Brian Houston is an Australian pastor and evangelist. He was born in Auckland, New Zealand in February 1954. He is the founder and the senior pastor at Hillsong Church which is based in Sydney, Australia. From 1997 to 2009 Houston served as the National President of the Australian Christian Churches which is the Australian branch of the Assemblies of God. Brian Houston has authored several books including Get A Life, You Can Change The Future, You Need More Money, How To Build Great Relationships, How To Live A Blessed Life, How To Flourish In Life, How To Make Wise Decisions, How To Live In Health & Wholeness, Selah, For This Cause, Selah 2, For This I Was Born, Live Love Lead, and There Is More. He is an executive producer of Hillsong Music Australia which has released more than 60 albums. Brian Houston resigned as global senior pastor at Hillsong Church in March 2022.
Hillsong Church
Founder and Former Senior Pastor
h2 What Is Brian Houston’s Net Worth’ Net Worth?
Brian Houston, the Australian pastor and evangelist, has an estimated **net worth of $10 million** as of 2022. This wealth has been accumulated through his role as the founder and former senior pastor of Hillsong Church, his authorship of several books, speaking engagements, and music production ventures. Houston’s financial standing reflects his success as a religious leader and entrepreneur.
h2 Details of Brian Houston’s Income Streams
Brian Houston’s net worth is derived from several key sources:
* **Hillsong Church:** As the founder and former senior pastor of Hillsong Church, Houston’s primary source of income stemmed from leading one of the largest Pentecostal churches globally. Hillsong Church’s annual revenue was nearly $100 million in 2019. However, it has fallen by nearly 20% since then. In 2021, the church’s revenue was $76 million, a decrease from $87 million in 2020 and $93 million in 2019.
* **Book Royalties:** Houston has authored several books, including “Get A Life,” “You Can Change The Future,” “You Need More Money,” “Live Love Lead,” and “There Is More.” These books have contributed to his income through royalties and sales. A bundle of two of Brian Houston’s books sells for R250.00 at Rivers Church.
* **Speaking Engagements:** Houston is a sought-after speaker at conferences and events worldwide, where he receives honorariums for his appearances.
* **Music Production:** As an executive producer of Hillsong Music Australia, Houston has overseen the release of more than 60 albums, generating income through sales and royalties.
* **Retirement Package:** In 2010, Hillsong Church agreed to a retirement package for Brian and his wife, Bobbie, worth AU$350,000 annually. This package included health insurance, housing, property maintenance assistance, and vehicle and travel allowances for international ministry work.
h2 Hillsong Church Financial Overview and Controversies
Hillsong Church has faced scrutiny regarding its financial management and transparency. In 2019, the church made nearly $100 million in annual revenue, including tithe money from congregants. However, the church’s revenue has decreased by almost 20% since then. The church experienced a $1.2 million loss in total comprehensive income in 2020, which further dropped to a $4.1 million loss in 2021.
The church’s annual report for 2021 revealed a revenue of $76 million, down from $87 million in 2020 and $93 million in 2019. Despite the revenue decline, the church has reserved over $35 million in “accumulated funds”.
Hillsong has faced allegations of financial mismanagement, including the misuse of funds for purchases such as private jets and luxury watches. These allegations have led to legal scrutiny and investigations into the church’s financial practices.
h2 Brian Houston’s Early Life and Career
Brian Houston was born in Auckland, New Zealand, on February 17, 1954, to Frank and Hazel Houston. His father, Frank Houston, was a pastor, and Brian grew up in a Christian household. He attended Bible college.
In 1983, Brian and his wife, Bobbie Houston, co-founded Hills Christian Life Centre in Baulkham Hills, New South Wales. Over time, it evolved into Hillsong Church to reflect its growing influence, particularly through its music ministry.
From 1997 to 2009, Houston served as the National President of the Australian Christian Churches, the Australian branch of the Assemblies of God.
h2 Real Estate and Other Ventures
While specific details about Brian Houston’s real estate holdings are not readily available, reports indicate that he has invested in real estate, including a $3 million mansion in Sydney.
Hillsong Church has expanded into various business ventures, including music, media, and retail, which may contribute to Houston’s overall net worth.
h2 Controversies and Resignation
Brian Houston’s career has been marked by several controversies. In January 2022, Houston stepped aside after being charged with allegedly concealing his father’s sexual abuse of a child. He was later found not guilty in August 2023. Additionally, he resigned as the global senior pastor of Hillsong in March 2022 due to allegations of “indiscretions” towards two women. He was also arrested on DUI charges in February 2022.
h2 Hillsong Church’s Global Impact and Current Status
At its peak, Hillsong Church had locations in 30 countries and over 150,000 congregants. However, since 2020, multiple scandals connected to Hillsong have surfaced, including Brian Houston’s resignation. As of March 2023, ten out of sixteen U.S. locations have closed.
Despite the controversies and challenges, Hillsong Church remains a significant force in contemporary worship music and continues to operate globally. In 2021, Hillsong Church Ltd in Australia reported total revenue of $3,751,209 and total expenses of $3,762,716, resulting in a net deficit of $11,507.