Hillsong Statement Regarding Garden City Christian Church in Brisbane
Statement from Hillsong re: GCCC
The recent acceptance by Garden City Christian Church of Pastor Brian and Bobbie Houston as senior pastors is the result of a journey that started many months ago.
The opportunity in Brisbane first arose in January this year, at a time when Pastor Brian began to feel strongly that stepping down from the role of President of the Australian Christian Churches (ACC) would enable him to focus on Hillsong Church.
Pastor Brian and Bobbie’s decision to take up the role of senior pastors in Brisbane was the result of much careful consideration. We believe this is a God-given opportunity that is in line with our ongoing commitment to the local church and that will allow us continue to spread the Good News of Jesus Christ.
Queensland is the first interstate Hillsong church and there are currently no plans for other Hillsong churches across Australia. However, our heart is to bless and build churches through example, encouragement, and strategic partnerships and we believe it is right for churches to endeavour to reach and help people wherever there is need.
The priority for Hillsong is delivering practical help and care, both locally and globally, through our One For Another programs. These include City Care, Aid and Development, I-Heart, The Hillsong Sisterhood, and a number of new social economy initiatives.
We are passionate about meeting the real needs of humanity, honoring God by loving one another as He loved us, and we look forward to working in partnership with other Brisbane churches and community organizations.
Pastor Brian’s time as ACC President was a period of significant growth for the movement. From 1997 to 2009, the Australian Christian Churches has grown from 115,912 to 216, 203 constituents – an exciting sign that the Church of Jesus Christ is moving forward in this nation.
Pastor Brian will continue to champion the cause of the local church throughout Australia, and Hillsong Church continues to be well represented within the leadership and executive of the ACC. Our hope is that this move will only increase his personal capacity to focus on contributing to pastors, leaders and churches across the globe through Hillsong Conference and the ongoing ministry of Hillsong Church.
Through building a Christ-centered church that is genuine, unified and personal, Hillsong shall continue to equip, support and connect people around the globe.
ENDS
Background information:
Hillsong Church in Australia is comprised of three main worship centres, Baulkham Hills, Waterloo, and our Southwest Campus (and as of 24 May, Brisbane Campus), plus more than 14 extension services and a city-wide network of Connect Groups (home Bible studies) and contributing ministries. Internationally, Hillsong Church has congregations in London, Cape Town, Moscow, Paris, Kiev and Stockholm. Every weekend more than 21,000 people from across the Sydney metropolitan area attend one or more of 30 different services.
