Hillsong Church: God Goes Viral

A megachurch exposed

Hillsong, founded in Australia by Brian Houston and his wife Bobbie in 1983, has seen a huge rise to prominence, blending commerce and religion into a multimillion-dollar empire, culminating in millions of followers all over the globe.  Their young pastors are next-generation religious figures; influential, idolistic and tech savvy, they inhabit the world of Instagram influencers and capitalise on the power of social media and popular entertainment to spread their message.

But the headline-making megachurch has been at the centre of scandal, plagued with multiple criticisms and controversies including accusations of sexual abuse, corruption, exploitation, homophobia, racism, and stories of trauma.

While looking back at the church’s tainted foundations, this documentary explores the resurgence of spirituality and belief among young people today: Why are millions of media-savvy young people following a religion whose values don’t always align with their own? What does this glossy version of Christianity have to offer?

Hillsong Church: God Goes Viral will shed a light on the phenomenon of the megachurch and provide an in depth and unique insight into the church that is possibly redefining the future of religion.