The Secrets of Hillsong

The latest TV docuseries to scrutinise Hillsong’s failings is the most thorough and fairest yet. As Carl Lentz gives his first interview since being fired from the megachurch, Sam Hailes argues that we can’t blame the media for wanting to shine a light on abuse and moral failings in the Church. It’s time to learn the lessons

Ten years ago, if one had to guess whether Hillsong would be exposed for abuses of money, sex or power (the famous three temptations which have shipwrecked many ministries) you’d pick money every time. At least I would have done.

I’ve visited Hillsong London on numerous occasions, and can remember being enamoured with it. By all accounts, my local evangelical church had decent resources, (resources being Christianese for wealth) but Hillsong took this to another level. Everything screamed big budget - from the hiring of a top theatre in London’s West End, to the quality of the music. Every perfectly crafted service featured a mini sermon on tithing and it wasn’t unusual to hear prosperity gospel-tainted messages from the front. Oh well, I thought to myself. You don’t go to Hillsong for the message, you go for the music.