homosexuality is unnatural, opposing embryonic stem cell research and abortion on the basis that human life commences at conception. Hillsong has also declared support for Creationism
Creationism
Creationism is the religious beliefthat humanity, life, the Earth, and the universe are the creation of a supernatural being, most often referring to the Abrahamic god. As science developed from the 18th century onwards, various views developed which aimed to reconcile science with the Genesis...
and Intelligent Design
Intelligent design
Intelligent design is the proposition that "certain features of the universe and of living things are best explained by an intelligent cause, not an undirected process such as natural selection." It is a form of creationism and a contemporary adaptation of the traditional teleological argument for...
and believes this should be taught in schools.
Hillsong's prosperity teachings
Prosperity theology
Prosperity theology or gospel is a Christian religious belief whose proponents claim the Bible teaches that financial blessing is the will of God for Christians. Most teachers of prosperity theology maintain that a combination of faith, positive speech, and donations to Christian ministries will...
have been criticised by Christian leaders Tim Costello
Tim Costello
Timothy Ewen Costello AO is a prominent Baptist minister and current CEO of World Vision Australia.He is an "Australian Living Treasure". He is the brother of former treasurer of Australia and Federal Member for Higgins Peter Costello....
and George Pell
George Pell
George Pell AC is an Australian cardinal of the Roman Catholic Church. He is the eighth and current Archbishop of Sydney, serving since 2001. He previously served as auxiliary bishop and archbishop of the Archdiocese of Melbourne...
. Subsequent statements by Tim Costello indicated that he was satisfied with changes made by Brian Houston to Hillsong's teaching in response to criticism, a change which has been noted by the media. Hillsong's teachings have been commented on favourably by Peter Costello
Peter Costello
Peter Howard Costello AC is an Australian politician and lawyer who served as the Treasurer in the Australian government from 1996 to 2007. He is the longest-serving Treasurer in Australian history. Costello was a Member of the Australian House of Representatives from 1990 to 2009, representing...
, a Baptist
Baptist
Baptists comprise a group of Christian denominations and churches that subscribe to a doctrine that baptism should be performed only for professing believers , and that it must be done by immersion...
and former Treasurer of Australia
Treasurer of Australia
The Treasurer of Australia is the minister in the Government of Australia responsible for government expenditure and revenue raising. He is the head of the Department of the Treasury. The Treasurer plays a key role in the economic policy of the government...
, who has defended the church against accusations of unorthodoxy.
Leadership
Hillsong Church is governed by a seven member board of elders. The elders lead the church spiritually as well as act as a board of directors. The church's officers are the senior pastor who also acts as chairman of the board, the treasurer, and the secretary. The members of the board of elders are senior executive staff and business leaders from Hillsong's congregation. Elders are appointed for one year renewable terms. Leadership positions are made by appointment.Ministry
Hillsong Church runs many different ministries in addition to weekend services and events. Hillsong, like other churches, runs a small groupCell group
The cell group is a form of church organization that is used in some Christian churches. Cell groups are generally intended to teach the Bible and personalize Christian fellowship. They are always used in cell churches, but also occur in parachurch organizations and other interdenominational...
structure named "connect groups". Groups of approximately 10-20 people meet on a fortnightly basis across Sydney. The main ministries of Hillsong Church include:
Hillsong Kids
Hillsong Kids is the children's ministry of Hillsong Church. The church provides a children's program for all weekend services and for the Hillsong Sisterhood. Hillsong Kids is divided into five age groups for each weekend service, they are:- Cubby House (12 months and walking to 2 year olds)
- The Ark (Preschoolers; 3 to 5 year olds)
- Fun House (Kindergarten to year 1)
- All Stars (Years 2 to 4)
- Voltage (Years 5 and 6)
Hillsong Kids runs children's programs during major conferences and events. During the Hillsong Conference
Hillsong Conference
The Hillsong Conference is an annual Christian conference held each July in Sydney, Australia, London, Europe, and Kiev, Ukraine and hosted by the Hillsong Church. It features prominent Christian pastors, leaders, businesspeople and motivational speakers as well as worship artists like singers,...
there is "Kidsong" and during the Colour Your World Women's Conference there is "Colour Kids". Hillsong Kids have adopted two mascots, Max and Melody. The popularity of Hillsong Music
Hillsong Music
Hillsong Music is Christian music produced by Hillsong Church in Sydney, Australia as well as offshoot churches, Hillsong London and Hillsong Kiev...
has allowed Hillsong Kids to release five albums to date: Jesus Is My Superhero
Jesus Is My Superhero
Jesus Is My Superhero is the first live praise and worship album of Christian Contemporary music for children by the Hillsong Church. Jesus Is My Superhero was recorded live at the Sydney Superdome in July 2004.-Track listing:...
(2004), Super Strong God
Super Strong God
Super Strong God is the second live praise and worship album of Christian Contemporary music for children by the Hillsong Church.-Making of the album:Super Strong God was recorded live at Kidsong World during the Hillsong Conference in 2005....
(2005), Supernatural
Supernatural (Hillsong album)
Supernatural is the third live praise and worship album of Christian Contemporary music for children by the Hillsong Church.-Making of the album:Supernatural was recorded live at Kids Fest during the October holidays in 2006.-Track listing:...
(2006), Tell the World
Tell the World (Hillsong album)
Tell the World is the fourth live praise and worship album of Christian Contemporary music for children by the Hillsong Church. It was released 2007 on Integrity Records and Hillsong Music Australia.-Track listing:...
(2007), Follow You (2008), Ultimate Kids Collection (2009) and Crazy Noise (2011).
Hillsong United
Hillsong United is the Youth Ministry of Hillsong Church. Hillsong United is made up of four different age groups that combine regularly for "United" nights at both the Hills and City campuses. The four age groups are:- Fuel (Years 7 to 9)
- Wildlife (Years 10 to 12)
- Powerhouse (18 to 25 year olds)
- Frontline (25+)
Hillsong Sisterhood
Hillsong Church runs a meeting for women entitled the Sisterhood. The service, hosted by Bobbie HoustonBobbie Houston
Bobbie Houston is a Pentecostal Christian pastor in the Australian Christian Churches. Bobbie Houston and her husband Brian founded the Hillsong Church in Sydney, Australia.-Biography:...
, is for women of all ages. Hillsong Sisterhood runs on Thursdays at the Hills and City campuses. Hillsong Sisterhood initiated the annual Colour Your World Women's Conference, which has become the Australian Christian Churches women's conference and brings together women from many different denominations across the world.
Hillsong City Care
Hillsong City Care (formerly Hillsong Emerge) is a non-profit organisation that aims to bring social justiceSocial justice
Social justice generally refers to the idea of creating a society or institution that is based on the principles of equality and solidarity, that understands and values human rights, and that recognizes the dignity of every human being. The term and modern concept of "social justice" was coined by...
to the people of Sydney. Overseeing Hillsong City Care is Hillsong Church executive pastor Donna Crouch. Hillsong City Care was established in 1989, and reaches people centres, courses and visits. Around Sydney, there are many Hillsong City Care Centres and Hillsong Health Centres. These centres are places that people can go to for help, support and also counselling. Hillsong Youth Services and Hillsong Children's Services conduct a range of community based programs and services to encourage and empower young people and children. Hillsong City Care run several courses through the LIFE (Living in Freedom and Excellence) and SAFE (Sexual Abuse, Freedom and Education) programs that aim to help and educate people.
In July 2008, concerns were raised by some teachers, parents and experts about the Hillsong City Care Shine program for girls being run in NSW 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". Hillsong claims that parents are supportive and that the program breaks down barriers in a group situation. In a media response on 29 July 2008, Hillsong expressed strong support for their program and explicitly denied charges of using the program for evangelism.
Music
Hillsong Church has an internationally recognized music ministry with songs such as "Power of Your Love" by Geoff BullockGeoff Bullock
Geoff Bullock is an Australian Christian singer-songwriter and pianist best known for his song "The Power of Your Love". He began his journey of faith in 1977, when he was in his early twenties....
and "Shout to the Lord" by Darlene Zschech
Darlene Zschech
Darlene Joyce Zschech is an Australian Pentecostal worship leader and singer-songwriter who primarily writes praise and worship songs. She is the former worship pastor of Hillsong Church and is currently a member of Compassionart, a charity founded by Martin Smith.-Biography:As a young adult...
sung in churches worldwide. Originally published as "Hillsongs", Hillsong Church now produces its music through its own label, Hillsong Music Australia. 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
People Just Like Us
People Just Like Us is the third live praise and worship album of Christian Contemporary music by Hillsong Church.-Making of the album:People Just Like Us was recorded live at the Hills Entertainment Centre by Geoff Bullock, Darlene Zschech and the Hillsong team...
, achieving platinum status. The church's 2004 live praise and worship album For All You've Done
For All You've Done
For All You've Done is the thirteenth album in the live praise and worship series of Christian Contemporary music by Hillsong Church. It debuted at Number 1 on the Australian album chart on 12 July 2004.-Recording:...
reached #1 in the mainstream Australian album charts (ARIA
Australian Recording Industry Association
The Australian Recording Industry Association is a trade group representing the Australian recording industry which was established in 1983 by six major record companies, EMI, Festival, CBS, RCA, WEA and Universal replacing the Association of Australian Record Manufacturers which was formed in 1956...
).
Hillsong's most successful albums, the Live Album Series, have all achieved gold status in Australia and since the inception in 1992 of the annual live praise and worship albums, Hillsong has branched out and released other albums including the worship series Hillsong United, worship for kids, Christmas albums and compilation albums. The worship series began as a compilation of songs and developed into studio recorded albums. The Hillsong United series and the Hillsong United
Hillsong United (band)
The Hillsong United band is an Australian praise and worship band that originated as a part of Hillsong Church. The band tours the world, performing at the various Hillsong church locations as well as general concert venues. They compose the songs for their own performances and for the other...
band led by Joel Houston
Joel Houston
Joel Timothy Houston is a musician, songwriter and pastor, best known as leader of the Sydney-based worship band Hillsong United, the youth worship band of Hillsong Church....
, contains songs from the Hillsong United youth ministry. Hillsong Kids has released an annual worship for kids album since 2004. Hillsong music has released two Christmas albums, several compilation albums as well as recordings from Hillsong London, Hillsong Kiev and Youth Alive
Youth Alive
Youth Alive is a not-for-profit multi-denominational Christian organisation dedicated to reaching the youth of Australia with the gospel of Jesus Christ. It is run on a state-based structure with offices in New South Wales, Victoria, Queensland, Tasmania, Western Australia and South Australia...
.
Geoff Bullock served as Hillsong's first worship pastor. Darlene Zschech
Darlene Zschech
Darlene Joyce Zschech is an Australian Pentecostal worship leader and singer-songwriter who primarily writes praise and worship songs. She is the former worship pastor of Hillsong Church and is currently a member of Compassionart, a charity founded by Martin Smith.-Biography:As a young adult...
has been Hillsong's most well-known worship leader and led Hillsong's music ministries as worship pastor from 1995 until 2008. Reuben Morgan
Reuben Morgan
Reuben Morgan is the worship pastor and one of several worship leaders and songwriters alongside Darlene Zschech at the Hillsong Church in Sydney, Australia. He has written songs such as "Eagles Wings", "Hear Our Praises", "I Give You My Heart", "My Redeemer Lives" and "Mighty to Save", which won...
is currently the worship pastor.
On 24 October 2010, it was announced that Darlene Zschech
Darlene Zschech
Darlene Joyce Zschech is an Australian Pentecostal worship leader and singer-songwriter who primarily writes praise and worship songs. She is the former worship pastor of Hillsong Church and is currently a member of Compassionart, a charity founded by Martin Smith.-Biography:As a young adult...
and her husband, Mark, would be taking over as senior pastors at Church Unlimited in Charmhaven on the central coast region of New South Wales, effective as of 23 January 2011. However, Darlene also continues to be a part of the Hillsong Worship Team for key Hillsong events as well as featuring as lead vocal on all of Hillsong's annual Live Album series as well as many other Hillsong songs. Darlene also continues to lead tours with the Hillsong Team around the world and remains a part of the Executive Team for both the Colour Your World Women's Conference
Colour Your World Women's Conference
Colour Your World Women's Conference is an annual Christian conference held in Sydney, Australia, hosted by Hillsong Church...
and the annual Hillsong Conference
Hillsong Conference
The Hillsong Conference is an annual Christian conference held each July in Sydney, Australia, London, Europe, and Kiev, Ukraine and hosted by the Hillsong Church. It features prominent Christian pastors, leaders, businesspeople and motivational speakers as well as worship artists like singers,...
, hosting the Creative Worship Stream at the conference.
There are some notable musicians and celebrities who attend Hillsong Church such as Brooke Fraser, Stan Walker, Guy Sebastian, Christian Rapper Purified and others.
Conferences
The Hillsong Conference
Hillsong Conference
The Hillsong Conference is an annual Christian conference held each July in Sydney, Australia, London, Europe, and Kiev, Ukraine and hosted by the Hillsong Church. It features prominent Christian pastors, leaders, businesspeople and motivational speakers as well as worship artists like singers,...
is an annual conference designed to promote the cause of the local church. The conferences are attended by many from various countries and denominations. The first conference was held in 1986 and has since grown from 150 to 30,000 delegates in its two decade history. The conferences feature the Hillsong Church team as well as prominent international guests. They are usually held during the first week of July at the Acer Arena in Sydney Olympic Park and are hosted by Brian and Bobbie Houston with worship led by the Hillsong Team.
The Colour Your World Women's Conference
Colour Your World Women's Conference
Colour Your World Women's Conference is an annual Christian conference held in Sydney, Australia, hosted by Hillsong Church...
(also known as the Colour Conference) is an annual women's conference aimed to empower women. The conferences were started in 1997 by Bobbie Houston, who hosts each conference, including the ones in London and Kiev.
The Hillsong Men's Conference was first held in 2002 and is hosted by Brian Houston at the Hillsong Convention Centre in Baulkham Hills.
Hillsong International Leadership College
Under the banner of Hillsong Church, the training offered by Hillsong International Leadership College includes leadership training, contemporary praise and worship and specialised youth, children's and media ministries. Since January 2006 the college, in association with Alphacrucis (formerly Southern Cross College), has offered the Bachelor of Theology degree of the Sydney College of Divinity (with a major in pastoral theology).Political influence
Hillsong Church has attracted support from high profile politicians, especially from the Liberal Party of AustraliaLiberal Party of Australia
The Liberal Party of Australia is an Australian political party.Founded a year after the 1943 federal election to replace the United Australia Party, the centre-right Liberal Party typically competes with the centre-left Australian Labor Party for political office...
. In 1998, Brian Houston met with then Prime Minister of Australia, John Howard, and most of his Cabinet
Cabinet of Australia
The Cabinet of Australia is the council of senior ministers of the Crown, responsible to parliament. The Cabinet is appointed by the Governor-General, on the advice of the Prime Minister the Head of Her Majesty's Australian Government, and serves at the former's pleasure. The strictly private...
, at Parliament House
Parliament House, Canberra
Parliament House is the meeting facility of the Parliament of Australia located in Canberra, the capital of Australia. The building was designed by Mitchell/Giurgola Architects and opened on 1988 by Elizabeth II, Queen of Australia...
in Canberra
Canberra
Canberra is the capital city of Australia. With a population of over 345,000, it is Australia's largest inland city and the eighth-largest city overall. The city is located at the northern end of the Australian Capital Territory , south-west of Sydney, and north-east of Melbourne...
before sharing prayers. In 2002, John Howard opened the Hillsong Convention Centre at the Baulkham Hills campus. In 2004 and 2005, the then Treasurer of Australia
Treasurer of Australia
The Treasurer of Australia is the minister in the Government of Australia responsible for government expenditure and revenue raising. He is the head of the Department of the Treasury. The Treasurer plays a key role in the economic policy of the government...
, Peter Costello
Peter Costello
Peter Howard Costello AC is an Australian politician and lawyer who served as the Treasurer in the Australian government from 1996 to 2007. He is the longest-serving Treasurer in Australian history. Costello was a Member of the Australian House of Representatives from 1990 to 2009, representing...
, spoke at its annual conferences. Mark Latham
Mark Latham
Mark William Latham , an author and former Australian politician, was leader of the Federal Parliamentary Australian Labor Party and Leader of the Opposition from December 2003 to January 2005....
, the former Leader of the Opposition, declined Hillsong's invitation to the 2004 conference, although Bob Carr
Bob Carr
Robert John "Bob" Carr , Australian statesman, was Premier of New South Wales from 4 April 1995 to 3 August 2005. He holds the record for the longest continuous service as premier of NSW...
, the then Premier of New South Wales (from the Australian Labor Party
Australian Labor Party
The Australian Labor Party is an Australian political party. It has been the governing party of the Commonwealth of Australia since the 2007 federal election. Julia Gillard is the party's federal parliamentary leader and Prime Minister of Australia...
), did attend the 2005 conference.
Liberal MP for Mitchell, Alan Cadman
Alan Cadman
Alan Glyndwr Cadman, AM , Australian politician, was a Liberal member of the Australian House of Representatives from 18 May 1974 to 17 October 2007, representing the Division of Mitchell, New South Wales....
, and two Family First Party
Family First Party
The Family First Party is a socially conservative minor political party in Australia. It has two members in the South Australian Legislative Council...
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.
Hillsong's high profile involvement with political leaders 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. 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."
In 2008 it was claimed by a Sydney inner city newspaper, Central Magazine, that Hillsong had donated A$
Australian dollar
The Australian dollar is the currency of the Commonwealth of Australia, including Christmas Island, Cocos Islands, and Norfolk Island, as well as the independent Pacific Island states of Kiribati, Nauru and Tuvalu...
600 to a Member of Parliament
Member of Parliament
A Member of Parliament is a representative of the voters to a :parliament. In many countries with bicameral parliaments, the term applies specifically to members of the lower house, as upper houses often have a different title, such as senate, and thus also have different titles for its members,...
, Kristina Keneally, for the tickets of a fundraising dinner, featuring NSW Planning Minister Frank Sartor as a guest speaker, one month before the 2007 state election, 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'. A Hillsong staff member, Maria Ieroianni, claimed 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. 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 claims that these descriptions are confirmed by the records of the Electoral Commission.
Controversies
Hillsong has been criticised at various times for its understanding of the Christian faith and has also been censured for unethical conduct. Concerns have been expressed by politicians, media, community groups, Christian leaders and former members. Criticisms have covered Hillsong's use of finances, its ties to controversial organisations, its treatment of critics and its alleged involvement in vote stacking of the Australian IdolAustralian Idol
Australian Idol is a Logie Award-winning Australian singing competition, which began its first season on July 2003 and ended its run in November 2009. As part of the Idol franchise, Australian Idol originated from the reality program Pop Idol, which was created by British entertainment executive...
TV show.
Criticism of finances
Various critiques are levelled at Hillsong in regard to its finances, especially its use of government grants when it reportedly made $40 million in 2004. Hillsong paid staff members with money given as a government grantGrant (money)
Grants are funds disbursed by one party , often a Government Department, Corporation, Foundation or Trust, to a recipient, often a nonprofit entity, educational institution, business or an individual. In order to receive a grant, some form of "Grant Writing" often referred to as either a proposal...
for the assistance of the Riverstone Aboriginal community. Hillsong responded by claiming "gross inaccuracies" in the report submitted to Parliament, but did not deny that some of the grant had been used to pay Hillsong staff members.
Frank Houston confession of sexual abuse
Frank Houston was persuaded by his son, Brian Houston, to resign in 2000 after he confessed to the sexual abuse of a minorChild sexual abuse
Child sexual abuse is a form of child abuse in which an adult or older adolescent uses a child for sexual stimulation. Forms of child sexual abuse include asking or pressuring a child to engage in sexual activities , indecent exposure with intent to gratify their own sexual desires or to...
in his congregation in New Zealand 30 years earlier.
Involvement with controversial organisations
Hillsong has been criticised for its involvement with Gloria Jean's CoffeesGloria Jean's
Gloria Jean's Coffees is an Australian owned global specialty coffee company that has opened more than 1,000 coffee houses across 39 markets worldwide, including over 460 in Australia.-History:...
and Mercy Ministries
Mercy Ministries
Mercy Ministries is an international, Evangelical, charismatic, Christian, charitable organization that offers a long-term residential program for young women aged 13–28 who struggle with various "life controlling" issues...
, an Evangelical charity with a similar stance on abortion and sexuality issues. Complaints by former residents of Mercy Ministries include "emotionally cruel and medically unproven techniques", such as exorcism and residents being required to sign over social welfare payments to Mercy Ministries. Hillsong responded by praising the work of Mercy Ministries and stating that "we are not involved in the operational aspects of the organization." They 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."
Criticism from a former member
Hillsong's attitude towards criticism was portrayed negatively by one former member Tanya LevinTanya Levin
Tanya Levin is a social worker.In 2007 Levin published People in Glass Houses: An Insider's Story of a Life in and out of Hillsong, an exposé of the Hillsong Church....
in her book People in Glass Houses: An Insider's Story of a Life In and Out of Hillsong. Specific criticisms covered authoritarian church governance, lack of financial accountability, resistance to free thought, strict fundamentalist teachings and lack of compassion. In an interview with Andrew Denton
Andrew Denton
Andrew Christopher Denton is an Australian television producer, comedian, Gold Logie-nominated television presenter and former radio host, and was the host of the ABC's weekly television interview program Enough Rope. He is known for his comedy and interviewing technique...
, Levin further discussed her experience of Hillsong, which she described as "toxic Christianity".
Alleged vote stacking in Australian Idol
In 2007 Hillsong was alleged to have been involved in vote stacking Australian IdolAustralian Idol
Australian Idol is a Logie Award-winning Australian singing competition, which began its first season on July 2003 and ended its run in November 2009. As part of the Idol franchise, Australian Idol originated from the reality program Pop Idol, which was created by British entertainment executive...
, a claim the TV show rejected. However, some Hillsong members and former members indicated that some co-ordinated support of church members on Australian Idol has taken place.
Michael Guglielmucci cancer scandal
On 20 August 2008, Michael GuglielmucciMichael Guglielmucci
Michael Guglielmucci, born 1978, is a Christian pastor and Christian Rock songwriter and musician, former bass player of the Planetshakers band. His co-compositions appeared the Planetshakers album "This Is Our God", and he was the sole songwriter of the hit song "Healer".-Controversy:In September...
, a Planetshakers
Planetshakers
Planetshakers is a Christian youth movement that began as an annual conference and grew into an international ministry and large church in Melbourne, Australia. The conference was born out of Paradise Community Church in Adelaide, South Australia by Pastor Russell Evans...
pastor who composed "Healer" from the album This Is Our God
This Is Our God
This Is Our God is the seventeenth album in the live praise and worship series of Christian Contemporary music by Hillsong Church. It was recorded live at the Acer Arena on 9 March 2008 by Reuben Morgan, Joel Houston, Darlene Zschech ,and the Hillsong Live Worship team with a crowd of over 10,000...
- a song about his experience of cancer - admitted he had lied about ever having cancer. Hillsong leadership told the press they were unaware of this situation and that the suspended pastor was seeking professional help. The ACC promised that all money donated by listeners inspired by the song would either be returned or donated to charity. The track "Healer" was promptly removed from the album This Is Our God
This Is Our God
This Is Our God is the seventeenth album in the live praise and worship series of Christian Contemporary music by Hillsong Church. It was recorded live at the Acer Arena on 9 March 2008 by Reuben Morgan, Joel Houston, Darlene Zschech ,and the Hillsong Live Worship team with a crowd of over 10,000...
on Hillsong's website and there are plans to revoke CDs and DVDs that contain the song.
External links
- Hillsong Church website
- ABC TV Lateline story about political influence of the Hillsong church
- Interview with Hillsong Worship Leader Darlene Zschech
- A triple j feature on Hillsong, including discussion about some of the controversy surrounding Hillsong (MP3)
- "God's Millionaires" BRW, 26 May-1 June 2005
- Hillsong information and discography
- Australian Idol rocked by Hillsong vote-stacking claims
- Taking Revival to the World - an October 2007 article from Christianity Today
- Hillsong Live Integrity Music Page
- Hillsong Videos
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