An Open Letter to the Church: 

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Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

The reemergence of Brian Houston, the former global senior pastor of Hillsong Church, through his new online platform, Jesus Followers TV, has brought to light deeply concerning issues about leadership, accountability, and integrity in public ministry. While Houston has publicly sought financial support for this venture, he has used misleading rhetoric, invoking the plight of impoverished children in India to raise funds for his own production studio and personal ministry needs.

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As followers of Christ, we are compelled to call for transparency, accountability, and repentance in our leaders. The circumstances surrounding Brian Houston’s actions demand a public acknowledgment of his disqualification from public ministry and a heartfelt call for repentance.

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A Pattern of Manipulation and Misleading Appeals

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In promoting Jesus Followers TV, Houston appealed for funds to establish a TV studio, citing the need for cameras, production crews, and LED screens. At the same time, he spoke emotionally about the work of Vision Rescue, a ministry aiding children in Mumbai’s slums. While his words painted a picture of dire need among these children, the fundraising was for his studio, not for the children or Vision Rescue.

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This approach is not merely a lapse in clarity—it is disingenuous. It exploits the trust and generosity of believers by invoking the suffering of others to fund a personal platform. Such actions are inconsistent with the humility, integrity, and Christ-like leadership required of those in ministry.

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The Weight of Past Failures

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Houston’s latest actions come in the wake of scandals that forced his resignation from Hillsong in 2022. These included allegations of inappropriate behavior toward women, substance misuse, and the misuse of church funds for luxury travel and personal expenses. Investigations revealed a pattern of extravagant spending, including private jets, luxury accommodations, and fine dining—all funded by church money.

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Rather than stepping back for a period of repentance and restoration, Houston has sought to reestablish his influence quickly, without addressing the harm caused by his actions. His public statements have minimized his culpability, referring to his behavior as “mistakes” while dismissing well-documented allegations as “false narratives.” Such deflections demonstrate a lack of genuine repentance and accountability.

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A Call for Repentance and Disqualification

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In light of these ongoing issues, it is clear that Brian Houston has disqualified himself from public ministry. Scripture sets high standards for leaders in the church: they must be “above reproach” (1 Timothy 3:2), have a good reputation with outsiders (1 Timothy 3:7), and demonstrate integrity in all things (Titus 2:7-8). Houston’s actions, both past and present, fail to meet these standards.

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We call on Brian Houston to take the following steps:

1. Step Down from All Public Ministry: Houston should cease all public ministry activities, including his involvement in Jesus Followers TV. True restoration begins with humility and stepping away from positions of influence.

2. Make a Public Confession: Houston must publicly acknowledge his wrongdoing and the harm caused to individuals, the church, and the gospel witness. This confession should include acknowledgment of misleading fundraising practices, financial impropriety, and moral failures.

3. Seek a Season of Private Repentance: Restoration is possible, but it requires time, accountability, and genuine transformation. Houston should submit to the guidance of trusted, biblically grounded leaders who can help him walk through this process.

4. Compensate Those Affected: If funds raised under misleading pretenses were not used as claimed, they should be returned or redirected to the causes donors intended to support.

 

A Call to the Church: Protect the Witness of Christ

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As the Body of Christ, we must protect the witness of the gospel by holding leaders to account. While forgiveness is at the heart of our faith, so too is the pursuit of righteousness and truth. Public ministry is a privilege, not a right, and it comes with the responsibility to uphold the highest standards of integrity.

To the church at large, let us:

• Demand Transparency: Ministries must be clear and honest about their goals, finances, and operations. Misleading practices, no matter how well-intentioned, undermine trust and harm the gospel witness.

• Prioritize Accountability: Leaders who fail morally or ethically must face consequences. This is not about punishment but about upholding the holiness of Christ’s church and ensuring that leadership is entrusted to those who reflect His character.

• Pray for Restoration: True repentance leads to restoration, not necessarily to positions of influence, but to a right relationship with God and others. Let us pray for Brian Houston to experience this kind of transformation.

 

Closing Thoughts

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This letter is not written out of animosity but out of love for Christ and His church. Leadership failures harm the credibility of the gospel, wound believers, and tarnish the name of Jesus. We must stand firm in calling for accountability, even when it is difficult, so that the church may reflect the holiness and integrity of our Lord.

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Brian Houston’s actions have demonstrated a disregard for the trust placed in him by the church. I urge him to step down, seek reconciliation, and commit to humility and repentance.

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May we all strive to be faithful stewards of the gospel, living lives that glorify Christ and reflect His love and truth.

In Christ’s Service,
 

Brother John Elving