Hillsong Church

Hillsong Church, founded in Australia in 1983, has grown into a global megachurch known for its contemporary worship music and charismatic services. Despite its popularity and widespread influence, Hillsong has faced criticism and controversy regarding its governance, financial practices, and treatment of members. Applying Renee’s Cult Ranking System provides a structured framework to assess the levels of control, manipulation, and potential harm within Hillsong’s operations.

1. Authoritative Leadership

Score: 2

Hillsong Church is led by a strong central figure, initially Brian Houston, and now through a senior leadership team. The leadership holds significant authority over the church's direction, policies, and practices. This centralised authority often leads to top-down decision-making with limited input from general members.

2. Control Over Information

Score: 2

Hillsong manages its narrative and teachings closely, primarily through its sermons, media content, and educational materials. While members have access to outside information, the Church encourages consumption of its content to align with its spiritual message. Dissenting opinions within the community can be marginalised.

3. Deception

Score: 2

Hillsong has been accused of presenting an overly positive image that may obscure internal issues, such as financial practices and leadership controversies. There have been instances where the Church has been less transparent about its internal operations and the experiences of former members.

4. Exclusive Knowledge

Score: 1

While Hillsong emphasises a distinctive approach to Christianity that blends contemporary culture with religious teachings, it does not claim exclusive spiritual knowledge. The Church promotes its interpretation of the Bible and spiritual experiences but acknowledges other Christian denominations.

5. Exploitation

Score: 2

Hillsong relies heavily on volunteer labour and encourages substantial financial contributions from its members. There have been reports of exploitation, particularly among young volunteers and students, who often commit significant time and resources under the auspices of spiritual development and community service.

6. Fear, Guilt, & Intimidation

Score: 2

The Church's teachings sometimes emphasise moral and spiritual consequences in ways that can create fear or guilt among members. There have been reports of members feeling pressured to conform to the Church's standards and norms, with fear of social or spiritual repercussions for non-compliance.

7. Isolation

Score: 1

While Hillsong encourages strong involvement in church activities, it does not actively isolate members from the broader society. Members are encouraged to engage with the community and maintain outside relationships, though there can be social pressure to prioritise church activities and connections.

8. Micro-Management of Daily Tasks

Score: 1

The Church provides spiritual guidance and encourages members to live according to its teachings, but it does not typically control or micromanage members’ daily lives. Members are free to make personal decisions outside the context of church-related activities and teachings

9. Monitoring Thoughts & Behaviours

Score: 1

Hillsong encourages adherence to its moral and spiritual guidelines but does not engage in systematic surveillance of members’ private lives. There is a community culture of mutual accountability and encouragement to conform to group norms, but this is not enforced through strict monitoring.

10. Punishment & Discipline

Score: 2

Members who do not conform to the Church's expectations may face social or spiritual consequences, such as being sidelined from certain activities or leadership roles. Discipline tends to be more social and spiritual rather than involving harsh or punitive measures

11. Thought Reform

Score: 1

Hillsong emphasises transformation through its teachings and community, but it does not engage in aggressive thought reform. Members are encouraged to embrace the Church’s vision and values, but there is room for personal interpretation and growth within the broader framework of its teachings.

12. Us vs. Them Mentality

Score: 1

While Hillsong promotes a strong sense of community and identity among its members, it does not cultivate a pronounced “us vs. them” mentality. The Church acknowledges and interacts with broader Christian communities and society at large without positioning itself as adversarial to outsiders.

Total Score: 18/36

​

Overall Cult Ranking: 5. Cultish

​

With an overall score of 5 on Renee’s scale, Hillsong Church is categorised as a moderate control group. This ranking indicates that while Hillsong maintains certain levels of control and influence, particularly through its leadership and community practices, it does not engage in the extreme coercive or manipulative tactics characteristic of more harmful groups. Members experience a balance of structured guidance and personal freedom, though there are areas where the Church’s practices can exert notable social and psychological pressure.

Hillsong Church, evaluated through Renee’s Cult Ranking System, reflects characteristics of a large, organised religious institution that emphasises community, engagement, and personal transformation. While it does exhibit some elements of control, especially in its leadership and financial expectations, it provides a framework where members can engage meaningfully without experiencing overt coercion.

​

Further Reading

• Is Christianity supposed to be cool? How Hillsong’s aesthetic style took over the world

• ‘Who cares for men like Brian Houston?’ The Hillsong leader’s rise and fall is a gripping story, but how was it allowed to happen?

• Hillsong Church reaches 'in principle' settlement with woman over indecent assault