From humble beginnings in a suburban Sydney warehouse to an international pentecostal powerhouse, Hillsong has changed the world around it, filling stadiums with screaming congregations and counting politicians, business tycoons and A-list celebrities among its true believers. Talking to one of those believers, who's since turned her back on Hillsong, reporter Stephen Drill found himself asking: How did the church get so powerful? And is Hillsong really everything it claims to be? On his journey to find out the truth, Stephen follows the money, exposing disturbing claims of worker exploitation, complicated consensual sexual relationships and a culture where women are allegedly told to physically submit to their husbands. A ground-breaking eight-part investigation, Hillsong: faith on trial will leave you asking what you can believe in.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Claims have emerged of sexual and financial misconduct against a church leader who advised women in the church to physically submit to their husbands, including forcing them to have sex. The church has been accused of financial fraud and betrayal, with money being transferred overseas as gifts to church leaders.
The Hillsong Church is facing financial losses and losing followers due to scandals and controversies such as the complicated consensual relationship cover-up and questions about pastor selection. Despite this, some followers remain loyal and see the church as doing God's work.