Hillsong Church Complete Profile & Latest Information
All important details about Hillsong Church. “Welcome Home” – Hillsong is a church that believes in Jesus, a church that loves God and people. The heart and soul of Hillsong Church is to introduce and connect people with the living God. The church is presided over by Phil and Lucinda Dooley, who are the current global senior pastors of Hillsong.
Hillsong Church
Hillsong Church is a well-known Australian-based Pentecostal megachurch with a global reach. This multi-campus church was founded in 1983 by Brian and Bobbie Houston and has grown to have an average global attendance of 150,000 weekly. Its mission is to introduce and connect people with the living God, and its leadership has been marked by a deep commitment to the values and mission of the church, and a tireless dedication to the spiritual growth and wellbeing of all those under their care.
In this post, we will dive into the history, leadership, statistics, ministries, and music of Hillsong Church, along with its vision and mission statements, social media handles and contacts, and more. We will explore the different facets of this church and examine its impact on the lives of people around the world. Whether you are a member of Hillsong Church, a curious observer, or simply interested in learning more about this global megachurch, this post will provide a comprehensive overview of Hillsong Church and its many facets.
History of Hillsong Church
Who is the founder of Hillsong Church?
In 1983, Brian Houston and his wife Bobbie founded Hills Christian Life Centre in Baulkham Hills, New South Wales, in the western suburbs of Sydney, Australia, which later became known as the original church of Hillsong. Hillsong Church, a prominent Australian-based Pentecostal megachurch, Until separating from the Christian Life Centre (CLC) denomination in 2018, has been affiliated with Australian Christian Churches (ACC – the Australian branch of the US-based Assemblies of God), which is recognized as the country’s largest Pentecostal denomination.
As confirmed by former Global Senior Pastor, Brian Houston, in a statement, Hillsong Church decided to break away from its national denomination, Australian Christian Churches (ACC), to establish its own independent entity. However, Houston asserts that the decision to depart from ACC is driven by the church’s evolving global identity and no longer being regarded as an Australian-based church with a worldwide presence. Instead, Hillsong Church now perceives itself as a truly global institution with an Australian origin, reflecting its vast international reach and diverse cultural identity.
Houston further elaborates that the decision is a reflection of the church’s growth and development, as well as a strategic shift that acknowledges Hillsong’s “one house, with many rooms” approach to ministry, where diversity, inclusivity, and global connectivity are celebrated. It’s worth noting that the church’s global office is currently situated in the United States, underscoring the significance of the church’s growing international footprint.
In March of 2022, a major leadership change occurred at Hillsong Church, as former Global Senior Pastor, Brian Houston, stepped down from his position. This was a result of an internal investigation that found him to be in breach of the church’s moral code of conduct for pastors, having engaged in inappropriate behavior with women on two separate occasions during the 2010s.
In light of this, Phil and Lucinda Dooley assumed the position of Senior Global Pastor, having previously acted in the capacity of lead pastors for Hillsong Church Africa. This is a large, multi-campus church with a significant presence across South Africa, and is expanding throughout the rest of the African continent.
Fast forward to February of 2023, and Phil and Lucinda Dooley have successfully assumed the mantle of Global Senior Pastors for Hillsong Church. They have continued to serve as lead pastors for Hillsong Church Africa, providing effective leadership and guidance to this vibrant and growing community of believers. Their leadership has been marked by a deep commitment to the values and mission of the church, and a tireless dedication to the spiritual growth and wellbeing of all those under their care.
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Hillsong Church Statistics
- FOUNDING DAY: Hillsong Church was founded in the year 1983
- NUMBER OF MEMBERS: The Hillsong church has an average global attendance of 150,000 weekly.
- HEADQUARTERS: The headquarters is sited at Baulkham Hills, New South Wales, Australia.
The Global Office is located in the USA.
- CAMPUSES: Hillsong Church is an Intercontinental church with a presence in over 26 countries of the world. Click here to find a Hillsong Church Location close to you. The churches are called campuses.
- FOUNDER: The founder of Hillsong Church is Pastor Brian Houston and his wife Bobbie Houston.
- CURRENT LEADERS: The current leaders of the Hillsong Church are, Pastors Phil and Lucinda Dooley.
Hillsong Church Leadership
The governance structure of Hillsong Church comprises of two main bodies, namely the Hillsong Global Board and the Hillsong Eldership. Since 2022, the church has been led by Pastors Phil and Lucinda Dooley, who have taken on the responsibility of spiritual leadership within the church.
The Hillsong Global Board is responsible for the corporate administration of the church. The board is appointed on an annual basis, with the option for renewal of terms. This ensures that the church is effectively managed from a business perspective, with decisions made in a transparent and accountable manner.
By having two distinct bodies with different areas of focus, Hillsong Church is able to maintain a balance between its spiritual mission and its organizational efficiency. The leadership of the Hillsong Eldership, along with the oversight of the Hillsong Global Board, helps to ensure that the church remains aligned with its core values and vision, while also functioning effectively as a large and complex organization.
Phil and Lucinda Dooley are the Global Senior Pastors for Hillsong Church, a multi-campus church with a significant presence in major cities around the world.
Phil is committed to raising up new leaders and promoting wholeness, well-being, growth, and development in all areas of church life. He has a passion for applying biblical wisdom to everyday life and witnessing people transformed by the grace and love of Jesus. Lucinda is passionate about serving the cause of Christ, reaching people with the good news of Jesus, and building a church that is salt and light in cities and nations, while also championing women’s value and flourishing.
Together, they have a strong desire to build a healthy church that reaches individuals from every part of society, with the hope of Jesus, and to lift up lives and build people up within the context of loving church culture and community. They have three children and two dogs.
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Hillsong Church Programmes / Events Calendar
Stay- up-to-date with Hillsong church events and programmes calendar for this year.
- Hillsong Conference: a conference that began more than three and a half decades ago with a mandate to champion the cause of the church of Jesus Christ across every nation, denomination, age, and background.
- National Day of Prayer
- Colour Conference:
- Worship & Creative Conference:
How to be a Member of Hillsong Church?
Are you a member looking to deepen your connection to Hillsong Church, Or a first-timer looking to join? Becoming a member of a Hillsong Church is a fulfilling and meaningful experience. It offers a sense of community and belonging, opportunities to connect with others who share similar beliefs, and a chance to deepen your faith.
To join Hillsong church, kindly locate the church nearest to you. Click here to Navigate for a location.
Hillsong Church Vision and Mission Statements
Hillsong is a church of direction and purpose. Hillsong believes in Jesus and loves God and people. The church’s vision is as follows;
Hillsong Church Vision: A healthy church, changing lives through Christ.
Hillsong is a contemporary Christian church that is closely associated with the Australian Christian Churches, a movement of almost 1,100 churches and more than 250,000 believers across Australia.
Hillsong Church Social Media Handles and Contacts
Join Hillsong Church on social media and be a part of the vibrant online community! Stay updated with the latest news, events, and insights from Hillsong Church, and connect with like-minded individuals who share your passion for Christ. Follow Hillsong on social media channels and stay connected wherever you are as follows;
Hillsong Church Music
Hillsong church is a church that celebrates a lifestyle of worship that is driven by a deep sense of gratitude for the gift of salvation that we have received from Jesus. The church is dedicated to authentic worship, passionate about the local church, and committed to establishing God’s kingdom throughout the world. The church is of long-standing reputation in contemporary worship music. Championing this move across the world are groups such as Hillsong Worship, Hillsong United, and Hillsong Young & Free.
- Hillsong Worship
Established in 1992, they have produced 46 albums with over 300 songs. Every year, Hillsong Worship releases an album and has toured many countries around the globe. Hillsong Worship has continued to release a collection of worship music that resonates with the global essence of the Hillsong church. In January 2018, they received a Grammy Award for Best Contemporary Christian Song/Performance for their song “What a Beautiful Name.” – A song written to reveal Jesus as Supreme.
- Hillsong United
Hillsong United, which was established in 1998 and led by Joel Houston, the son of Brian and Bobbie, has produced 17 albums. The group has been touring for many years and has filled large venues such as the Staples Centre in Los Angeles. In 2016, they were named the Top Christian Artist at the Billboard Music Awards.
⇒ Some crew members include; Taya Gaukrodger, Brooke Fraser (Guitar), Joel Houston, Marty Sampson, Matt Crocker (Guitar), Ingrid Kennedy (Vocals).
Their song “Oceans (Where Feet May Fail)” from the album Zion was certified platinum in the United States.
- Young & Free
Hillsong Young & Free is a vibrant and dynamic youth worship team that operates under the auspices of Hillsong Church. Representing the sound of the next generation of Hillsong music, the Young & Free brand transcends mere labeling, embodying the very essence of this renowned musical movement.
Over the years, Hillsong Young & Free has released three groundbreaking albums that have captured the hearts and minds of millions of young people across the globe. With each new release, they continue to push the boundaries of contemporary Christian music, inspiring listeners with their infectious beats and soul-stirring lyrics.
In recognition of their exceptional musical talents, Hillsong Young & Free received a Grammy nomination for Best Contemporary Christian Music Album in 2016, for their album “Youth Revival.” This achievement is a testament to their commitment to creating music that resonates with the youth of today and uplifts and inspires them to embrace their faith in new and meaningful ways.
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Hillsong College
Hillsong International Leadership College, with over 30 Years of world-class leadership & ministry training, situated in Sydney, is a world-renowned institution that provides exceptional leadership and ministry courses designed to cultivate the next generation of global leaders. Established in 1995, the college has produced over 14,000 graduates hailing from more than 63 nationalities, making it a truly diverse and cosmopolitan learning environment.
The college originated from two separate entities- the Sydney Christian Life Centre and Hills Christian Life Centre, both of which shared a common vision of creating courses in ministry and leadership development within the context of a local church. The colleges emphasized creative arts, and theological education was delivered using a ministry model.
The Sydney college was founded in 1983 by David Johnston as the “International Institute for Creative Ministries” (IICM) and was initially located in Arncliffe. However, in 1989, Johnston parted ways with IICM, and the college came under the auspices of Wesley Mission, moving to the Wesley Centre in Pitt Street, Sydney. After several name changes, it became Wesley Institute (now Excelsia College).
Hills Christian Life Centre developed a training arm of IICM in 1988 under Ian Fuller, known initially as Power Ministry School, then Power Ministry College under Steve Kelly. In 1993, Hillsong School and a School of Music were established to train young musicians. Under Mark Hopkins’ leadership in 1996, Hillsong School and the School of Music were merged to form the Hills Leadership College.
In 1990, Robert Fergusson became the principal of the Sydney college and shifted its focus to practical ministry training. The college moved back to the church site, and the name was changed to Aquila College of Ministries in 1993. After the merger of Hills CLC with Sydney CLC in 1999, the Sydney college and the Hills Leadership College merged to form Hillsong International Leadership College in 2000, with Duncan Corby as the principal of its “City campus.” The college was approved as a Registered Training Organization in December 2002, and by 2007, it had approximately 900 full-time students enrolled across the two campuses, with a majority of them coming from overseas.
As of 2022, the college operates under the name Hillsong College and has campuses in Sydney and Phoenix, Arizona, as well as an online curriculum. The City campus’s official trading name is Sydney Christian Life Centre Pty Ltd, and one of its tax-deductible charitable funds is known as the International Institute for Creative Ministries Library Trust Fund. The college’s dean is Duncan Corby, and its principal is Catrina Henderson. With its rich history and excellent programs, Hillsong College continues to shape future leaders and inspire positive change worldwide.
The college offers;
- Undergraduate Courses
- Postgraduate Courses and,
- Vocational Courses.
You can study Online, On-site in Australia, part-time or Full-time.
Hillsong Church Ministries, and Affiliations
Hillsong Church is a globally renowned Christian megachurch that has been making a significant impact in the world through its various ministries. From music to leadership and ministry courses, Hillsong Church has consistently demonstrated a commitment to equipping individuals with the tools they need to thrive in their personal and professional lives. Below, are some of the most notable ministries of Hillsong Church and a highlight of the impact they have made on the lives of people around the world. It is worth noting that Global Pastors Phil and Lucinda Dooley led the youth and young adults ministries of Hillsong Church Australia for 12 years and were involved in pioneering Hillsong United’s worship music ministry.
1. Hillsong CityCare
Hillsong City Care is a community-focused ministry of Hillsong Church that provides practical assistance and support to individuals and families in need. Through various initiatives such as food banks, homeless shelters, and counseling services, Hillsong City Care is making a tangible difference in the lives of vulnerable people. Their dedication to serving the community is truly inspiring and a testament to the transformative power of faith in action. It is heartening to see an organization use its resources and influence to improve the lives of those who are struggling, and Hillsong City Care is doing just that, empowering and equipping those who want to take their next steps in life.
Vision
CityCare exists to build hope in vulnerable communities through programs and partnerships that foster healthy families and create safe inclusive communities, for the peace and well-being of the city.
Mission
Building hope with vulnerable communities.
Core Values
Empowerment, Quality & Effectiveness, Partnership, Leadership, Accountability.
Target Groups
Youth, Children & Families, Women
2. Because We Can.
Hillsong Because we can is a fundraising initiative of Hillsong Church that seeks to empower individuals to make a positive difference in the world. Through Because we can, Hillsong Church partners with organizations around the world to provide aid and support to people in need. This initiative has made a significant impact in the lives of many, and the generosity of the Hillsong community is truly inspiring. It is heartwarming to see a church use its influence to create meaningful change in the world and Hillsong Because we can is a shining example of the power of collective action.
3. Leadership Network:
Hillsong Leadership Network is a ministry of Hillsong Church that provides a platform for leaders from all walks of life to connect, grow, and learn from each other. Through conferences, training events, and mentorship programs, Hillsong Leadership Network equips individuals with the tools and resources they need to lead with excellence and impact their communities for good. The network’s commitment to building a strong community of leaders is truly remarkable, and the impact of their work can be seen in the lives of countless individuals around the world. Whether you are a seasoned leader or just starting on your leadership journey, Hillsong Leadership Network is an excellent resource for anyone looking to grow and develop their skills.
The Leadership Network seeks to equip Pastors & Leaders to Flourish For His Glorious Church. Here you can take an online preaching course, access resources, and participate in events that help you grow to become a full fledge church leader. Through the Pastor’s Connect, You can become a member of the Hillsong Leadership Network.
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4. Hillsong Sisterhood:
Hillsong Sisterhood is a ministry of Hillsong Church that seeks to empower and inspire women to be all they can be in every area of life. Through various events, gatherings, and online resources, Hillsong Sisterhood provides a safe and supportive community for women to connect, share their experiences, and grow in their faith. The ministry’s focus on building relationships and fostering a sense of belonging is truly inspiring, and it is clear that they are making a positive impact in the lives of many women around the world. Hillsong Sisterhood is a beautiful example of the power of women coming together to support and encourage each other, and their dedication to empowering women to be their best selves is truly remarkable.
Hillsong Sisterhood is a ministry dedicated to addressing important social issues such as HIV/AIDS, domestic violence, and human trafficking. The ministry’s midweek gathering is a female-focused event that serves as the cornerstone of Hillsong’s women’s ministries. Attended by all-female staff members, the event offers a supportive and empowering environment for women to connect, share their experiences, and grow in their faith. In addition to the midweek gathering, Hillsong Sisterhood also offers a Thursday meeting for mothers that welcomes businesswomen, as well as special quarterly “Sisterhood United” night meetings that cater to working women. The ministry’s commitment to supporting and empowering women from all walks of life is truly inspiring, and its efforts to address important social issues are making a positive impact in the world.
5. Hillsong Kids: Hillsong is committed to building the lives of children all over the world. Hillsong uses this platform to walk with parents, church pastors and leaders, equipping them with great resources, towards raising godly children.
You can join Hillsong via the Hillsong Kids Online and Hillsong Kids App to have access to fun experiences, meaningful music and ministry resources that encourage kids to participate, as we present Jesus Christ and His Church in a relevant way, creating moments which children will never forget.
The Kids ministry also provides a complete, all-inclusive resource to equip you to run a successful children’s ministry, known as the BIG Curriculum as well as Hillsong Kids music.
6. Youth & Young Adults:
Hillsong Youth & Young Adults is a dynamic movement of passionate young people who are dedicated to living for the cause of Jesus Christ. With a strong presence in major cities across the UK, US, and Europe, we are committed to shaping culture through our values of inclusivity, authenticity, and generosity. As a community of young and free individuals, we are leading a youth revival and inspiring others to join us in our mission. Our movement is characterized by a spirit of openness and acceptance, and we are proud to be creating a positive impact in our local communities and beyond.
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Hillsong Church Photo Gallery
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