News by email Donate

Suggestions

Top Stories

Most Read

Popular Videos

World News

Hillsong docuseries 'aims to hurt the church,' says church's interim global pastor

by Alex Collett

A new trailer has been released of a upcoming docuseries called 'Hillsong: A Megachurch Exposed' by Discovery Plus, which will centre on Hillsong Church and highlight it's recent scandals, such as extramarital affair of former Hillsong NYC pastor Carl Lentz. 

In a service that was streamed live on YouTube on February 19, South African senior pastor Phil Dooley addressed that the upcoming docuseries producers' are deliberately mischaracterising Hillsong Church in order to "hurt it". 

Pastor Dooley said: "Sadly, there is a documentary about our church coming out soon. Surprise, surprise and that picture it paints is far removed from, I believe, the truth of who we are as a church." 

"There are people who have been hurt by their experience in our church. And that saddens me. For those people, I say we are deeply sorry and we pray that you'll find healing. 

"But there are also producers behind this documentary, and their purpose is not the healing of people but simply to hurt the church."

Earlier this year, Hillsong's founder Brian Houston, announced that he would be stepping aside as global senior pastor as he battles against criminal charges, which allege that he concealed his late father's child sex offences. 

Phil Dooley and wife Lucida are now Hillsong's interim global pastors. 

Houston had previously announced in September of 2021 that he was stepping down from Hillsong Church boards.

Pastor Dooley went on to describe Hillsong Church's efforts to provide digital education for children in a village outside Johannesburg, South Africa in order to improve their employment opportunities, as well as their work to provide shelter and care to Syrian refugees who had fled to Europe. 

He also highlighted Hillsong's partnerships with humanitarian organisations like Compassion International and Vision Rescue.

A Monthly Gift Of $11 Makes A World Of Difference

In a world of fake news there’s never been a greater need for quality Christian journalism. Premier’s mission is to provide the Church with the most up to date and relevant news, told from a Christian perspective. But we can’t do it without you.

Unlike many websites we haven't put up a paywall — we want to keep our journalism free at the point of need and as open as we can. Premier’s news output takes a lot of time, money and hard work to produce. No one in the USA is sharing news like we are across radio, magazines and online so please help us to continue that today.

For a monthly gift of $11 or more we’d also be able to send you a free copy of the brand new Premier Bible, a wonderful Anglicised version of the NLT packed with exclusive bonus content, reading plan and resources to help you get the most out of scripture.

Your monthly support will make a world of difference. Thank you.

Support Us
Continue the conversation on our Facebook page

Related Articles

Sign up to our newsletter to stay informed with news from a Christian perspective.

News by email

Connect

Donate

Donate