Tags
Beiber, Brian Houston, Carl Lentz, Hillsong LA, Hillsong NY, Hollywood, huckst*r, huckster, Justin Beiber, popst*r, popstar
EDIT 26/02/2015: Since Hillsong leadership have quickly responded to this publication from SundayWorld, we offer our readers what Hillsong leaders have said in relation to the story below.
CARL LENTZ
It appears that Carl Lentz has responded to the below article published by Sunday World through Saiko Woods.
“Saiko Woods contacted Carl earlier today and he said it wasn’t true at all.”
Source: FaceBook, https://www.facebook.com/piratechristian/posts/10205689062133080?comment_id=10205689123254608&offset=0&total_comments=34, Published 25/02/2015, 17:08. (Accessed 25/02/2015.)
Saiko Woods also stated,
“Carl Lentz said the report isn’t true. Justin isn’t performing at his church at all.”
Source: Saiko Woods, FaceBook, https://www.facebook.com/saiko.woods/posts/10203322676500098?comment_id=10203322693980535&offset=0&total_comments=24, Published 25/02/2015, 08:16. (Accessed 26/02/2015.)
“Supposedly!”
Source: Saiko Woods, FaceBook, https://www.facebook.com/saiko.woods/posts/10203322676500098?comment_id=10203322694540549&offset=0&total_comments=24, Published 25/02/2015, 08:16. (Accessed 26/02/2015.)
BRIAN HOUSTON
Chris Rosebrough reported Lyall Mercer offered a statement made by Brian Houston,
Lyall Mercer who is a PR agent for Hillsong says that Brian Houston has issued a statement saying “Not true that Justin Bieber has qualified to be lay preacher or plans by Hillsong to rush him onto our platform.”
Source: Chris Rosebrough, FaceBook, https://www.facebook.com/piratechristian/posts/10205689062133080, Published 25/02/2015, 16:42. (Accessed 25/02/2015.)
LYALL MERCER (Hillsong’s PR)
Chris Rosebrough published the original article on Beiber from SundayWorld on twitter. Lyall Mercer replied,
@piratechristian No truth to this. Dangerous to believe Hollywood gossip stories.
Source: Lyall Mercer, Twitter, https://twitter.com/LyallMercer/status/570454929812299778, 9:27 PM – 24 Feb 2015. (Accessed 26/02/2015.)
Chris responded,
@LyallMercer Are you speaking as an official representative of Hillsong?
Source: Lyall Mercer, Twitter, https://twitter.com/LyallMercer/status/570454929812299778, 9:31 PM – 24 Feb 2015. (Accessed 26/02/2015.)
What was Mercer’s response?
@piratechristian on behalf of the church, yes.
Source: Lyall Mercer, Twitter, https://twitter.com/LyallMercer/status/570469488476475392, 10:24 PM – 24 Feb 2015. (Accessed 26/02/2015.)
On Twitter, Lyall Mercer writes,
Reports in @sundayworld abt Justin Bieber “performing” at Hillsong LA not correct. Also not true that he is lay preacher. Totally fabricated
Source: Lyall Mercer, Twitter, https://twitter.com/LyallMercer/status/570453837896511488, 9:27 PM – 24 Feb 2015. (Accessed 26/02/2015.)
What are your thoughts? Who is right? Does anyone have additional information on this story?
The SundayWorld reports,
Justin ‘Believer’ Bieber to perform… from the pulpit
Justin Bieber is planning a series of new performances… delivering sermons from the pulpit of his favourite church.
The pop brat claims to have turned over a new leaf after qualifying as a lay preacher following an intensive, three-month bible study course.
And he even wants to bring TV cameras into L.A.’s trendy Hillsong Church so he can preach to the masses and spread the good word as a part-time televangelist.
Bieber, who turns 21 next Sunday, has helped Hillsong become the first church in history to be signed by top Hollywood talent agency William Morris Endeavor.
The agency, whose megastar clients include Robert De Niro, Ben Affleck, John Travolta, Taylor Swift and Kanye West, is already reportedly negotiating a prime time small screen slot on Sundays with two networks.
And, to help boost ratings, The Bieb has offered to help staff clergy by reading sermons and even appealing for donations on camera.
Hillsong is a Pentecostal church that was founded in Australia in 1983 by married pastors Brian and Bobby Houston and quickly achieved popularity through its pop-style worship music, selling more than 12 million Christian records worldwide.
It now draws 100,000 attendees to services in 11 countries every week, including at the Belasco Theatre in Downtown Los Angeles, where keen devotee Bieber has brought several fellow celebrities.
These include his former girlfriend, 22-year-old singer Selena Gomez, High School Musical star Vanessa Hudgens (26) and Glee star Lea Michelle (28), who has raved about Hillsong’s “amazing vibe”.
Bieber claims the church has “transformed” his life after two years of bad boy behaviour around the world that landed him in several legal scrapes and even punch-ups with rival stars like Orlando Bloom.
He said: “I’ve done a few things that might not have been the greatest. But I’m ready to own up to them.”
Source: By Mike Parker, Justin ‘Believer’ Bieber to perform… from the pulpit, http://www.sundayworld.com/news/justin-believer-bieber-to-perform-from-the-pulpit-hillsong, Accessed 25/02/2015.
Once again, we ask the question.
Has Hillsong made any attempt to get Sunday World to retract their story?
Hillsong Church Watch 
Carl Lentz may be well known as Justin Bieber’s friend, but the story is about Bieber’s attendance at Hillsong LA, not Hillsong New York (where Lentz pastors).
Hillsong LA is pastored by Ben & Lucille Houston. Shouldn’t they be proactive in asking Sunday World to retract their story if it’s not true?
Yes they should ask Sunday World to do that. Apparently Sunday World is an Irish Tabloid with a reputation for scandal.
A quick Google search shows *no* other news sources covering the allegations that Bieber is to become a preacher. Relevant entries just give link back to that same Sunday World article.
Agreed Thinker – so has Hillsong LA asked for a retraction of the article? They seem to be going after the wrong people. Interesting article though, some of the wording would indicate an insider speaking out too soon? How would Sunday World know what a lay pastor is? That’s insider “speak”. Huge knee-jerk reaction from Hillsong if this is tabloid reporting.
Ha this is a joke. After a 3-month intensive, JB’s gonna preach? Ha right. I’d LOVE to hear his message.
1) On JB’s recommendation or Agency’s savvy, Agency signs Hillsong.
2) Agency does this because of a) HS’s affiliation with JB, b) HS has huge networks.
3) Because of the connections, Agent is able to secure bigger, more lucrative concerts/merchandising/deals for HS.
4) Because of the above, Agency gets a percentage of income from HS’s income.
5) Agency makes more $$$$.
It’s not so much about the church being famous for the Gospel’s sake. I would just hope someone would get and stay saved from it. Otherwise, it’s all about the money.
People may need to consider the bigger picture in what is happening behinds the scenes here.
Re my comment – I mean, I won’t lose sleep tonight. If I do it will be from our cat jumping up on me. Everything I post here and C3CW – I am answerable to God; I don’t hate people; I may not like the way things are done and I express my opinion about it. I don’t defame people. In many cases I stick up for them. What – are people going to bail me up in the shops and say, “Why did you say negative things about our building fund? Why did you criticise Kong’s 9 Reasons Jesus Wasn’t Poor sermon?”
Anyway. The JB and Hills thing is interesting. I’ll just watch. Though as for the fact of them being signed to the agency, as far as I’m concerned, it’s all about $$$.
PS It’s not the first time I’ve let my identify slip hahahahaha 🙂
Hope I am not being too cynical…..
But vveerrryy big IF the Irish tabloid is correct and not “embellishing the truth Irish-style”, if Bieber is going to *preach* at the LA church like he is some Christian leader (of any variety, label, name or rank), not just give a positive personal testimony….
…. haven’t church attendance numbers in Los Angeles increased quickly enough for Hillsong LA’s management/ finance department liking?
Possible Bieber-fan: ” wow that church must be extra good, Justin BIEBER doesn’t just go there, he PREACHES there… I’ll able to worship my idol and God at the same time….. YAY!!!!”
I think it goes without saying that the story is suspiciously “tabloid”. The William Morris Endeavor link is also reported here in regards to Hillsong.
http://www.christianpost.com/news/hillsong-church-joins-roma-downey-t-d-jakes-at-hollywood-talent-agency-wme-134073/
Wikipedia gives a good general explanation of the WME company too.
https://www.linkedin.com/company/william-morris-endeavor?_mSplash=1
How did the early church spread their message across the world without Hillsong’s 21st century marketing, advertising and public-relations experts selling their music everywhere? Surely the Gospel preached properly by a truly Holy Spirit filled Christian isn’t enough, is it…..
that’s one of the thing that’s so sad about Hillsong. The Gospel alone, the Good News of Jesus Christ apparently isn’t enough. Sales and marketing via music will get customers, but satisfied customers are not automatically converts to Christianity Hillsong. Jesus Himself is the only way to God.
Hillsong preachers, are you preaching Jesus Christ of the BIBLE, the Lord and Saviour, or are you now depending on experiences caused by prolonged music performances to do the preaching for you?
Oh well – maybe you can delete this for me 🙂
“… Ha right. I’d LOVE to hear his message.”
@squidaloopa Jesus came for the sinners not the saved. Who are you to judge another? Do you not remember the story of St. Paul?
Dude, judging his “sermon”? Refer the Berean church about studying the Scriptures. Would be good to see if JB understands them properly. You never know, he just might!!
If you’re critical of my music industry synopsis, I suggest you do some serious industry study. Take care.
hillsong pride themselves on church planting, raising up leaders, serving, giving, hospitality, music is what hillsong is really known for.
where would they be without it.
The question isn’t just ‘has HIllsong LA asked The Sunday World’ to retract their falsehood, but also why isn’t there more outcry about the constant abuse of freedom of the press by certain media outlets.
http://www.inquisitr.com/1868250/justin-bieber-lay-preacher-preach-hillsong-la-church/
I don’t know if this story is true or not, but it wouldn’t surprise me it was genuine.
What better way to get some more ‘fans’ into the place and pretend it’s a ‘vibe’ church. A ‘church’ that has a very wide gate which accepts anything and everything.
Matt 7:13 “Enter by the narrow gate. For the gate is wide and the way is easy that leads to destruction, and those who enter by it are many.”
Then again, I’m not sure joel houston and hillsong united would like everyone forgetting their music [plus royalties]. What a way to make ‘beliebers’ instead of Believers.
The behind-the-scenes damage control is the most fascinating part of this story.
Perhaps it broke too soon? Justin Bieber has been doing the rounds on secular media apologising for his previous behaviour etc.
http://www.nydailynews.com/entertainment/gossip/justin-bieber-appears-ellen-explain-apology-video-article-1.2104359
Is this evidence of conversion? Wouldn’t that be fantastic – however if he becomes a draw card for Hillsong, attracting others to attend Hillsong LA, then knowing human nature (and the heart of teenage girls), it won’t be about Christ will it?
thetruth:
Matt 7:13 “Enter by the narrow gate. For the gate is wide and the way is easy that leads to destruction, and those who enter by it are many.”
Can you describe what the narrow gate is?
“Can you describe what the narrow gate is?”
Well yes, beholdason. It’s a narrow gate! Commonly used to control entry and exit of individuals. Also, very good for farms and containing sheep.
Reading JB interview tells me either he is not converted or clever avoidance not to be seen as “fundamentalist!”..
De Generes has invited him back – is she ‘falling in love’ with JB?:) let’s see if he will talk about his ‘journey’ with Jesus…what a opportunity!
Maybe JB is still on that journey? It won’t do him any harm studying the bible.. Provided it’s the correct apostolic NT doctrine. Pray for JB, for Hillsong and for De Generes. Wouldn’t be cool if she invites Francis Chan? Or John Piper or Tim Keller on her show…
Bereanfan wrote: “Wouldn’t be cool if she invites Francis Chan? Or John Piper or Tim Keller on her show…”
No, it wouldn’t. Be Francis Chan, John Piper and Tim Keller all distort the gospel message from God’s free gift through faith in Christ alone, to living a life of good works to accompany one’s profession of faith. Their gospel messages are some of the most confusion and mashed up messes I’ve ever heard.
They are false teachers. Google their names and the word Heresy for Youtube clips and websites clarifying their false gospels.
Hillsong has denied this and now you attack Hillsong for not getting some tabloid in Ireland to retract it?
Why don’t you all just acknowledge that you were wrong and apologise and why doesn’t Chris be honest and repent?
I think it’s so cool that celebrities are finding God through Hillsong!
How many famous people have come to Jesus through this website?
Living4Him – Hillsong are playing postmodern obfuscation games with Christians over this article. In other words, they are choosing not to be honest with the general public or being forthcoming or transparent. Since when does a church behave like that?
We just had someone attend the Sydney Hillsong Vision event a few weeks ago on a Tuesday night. The pastors who will be planting churches in Buenos Aires and São Paulo stated that “Hillsong aimed to plant churches in influential places”. We were also informed that Houston made a mocking joke of starting a Hillsong church in Iraq.
What was revealing about the email was the fact that the persons noted that the Hillsong “mentality was influence, success and momentum”. They had no problem taking other Christians from other churches and having them attend Hillsong Church. This same deceitful ploy was what Carl Lentz used when he started his church in New York. It wasn’t about salvation – it was about growing the Hillsong empire by attracting other Christians to his church because of Hillsong’s name.
So we would advise you to think twice about what type of information we are receiving behind the scene.
Also consider Lentz’s unusual behavior in these scenarios. Lentz pastors Hillsong NY. Beiber attends Hillsong LA. Why wasn’t it Ben Houston to react? It should have been him that should have denied it so boldly.
But for Carl Lentz to act so fast and to be so tied up in this so called “fabricated” story? Lentz has not been honest with the facts over this story. There is definitely some truth. We can see it. However, we would like to hear Carl Lentz be upfront with what is true and what wasn’t.
If God can use a donkey then why He would not use HIllsong or anyone .. Even though it’s not perfect but hey there is hope.. I hope HIllsong will welcome criticism and evaluation – just like you I need to be examined to see if we are in the faith. If Hillsong is bit of the track on theology then I’m sure they can rectify it . Will they do that? I hope so… If not.. Then it would be a tragedy.
Bereanfan, the verse you quoted “just like you I need to be examined to see if we are in the faith.” has absolutely nothing to do with believers “examining themselves” to prove that THEIR faith is genuine.
The context of 2 Corinthians 13:5 is about Paul’s apostleship. Read the verses preceding verse 5 to clarify this is the case. Believers’ assurance can only be found by looking at Christ’s death, burial and resurrection.
Nowhere does the Bible instruct believers to look at their own works to validate that their faith is genuine.
Not once.
I believe that Beholdason is true. The verse which Bereanfan quoted is often wrongly applied. Always with right intentions but wrong understanding.
2 Cor 13:5 is about the corinthians being in the faith, thereby proving Paul’s apostleship. Nothing more. No application to each of us necessary. To apply it to each of us is what Chris R calls “narcigesis.”
Saint Lawrence & Berean Fan – Beholdason now comments here with his own agenda. You can respond if you like but if his intention to ‘attack’ the comments rather than the topic, he will go into moderation.
Cheers, Team ChurchWatch.
Ok, I understand.
Sorry, I probably need to pay more attention to what I say in that case. Just to make sure I don’t lead things off topic myself, etcetera.
I think it’s so cool that celebrities are finding God through Hillsong!
you’re saying celebrities pluralized.
what other celebrities are Hillsong talking to I am wondering?
Anything to take to emphasis off the child abuse,royal commission,covering for a pedophile. As one should remember this church was founded by the hands of a pedophile Frank Houston and protected by Brian their fearless leader!
angel you are probably right the celebrity angle is a great thing they Hillsong have going as a divertionary tactic.
tho’ i am still wondering who are these other celebrities they are wooing now?
Besides Justin Bieber? Selena Gomez, Kendall Jenner and Hailey Baldwin.
Wow! Hillsong is amazing!
You guys need to be more positive.
But, how many months Bible College training did the disciples have anyway?
If JB did one five-years at a Hillsong bible college you’d still probably be angry.
Are you all old or something?
I would think probably also Roma Downey.
Yes, probably perfect for Hillsong. She has the same agent in William Morris Endeavor.
“Roma Downey, a devout Roman Catholic, along with her husband, were heavily influenced in new age spirituality. Downey graduated from the University of Santa Monica, a private graduate school founded by New Age spiritual and self-help guru John-Roger, and will graduate with a master’s degree in spiritual psychology in June [2010].
Roma went even further into her new age Catholic spirituality by teaming up with acclaimed psychic John Edwards and co-produced a CD for children to be used for meditation and enlightenment, while Edwards introduced the teachings of contacting the dead (necromancy). In the book, Loyalty to Your Soul: The Heart of Spiritual Psychology, by H. Ronald Hulnick, Ph.D., Mary R. Hulnick, Neale Donald Walsch. The New Age Roma Downey provides this glowing endorsement (viewable online) near the beginning of the book as follows:
“As a USM [University of Santa Monica] graduate, I know firsthand the value I received from participating with Ron and Mary in the Master’s degree Program in Spiritual Psychology. I am so grateful to have Loyalty to Your Soul to sweetly remind me of all I have learned. Let’s just say that I went from playing an angel on TV to living more of an angelic life every day. The teachings in this beautiful book have sent me on a journey to the very center of my own being where, wrapped in the safe wings of Love, I feel as though I have come home.”
http://books.google.com.au/books?id=fr1DTkjHoh0C&pg=PR3&dq=%5B%22Loyalty+to+Your+Soul%22+%22Roma+Downey%22%5D&hl=en&sa=X&ei=ClM2UeHaK6nQ0wG1tYDACQ&redir_esc=y#v=onepage&q=%5B%22Loyalty%20to%20Your%20Soul%22%20%22Roma%20Downey%22%5D&f=false
Even further in regards to Ms. Downey’s position regarding spiritualism and her Catholic religion, Roma advocates the eastern mysticism teachings of Eckhart Tolle, another spiritual giant in the field of new age teachings, not to mention the connections Tolle has with Oprah Winfrey. But it’s fascinating to see such a connection that someone has to the world of the occult and then try to present a so called gospel message. Yet that’s exactly what Roma Downey and her husband are indeed doing, presenting another gospel, another Jesus.”
Beholdason.
i Applaud your enthusiasm for theology and keeping tabs on all the current celebrity pastors. Maybe the CW could invite you to join them on staff
You don’t believe everything that is on YouTube? If you do then all of us would be considered “false teachers”.. Even Jesus … Piper, Francis..these two guys I have been reading and hearing some of their talks alive and the web.. I can say they have inspired me to so much in Christ. If you can find a section or book that they are teaching works gospel.. Let me know. I am less familiar on Keller…”not by works,” but “In Christ alone”, faith alone ” is what I thought they believe.. Prove it wrong.. It’s what I believe…I’m no expert in Reformed theology.. I’ll take on board the good bits!:)
We have far more serious problem to consider ( WOF false doctrine) and its great to see that CW is keeping tabs on that!
“We have far more serious problem to consider ( WOF false doctrine)”
I am not sure I can agree with this statement. My take is false doctrine is never good, no matter what it is. Because the problem with false doctrine is, left alone, it takes on a life of its own and runs things amuck. It always does damage, never does good.
And worst of all, it always seems to lead to additional false doctrine.
well said, good explanation of exactly what it is so bad.
I agree …
WOF teaching is not our only concern. But many other that we need to be on guard, expose it, confront it head on… It’s great to have the watchdogs or watchman around…
Writing from iPhone was done quickly without first reviewing it…..
From the above article:
“Lyall Mercer who is a PR agent for Hillsong says that Brian Houston has issued a statement saying “Not true that Justin Bieber has qualified to be lay preacher or plans by Hillsong to rush him onto our platform.”
Notice that hillsong stated they have no plans to “rush” bieber onto the hillsong ‘platform’.
BUT…they didn’t deny that there are plans to put him on their platform at a later date.
Thetruth – this is one of the reasons for posting the article. Think they need to get another PR agent?
No CW…I prefer Lyall..it’s what he DOESN’T say [on behalf of hillsong], that indicates their true motive.
Can’t wait for Madonna to be the next celebrity ‘pastor’ chosen for hillsong.
Madonna..David Letterman, Russell Crowe, Maradona, Messi, C Ronaldo, Putin, the Pope, Obama, why not pray for them! If God can save Saul ( Ap. Paul) who approved killing of christians why not these people?
Provided they hear the biblical gospel.. And not watered down self help new age therapy using ‘awesome’ religious jargon!