They are facing another blow.
Hillsong Church has reduced its number of U.S. campuses to five after announcing that its San Francisco branch, led by pastors Brenden and Jacqui Brown, will become an independent church with a new name. The decision was shared by Hillsong Global Senior Pastor Phil Dooley and California Lead Pastor Sam Lopez during a remote broadcast to their congregation on Sunday. Dooley described the move as an exciting new chapter for the Browns and the church community in San Francisco.
This shift is part of a broader reduction in Hillsong’s presence in the U.S., where the church has lost 11 of its 16 campuses following a series of scandals during the pandemic. One high-profile incident involved the dismissal of Carl Lentz, former lead pastor of Hillsong NYC, for moral failings, including infidelity. These controversies, some of which were featured in a documentary, led to a reevaluation of leadership and the future of certain Hillsong campuses.
Pastor Lopez clarified that the separation of the San Francisco church had been discussed for two years and was driven by the Browns’ desire to follow God’s call and pursue a new vision. He stressed that there were no underlying issues prompting the change, and that Hillsong fully supports the Browns’ decision to move forward independently.
In an Instagram statement, the Browns expressed their gratitude for their time with Hillsong and their excitement for the future. They emphasized that while the church’s name will change, their commitment to loving people and connecting them to Jesus remains the same. The new name of the church is set to be revealed next Sunday, along with more details about its future direction.
This transition marks a new beginning for the San Francisco church, as it steps away from the Hillsong brand and embraces a fresh identity, with the Browns continuing to lead the community.