San Francisco Church Splitting from Hillsong, Becoming Independent
Only five Hillsong congregations remain in the U.S.
Hillsong San Francisco is splitting from Hillsong Church and becoming an independent congregation, Hillsong Global Senior Pastor Phil Dooley announced during the online broadcast Sunday, Feb. 16.
Brendan and Jacqui Brown announcing their split from Hillsong / Video screenshot
Brendan and Jacqui Brown, campus pastors of the San Francisco congregation, said they will announce the name of the new church next week.
“We believe the timing is right for this,” Dooley said. “It’s an exciting season for the Browns and for our church in San Francisco.”
Dooley went on to express his gratitude and appreciation for the Browns’ sacrifices and dedication that has made a “lasting impact.”
“It is an honor to release them into their future with our blessing,” Dooley added.
According to Hillsong California Pastor Sam Lopez, the Browns came to him two years ago with a “fresh vision” on their hearts. He said that he, the Browns, Dooley, and the global board had been talking and praying about launching the independent church in San Francisco.
Lopez said they’d planned to announce the decision a year ago, but it didn’t “feel right”—so they pressed pause. He said the San Francisco congregation’s departure was due solely to the Browns’ vision for a new, independent church.
Hillsong California will now consist of two congregations: Hillsong Los Angeles and Hillsong Orange County.
In a statement on Instagram, the Browns wrote, “God has been faithful in every step of our journey, and we believe He’s leading us into something fresh and full of purpose. While our name is changing, our heart remains the same — to love people and connect them to Jesus.”
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They expressed gratitude for the support of Hillsong global and Hillsong California leadership and their investment in the San Francisco congregation.
Since 2020, 11 churches have left the Hillsong fold as scandals have emerged involving multiple Hillsong leaders. Only five Hillsong congregations remain in the U.S.: New York City, Boston, New Jersey, Los Angeles, and Orange County.
Hillsong founder Brian Houston resigned in 2022 following the discovery of inappropriate texts sent to a staff member and time he had spent in a woman’s hotel room during a conference. Houston was also accused of lavish spending and misuse of funds. In December 2023, he and his wife Bobbie announced plans to launch a new church.
Carl Lentz, who led Hillsong NYC, was fired in 2020 after he admitted to an extramarital affair. In May 2023, Lentz announced he is “no longer in ministry.”
Another Hillsong pastor, Reed Bogard, who led the Dallas Hillsong Church, was accused of engaging in an extramarital affair with a junior staff member. He resigned in 2021.
A documentary called “Hillsong: A Megachurch Exposed” included the testimonies of multiple ex-members who recounted allegations of trauma, abuse, and exploitation.
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