Hillsong Church’s presence in the United States has diminished further, with its San Francisco campus becoming an independent church. The announcement was made Sunday by Hillsong Global Senior Pastor Phil Dooley and Hillsong California Lead Pastor Sam Lopez. Pastors Brenden and Jacqui Brown, who have led the San Francisco congregation, will continue leading the newly independent church under a new name.
Dooley emphasized that the decision was made after prayerful consideration and that Hillsong supports the Browns in their next steps. “We believe the time is right for this,” he stated, calling the transition an “exciting season” for the Browns and the church community.
Hillsong’s U.S. Presence Shrinks Amid Scandals
The departure of Hillsong San Francisco marks the eleventh U.S. campus to leave Hillsong, leaving only five remaining. Hillsong once had 16 campuses across America, but a series of scandals led to significant losses.
One of the most high-profile controversies involved former Hillsong NYC Pastor Carl Lentz, who was fired in November 2020 for moral failures, including marital infidelity. A leaked report later detailed allegations of leadership misconduct, including the mishandling of sexual abuse claims. The church’s struggles were further exposed in the Discovery Plus documentary Hillsong: A Megachurch Exposed.
Pastors Insist the Split Is Amicable
Pastor Sam Lopez reassured congregants that the decision to separate had been in discussion for two years and was not the result of internal conflict. “Nothing happened,” Lopez insisted. “God has called them. God has asked them to take a step of faith. We’re backing it 100%.”
Despite Lopez’s reassurances, some observers remain skeptical, given Hillsong’s recent struggles. Critics suggest the ongoing exodus of U.S. campuses indicates deeper systemic issues within the church’s leadership.
Browns Emphasize Vision for the Future
In an Instagram statement on Monday, the Browns expressed excitement about their church’s new direction. “God has been faithful in every step of our journey, and we believe He’s leading us into something fresh and full of purpose,” they wrote.
The Browns thanked Hillsong’s leadership for their support and invited their congregation to a service next Sunday, where they will reveal the church’s new name and vision.
Supporters and Critics Weigh In
Supporters of the transition see this as an opportunity for Hillsong San Francisco to develop a unique identity while maintaining its core mission. They appreciate the Browns’ leadership and faithfulness to their calling.
Critics, however, point to Hillsong’s ongoing controversies and leadership failures as a potential reason for the split. Some question whether Hillsong’s declining influence in the U.S. is due to individual pastors stepping away or broader systemic issues within the church’s governance.
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Hillsong Church loses another US campus as San Francisco location separates
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