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a current affair, ACC, Brian Houston, Hillsong, hillsong conference, hillsong conference 2016, houston, levin, live love leave, people in glass houses, tanya levin
Brian Houston’s tantrum over the media may land him in hot water among the media, those he accused personally or even Hillsong members or conference attendees. In the meantime, we would like to alert our readers to the controversy surrounding Brian Houston’s accusations against former Hillsong member Tanya Levin.
Her presence at the Hillsong Conference 2015 event caused the Hillsong authorities to get antsy and have the police remove her off the property.
One common deceitful tactic Brian Houston attempts to pull on people is ‘distance’. When it was his father’s paedophilia crimes, Brian Houston distanced him and his church from the scandals, saying that it not only happened only in New Zealand but that it happened thirty years ago (which was proven to be untrue). Below you see Brian Houston pulling the same scheme in two different cases.
LIE: TANYA “HAS NOT BEEN TO OUR CONFERENCE FOR OVER 20 YEARS”?
Brian Houston said in his below statement,
“Furthermore they [A Current Affair] have engaged in a cheap publicity stunt by bringing a so called “Hillsong insider” who has not been to our church for 20 years, to our conference today.”
The following is a Facebook post made by Tanya Levin (click to read her letter):
“Hi. Home safe and a little shaky. Yes, the real policepersons arrested me and charged me with tresspass today. No, it was not a media stunt. I was born in South Africa and have a healthy terror of authority. Not supposed to incriminate myself here. So I just have to turn to Tex, as you do, as you should.
https://www.facebook.com/tanya.levin/posts/10154048561103957″
LIE: HOUSTON DISTANCING HIM & HIS PEOPLE OF TANYA’S “BEHAVIOUR”?
Brian Houston also needs to explain why he said this untruth about Tanya Levin:
“We are advised that her behaviour outside the venue resulted in her being apprehended by police at the request of the arena’s security staff (not Hillsong staff).”
So how would they know who she was and what made Tanya Levin the target by police? How did the police know that Tanya Levin was not allowed to attend and how would they know if she was trespassing?
Tanya’s comment on Houston’s media statement is as follows:
“It really is amazing that Hillsong felt confident to predict what would be on ACA last night. Or that they encourage congregants to censor their own viewing. Or suggest that Channel 9 were unethical regarding minors. If it weren’t so obscene, it would just be ridiculous. But the irony is disgusting, not just offensive.
When HIllsong stops harrassing minors unethically in schools, communities and the church, or bothers to show interest in child protection matters, then it can comment.”
Source: Tanya Levin, FaceBook, https://www.facebook.com/tanya.levin/posts/10154052106188957, Published 02/07/2016. (Accessed 02/07/2015.)
Let the sledge begin.
Brian Houston writes,
Statement from Hillsong Church re: A Current Affair story
1st July, 2015
We understand A Current Affair has been promoting a story supposedly about the Hillsong Conference.
They have also been outside our conference today harassing minors in an unethical manner.
Furthermore they have engaged in a cheap publicity stunt by bringing a so called “Hillsong insider” who has not been to our church for 20 years, to our conference today.
We are advised that her behaviour outside the venue resulted in her being apprehended by police at the request of the arena’s security staff (not Hillsong staff).
The behaviour of A Current Affair is reprehensible and this pending story will be no more than a continuation of their anti-Christian agenda and hate.
This story will be entirely fabricated and contain no truth whatsoever as do all of their stories about our church.
We note that as usual the program has not contacted us for comment.
We urge Christians and all who stand for truth in reporting to refuse to even watch or record this tabloid trash, and not give them the reward of ratings, because in the end this is no more than a grab for ratings.
Source: Statement from Hillsong Church re: A Current Affair story, Hillsong, http://hillsong.com/media/statement-from-hillsong-church-re-a-current-affair-story/, Published 01/07/2015. (Accessed 02/07/2015.)
Hillsong Church Watch 
George Aghajanian in that letter states that she “caused …. disruption” during her attendance at Colour in 2005. She was not “going to church” to worship God as a Christian would, she had other motives, so Brian is correct that she hasn’t been to Hillsong for twenty years.
That’s a real stretch NewTaste. Asking questions is not what the average person calls “disruption”. In fact, since Hillsong operates like a business, they should have seen that as customer feedback – not commotion. 🙂
Am I reading an article from the Watchtower???…or Hillsong????
Brian Houston has taken hostage, the hearts and minds of the young and old.
When will God reign in this man? Only God knows the answer & in the meantime, we continue to hear bad and sad reports of the antics of Hillsong, its Pastors & its visiting Pastors on “the circuit” & reaping thousands of TAX FREE dollars. The indoctrination of adherents is very strong & incessant. Young, pliable minds submitting to the voices of Hillsong Pastors and not to the voice of God Himself.
I have been around long enough to have seen the embryo stages of Hillsong and 3C Churches. There’s nothing I haven’t seen. Nothing, that has enriched my Christian walk either! I have exited like many before and since. Staying far too long and hoping for the best. Sadly for those who remain, the best is yet to be their portion.
I am now out of the muddy water and on the clean, sparkling & pristine sand and in the Arms of God Himself. He and I walk & talk together and I have to state emphatically, that for years I was impeded in my Christian walk by a Pastor and his Regulations and Rules, e.g. compulsory attendance at EVERY Service! I witnessed the violated confidences of members of the congregation, lies, concealments, betrayals & tugs of war & power struggles and the continual undermining between the Pastors. Yes, I was close enough to be privy to all that sewage. It is only when God had to launch me from within the clutches of these Pastors, that I was able to be free from the chains of the church. You see, I was set free when I met Jesus. A glorious time it was!! Then, I joined one of these Churches. First CLC (as Hillsong was named back then) and then CCC (now 3C). In each Establishment/CORPORATION I was given a new set of chains and I was BOUND once again and hampered in my Walk.
Set free, God had said in His Word. In church, my freedoms to choose were given new meaning and I began to shrivel and die. I had to break free and I stalled and made excuses. I liked the fellowship of the saints, you see!! I compromised, made excuses and allowed sadness & despondency to spill all over me. I had to exit . . . . throw off the chains of a 3C church and find God again.
In His Wisdom, GOD launched me from the claws of a very “religious” Pastor, his wife & his Asst. Pastor and I was out of there! It was painful, at first. I managed to clamber from the muddy water & up onto the gleaming, clean sand and up onto the Knee of God – just like a little kid!! I snuggled into His loving arms for months and months, (probably years) allowing God to heal, comfort and soothe my wounds. He restored me!! He said He would!!
It was indeed a wonderful experience with God and I will never, ever return to the domination, supremacy, control and hegemony of another “Penty” Pastor. Never. Ever.
There are many people who identifies with you, who are still learning to forgive , love those whom we disagree with.. Who are hesitant to join a Hollywood style church movement such as HS or C3. I’m one of those people…
Nice work Tanya God bless you all!
Hill$ong is a corporation because many people already know the mega church is a illegal with tax-free, volunteers didn’t get paid by it, there was no benefits too, it sucks.
ANOTHER LIE: “The behaviour of A Current Affair is reprehensible and this pending story will be no more than a continuation of their anti-Christian agenda and hate.
This story will be entirely fabricated and contain no truth whatsoever as do all of their stories about our church.”
If that were the case then why isn’t ACA expressing “anti-Christian agenda and hate” towards all other Christian ‘churches’ ??
The truth is ACA has caught onto Brian Houston. Even secular media sees right through his lies, they appear to have more discernment than the average Christian.
And even self-proclaimed atheist Tanya Levin has been more truthful than supposed-Christian / in-reality deceiver Brian Houston.
The claim of Rick Warren and Joseph Prince wheeling out suitcases full of love offering cash was a flat out lie. There have been no love offering collections. ACA claimed they were going to reveal that Hillsong was hiding something from Justin Beiber, but the story had absolutely no revelations about anything. If they meant that Hillsong is hiding the tithing talks from him, well he goes to the services in NYC and LA, so he sees and hears them when he’s there. So another ACA lie. ACA was filming kids in their early teenage years without permission – very dodgy. The claim that Ben McCormack is an “investigative ‘journalist'” is a laughable suggestion. The guy is a total joke.
@ Newtaste – have to agree about the “suitcases of cash”. It’s illegal to take more than $10,000 out of the country and no doubt their fees and love offerings amount to much more than that. The usual procedure is for speakers to received a cheque after the fact.
However you must agree it certainly is a lucrative circuit all these guys travel in and that’s the truth unfortunately.
Cheers, Team ChurchWatch.
“The claim that Ben McCormack is an “investigative ‘journalist’” is a laughable suggestion.”
The claim that Brian Houston is a Christian pastor is a laughable suggestion.
“The guy {Ben McCormack} is a total joke.”
Brian Houston is a total joke, but that doesn’t stop you from lavishing all your undivided cult devotion all over him. Double standard, newtaste?
“They have also been outside our conference today harassing minors in an unethical manner.”
Brian, seriously, were they really distressing to these alleged “minors”? Did you witness this yourself? I doubt that. Where are their parents Brian? Isn’t that a matter for THEM and not yourself? It’s commonly acknowledged that you annex and influence youths, adolescents, teenagers and youngsters, but they are NOT your “property” Brian. They belong to God and furthermore, their parents have been given the honour of their custody and care NOT YOU! Your use of the word “minors” is by design, your attempt to embellish and generate an embroidered description. You have no proof they were minors! I doubt you even knew them.
Let’s get to the use of the word “unethical”. You used it, so let’s take a look. You have set yourself up as the judge here. That’s indicative of your supercilious attitude Brian! You are Brian Houston!! The man who is always right. Never wrong. Never apologetic. It is always the fault of someone else. Your accusation of ACA being “unethical” serves to confirm your superior judgment upon persons, as ACA is a Media Entity and is not a person/s per say. It’s the name of a Show. Therefore, in actuality, you have accused PEOPLE of being unethical. That means immoral Brian. It tells me and everyone else that these ACA Employees/PEOPLE are corrupt, depraved even unscrupulous!! A very big call on your part. Your Spin Doctors are not serving you well!
“The behaviour of A Current Affair is reprehensible and this pending story will be no more than a continuation of their anti-Christian agenda and hate”.
It’s perhaps the Case that they see the antics and non-Christian behaviour at Hillsong? These people are not anti-Christian Brian, you know that. They are there to expose anything untoward in the public arena and I deduce that puts you very much “on edge”. Reprehensible, you cry!! Tell us how they are the guilty ones Brian. Tell us why they are culpable Brian. Tells us why they are to blame Brian. Tell us why they are liable Brian. ACA Employees wouldn’t be chasing a story if there was nothing to be seen.
“This story will be entirely fabricated and contain no truth whatsoever as do all of their stories about our church.”
ACA Staffers have no reason to “fabricate” anything Brian. They have their historical Records on Hillsong. It’s all there. They just keep adding and very soon this Conference you held will also be archived and fresh material will be added to the mounds of evidence they collect. It’s called Investigative Reporting. It’s what they do!
“our church” you say. The church is PEOPLE Brian. The church (people) surely belongs to God Himself. His people ARE the church. “Out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks”. You view people as being in YOUR possession and belonging to you! OUR church you said. The church is not yours Brian. You don’t OWN people. You just don’t get it.
“We note that as usual the program has not contacted us for comment”.
Lord God in Heaven! YOU & your Staff note that do you Brian? Fear & quake everyone. Brian Houston has made a “note”. Who is “we” Brian? Who is “we”. Further, tell us all why you should be contacted for comment. Why is that? You appear to view yourself as a Monarch, a Supreme Ruler! Yes indeed, you are Heading a huge Corporation – (not a church), I acknowledge that. That must be stated from my own point of view. That’s how I view your massive conglomeration. The accumulation of millions of dollars and the assembly of thousands to further stimulate and accelerate YOUR growth and wealth is breathtaking. Do all of your congregation live the same lifestyle? Or are they there for the sole purpose of financing yours? Why is it that you and yours are living in lavishness and extravagance? I can’t understand why you take so much unto yourself and really believe you are deserving of same.
Can anyone explain to me, why the Pastors of these Pentecostal churches live so “high”? I’m open to listening . . . what is the explanation? Is it that they are better than the rest? Is it? Tell me!! I want someone to tell me that you and I are not as deserving of a lifestyle fit for a king and yet Pastors just like Brian, are!! Tell me!! I genuinely don’t understand. If God is no respecter of persons . . . what happened? I cry out that nothing of these Corporations is of God at all, lest God is lying to you and me! Is it that God has deceived you and me? He said He shows no partiality. He said it. I believe it! Therefore, as His Word does not lie, I can only believe that there is no Work of God in these Pentecostal Corporations. God wants the hearts and minds of his beautiful creations. Don’t give your hearts and minds to men people!! Don’t do it, no matter how persuasive & swaying the words they utter. Test all things, says God. Please do that people. Test. Test. Test.
The “prosperity gospel” is the belief that God will financially bless those he favours. The Bible says, where your heart is, there will your treasure be. Pentecostals have been storing up their treasure. Tithe or God will curse you…Tithe and God will open up the windows….Tithe and you won’t have to worry about bills….Tithe and God will make you successful….you get the point. This is the doctrine fed in Pentecostal churches and not just at Hillsong, but C3 churches, Life churches etc.
Pentecostals have some of the largest church buildings and the most well paid pastors and staff. If you want to be a wealthy pastor, you run in the Pentecostal circles and try to establish your mega cult. I could begin one of these churches tomorrow. Obtain a hall or a school class room and away I go! Set the “legals” in place & and never work hard again! A good Tax-Free living for myself and my family. Why don’t I just do that? Because I fear God!
From a business standpoint, it is an amazing strategy. Get the lower income demographic who want to have a higher income to believe that you have the way. Added to that some are not educated enough to know any better therefore, they will continue to be a funnel of money. I can see you all rubbing your hands together. Men and women of God won’t be rubbing their hands together but they will understand precisely what I’m saying. Believers are taught to ‘gamble on God’ and the pastors act as the croupiers! The Believers take their last red cent and throw it in the pot (or use the modern Banking Facility set up in these churches) hoping their number will come in before the Bailiffs arrive to take all their belongings. Does the flamboyant pastor even know of the plight of those Believers? No. Why? Because to admit their predicament would only draw condemnation as they are told “you have no Faith”!! Besides, to admit their predicament, they first have to get to visit their pastor! That would call for a miracle!
Unacknowledged greed – is the forgotten vice! God, who in jealousy competes with money for our affection, not only stresses the futility of worldly wealth, but also bids us to desire and seek after the riches that He offers because they are undebatable and of greater worth. Throughout the Scriptures spiritual goodness, Godliness and spiritual blessing is promised as true riches both now and for the age to come. Who wants to get really rich? Disturbingly, Revelation 3:17-18 describes the materially rich as actually pitifully poor!! The invitation of Jesus to those who are both rich and spiritually poor is to come buy without money what they can never afford, the spiritual riches of God – come in your poverty purchase without cost from God the true gold of Godliness (Isaiah 55:1).
In Australia, the’ prosperity gospel’ is a growing message and is now increasingly adopted into the Pentecostal mindset, encouraged by the likes of Brian Houston of Hillsong, who wrote, You Need More Money: Discovering God’s Amazing Financial Plan for Your Life.
The consequences of misquoting the Bible on the subject of poverty and riches are grave. To claim that the benefits of peace with God include health and wealth ignores the Bible’s clear teaching on the dangers of greed and the freedom contentment brings. Further, it sets up false expectations so when hardship or trouble of whatever kind comes along, believers are not equipped to cope and may become disillusioned with the God. With tragic irony, the real problem with prosperity pastors is that in focusing on material benefits, they undersell the Gospel of beneficial hardship and glorious hope that boasts in knowing and being known by God.
Luring people to Jesus to get rich is both deceitful and deadly. It’s deceitful because when Jesus himself called us, he said things such as: “Any one of you who does not renounce all that he has cannot be my disciple” (Luke 14:33). And it’s deadly because the desire to be rich plunges “people into ruin and destruction” (1 Tim. 6:9).
So here is my plea to preachers of the Gospel!!!!!!!!!!!
PLEASE don’t develop a philosophy of ministry that makes it harder for people to get into Heaven. Jesus said, “How difficult it will be for those who have wealth to enter the Kingdom of God!” His disciples were astonished, as many in the “prosperity” movement should be. So Jesus went on to raise their astonishment even higher by saying, “It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich person to enter the kingdom of God.” They respond in disbelief: “Then who can be saved?” Jesus says, “With man it is impossible, but not with God. For all things are possible with God” (Mark 10:23–27).
My question for any Pentecostal ‘prosperity pastor’ is this: Why would you want to develop a ministry focus that makes it harder for people to enter into Heaven? The reason the writer to the Hebrews tells us to be content with what we have is that the opposite implies less faith in the promises of God. He says, “Keep your life free from love of money, and be content with what you have, for He has said, ‘I will never leave you nor forsake you.’ So we can confidently say, ‘The Lord is my helper; I will not fear; what can man do to me?’” (Heb. 13:5–6).
If the Bible tells us that being content with what we have honours the promise of God never to forsake us, why would you want to teach people to want to be rich? Sadly, we know why.
Let me conclude for I have gone on far too long (even though there is so much more to say).
Jesus warns that the word of God, which is meant to give us life, can be choked off from any effectiveness by riches. He says it is like a seed that grows up among thorns that choke it to death: “They are those who hear, but as they go on their way they are choked by the . . . riches . . . of life, and their fruit does not mature” (Luke 8:14).
Why would you want to persuade people to pursue the very thing that Jesus warns will choke them to death?
Bless God that He rescued me from the tentacles of a Pentecostal Church pastor, his wife & Assist Pastor & his wife, their antics, their lies, their deceit and cruelty. Bless God. Bless God. If only words here could express my love and gratitude to God for loving me so much. Battered and bruised, He bent down, picked me up and simply loved me!! Bless His Holy Name.
” These people are not anti-Christian Brian, you know that. ”
Ben McCormack is an atheist who is against all religion and spiritual belief. He is definitely anti-Christian.
” ACA Staffers have no reason to “fabricate” anything Brian. ”
ACMA have found that A Current Affair have fabricated stories numerous times. Just some of them:
http://www.acma.gov.au/Industry/Broadcast/Television/TV-content-regulation/a-current-affair-breaches-code
http://www.acma.gov.au/theACMA/nines-a-current-affair-accuracy-breach
http://www.acma.gov.au/Industry/Broadcast/Television/TV-content-regulation/a-current-affair-breaches-privacy-and-accuracy
“Newtaste”! After reading that very eloquent post from “Disgusted” raising so many issues, your only response was that Ben McCormack is an atheist? That’s it?? Please tell me you are not serious! Forget any arguments about A Current Affair for the moment and please address the other points raised by “Disgusted”….. one by one ….. please do it! I, for one, found the comments very thought-provoking and thought your feeble response was indicative of the brain-washing that has occurred in this church by this manipulative and deceitful “leader”. In short, I thought your response confirmed exactly what “Disgusted” stated.
“thought your feeble response was indicative of the brain-washing that has occurred in this church”
Newtaste is proof of how brainwashed individuals in Hillsong can be.
“ACMA have found that A Current Affair have fabricated stories numerous times. Just some of them”
We say this tongue and cheek New Taste. You should be able to watch ACA but “chew on the meat and spit out the bones…” right?
newtaste 78
Please enlighten me . . . . Did Ben McCormack pull the pin on the “There is no God” grenade and drop it in the middle of a conversation somewhere?
Don’t be condemning as is newtaste! As a matter of fact, start asking questions about Ben’s Atheism. Is it a fact? Find out what he means by Atheism (some are Agnostics but call themselves Atheists). Ask questions about his background. Was he raised in church? Does he have any Christian friends? Where was he educated about his “alleged” Atheism, as told to us by newtaste 78?
And remember that, as you ask questions newtaste 78, your goal is not to trap Ben but to understand him. You appear to want to condemn Ben! You have already!!
Listen deeply for the real “why.” Often atheists have a reason (other than “reason”) for becoming Atheists. Listen for it. Sometimes it’s anger over losing a loved one. Other times it’s that they were hurt by the church in some way. But often there’s a “why” behind the lie they are embracing. Not you newtaste 78, not Brian, have bothered to ask Ben why he is the “alleged” Atheist you claim him to be!
Remember this newtaste 78 . . . . In John 4, Jesus masterfully attacked the why behind the lie the woman at the well was embracing. She was not an Atheist but a Hedonist who thought that satisfaction could be found if she finally found the right guy. But Jesus offers her living water to satisfy her deepest needs and, finally, her thirst was fully quenched.
Connecting relationally may have won a soul to Jesus newtaste 78 because, as I understand it, Brian refused to meet with Ben over a cup of coffee!! An opportunity cast to the wind in my opinion. Atheists are real people with real feelings. They laugh, cry, talk and connect like anyone else. I think that too many times, Christians treat Atheists as objects and not people. You have so done newtaste 78. You have labelled Ben as an Atheist and condemned him – yet I KNOW that God loves Ben!
“Don’t have anything to do with foolish and stupid arguments, because you know they produce quarrels. And the Lord’s servant must not be quarrelsome but must be kind to everyone, able to teach, not resentful. Opponents must be gently instructed, in the hope that God will grant them repentance leading them to a knowledge of the truth, and that they will come to their senses and escape from the trap of the devil, who has taken them captive to do his will” (2 Tim. 2:23-26, NIV). What a shame. No! More than that, it is a tragedy!
I don’t think I’ve ever met anyone who genuinely rejects the existence of God. Sure, I’ve met many who have claimed God’s existence to be a lie, but I’m convinced that, down deep inside, they really do believe there’s a God. Why do I believe that newtaste 78? Because Scripture makes it clear in Romans 1:18-21 that there are no real Atheists!! “The wrath of God is being revealed from Heaven against all the godlessness and wickedness of people, who suppress the truth by their wickedness, since what may be known about God is plain to them, because God has made it plain to them. For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities, His eternal power and divine nature have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that people are without excuse. For although they knew God, they neither glorified him as God nor gave thanks to him, but their thinking became futile and their foolish hearts were darkened.”
They may try to suppress their belief in God, but sooner or later in the discussion (had Brian consented to a chat and a cup of coffee) Atheists say something like, “Well, if God is so good, then why does He allow … ?” This is the point in the conversation where they have “forgotten” their Atheism and revealed some of their challenges with not the reality of God but the nature of God. Condemning Ben is NOT the nature of God!! From where does condemnation emanate newtaste? Hmmmmm ??
When you assume that an Atheist does really believe in the existence of God, it gives you the freedom not to have to prove God’s existence but to share God’s story. You can be sure that, down deep inside, the Gospel is churning in the soul of the Atheist.
What a God-given opportunity Brian cast away newtaste 78. God was giving Brian the opportunity to frame the Gospel as a love story (that just happens to be true). When I myself shared the Gospel with a self confessed Atheist, I wasn’t trying to prove God’s existence. I was simply sharing the story of God’s love. I said something like, “Stephanie, at the core of Christianity is a love story. Jesus put it this way . . . ‘For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him will not perish but has everlasting life.’”
I could tell Stephanie was intrigued by this view. She listened respectfully and asked thoughtful questions. Yes, I dipped into some apologetics at this point (C.S. Lewis’ Lord, lunatic or liar argument, etc.), but only after I had framed the Gospel as a love story. In the words of a friend, too many times too many Christians use apologetics as a sledgehammer instead of a crowbar to pry open closed minds. As a result, the conversation turns argumentative instead of respectful. That’s the relationship Brian has cultivated with not only Ben, but with anyone who dares to question his Leadership. Brian is not the only Pastor (so-called) who has the mindset that the Media & anyone in their church who dares to ask icky questions, is representing Satan & trying to tear down THEIR Kingdom! Our job is not to lead folk to Jesus but to “set forth the truth plainly” and let the Spirit of God take it from there. Quite difficult if God sends someone from the Media to Brian and he slams them publicly and refuses to speak the Gospel message to these persons (one of whom you have declared to be an Atheist newtaste!!!).
If indeed Ben is an Atheist and you, don’t know that newtaste 78, then it is my prayer that, in God’s perfect time, he will cross the line of faith and receive Jesus as his Saviour.
newtaste 78 . . . why not love the Atheist, (any Atheist) we encounter as we humbly and gently introduce them to the God who loves them even more??
I chuckle at these Penty Pastors who guard their coffers, their homes, their cars, their motorbikes, their O/S trips, their rings, their watches, their shiny shoes and Designer jeans – and yet when a precious soul (whose value is beyond measure) is brought to them by God Himself and they brush them aside because they see them as a serious threat to all they have amassed unto themselves. Up go the walls and cries of “Beware everyone. This person is not a Member of MY church. DO NOT, I repeat, DO NOT speak to him” !!!!!!!!!!!!
Ben could be a beautiful Christian and a child of the Living God for all I know. What I do know is that I don’t care if he’s an Atheist – God loves Ben and that’ll do me!
What a pity Brian didn’t have the saving Gospel at hand to offer Ben instead of his personal protection mechanisms, his rants and his strongly announced warning to “HIS minors” in HIS church, not to even speak to Ben. Oh . . .and his Spin Doctors!!!!!
God must be crying because I am and I know God loves Ben with a greater love than I.
@Newtaste,
How can ACA’s supposed ‘lies’ bother you, but Brian Houston’s lies not matter?
How can Pringle’s false teachings bother you, but Brian Houston’s not matter?
It must be like Christmas for you guys! So much bad press for Hillsong right now, I’m sure there’s plenty of high fives going round and no doubt pointing and laughing at them!
ACA, LGBTI, atheists and Hillsong Churchwatch- United as one to see Hillsong and ALL connected with their churches ridiculed, mocked and judged to maximum effect! Go team!
Nik: “It must be like Christmas for you guys!”
Unlike you, we understand love. We believe what the bible says about love. Love “does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth”. (1 Cor 13:6.)
So please explain how this is Christmas to us? We are glad that the truth of Hillsong is being exposed and waking people out of their lies. We are unhappy that people will get hurt in their transition out of the cult. It’s sad to see Brian Houston justify his lies, fraud and apostasy using Christianity as his excuse.
“ACA, LGBTI, atheists and Hillsong Churchwatch- United as one to see Hillsong and ALL connected with their churches ridiculed, mocked and judged to maximum effect! Go team!”
The ACA often does stories busting cults and fraudulent organisations/businesses: this is why Hillsong is on their radat. We exist to expose and encourage Christians to be obedient to Christ and and His Word: therefore we exist to see Christians oppose the cults across Australia.
And atheists and the LGBTI? It’s true our culture is anti-Christian. However, the lies, fraud, scandals and false teaching of Hillsong alert people in general that it does not represent Christianity in Australia. You can’t even evangelise to people without people thinking that you may be involved in Hillsong. As a result of assuming Christians in Australia attend or endorse Hillsong, non-believers automatically think that you are brainwashed, blindly submit to leadership and that you are forced or coerced to give money.
So the LGBTI and non-believers can tell the difference between Christianity and Hillsong. They say it up front: Hillsong is a cult. Unfortunately, Hillsong has bullied, brainwashed and coerced Australian into thinking that Hillsong is legitimately Christian.
When you start analysing their false teachings and gospel, you can’t separate their teachings and methodologies from the metaphysical cults and occultism. See D.R.McConnell’s work, ‘A Different Gospel’.
So it’s okay with you Churchwatch “contributers” to classify all members of Hillsong Church, in all campuses across the world as being cult members? Cause my mother was one.
And I know she had sound doctrine. She was there for over 20 years before she died. You’re going to tell me she isn’t saved, that she isn’t with Jesus? You arrogantly claim such a bible believing Christian at a Hillsong church anywhere doesn’t exist, I remember it clearly. “You invented a mythical character”. That’s what you said.
You can hide behind your keyboard all you want Churchwatcher but I’d gladly fly kick you to the face lovingly if you tried to tell me otherwise in person.
If any of your contributers want to meet with me on the Gold Coast then let’s do it. Take the next step and convince me otherwise.
“”So it’s okay with you Churchwatch “contributers” to classify all members of Hillsong Church”, in all campuses across the world as being cult members? Cause my mother was one.”
Well we are very sorry that your mother was caught up in a cult. Maybe she was a Christian. Maybe you can tell us what she believed the gospel was and how she dealt with passages about how to deal with false teachers and prophets.
But that’s harsh of you to elevate your dead mother above the scriptures to silence God’s Word and also us. Are you using her in an attempt to silence the truth about Hillsong?
“And I know she had sound doctrine.”
Then why was she in Hillsong? That makes no logical, moral or spiritual sense.
“She was there for over 20 years before she died.”
And we have been there longer. So what?
“You’re going to tell me she isn’t saved, that she isn’t with Jesus?”
It depends on what she believes.
“You arrogantly claim such a bible believing Christian at a Hillsong church anywhere doesn’t exist, I remember it clearly.”
That’s true. Show us a bible-believing Christian at Hillsong and we’ll show you that you don’t know your bible.
“You can hide behind your keyboard all you want Churchwatcher but I’d gladly fly kick you to the face lovingly if you tried to tell me otherwise in person.”
Because you clearly rejoice in the truth.
“If any of your contributers want to meet with me on the Gold Coast then let’s do it. Take the next step and convince me otherwise.”
If that’s the way you theologically prove Hillsong is not a cult, that is sad.
Love “does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth”.
On the flip side…. Hillsong rejoices every time they get another ‘big name’ added to their WORLDLY conference, and high-5’s every time they have another worldly success such as finding a new Justin Bieber to hang out with for a GREAT photo op….
….and gives a detestable standing ovation to Brian Houston just for showing what a schmuck he is in court.
I have an great opinion here.
If I remembered how many overseas at Hill$ong Church.. Yes I counted them 60%-80% overseas. so stupid typically and dodgy. But I think they never understand how to argue properly at A Current Affair Program, they’re still new to Australia.
Why is A Current Affair still investigating at Hill$ong Church? All departments will investigate it too, like all clears in all missions.
So I’ll ask all overseas “Do you really understand what is all about A Current Affair program? Its all about perfect investigation.” Proof it – http://aca.ninemsn.com.au/investigations/
A Current Affair is nothing wrong with all collects in briefing news, everything is correct.
Wow…such hate on here. I can’t begin to describe the heart transformation that took place in me this week at Hillsong. I’m from the USA, my son attends their school. The Bible says “you will know them by their fruit” it also says “out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks” the people I stood in line with, ate next to, sang next to…were some of the nicest people I’ve ever met. From all over the globe. It’s too bad that something has come in to you and covered your eyes. Hillsong is a blessing. Pastors left encouraged, and the young kids left knowing God loves them like crazy.
“Wow…such hate on here.”
Hearing the truth may hurt, but telling the truth is not hate.
Hill$ong cults hurts me at the beginning, so why still no excuses? So no paid jobs with tax-free? Corrupting all people by cults? That’s not about good church at Hill$ong money church.
Yes Missy – they probably were “the nicest people you’ve ever met” but that’s not the issue.
There are ‘nice’ people just two blocks down the road from where I live – inside the Jehovah’s Witness Kingdom Hall, and they remain nice – until you challenge their doctrine and practice.
And that’s exactly what will happen at Hillsong. Until you begin to question their false teaching and “tithing” mentality, it will all remain just so “nice”, but if and when you do issue such a challenge at some later date, things will no longer be ‘nice’. If you don’t believe me, then just ask Tanya…
“The Bible says “you will know them by their fruit” it also says “out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks” the people I stood in line with, ate next to, sang next to…were some of the nicest people I’ve ever met.”
Quoting from Matthew 7:13 through 24 in favour of the Houstons and Hillsong doesn’t quite cut it Missy. What about their lies, bad fruit, deceptions involving Frank Houston and other leading lights who have fallen from grace? Did any of those ‘nice people’ even mention these deceptions, or were you so involved in being ‘nice’ to each other, that the welfare of those who have had their lives ruined by ministers whom they trusted, simply escaped your notice?
For the record Missy, I don’t “hate” Hillsong or any of the people in it. What I hate, is how Satan has blinded the minds of those who believe not, and has taken them captive at his will, in order to ensnare them into a false gospel, a false spirit and ‘another’ Jesus – that’s what I hate…
And again I see outrage against injustice by Christians, genuine broken hearts and desire to see justice prevail and bitterness from those defending Hillsong. And note it’s a defence of Hillsong not Christianity or God.
thanks to those who continue to take the time to outline their truth and honesty.
Ben and I may both be atheists but that doesn’t stop the sky from being blue.
Hillsong is what it is. It’s not rocket science. In fact it’s getting fairly obvious who they are more so now.
Overall I understand both Ben and your anti-Hillsong position but it’s still sad you both rejected Christianity because of negative church experiences. Hillsong’s shalliow teachings and poor conduct towards those who dare to disagree with it are not Christian and you know that.
A rose is a rose is a rose. The truth is the truth is the truth, no matter how much we may word-twist and convincingly deny reality to ourselves/others. It is especially concerning that you especially Tanya have created a public identity around your rejection of Christianity.
If only an atom of you is still open towards Jesus (and I had reached that stage after my own personal faith crisis that lasted approx. 7 years) please remember that Jesus has no fine print, no conditions, no time-limit. No “you must tithe or you’ll be cursed/ if you tithe it proves you’re a real Christian and you’ll be blessed (Hillsong)”, no “submit to every man mindlessly or you won’t be saved” (e.g. extreme fundamentalist church), no “once you’ve spoken against the Christian faith publically that’s it, you’re rejected by God forever”.
Do you remember that the apostle Paul (thought to be responsible for at least 13 books in New Testament) persecuted the early Christian church before he was converted in Acts chapter 9? Many Christians would have found it hard to believe he was genuinely saved after what he did. The Jews hated him after he turned 180 degrees from anti-Christian to Christian apostle.
Yes you both have a difficult hurdle to overcome if you turn back towards Christianity again. Some atheists that now love you could come to hate you as much as the Jews hated the apostle Paul (i.e. the real 21st century anti-theist variety). Yes if you trust in Jesus Christ (as Lord and Saviour) you will have to turn from what the bible clearly labels as sin, the sins you have grown to love so much they are now a part of your character (just like had happened to me but God isn’t finished with yet). I will and I hope others will pray for you both.
P.S. C.S. Lewis wrote a novel about a seeker’s journey called “the Pilgrim’s Regress”. I think it was written one year after he’d become a Christian therefore his memory of all the world’s different ideologies would have been very fresh. https://openlibrary.org/works/OL71164W/The_pilgrim's_regress
I see I couldn’t reply to your comment, maybe you didn’t want me to reply? What’s your name? Or is everyone here anonymous?
I shouldn’t have expected less from you though. Some people couldn’t give a shit about how others feel or what they know, I can see this includes you.
Does it make you feel like a big man to drive others into the ground with your superior bible knowledge and “I have the truth and you don’t” perspective? What a noble , honorary man you are.
I bet you’re a chauvinistic man that barks orders at your wife and kids like a drill sergeant and uses scripture every sentence to back up all you say.
Come on big man, pull up your big boy socks and win at all costs. Gotta make everyone feel like shit and me as awesome as possible.
There’s a guy up the road past Brisbane named Alan John Miller. You’re probably good mates with him seeing as he’s been on your favourite show ACA. He thinks he’s Jesus and has a cult following.
There’s another one in Coffs Harbour who is the leader of the Christian Assemblies International, yet another guest star on ACA. Sexually abused lots of men and women. I’m sure this sounds familiar to you…
Send some of your team over lil fella, 1796 Gold Coast Hwy Burleigh Heads. Bring the noise.
Nik – do you like Hillsong?
“Come on big man, pull up your big boy socks and win at all costs. Send some of your team over lil fella, 1796 Gold Coast Hwy Burleigh Heads. Bring the noise.”
@Nik, It might be a good time for you to stop wondering if your mother was saved, and start questioning whether you yourself are saved.
“I see I couldn’t reply to your comment, maybe you didn’t want me to reply?”
You can reply. We haven’t stopped you.
“I shouldn’t have expected less from you though. Some people couldn’t give a shit about how others feel or what they know, I can see this includes you.”
And this is the biggest problem within our narcissistic culture today, people cannot look past their own feelings and consider other people’s. The proof is in your reply. If we hurt your feelings, you’d like to fight us with fists and name call. This is the behaviour of an immature high school student.
“Does it make you feel like a big man to drive others into the ground with your superior bible knowledge and “I have the truth and you don’t” perspective? What a noble , honorary man you are.”
It is not our problem if you hate God and His Word. You’re the one who chose to drag your dead mother into this and use her as your highest authority to shut us down. And you think we’re chauvinistic men? Take your chest thumping to another site. You’re coming across like Brian Houston or Mark Driscoll.
After watching you carry on our site, we will ask you this: what is the gospel?
We are sure you can tell us. Show us by what authority you actually speak from.
Good times Churchwatcher buddy. Winning again, gotta make sure any hecklers like Nik are put in place.
I bet if ISIS stormed a Hillsong campus somewhere and beheaded Brian Houston or Mark Driscoll you’d high five them and thank them for their service to Christianity.
If someone opened fire and killed multiple people at one of their campuses again you’d be stoked.
Or better if you had a gun
yourself I’m sure you’d do it and anyone who stood in your way- boom. Take that Hillsong cultist!
And in true Westboro Baptist fashion you’d picket their funerals.
After you’ve finished beating your wife and kids into submission and uploaded your latest Hillsong scandal blog post then you can come see me at Lady Ciliento Hospital in Brisbane. But don’t give up your day job tiger
“come see me at Lady Ciliento Hospital in Brisbane”.
Was the hospital named after you, then?
“But don’t give up your day job tiger”
What’s your day job, Nik? You come across as quite well-educated and widely read; I’m assuming that you must be a neurosurgeon or some such. Am I right?
I’m not sure what happens in NSW, but in Queensland, two warnings must be given for a charge of tresspass to stick. Very rarely does it ever come to a courtroom anyway, which just goes to show how bitter and twisted the Hellsong senior ‘team leaders’ really are. They fear exposure of their wayward and ungodly past, so they use the legal system to persecute and shut down their detractors. Well done.
They look more like a dodgy business enterprise, trying to stonewall dissatisfied ‘customers’ rather than a church, (who might have been slighted by Tanya’s book and TV interviews,) but their reaction is consistant with an organization that cannot bare the truth which has already come to light, and is trembling in its boots as to what may yet be revealed concerning their dodgy dealings, which are still hidden.
Brian and Geroge must be really proud of themselves @Newtaste, for getting poor old Tanya into trouble with the cops, but they’re going to face a much more serious courtroom hearing, come judgement day. I wonder if they’ve ever heard the old saying “What goes around, comes around…?”
Waving a copy of the legal paperwork around is like waving a red rag in front of a bull. If you think that you’ve somehow triumphed with this ill conceived action then all I can say is “moron thinking and behaviour” on your part. I can only conclude that “he MUST go to Hillsong” as that is the kind of bad ‘fruit’ they are producing…
Tanya Levin has published the legal paperwork on Facebook, and church watch have coped it all. I have noted nothing, except a court listing.
THE PEOPLE WAVING EVERYTHING AROUND AT EVERY OPPORTUNITY ARE CHURCH WATCH.
Why did you post your image, Newtaste?
Newtaste is the one waving everything around. Hypocrite.
“I have noted nothing”
Stop omitting things: you have noted nothing, learned nothing, and understood nothing.
“THE PEOPLE WAVING EVERYTHING AROUND AT EVERY OPPORTUNITY ARE CHURCH WATCH.”
Really? You must have missed Justin Bieber’s recent revealing selfies (Brian Houston was going to post some similar shots of himself, but he couldn’t afford to – they would have shown him up as being half-arsed).
Sorry @Newtaste, but it seems to me that ‘defending the undefendable’ requires you to ‘wave a lot of things around’ in order tojustify the actions and omissions of a spiritually bankrupt organization…
Don’t you fear God and the coming judgement? Or are you so smug an sure of your Hillsong style ‘salvation’ – I can just hear your so called leaders reassuring you that:
Yes Newtaste, it’s OK to name the name of Jesus while you continue to party with the world… after all, WE do!”
“THE PEOPLE WAVING EVERYTHING AROUND AT EVERY OPPORTUNITY ARE CHURCH WATCH.”
Friend, it has become evident to everyone here except you, that you are caught up in an obsessive cult which at your advanced stage completely possesses you. Hillsong is absolutely no different from Bethel, IHOP, C3, or any of the others.
It’s an image from Hillsong. You have images from Hillsong all over this website, you post photos of Brian, Bobbie, Carl, Christine and others. Who is obsessed? You are. Who are the stalkers? You are. Who are the liars? You are.
“Who is obsessed? You are. Who are the stalkers? You are. Who are the liars? You are.”
Well we certainly know who is starting to lose their temper. It’s really frustrating being always on the wrong end of an argument, isn’t it? (Perhaps you’ll feel better when you have more money).
“Who are the stalkers? You are. Who are the liars? You are.”
Newtaste: if your daddy knew you are still playing on his computer he would be angry.
Guys, you’re not helping the problem, you’re adding to it. This website is just a site full of people in pity parties. Please don’t add to the problem. If you have a problem with someone, would it help to actually deal with the problem, instead of being the guys who try to take good people down?
Jesus was right, I would know who the real Christians are by their fruit. This website shows no love from Christ, and no truth from the Word itself. You have all been misled from media and from the personal hurts of your own hearts. Most of you guys, if not all, who have a deep hatred for Hillsong, it’s not because they’re a “cult”, it’s because someone from Hillsong, whether a leader or an attendee, has hurt you, and instead of actually dealing with it in forgiveness and truth and trying to sort it out with the offendig person, you have taken it out on an entire congregation an dhave misled people from Christ ultimately. How do you think people feel when they see Christians fighting against Christians? Brotherly peace and Love? i find nothing but hate and pain. Hillsong follows the correct protocols according to ACC, and have helped so many people find Christ. I myself have found no fault in Hillsong as a congregation after observing them. So let this be a warning to you all, if you truly wish to take out a speck in your brother’s eye, first remove the giant plank from your own, because once you face God, will you say that you have rightly loved a brother, or will you be like the righteous Pharisee and boast about how you’re greater than your brothers? i don’t want anyone to go to Hell, but it’s YOUR choice on whether you continue to argue and thus endangering yourself to Hellfire, or start to think that you may be in the wrong and taking steps to allow God to guide you in healing and restoration. YOUR CHOICE. DON’T MESS IT UP.
Jackson,
You are clueless on what is going on. Hillsong are scoundrels.
And you are also clueless on the Bible. You are wrongly quoting matthew 7, where the BEGINNING has to do with hypocritical judgement ONLY. Furthermore, you completely IGNORE the rest of it that talks about FALSE TEACHERS.
It would appear YOU ARE THE ONE MESSING IT UP.
Are you even saved Jackson? You certainly have NO DISCERNMENT.
Jackson, Do you want Brian Houston to make you rich?
Dakota, do you want to have a discussion, or just want to throw insults at me? I am totally fine with having a discussion about Christianity and Hillsong, but if you just want to hurl insults at me about a human, then go right ahead. We’re all human and make mistakes, and churches are full of them. Don’t expect anyone to get it right every time. That’s the beauty of the grace of God. Why can’t we just see that,a nd not have to be so full of hate about it?
What insult?
What discussion? You are not into discussion, you are into forcing your unbiblical viewpoint on the rest of the world.
What hate?
You misuse the 1st part of matthew 7 being that it is strictly about hypocritical judgement, while ignoring the following part about false teachers.
Didn’t you see that book by Brian Houston? Do you believe the Bible is about “PROSPERITY?” Because IT’S NOT.
@Jackson,
“I am totally fine with having a discussion about Christianity and Hillsong …”
Actually, you are not “totally fine” with that at all, since you clearly have no clue whatsoever regarding those two subjects.
“We’re all human …”
Actually, Brian Houston is a goat, and, judging by your ardent defence of his prosperity cult, so are you.
“… and make mistakes”
No Jackson, Brian’s demonic deceptions are no mistake: he acts deliberately according to his plan to enrich himself and his family. Brian has sold his soul to the Devil, and not only will he go down to the fiery pit, he will drag many victims along with him.
“… churches are full of them.”
hillsong is not a church. It never was, and it never will be.
“Don’t expect anyone to get it right every time.”
Brian Houston can never get anything right, ever, because he moves by an anti-christ spirit. If you had studied what he “preaches” and “teaches”, or if you had bothered to watch him carefully when he speaks, you would have known that.
It’s too bad that you have no knowledge, no wisdom, and no discernment. You are blinded by your own pride, and no doubt you will be quite shocked on the day that the Lamb’s book of life is opened and you discover that your name is not written there.
“I am totally fine with having a discussion …”
You are a liar. Dakota asked if you wanted Brian Houston to make you rich, but you are not willing to answer, no doubt because you know that you *cannot* answer that question.
Did you read Brian’s book, Jackson? Do you need more money? Could you perhaps tell us from which part of Scripture, exactly, that particular nugget of wisdom came? No? You are a phony and a fraud; you are nothing more than an arrogant, self-centred git, and you wouldn’t know the truth if it bit you on the arse.
Brian Houston has taught you well, hasn’t he?
I am certainly NOT a wounded ex Hillsongee out for vengeance or holding bitterness in my heart towards them or supporters of Hillsong. (Been to Charismatic churches strongly influenced via Hillsong’s music though – never had any conflicts with members or leaders there either.)
As far as I know serious online Christian apologists like Chris Rosebrough (Fighting for the faith), Dr. James White (Alpha and Omega Ministries), J.D. Hall (Pulpit and Pen), the late Ken Silva (Apprising Ministries) never were Hillsongees either. As the professional critics above my only concern is doctrinal and Hillsong’s poor practices that are a fruit of poor doctrine.
I have repeatedly asked any Hillsong supporter (who posted a message similar to yours) to provide *any* video/audio link to any Hillsong preacher’s message where they preach the whole Gospel as the apostles did in the Book of Acts. Not one person has responded to that request. Either all of you Hillsongees are lazy or you are genuinely unable to answer that request.
I have listened to Rosebrough’s dissection of every Hillsong preacher/s’ message and tragically he is correct. Half the Gospel is a false Gospel. Those who preach a different Gospel are pronounced accursed by the apostle Paul. https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Galatians+1%3A6-9&version=KJV
e.g. Houston seeks the (unsaved) world’s love and admiration so much he leaves out need to repent from sin. One fruit of genuine faith in Christ -> desire to please God first. That means 180 degree turn from worship of SELF to GOD. Abandoning lifestyle choices for some may be part of the process.
http://churchwatchcentral.com/2015/07/29/now-this-is-sexy-entertainment/ Hillsong had unrepentant homosexuals in church ministry.
Add to omission of sin the fixation on musical experiences, pep talks peppered with isolated bible verses (cult-style), false teacher friendly (T.D.Jakes), covering up Frank Houston’s pedophilia, Houston family’s extremely flashy lifestyle….
Compare Hillsong with the teachings and lives of Jesus, the apostles, early church and Christian martyrs over the centuries (Foxes Book of Martyrs good place to start). Why is there such a difference if Hillsong is supposed to be a Christian church?
@Jackson:
“How do you think people feel when they see Christians fighting against Christians? Brotherly peace and Love? i find nothing but hate and pain.” Man’s opinion,,,
What Jesus taught:
“34 Do not think that I came to bring peace on the earth; I did not come to bring peace, but a sword. 35 “For I came to set a man against his father, and a daughter against her mother, and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law;…” Matthew 10:34, 35
Yu’ve got the wrong idea about Godly love Jackson…
Jesus was no stranger to controversy – the Jews were divided over Him, as to who He was, and it did bring a separation between them. People fighting over ‘religion’?
Jesus started it, and He will finish it too – better be on the right side of Him before he comes again!
@Jackson:
“i find nothing but hate and pain.”
Hatred for Hillsong’s lies maybe, but no hatred towards Christians.
Not sure why you think websites/posts/comments pointing out False Teaching has to be hatred or pain.
The Apostle Paul wasn’t a member of Hillsong, nor a hater, but he pointed out false teaching all thru the New Testament. Do you think Paul was a hater or in pain from falling for false ministries?
I wasn’t a member of Hillsong either. I knew better than to ever become involved with their trashy $$$ thinking.
What kind of research have you done? Evidently none whatsoever.