Saying He Won’t Retire, Brian Houston Admits Has an Alcohol Problem and Claims He Is Still the Pastor “You Believed In.”

A Ukrainian soldier kisses the flag. link

It was hard writing this after I viewed the pictures of the dead in Ukraine. Hands bound behind the back and shots to the back of the head. These are civilians. There are talks of rape and torture. Putin is a war criminal. Slava Ukraini!


“His grief he will not forget; but it will not darken his heart, it will teach him wisdom.” JRR Tolkien, Lord of the Rings


Brian Houston still thinks of himself as a pretty great pastor. Good night!

I was getting ready to write another post when this showed up in the media. The Christian Post reported; Hillsong founder Brian Houston apologizes but says he has no intention of retiring.

The post linked to this article at Eternity News which contained the email of Houston’s apology to the church: HILLSONG’S BRIAN HOUSTON APOLOGISES

It is a typical “blah, blah” apology from a fallen celebrity church leader who does not intend to go away.

Here are some excerpts:

He’s sorry, blah, blah blah

Let me start with the words I want and need most to say — I am so deeply sorry.

To those impacted directly by my actions, I am sorry for the pain I have caused you.

He thinks he’s the pastor and person “you” believed him to be.

…As hollow as it may sound, I believe I am the person and pastor you believed me to be.

…I am determined that my mistakes will not define me. (ed. In Christian circles, we call it a sin.)

He admits to problems with alcohol but not to problems with pills.

(People ask…)How do you continue to get up, cope, and keep going?” And now we know the answer. I haven’t coped very well at all. I openly admit that alcohol has been no friend and I am determined to relegate it to my past.

He claims he is innocent-I presume he is speaking of his upcoming trial for allegedly hiding his father’s abuse.

this year will be a year of respite and restoration to our souls, as I continue to prepare to fight for my innocence in the legal proceedings ahead of me.

He and his wife are not retiring.

I still have a sense of bright hope for the future and I know God is not finished with me yet. We have no intention of retiring. As Bobbie would say, “the final chapters of our lives are not yet written.”

What happened with Houston’s ingestion of pills and alcohol and the woman he visited in her hotel room for 40 minutes?

According to The Christian Post:

Houston reportedly met the woman, a non-member of Hillsong, in the foyer of the Pullman Hotel while several Hillsong officials were drinking.

“It was after one of the conference nights, and he [Houston] was drinking with a group,” Dooley said, according to the Australian Broadcasting Corporation. “Later that evening, he went to go to his room, didn’t have his room key and ended up knocking on the door of this woman’s room, and she opened the door, and he went into her room.”

Dooley said the woman in question did not say if there were any “sexual activity,” and Houston claimed “there was no sexual activity.”

“But he was in the woman’s room for 40 minutes,” Dooley said. “He doesn’t have much of a recollection because of the mixture of the anxiety tablets and the alcohol. This woman had also been drinking, so her recollection is not completely coherent.”

This incident makes me wonder if Houston, who only admitted to alcohol abuse in his mea culpa letter to the church, has a multi substance abuse problem. Until he comes clean on this issue, I tend to be concerned that he isn’t admitting the truth to himself and others. This would delay any recovery but he’s managed before when he was “under the influence.”

The Sydney Morning Herald takes a fascinating look at Hillsong and the Houstons.

Australian media looked at the Houstons and Hillsong: How Hillsong’s Houstons went from Baulkham Hills to Beverly Hills   

I didn’t know anything about Baulkham Hills. Wikipedia says of Baulkham Hills, New South Wales, Australia:

Baulkham Hills is the administrative seat of The Hills Shire, an outer metropolitan shire within Greater Sydney. The suburb is also the most populous within the Hills Shire. It is known colloquially as “Baulko”.

I learned that this is the home of Hillsong’s Headquarters.

The Houstons live well.

these days the laughs around the Houston household, a palatial gated multi-million-dollar spread in nearby Glenhaven, have been somewhat muted thanks to a string of scandals

The Houstons have gone quiet after receiving vitriolic comments on Instagram.

 They’ve even suspended comments on their usually effusive Instagram feed after being flooded with vitriol from disheartened followers.

The trial is coming in November.

And things are not going to get any easier in coming months for Houston who is due to face a three-week trial in November after pleading not guilty to charges he covered up his now late father, fellow evangelist Frank Houston’s historic child sex abuse. The charge stems from the 2014 Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse which found Brian Houston failed to report knowledge of his father’s child sex abuse to the authorities.

Bobbi Houston does a Tammy Wynette.

I’ll always stand by the man I’ve loved and walked with for 45 years. I know more about his personality, character, and honesty than anyone else.”

Hillsong’s compared to  Scientology’s success.

Currently in the United States, where the Houstons and Hillsong have made huge inroads to become something of a celebrity magnet rivalling Scientology,

‘Hillsong: A megachurch Documentary’ will not air in Australia. Is this due to Houston’s political connection to the head of state?

While there are no immediate plans for the documentary to be screened in Australia, that is likely to change given local interest would be considerable. Even our sitting Prime Minister Scott Morrison once referred to Brian Houston as his spiritual “mentor,” though more recently has publicly distanced himself from Houstons and Hillsong.

The rest of Houston’s family are still employed by Hillsong! It is, after all, a family business with just a few seeming beneficiaries.

Bobbie Houston and the couple’s three adult children, Joel, Ben and Laura, remain actively employed in Hillsong, either as pastors or headline acts in the mega-musical productions the church is famous for

Final thoughts:

It is no surprise that Houston will make a comeback. I’m sure he is integrally tied into the assets of the many permutations of Hillsong. I believe that the massive amount of money tied up in those enterprises will go to enrich those who are the owners. I wonder if the little guy who gives what little he has to Hillsong will ever see a penny of that return to the little people?

Multi-substance abuse is tough to overcome. Houston only admits to alcohol issues, but some reports have him taking pills and alcohol. Will he go through rigorous rehabilitation? Will he admit to his problems?  He needs help.

As for the trial, I hope that Houston will be sent to prison, but I don’t think he will. It appears he is tied into the power structure, and I am cynical enough to believe that he will get off with a slap. I sure hope I’m wrong.

I think Houston believes that he will “come back.” Do you think he will? I do.

Comments

Saying He Won’t Retire, Brian Houston Admits Has an Alcohol Problem and Claims He Is Still the Pastor “You Believed In.” — 36 Comments

  1. Currently in the United States, where the Houstons and Hillsong have made huge inroads to become something of a celebrity magnet rivalling Scientology.

    Yeah, they messed up by keeping Carl Lentz on staff, because all the celebs have flown off to other churches, mostly in the Los Angeles area. And yeah, the whole roped-off section in the front gives off a “Celebrity Centre” vibe. (Celebrities do “services” at a Celebrity Centre, rather than just going to the org like the plebians.) It will be interesting to see if Hillsong is able to bounce back from this and starting recruiting young celebs again, or if the word has spread that Hillsong is toxic.

  2. As for Brian Houston making a comeback, it’s going to depend on the trial. Based on what I have read, lower courts have a general “no recordings, photographs, or filming” rule. The Aussie press has to be very careful not to go too far in reporting on an active case, or the judge might slap a gag order (pretty much a no-go in the USA due to the 1st Amendment) on everyone involved.

    That said, I expect that the footage taken during the Royal Commission will be played in court (so as to impeach Houston), and that can be broadcast, as in “Today the jury in the Houston case heard Houston’s testimony from the Royal Commission and the prosecution proceeded to examine Houston about his statements.” Or something. A lot of people have probably NOT seen that footage.

  3. “It is no surprise that Houston will make a comeback. I’m sure he is integrally tied into the assets of the many permutations of Hillsong. I believe that the massive amount of money tied up in those enterprises will go to enrich those who are the owners.” – from Dee’s post

    IOW: “There’s no business like show business.”

  4. Muslin, fka Dee Holmes: a “Celebrity Centre” vibe. (Celebrities do “services” at a Celebrity Centre, rather than just going to the org like the plebians.)

    That’s Scientology all right.

    So…

    Wonder who is the Hillsong Tom Cruise?

    Will there be Leah Remini and Mike Rinder doc and podcast reveals? Who is going to emerge from the inside?

  5. “It was hard writing this after I viewed the pictures of the dead in Ukraine. Hands bound behind the back and shots to the back of the head. These are civilians. There are talks of rape and torture. Putin is a war criminal. Slava Ukraini!”

    DEE,
    thank you for writing about this and thank you for posting the photograph.

  6. If Houston needs restoration, he can go to Robert Morris who will restore anyone.

    If not, the rest of the family will pull enough of the pew-sitter’s money out of the family business that Brian will never have to work again.

    American evangelicalism has two strains now – the get-rich-quick magapastors and megachurches, and the “fundier than thou” heavily armed “Christian” nationalists. As a spiritual movement, it’s dead. It’s been dead for a while, it only doesn’t know yet. A zombie.

  7. Gus: get-rich-quick magapastors and megachurches, and the “fundier than thou” heavily armed “Christian” nationalists.

    1. Get-rich-quick megas are in plain sight. Got it. Big stage, big money, big donors.
    2. Fundier-than-thou armed xian nationalists… what’s so fundy about getting on the Houston Chronicle’s list of pervs and pedos? The more fundy, the more predatory.

    Another list of two:
    1. Deceit
    2. Arrogance or pride or better-than-thou…
    (Deadly. The two things God hates.)

  8. From the Opening Post:

    As for the trial, I hope that Houston will be sent to prison, but I don’t think he will.

    It is no surprise that Houston will make a comeback.

    Brian Houston might make his comeback in prison. 🙂 And depending on how many prisoners are in his prison and listen to him (or at least pretend to listen to him), he might have a prison mega-church. 🙂

  9. Gus: If Houston needs restoration, he can go to Robert Morris who will restore anyone.

    That made me laugh this morning.

  10. Of course the pew sitting plebes can stop this nonsense. Let your pastor know asap you will not attend any church funding this loony toon moneychanger by using Hillsong music in the service.

    If they continue, leave.

    They do not have guns to our heads making us attend and donate $$ for something that is against everything Jesus is for.

  11. With relevance to how victims and survivors are treated a man called Prosper Keating has obtained a record out of court settlement from Ealing Abbey. Prosper testified in the conviction of their former abbot who went on the run from the police across Europe for years. He also was involved in the IICSA hearings about Benedictines. He went ahead with his claim largely because of the abbey gaslighting him. He was supported by Richard Scorer, who is Britain’s leading child abuse compensation lawyer and has written a very interesting book about the RC church. The sum isn’t disclosed (and will certainly appear tiny to Americans because we don’t have punitive damages here) however the abbey’s insurers tried to reduce the compensation and since the church has learned absolutely nothing (see link below) making them uninsurable certainly is a way forward in forcing them to change.
    Prosper is an absolute legend and inspiration.

    https://uk.trustpilot.com/users/6241416cad6a42001235ce58

  12. The apology starts off well— he’s deeply sorry— and goes downhillsong from there. He’s sorry for “actions” pain hurt letdown imperfections flaws and mistakes (which he’s determined will not define him). He’s sorry his wife has to let go of a lot of stuff which is precious to her. And his family has to navigate waters for a season. All this would be done if he were an ordinary celebrity. But he’s a religious leader. He’s the founder/CEO of a global denomination, for cryin’ our loud. He’s like Henry VIIi, except for lopping off heads of enemies and wives. NO religious terms like sins; transgressions, or iniquities. The only religious paragraph is to quote verses about forgiveness and mercy.
    Then he gets to the very best part:
    “Over many years of constant pressure, opposition, challenges, and attacks” he somehow managed to cope, except it drove him to drinking. Implied is anyone who disagreed with him— they made him do it!

  13. Gus: If Houston needs restoration, he can go to Robert Morris who will restore anyone.

    I suspect all the mega-maniacs have Morris’ cell phone number … just in case. Morris must have some sort of 6-month restoration crash course for fallen pastors.

  14. “I think Houston believes that he will “come back.” Do you think he will?” (Dee)

    I have no doubt about it. There is a great multitude of churchgoers who desire a pastor who lives and behaves no better than they do … it makes them feel better about themselves. The darker pastor’s past, the more stains on their ministry resume, the better. The last thing these folks want is a pure and holy pulpit.

  15. dee:
    Muslin, fka Dee Holmes,

    Do you know what churches the “celebrity” crowd is attending in LA?

    Justin Bieber moved to Churchome as of 1/15/2021 per news reports.

    Chris Pratt is attending Zoe Church, which appears to be an offshoot of Hillsong in the LA area. Kendall Jenner may be attending there as well.

    I can’t find any other information on other celebrities, but I would note that the Hillsong LA branch is throwing a 404 error: “Oops! We’re having trouble finding that page.” But they’re still having church per their FB. Hmmmmmmm.

  16. “He’s sorry, blah, blah blah…”

    With church leaders’ misdeeds, the problem for the church at large is:

    When does the Holy Spirit exit their ministry? And if the Holy Spirit is not in it, it’s neither a ministry nor church (see Acts 1-2).

    Does the Holy Spirit leave when they chase after women? Children or minors? Pool boys? Substance abuse? Misuse of funds? Ego trips & abuse of staff?

    No one is leading others to Jesus when they don’t follow Jesus themselves. They’re not making disciples when they are not disciples. (Reference to the Great Commission and the first disciples.)

    The Bible documents when God exits a leader’s life, like King Saul, for example. He became a murderer. Not pretty. No fun.

  17. Neil Cameron (One Salient Oversight): https://www.abc.net.au/news/2022-04-06/hillsong-property-empire-“Pentecostal juggernaut” … “Houston threatened to open a rival Hillsong church in Kyiv” … “can make things very difficult for you with the American authorities” … “Basically [Brian Houston] said … ‘This church is mine. I will make your life small. I will squash it'” … “They controlled everything” … “Houston began to challenge their independence” … “They cut our emails, they cut our database, they cut us from the server” … “asked to sign a non-disclosure agreement” … “didn’t agree to its terms and refused to sign it. ‘They excommunicated us'”

    Manipulation, intimidation and domination are not gifts of the Holy Spirit. Hillsong was a business to Houston, pure and simple. Millions were drawn into the Hillsong cult by deception. Its leaders profited off the precious name of Jesus. Payday someday has arrived for Houston.

  18. This is sickening. And if your “church” is still pumping in the money by doing Hillsong music, you have a choice. Do you support this? Let your pastor know you will either not attend and not give $$, or simply not give $$ as long as your church supports this guy by doing Hillsong music.

    It is just another money changing racket. And like most addicts, Houston is denying his own guilt and blaming others, and playing the old card of “I did not do it but if I did they made me do it and it isn’t fair for me to be punished because no matter what I did if I did it I am perfect and guilt free.”

    Real repentance is that you own up to and admit your sins, do all you can to stop them (granting no one is perfect), make the amends that you can, restore what you can, and recognize you are no longer fit for leadership.

  19. linda: And like most addicts, Houston is denying his own guilt and blaming others

    DARVO: DENY, ATTACK, REVERSE VICTIM AND OFFENDER.
    Works best if wearing an Angel of Light Mask and have previously groomed allies.

  20. Between all the posts here about ongoing abuses by pastors who keep getting away with it, and the images I see coming out of Ukranian cities with no end in sight, I am feeling very much like this sentiment expressed by Habakkuk in his first chapter (The Message)

    The problem as God gave Habakkuk to see it:
    God, how long do I have to cry out for help
    before you listen?
    How many times do I have to yell, “Help! Murder! Police!”
    before you come to the rescue?
    Why do you force me to look at evil,
    stare trouble in the face day after day?
    Anarchy and violence break out,
    quarrels and fights all over the place.
    Law and order fall to pieces.
    Justice is a joke.
    The wicked have the righteous hamstrung
    and stand justice on its head.

    “Look around at the godless nations.
    Look long and hard. Brace yourself for a shock.
    Something’s about to take place
    and you’re going to find it hard to believe.
    I’m about to raise up Babylonians to punish you,
    Babylonians, fierce and ferocious—
    World-conquering Babylon,
    grabbing up nations right and left,
    A dreadful and terrible people,
    making up its own rules as it goes.
    Their horses run like the wind,
    attack like bloodthirsty wolves.
    A stampede of galloping horses
    thunders out of nowhere.
    They descend like vultures
    circling in on carrion.
    They’re out to kill. Death is on their minds.
    They collect victims like squirrels gathering nuts.
    They mock kings,
    poke fun at generals,
    Spit on forts,
    and leave them in the dust.
    They’ll all be blown away by the wind.
    Brazen in sin, they call strength their god.”

    God, you’re from eternity, aren’t you?
    Holy God, we aren’t going to die, are we?
    God, you chose Babylonians for your judgment work?
    Rock-Solid God, you gave them the job of discipline?
    But you can’t be serious!
    You can’t condone evil!
    So why don’t you do something about this?
    Why are you silent now?
    This outrage! Evil men swallow up the righteous
    and you stand around and watch!
    You’re treating men and women
    as so many fish in the ocean,
    Swimming without direction,
    swimming but not getting anywhere.
    Then this evil Babylonian arrives and goes fishing.
    He pulls in a good catch.
    He catches his limit and fills his bucket—
    a good day of fishing! He’s happy!
    He praises his rod and reel,
    piles his fishing gear on an altar and worships it!
    It’s made his day,
    and he’s going to eat well tonight!
    Are you going to let this go on and on?
    Will you let this Babylonian fisherman
    Fish like a weekend angler,
    killing people as if they’re nothing but fish?

    It’s as if God told him, “If you think it’s bad now, just wait until I get warmed up! Hold my beer.”

  21. “Brian Houston Admits Has an Alcohol Problem”

    Brian Houston has a pretender problem … Brian Houston has a charlatan problem … Brian Houston has a deception problem … Brian Houston has a sin problem.

  22. Money is his god, Jesus is just the poster boy. In public they pretend to be a church. on paper they are a corporation. Many ‘churches’ are corporations now. His book was titled ‘You Need More Money’ Churches have pastors, deacons, elders. No where in the Bible does it say CEO’s.

  23. Grace Pimm: His book was titled ‘You Need More Money’

    “How much money do you need? Always just a little more than you have.”
    — attr to either J.D.Rockefeller, J.P.Morgan, or Henry Ford