Influential Australians running the Hillsong Church’s global empire

As Hillsong Church founder Brian Houston steps down from leadership, other influential Australians within the megachurch will hold the fort.

Hillsong Church founder Brian Houston’s adult children will maintain a strong presence in the megachurch along with its most influential Australian members after the pastor “completely” stepped down from leadership to fight a charge of concealing child sex abuse.

Houston, 67, told his church in a streamed video during a Sunday service that he intends to “vigorously defend” himself against allegations that he covered up his pastor father Frank’s crimes in the 1970s. Frank Houston was never charged and died in 2004.

Brian Houston and his wife, Roberta “Bobbie”, who live in Sydney, founded Hillsong Church in Australia in 1983.

While Phil and Lucinda Dooley have been named as interim pastors in Houston’s place, they will also be supported by key players to ensure that Hillsong Church remains a global phenomonen amid the controversy.

Pastor Brian Houston, pictured with his wife Bobbie, is stepping down from mega-church Hillsong. Picture: Supplied.

These are the Australians who will continue to lead or influence followers of the church across Australia and around the globe:

TIM & NICOLA DOUGLASS

Timothy Douglass, who grew up in Sydney before a stint in Victoria and Tasmania, is Hillsong’s chief executive and lead pastor based in London. Business records show he has “significant influence or control” over the company. He relocated from to England from Australia with his wife Nicola and their three children following his appointment to his latest roles in 2021. According to Hillsong, “Tim is passionate about building the Church and loves to see people connect with Jesus, find their calling and grow in their faith”.

Tim and Nicola Douglass were pastors at Melbourne's Hillsong church before relocating to London. Picture: Supplied.

CRISHAN & DANI JEYARATNAM

Chrishan Jeyaratnam and his wife Danielle made the move from Perth to the Big Apple last year to head the New York church and replace Carl Lentz who was sacked for using Hillsong money to fund his lavish lifestyle, while also cheating on his wife.

The couple was previously in charge of the Perth and Bali chapters of the church. They share four young daughters.

Chrishan Jeyaratnam and his wife Dani Jeyaratnam. Picture: Instagram

BENJAMIN & LUCILLE HOUSTON

Brian and Bobbie’s son Benjamin and his wife Lucille are “global online lead pastors of Hillsong Church’’.

“Ben is passionate about Jesus and building the Church,” his Hillsong bio reads.

“He has a real heart to see people find hope, life and answers in Jesus Christ.”

The couple is based in California where they share four children.

JOEL HOUSTON & ESTHER LIMA HOUSTON

Brian and Bobbie’s other son Joel Houston has been described as a rock star to Christians.

Joel, who was born in Sydney, is a “worship leader”, as well as a musician with Hillside’s Christian band, Hillsong United, and a former co-pastor.

According to his bio on Hillsong’s website, Joel’s “desire is to see a generation across the earth awakened to the countercultural love of Christ, and see all people find hope in Him”.

Joel writes songs and plays a key role in the creative direction of Hillsong’s music brands, according to the church. He is married to Brazilian model Esther Lima. The couple lives in California and shares one son.

Joel Houston, son of Hillsong founder, is a rock star to the Christians.

LAURA HOUSTON TOGGS

The Hillsong founder’s daughter Laura Toggs pastors Hillsong Church’s youth ministry alongside her husband Peter. They have two children.

“Laura is a pioneer in the youth movement across the globe,” says her Hillsong bio, which also describes her as a “visionary, much like her father”.

“Laura paves the way for many young people by … bringing God’s message to young people all across the earth.

“She hopes that in the midst of the music people will be connected to Jesus.”