A month after the church launched, Collier was informed that three documentaries were coming out that painted Hillsong in a negative light, one of which hit Discovery+ late last week.
Collier explained that at this point, both he and his mentors began asking, “When is enough, enough?” After praying about the situation with his wife, Toni, Collier explained that he decided that he would leave the church if ever he began to lose trust in it.
Then Brian Houston was charged for allegedly covering up the sex child abuse of his father, charges he denies and is currently defending himself against in court. Nevertheless, Collier explained that after Houston was charged, he noticed people becoming more skeptical of Hillsong, not only globally, but personally in Atlanta.
Then came the announcement of Brian Houston’s leave of absence as global senior pastor, the revelation of his improprieties with two women, and ultimately his resignation. After Houston’s misconduct was revealed, more leaders and members of Hillsong Atlanta began conveying their mistrust regarding the global Hillsong Church.
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On Monday, March 21, Collier sent in his resignation—two days before Houston’s resignation was announced. Collier explained that as Hillsong global began addressing the crisis surrounding Houston’s resignation, and in light of other information he became aware of but is currently unable to discuss publicly, it became clear to Collier that he needed to publicly announce his resignation.
Collier further explained that Hillsong Church’s interim global senior pastor Phil Dooley expressed to him that, in the immediate future, Hillsong will look to “weather the storm” of continuing controversies, set aside any plans of further expansion, and focus on getting healthy. Therefore, Hillsong Church would not continue operating Hillsong Atlanta in Collier’s absence.
Collier also mentioned that Hillsong Phoenix and Hillsong Kansas will likewise no longer continue as Hillsong churches, and Hillsong will focus on the health of its remaining U.S. congregations before launching any new churches.
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In response to the question as to whether the people of the congregation would be losing their church, Collier reassured them: “Same people. Same goodness. New name.” The congregation applauded. Collier will become the founding pastor of Story Church, and much of the staff and team from Hillsong Atlanta will be joining the new church.
Anticipating that the congregation would have questions about the relationship between Collier and Hillsong Church moving forward, Collier introduced a video recorded by Phil Dooley, who spoke to the Hillsong Atlanta congregation.
