Hillsong loses his San Francisco campus: a new era opens
In an unexpected turning point for theHillsong evangelical churchthe San Francisco campus has announced its separation from the global network. This decision, revealed on February 18, 2025, marks a new chapter for the Christian community of Bay Area and raises questions about the future of Hillsong in the United States.
An independent vision for San Francisco
Pastors Brenden and Jacqui Brown, leaders of the San Francisco campus, shared their “new vision” for the local church during the service on Sunday, February 16. This announcement was officially confirmed two days later by Phil Dooley, Global Principal Pasteur of Hillsong, and Sam Lopez, main pastor of Hillsong California.
The decision to become an independent church reflects a desire for renewal and autonomy, part of a broader trend observed within American Christian communities. The new name of the church, Heirs Churchwas released on February 23, marking the start of this new era.
A context of challenges for Hillsong
This separation is added to a series of departures and closings that have shaken Hillsong in recent years. Since 2020, the church has lost 11 of its 16 American campuses, reducing its presence to only five sites in the United States.
These changes are involved in a context of scandals that have tarnished the reputation of Hillsong:
– The dismissal of Carl Lentz, former pastor of Hillsong NYC, for infidelity in 2020.
– The resignation of Brian Houston, founder of Hillsong, following allegations of misconduct in 2022.
– charges of financial mismanagement and abuse of power.
The impact on the Christian community
The separation of the San Francisco campus, now known as Heirs Church, raises questions about the future of the mega-church model and the evolution of the Evangelical Christian landscape in the United States. It reflects a trend towards more local and authentic communities, meeting the specific needs of their faithful.
For members of the former Hillsong San Francisco, this change represents an opportunity to redefine their identity and mission. Pastors Brown have expressed their enthusiasm for this new direction, stressing the importance of remaining faithful to their call while adapting to the needs of their community.
A turning point for the evangelical church
The transformation of Hillsong San Francisco into Heirs Church marks a pivotal moment for the American evangelical church. It illustrates the challenges faced by major religious organizations and the quest for authenticity of local communities.
While the Christian landscape continues to evolve, this transition offers an opportunity for reflection on the role and structure of modern churches. The future will say how Heirs Church will sail in this new chapter in its history, regardless of the Hillsong network.
