Hillsong founder Brian Houston has officially resigned from his role as Hillsong’s Global Senior Pastor.
The resignation, which comes following recent revelations that Houston engaged in inappropriate behavior with two women, was confirmed by Hillsong’s board on Wednesday. Hillsong, founded by Brian and his wife, Bobbie Houston, in 1983, grew to be one of the largest megachurches in the world today, with multiple locations across the globe.
“We understand there will be much emotion at this news, and we all share these feelings. Irrespective of the circumstances around this, we can all agree that Brian and Bobbie have served God faithfully over many decades and that their ministry has resulted in millions of people across the world being impacted by the power, grace, and love of Jesus Christ,” the board said in a statement.
“Hillsong Church was birthed out of Brian and Bobbie’s obedience and commitment to the call of God, and we are extremely grateful for all that Brian and Bobbie have given to build His house. We ask that you continue to pray for them, and the entire Houston family, during this challenging time.”
The board also announced that it will be undergoing “an independent review” of its “governance structure and processes,” adding that “this is a time of humble reflection, and we are committed to doing what is necessary to ensure God is honoured, and our eyes are fixed on Jesus.”
“We value your ongoing support and prayers. We are also praying for our entire church family at this time,” the statement concluded.
As Christian Headlines previously reported, Houston was accused of acting inappropriately towards two women. One of the women, a former Hillsong staffer, accused Houston of sending “inappropriate” text messages to her.
In a separate 2019 incident, Houston reportedly spent 40 minutes inside another woman’s hotel room after losing his room key during Hillsong’s annual conference. At the time, Houston was drunk and had consumed anti-anxiety medication beyond the prescribed dose. According to Houston and the woman, no sexual activity took place.
In a statement last week, the Hillsong board confirmed that they had been dealing with these complaints “over the last ten years.” Following an investigation, they concluded that Houston had “breached the Hillsong Pastor’s Code of Conduct.”
Houston initially agreed to step down from his leadership role for a time but “failed to take all of the agreed steps which resulted in further action being taken by the board in late 2021,” the board added.
In January, Houston stepped down from his duties as global senior pastor to focus on legal charges he was facing for allegedly concealing his father’s sexual abuse of children. Taking Houston’s place are interim leaders Pastors Phil and Lucinda Dooley of Hillsong South Africa.
Related:
Hillsong Founder Brian Houston Accused of Behaving Inappropriately Toward 2 Women
Hillsong's Brian Houston Steps Down as Global Senior Pastor
Photo courtesy: ©Getty Images/Brian A. Jackson
Milton Quintanilla is a freelance writer and content creator. He is a contributing writer for CrosswalkHeadlines and the host of the For Your Soul Podcast, a podcast devoted to sound doctrine and biblical truth. He holds a Masters of Divinity from Alliance Theological Seminary.
