False Teacher

Brian Houston

Hillsong founder and prosperity advocate

Biography

Brian Houston is an Australian pastor and founder of Hillsong Church, a global megachurch network known for its contemporary worship music. His ministry has been marked by prosperity teaching, seeker-sensitive methodology, and numerous scandals including cover-ups of abuse and financial impropriety. He resigned in 2022 amid controversy.

Biblical Assessment

Every preacher is tested against our 5-point biblical framework. Here's how Brian Houston measures up:

1

Title & Authority

VERDICT: DISQUALIFIED

Covered up his father's child abuse. Resigned amid scandal and allegations. Failed to meet biblical qualifications for eldership.

Scripture:

1 Timothy 3:1-7, Titus 1:6-9, 1 Peter 5:2-3

2

Gospel Message

VERDICT: PROSPERITY-LITE

Preaches a watered-down gospel focused on personal fulfillment, success, and positive thinking. Rarely mentions sin, judgment, or repentance.

Scripture:

2 Timothy 4:3-4, Galatians 1:6-9, Matthew 7:13-14

3

Fruit & Lifestyle

VERDICT: SCANDAL-AND-COMPROMISE

Multiple scandals including covering up abuse, lavish spending, and inappropriate behavior. Lives luxuriously while leading a church empire.

Scripture:

1 Timothy 3:2, James 5:1-6, 1 Peter 5:2

4

Revelation vs. Scripture

VERDICT: PRAGMATIC-ENTERTAINMENT

Emphasizes cultural relevance, entertainment, and attractional methodology over biblical exposition and discipleship.

Scripture:

2 Timothy 4:2, Colossians 2:8, 1 Corinthians 1:17

5

Finances & Transparency

VERDICT: OPAQUE-EMPIRE

Hillsong's finances are notoriously opaque. Houston's personal wealth and compensation are not disclosed. Church operates like a business.

Scripture:

2 Corinthians 8:21, Acts 8:18-23, 1 Timothy 6:10

Key Quotes

These statements from Brian Houston reveal doctrinal error.

"You need more money. What money can do in your head is bless, it can help, it can build, it can increase."
— Brian Houston
Violates: 1 Timothy 6:10, Hebrews 13:5, Matthew 6:19-21
Source: Hillsong Conference message
"I refuse to accept that I am a sinner."
— Brian Houston
Violates: Romans 3:23, 1 John 1:8-10, Psalm 51:5
Source: Interview statement

Sources & References

All assessments are based on verifiable, publicly available sources:

  • •Hillsong Church services and conferences
  • •News reports on scandals and resignation
  • •Financial investigations
  • •Public statements and interviews

See an error? We strive for complete accuracy. If you believe we've misrepresented Brian Houston's teaching, contact us with evidence and we'll review.

Assessment Summary

False Teacher

Brian Houston teaches doctrine or practices that deviate from Scripture. Exercise caution and discernment.

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Our Method

Every assessment uses our 5-point biblical framework. Learn how to test any teacher against Scripture.

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