Since his resignation, Houston has been making speaking appearances in the United States, something he said has generated questions as he does not appear to be honoring his previous statement that he would refrain from preaching for all of 2022.
“It wasn’t my choice to step aside from preaching and leading. It was a requirement of my employers,” Houston explained. “And, of course, sadly I’m no longer an employee of Hillsong Church.”
Houston also later disclosed that he and Bobbie are coming under the counsel of “two mature and spiritually seasoned leaders who have been a blessing to us in this season.”
Addressing what lies ahead, Houston said, “Bobbie and I have made no firm decisions on what our future may look like, but I’m believing for an extremely fruitful next decade.”
Houston went on to explain that he and Bobbie were in the process of reworking their plans for the future. They had previously been praying about appointing a successor couple as co-pastors of Hillsong, so that they could move into more emeritus roles as they approached their 40th year of leading the church.
The couple that Brian and Bobbie had set their sights on were their son-in-law and daughter, Peter and Laura Toggs.
“Our plans, and to be honest, I believed was God’s will, was not something that we had necessarily shared with Peter and Laura fully. But they’ve been maturing so beautifully and [are] so clearly gifted and talented, and I think they’re anointed,” Houston said, further expressing, “Bobbie also dreamed of Laura continuing the mission of Colour Conferences and the Colour Sisterhood, as she clearly carries Bobbie’s DNA.”
“But of course, outside of a miracle, I guess that’s not likely to happen now,” Houston lamented.
Houston expressed gratitude for his three adult children who have “remained resolute” during this season, even though they have all been “profoundly impacted by the events of 2022.” Looking to the future, Houston said that he refuses to wear the events of the past year as a mark of shame.
“You and I have fallen, but because of Jesus, that’s not the label you wear. And I refuse to carry those labels any more than anyone else. I’m flawed, I’ve been humbled,” Houston said. “But I’m not living fallen, and I’m not living disgraced. I’m living as a child of God with my head held high—chosen, called, graced, and with a God-given future and hope.”
“So, God bless you. Much love,” Houston concluded. “And, as someone once said, ‘The best is yet to come.’”
Correction: A previous version of this article misspelled Bobbie Houston’s name.
