During a recent Sunday church service, Hillsong Phoenix Lead Pastor Terry Crist announced that he had requested his church formally split from Hillsong Church. Crist noted that the decision to separate from the global megachurch network was due to a governance dispute following Hillsong founder Brian Houston’s resignation. Also, during that service, Crist called for an investigation into the Hillsong global board.
Australian health officials have ordered Hillsong church to cease singing and dancing at its youth camps due to COVID-19 guidelines on public events.
In a recent Instagram post, Laura Lentz, the wife of former Hillsong NYC pastor Carl Lentz, opened up about her mental health struggles following the revelation of her husband's affair.
A Tennessee worship leader and Christian recording artist Mackenzie Morgan took to Facebook this week to explain why she will no longer be supporting popular worship bands Hillsong Worship, Elevation Worship or Bethel Music, among others. Morgan called attention to the band's church's teachings, calling them "heretical."
Hillsong founder Brian Houston recently appeared on NBC Today to speak about former New York Pastor Carl Lentz, who was fired last November for "leadership" and "moral" issues. Houston also addressed the issues with celebrity culture at Hillsong, other recent scandals, and how the church needs to move forward.
Several Hillsong Church locations are facing hefty lawsuits. A Connecticut Hillsong Church location is facing a $100,000 lawsuit for reportedly failing to pay rent and removing electronic equipment from a venue. Meanwhile, Hillsong Church in Australia is facing a $20 million lawsuit in a seemingly botched real-estate venture.
After testing positive for the coronavirus, Hillsong Church NYC pastor Carl Lentz is urging people to take the pandemic seriously.
