Leaving Hillsong

Laura contacted blogger Donald Elley, an outspoken and extremist commentator on Hillsong and all things righteous and Christian. Laura was seeking resources for a documentary. Donald was seeking so much more, it became, in the words of BCH, unhinged. Misogyny in evangelicalism and Hillsong type places is over the top and we're calling it out for what it is, starting with an easy example of hypocrite and hyperbole, Donald Elley of Bellingen. Come chat! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Laura is a Leaving Hillsong pod guest, educator, artist, creator and some time film maker... you've met her before...today we start mammoth task of facing misogyny in the halls of Hillsong and well, right down to the altar call... Laura and Tanya discuss the narcissistic template for pentecostal boys and girls and how maleness is privileged, esteemed and honoured, while femaleness is subservient and ever diminished and minimised. It happened to Laura.. while researching for her latest project, she quickly became the object of obsession for one of the pentecostal peacocks.. a writer, a decent good Christian man, son of a minister... the kind of human the fundies love to think they are... until it becomes clear that they are very much nothing like that at all. It's terrifying and it's time to talk about it. ... so come chat!! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Tanya and PCD continue on with their dissection of the show 'Prosper', particularly, well only, episode 1..in this short, sharp, episode.. what will happen next in this Australian drama within an Australian drama is anyone's guessCome watch and chat! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

"Prosper" is the Australian drama starring Rebecca Gibney and Richard Roxborough released Jan 2024.We thought we'd react/review and relate it to who and what we know... which is a fair bit... but who's the leak/s? Come join me and PCD as we talk action/drama/plot/themes and '''do you think...?"There's no official affiliation - PCD just loved it sooo much.. So come chat! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

David and Tanya continue their chat about his new book .. Mine Is The Kingdom and chat about Brian Houston's protege, former Aussie PM Scott Morrison, or was it the other way around? The divine rights of kings extends throughout the church and the state - What can we do about it? Anything ? Just a couple of eagles... bound for glory.. Come chat! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Veteran investigative journalist, and Walkely winner, David Hardaker, talks about his new book, Mine Is the Kingdom, the Rise and Fall of Brian Houston, which has just been released. The book details Houston's life as well as the inner workings, and tax breaks, of Hillsong. As an outsider without Pentecostal Traumatic Stress Disorder, David's work is thorough, in depth and with minimal personal bias...although he admits developing an unexpected fondness for an aspect of this research and you will be surprised too! Come chat! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hillsong Boy, the show, starts this weekend!!!WE go backstage with the STAR Scott Parker to talk the how's, whys and wows of SHOWBIZ!Come chat Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

the effects of being in a program like Mercy Ministries/ Multiplied are long lasting.. and deep. Sarah and Britt outline life after getting out and away and the very real impacts of the terrifying and intense indoctrination that such places instil. It's the final ep for now.. but there's more and the best is always yet to come out!This one is a tough one and we talk hard times psychologically... and life on the other side!!Come chat! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Mercy Ministries offered Sarah and Britt y health treatment in a faith based program. After arriving, they found it was very different, and that rather than treat their mental health concerns, the enclosed and punitive program made life so much worse. Sharing details of the daily lives, ways out and impacts of MM, these two women bring truth into the sun, but not before many years have brought them to this safer place and we are grateful for their voices. So come chat! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Britt (the Prosperity Lounge) and Sarah (Delusions of Reference) met while they were both at Mercy Ministries, the 'rehab' for young women 'in trouble.' Told this was the one stop, and last stop, for all their mental health struggles and life challenges, that they would be once and finally healed, the two found that despite being promised 'holistic and professional care', it would take many months and years to recover from this 'rehab'. Join us as these courageous and strong women tell the story of hell in the place of healing run by a strange set of cronies, Nancy Alcorn, and the Hillsong gang. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

w Britt Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sarah has bipolar disorder and a history with Hillsong (and also Mercy Ministries but that's later)What was that like? and what did Sarah see? What happens when the indefensible becomes all too real? Come chat! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hillsong hurts mental health. But what's it like when you have a pre-existing diagnosis, you're 2o years old, and you hear a message of hope and healing? Sarah was in Hillsong for 6 years and shares her experiences of how the message, culture, environment and people all influenced her mental health... and how she sees it influencing others... and the community at large. Don't miss this episode... on Leaving Hillsong ! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

You read the verdict! Or you heard the verdict on this very show and today, Crimimal Law Accredited Specialist Andrew Tiedt speaks to us with what he made of this verdict and the decision by His Honour. What is reasonable? Was this a reasonable outcome and what about all that perjury?Come listen to an expert explain the hows and whys of BCH's NOT GUILTY and where was Nabi? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Twas the night before Xmas when author and activist Matt Drapper talked late night secrets with Tanya - the best kind, too - there people's ... Join us as we leave no stone or stoner unturned in our quest for more information to bring YOU. Because there's a reason for the season - and that's to see whether everyone else is doing better than you, or worse. ... SO JOIN US FOR SOME XMAS FUN - the Hillsong edition!We talk marriage, divorce, and WHAT THE HELL WENT ON IN THOSE MEETINGS WITH SHERYL SANDBERG? If you leave your job as pastor do you also surrender your AI assistant? Who's running virtual Hillsong if no one can handle the IRL one?Join us as we look at the new scandals and analyse strangers so as to distract from our own Xmas pain. :)It's a lot of fun... come chat! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We drag Grace out of paradise on vacation to talk all things Brian again as he wants his money back! oh the irony... then Grace outlines the redress scheme and various other topics along the way get thrown around with a whole bunch of HOW COME questions.. this is a fun one! and a serious one! so come chat! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Grace hit town and she had a thing or 2 to say... so we kicked off this chat w a visit back to Hillsong and who she saw and who she didn't...! Join Tanya and Grace for a good old time catch up including a bunch of probably defamatory accusations that if you know, you know. All fun and games til someone loses their credentials..Come chat! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

LEGAL DIRECTIONS and DISCERNMENT end the judgment by Magistrate Gareth Christophi in his findings re former pastor Brian Houston's criminal trial in Sydney last year. This 3rd part is made up of the judge's own directions to himself and his final conclusions and verdict decision.DON'T MISS OUT ! these are the transcripts from NSW local court where the trial was held! this is word for word...what happened.. so YOU CAN DECIDE! PART 3 IS READ BY author, (Lesser Light, Bringing Me Back to Me), historian, activist and sometimes co-host of LEAVING HILLSONG, Matthew Drapper for a touch of class! This is ONLY AVAILABLE here! Come chat! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

pt 2 of the reading of verdict transcripts from NSW Local Court in the trial of Brian Houston for Concealing a Serious Indictable Offence. This is the reading of the judgment by Magistrate Gareth Christopher on 17 August 2023. thx to Jake Elliot and PCD for voices! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ex pastor Brian Houston's verdict read from the transcripts of his day in court for concealing a serious indictable offence. Direct from NSW courts... a world first.. the entire verdict... well, part 1.. with Tanya Levin and Jake Elliot! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

When Troy's older brother, Peter, started attending Hillsong, Troy kept quiet. But when his 'trance' like state became more concerning, Troy tagged along. This fascinating tale of two brothers and their strong bond is continued in this episode. Troy, a social worker in London, is a very measure and fair type, wanting to be rational and just, yet he found it was too hard to accept Hillsong as anything other than a secret club, a cult. Come chat as we find out how he managed to get Peter out.. and what life's like now! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

When Troy's brother Peter started hanging with the Hillsongers in London, he tried to be understanding. But as it progressed, Troy had some real concerns...and he loved his brother... Troy tells the story of brotherly love and how he followed his brother all the way to the altar... Come chat! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Geoff Bullock and Brian Houston were good mates. Until they weren't when Geoff left. One doesn't leave a narcissist without punishment. And Geoff was punished in every way they could think up. In part 3, Geoff recalls the man he used to call a friend and tells us what he'd say to his old buddy if he could. This is a bittersweet story of love, loss and friendship and.. A spiritual milkshake. Come chat! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

SOCIAL MEDIA INFLUENCERS HOUSTONS Laura, Roberta Lee and Brian Charles were out in full mediocrity and DSM IV criteria following THE VERDICT. suddenly the legal system is the bees' knees. And the judge is honorable and they care about victims. Super cute if it weren't too little, too late. Come read along and follow the bouncing ball of snake oil selling and hypocrisy. Let's talk! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

YOLANDI B and Tanya dive back into the BOLT

Immediately after Brian Houston was found not guilty of concealing a serious indictable offence, he was interviewed by Andrew Bolt of Sky News. In this interview, Houston chooses his words and reactions carefully, as does Bolt. Yolandi Bosch, former Hillsong student and advocate, was concerned, as a Christian, who identifies as conservative, about WHAT Houston was saying. So we had a chat... and we took this theatre apart in our way! Come talk with us! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Geoff Bullock and his mate, Mike Smith knew each other from high school. When Mike had a radical salvation experience in his early 2o's, Geoff wanted to know, too. He went to the church, met Frank Houston and then, met Brian Houston, and they became best budsGeoff found the piano, and the rest, as they say, is history. So we're going back over that history... and what it was like being a late 20's pastor at Hills CLC... when Brian was just a and we askWhat Happened!!! What happened to 5th Beatle Mike? What happened to Brian? And ... we find out where Geoff is up to!! This is a chat you won't want to miss! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In Part 2 of Angel's story of Hillsong Bible college in Sydney, after his visa is cancelled, far from home and family, Angel makes moves to take back control of his life and his thinking...We find out what happened with immigration and the mountain of lessons learned from and in spite of...being a Hillsong bible college student..Join Pedagogist and Cat Lover, Angel Huertas, talking about Leaving Hillsong and Leaving church and finding out what and whom to trust!Come chat with us in Puerto Rico! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In Part 2 of Angel's story of Hillsong Bible college in Sydney, after his visa is cancelled, far from home and family, Angel makes moves to take back control of his life and his thinking... We find out what happened with immigration and the mountain of lessons learned from and in spite of...being a Hillsong bible college student.. Join Pedagogist and Cat Lover, Angel Huertas, talking about Leaving Hillsong and Leaving church and finding out what and whom to trust!Come chat with us in Puerto Rico! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Angel Huertas hails from Puerto Rico and in 2005, he was super excited to go to bible college in Sydney, Australia!He packed up and set sail for sunshine and theology and he found something very different. Far from home, when things took a turn for the not so happy.... Angel realised how far away he really was..Angel is a teacher and shares his learnings with us ... tonight... come chat! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Following last week's plunge into the sordid and sincere, PCD and TL chat more about#why PCD thinks BCH should 'wake up every morning screaming'#what the 'words of knowledge' are really all about in the pentecostal movement#if Christianity offers any 'good' at all... #what those people are still doing in #thatplace!and so much more so don't wait a second longer! Come chat! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Paul Castle Dine made a $5 bet with a friend about the group with the tambourine that were camped outside his job at Mcdonalds as a teen... he won... well, he was right.. but it lead directly to his initiation into the Hills Christian Life centre which unbeknownst to anyone least of all PCD in the mid 1980s was going to explode one day into the virus called Hillsong. Your loyal host is always up for a step back in time and so well, between the old Donna stories and some Brian lore, we found time to shake our heads in nostalgic horror about a world hit by one disease and about to endure a plague of a different kind. Join this alumni for some inside dirt and some equally strong views now ... !!! Come chat! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In the final part of The Grifter Highway, Janice Lagata from God Has Not Given in New York shares some more views on the people that ran the New York Hillsong. We talk about the finances that the 'church' threw around and spent and how did they end up with no money again? Can there be redemption for Hillsong? What will happen to Carl Lentz? And a quick question about where Brian has citizenship??? hmmmmFind out in part 3! Come chat! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

@godhasnotgiven Star Janice Lagata continues her discussion from New York City with Tanya about:hellpodcastsfriends who think you're going to hellleaving churchwhatever might be going on in preachers' heads when they spend up all that money!So come talk the big talk as we travel further on down The Grifter Highway... come chat! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Writer, performer, musician and host of top-rating #exvangelical and life podcast @godhasnotgiven, Janice Lagata, joins Tanya Levin to discuss her story of being in and leaving the most famous of all the Hillsongs--- New York City with Pastor Carl Lentz. Teamed up to discuss the internal investigation report from the lawyers, we move on to topics including Janice's own history and her perspective now the report, the pastors, and the leaders are all OUT... This is nothing if not HONEST and Janice is her warm, funny wise self as we take a look at... The Grifter Highway... Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On 15 and 16 June, the closing arguments in the trial of R v Brian Charles Houston were heard at Sydney's Downing Centre, the prosecution and the defence allocated one day each. Jake Elliot from @the_framew0rk and me, Tanya were there both days to see these things in real life and he took notes while I stared at Bobbie. We take a good stab at understanding what took place, offer some opinions for what they're worth and we even hear from our LH lawyer !I don't think the prosecutor is Scottish but it was exciting to think so... this case is so detailed ... the best is still yet to come out!!! Come chat!! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Peter Fox is a former Detective Chief Inspector of the NSW Police force and had been on the force for decades when he came across cover ups in the Catholic church of pedophilia in the very neighbourhood he commanded. Worse yet, when he brought this to the attention of the police, he was directed to hand over his investigation. Mr Fox blew the whistle and demanded a royal commission into these issues. It cost him his career, but not his will. I was thrilled to talk to Peter about how he sparked a royal commission into institutional responses to child sexual abuse in Australia, and his thoughts on Hillsong. DON'T MISS THIS!! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Why did the Vanity Fair documentary nosedive into a promo piece for a perp with multiple complaints about his leadership, his behaviour, his financial misappropriation, sexual exploitation, labour exploitation, coercive control and on and on including spiritual abuse? We may never find out, although I suspect we will... but today we conclude the Carl Lentz VF exploration with Tanya's first hand account of working with the producers... and being deceived... and feeling scammed. Shaun Nemorin, M.S.W. , U.N.H.C.R staff, and former Leaving Hillsong podcast guest - An Economy of Souls- had wanted to interview Tanya...and this is the conversation they had, ... what has the hunt for truth cost Tanya? what has the recent foray with Vanity Fair been like? up close with the bright lights? how does connection make us feel less alone? how to deal with issues of trust and being taken for a ride? what does 'the institution', as Shaun calls it, need to do to affect change? will Vanity Fair get away with it? ! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What did BCH ask Tanya Levin after more than 23 years of no contact when they caught up at court? Why did Tanya get arrested while Justin Bieber was at conference? We continue Luc Hilton's interview with Leaving Hillsong host, Tanya Levin in part 2 of this very special episode ... don't miss it!! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Vanity Fair's recent 'documentary' The Secrets Of Hillsong had a really big secret it kept from most of the participants - they were being interviewed without knowing that the source of so many complaints of abuse, celeb loving pastor from New York, Carl Lentz was actually using this for a comeback. Or using Vanity Fair or from most ways you look at this, the positive light shines bright like a diamond in a pastor's Rolex.And we got scammed. Bad. Just lied to... and here we are. So, i decided, since Vanity Fair used my expertise for their movie then erased my book and this pod... pushing all that aside to make room for Carl and Laura .... Luc Hilton did this interview with me, Tanya Levin on 23 Jan 2023 who knew how useful it would be? If they refuse to tell the right story and there SO MUCH wrong with this show... then I'll tell you about me!!Come Chat! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Bobbie Houston, the former Biggest Shot at Hillsong, has been preaching up a storm at her frenemy's church, Wendy Treat over in Seattle, blissfully ignorant of the reality of her husband's bad behaviour and inability to shave. Or is she? Join me, Tanya and James, our resident Mental Health consultant as we look over the myriad of drivel and confessions that pour out of the heart/mouth of Roberta Lee Houston nee McDonald. Is she a witch? Is she mentally ill? Is she lying? All 3? You decide tonight as we hear all about Bobbie's God moments and A visit from the ancients! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Carl Lentz was an unusual pastor to his New York City sheep and they loved every moment of him. Until they didn't. Long before Lentz's famous fall, Nate, a native New Yorker was on the production team at Carl's NY franchise, and he joins us again with his fiance, Gail, a Canadian, who also comes from a background of evangelicalism. We chat about Carl, and Josh, and Darnell, and what it's like to SERVE under the KING ... we also have a fun time talking about what's the point of Brian Houston? and the hooks that these snake oil shepherds use to keep their sheep in line.. the guilt, and so often.. the feeling of responsibility for others in a church where there are predators and threats.So come visit New York with us, me, Tanya, and Gail, and Nate and let's chat! Oh and check out Full Mutuality, the podcast by the pod guests! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Gail is from Canada. Nate is from New York. Both are from an evangelical background and wound up engaged. Nate and Gail from the Full Mutuality Podcast talk American fundamentalism and Hillsong NYC and the highs and lows it offered. In Part 1 we meet them and find out how Nate went from being taught he was 'worse than Judas' to being up close and personal with some of New York's finest... Christians. Come chat! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Drapps, our UK correspondent, joins us to talk Mike Pilavachi and Soul Survivor and the recent #SCANDAL to hit the UK. We talk about what happens when young men feel uncomfortable and how an entire movement. based on celibacy turned out not to be so. What to do next? well, come chat and let's find out! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Scott and his wife Kat join us for part 3 of our deep dive into the MUSIC of Hillsong... how it's created and how it's weaponized for crowds... and then, something happened... as we were talking about growing up in Hillsong, Scott spoke of abuse at Youth Group, physical, psychological, and sexual. This is an intense episode with a passion expressed that is as raw as any church service. What is criminal and what is....religious freedom? Don't miss this episode... And if you're a parent who goes to church... this one's for you! Come chat! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Hillsong liturgy? TONIGHT we take apart the magic of Hillsong music and its worldwide influence.. how does it work? And who gets to be a STAR? Find out who gets chosen to play the role of musician in the Greatest Megachurch Show on Earth! Scott and Kat both had roles on stage and they guide us through the highly scripted and highly influential music machine that is Hillsong music in part 2.. come chat!! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

"I know the people who wrote those songs!", says Scott's friend in the 7th grade. "Really! thinks Scott, then I'm going to that Hillsong Church...."For 15 years Scott sang Hillsong songs on stage and learned all there is about music... well, Hillsong music. In the mean time, Kat was growing up on the North Coast of NSW and going Uniting, until she took a gap year for college... and before she was classically trained at the Conservatorium. Together they made all kinds of music (groan, yes) and now married for 7 years, baby makes 3. But they're no longer in Hillsong after all the promises and dreams were laid out. So what happened? and what IS backstage like? Come talk with Scott and Kat ... :))))) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

3/ what's life been life like since? For former pastors Craig and Sam Wood, life has been fantastic. but it was rough at the start, when they first left Hillsong and went out into the world. Stripped of their daily support systems and employment, Sam and Craig had to start from scratch. What did they do? Where did they turn and how did they make it through? We talk faith, life and relationships on Leaving Hillsong part 3 with this incredible couple! Come chat!! Get bonus content on Patreon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Pastor Craig had a question for Pastor Brian Houston when he ran into him. The answer changed the course of the Woods family's lives FOREVER...So what was so important and then what did Craig and Sam do once they were handed the answer in a way only BCH gives answers? Find out on Part 2 of outta the woods!! Get bonus content on Patreon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Former Hillsong pastors talk for the first time about 8 years spent in the leadership roles after many years before at church and in ministry. Then along came Brian Houston. And in minutes, everything changed. Join us for this next-level chat about what it's like to start, run, pioneer and lead only for it to come crashing down and the whole family has to start from the beginning! #pastors #hillsong #leavinghillsong #exvangelical #evangelical #pods Get bonus content on Patreon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What about Uncle Sam and #Hillsong? Does the IRS want to know about these gifts and honoraria? Is Brian supposed to pay tax on the money he collects overseas and are his mates supposed to pay tax on the tax deducted money that is tax exempt that is given to THEM when they hit Aussie shores?Barry Bown, chief investigator of Leaving Hillsong but usually the Trinity Foundation has been thrilled by the Whistleblower Documents dropped by Andrew Wilkie, MP, in Canberra March 9. He's here to show us the rights but mostly wrongs of these wacky characters and outlines the tax evasion, exemption, avoidance, and just plain old ignorance that is going on around the world and in the USA by megachurch pastors. You won't want to miss this Global Senior Explanation of the racket called Hillsong! Get bonus content on Patreon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.