PASTOR BRIAN HOUSTON SENIOR PASTOR OF HILLSONG CHURCH RESIGNS. Pastor Brian's resignation comes after the internal investigation found that he acted inappropriately towards two women.
Brian Houston has been on leave of absence to focus on the trial in which it is alleged that he failed to report his father's sexual abuse of children.
Last week we heard through the Board of Hillsong Global Church that Pastor Brian spent time alone in a hotel room of the unnamed woman (not his wife) who attended the conference & that he also sent flirtatious texts of romantic nature to a female Hillsong staffer. In both cases Brian maintained that he was under the influence of anxiety pills mixed with alcohol suggesting overdose of prescription medication and abuse of alcohol impaired his judgement.
The letter from Hillsong Global and Australian Boards states;
"We understand there will be much emotion at this news, and we all share these feelings. Irrespective of the circumstances around this, we can all agree that Brian and Bobbie have served God faithfully over many decades and that their ministry has resulted in millions of people across the world being impacted by the power, grace, and love of Jesus Christ. Hillsong Church was birthed out of Brian and Bobbie’s obedience and commitment to the call of God and we are extremely grateful for all that Brian and Bobbie have given to build His house. We ask that you continue to pray for them, and the entire Houston family, during this challenging time"
For many this decision for a founder/senior pastor resigning on moral grounds is new for us. It may have taken long, and there are still many cases coming for Brian Houston, however this decision show that the church doesn't depend on a celebrity cult like leader to thrive. Many of our papas in African churches are doing worse with impunity and their moral failure is an open secret but no church board members who papas fondly call my sons & daughter have teeth to discipline their spiritual leader.
Hillsong Church Board in the past few days has shown leadership & put their Senior leader to account.
We must rally behind Hillsong Global church in this difficult time. Pastor Brian Houston's resignation show that Brian Houston is not Hillsong Church, and Hillsong Church is not Brian Houston.
The church remains the Bride of Christ. Jesus Christ said; "I will build my church and the gates of hell shall not prevail against her" God's discipline is not punitive, but restorative. We must therefore lift Pastor Brian Houston in pray.
One can resign from a position in a local church, but the gifts and the callings of God are irrevocable.
This must be a difficult time for his wife & family. Public life puts you in the news, and there is nowhere to hide.
We can only pray, and take comfort in the fact that whether forced to resign or voluntarily resigned, this single act show that Pastor Houston doesn't want to go down with Hillsong Global church.
Perhaps we can watch and learn that spiritual leaders are accountable right within the local church.
In Africa we would have seen gullible followers protesting with placards "I STAND WITH MY PAPA.
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