Hillsong pastors step down

Reed and Jess Brogard

The lead pastors of Hillsong Dallas are stepping down after 15 years to take some time out to "get healthy". 

In a pre-recorded message, Reed Bogard and his wife Jess said the last 10 years of living in church-planting mode had "really taken a bit of a toll" on their family.

The couple, who have three children, said it was the right time to transition out of leadership at the church and "take some time to remain healthy, get healthy and to really see what this next season holds for us."

"It has been an incredible ride thus far. We have had some crazy days, some great days, seen God do many, many miracles," Reed said.

"We are so grateful for that. With that said, the last 10 years of being in church-planting mode has really taken a bit of a toll on Jess and I and our family."

They also expressed their thanks for Hillsong's senior pastors Brian and Bobbie Houston "for believing in us and entrusting this to us."

"They have trusted so much along the way. They have been the greatest cheerleaders, the greatest supporters," Jess said.

"I never met two people who believe in people so much. We are just so grateful for you, Pastors Brian and Bobbie."

In their time with Hillsong, the Bogards have helped to plant three different campuses, including the Dallas church, LA and New York City, which is the midst of leadership change following the ousting of its pastor Carl Lentz. 

Lentz was let go last year because of moral failures and an investigation is ongoing after more complaints were made about the NYC branch. 

The investigation is looking into "all concerns and any wider cultural issues."

The Bogards did not mention Lentz or developments at the NYC branch in their resignation announcement.

News
The first Christmas song to be sung in churches
The first Christmas song to be sung in churches

Every Christmas, people sing the song “While Shepherds Watched Their Flocks by Night”. Unlike many other songs and carols that include elements of non-biblical tradition and myth, this song is pure Scripture. It was the first Christmas song authorised to be sung in the Church of England. This is the story …

The story of the Christmas Truce of 1914
The story of the Christmas Truce of 1914

On Christmas Eve in 1914, many men were in the trenches fighting the war, but the spirit of Christmas halted the conflict for a brief period. This is the story …

Report highlights injustices experienced by Christians in the Holy Land
Report highlights injustices experienced by Christians in the Holy Land

Jerusalem Church leaders have released a report detailing the struggles and challenges currently faced be Christians living in the Holy Land.

Have you lost the wonder of Christmas?
Have you lost the wonder of Christmas?

For you who have been followers of Jesus Christ for a long time, maybe the pain and suffering of this world and the darkness you have had to live through this past year has gotten you down to the point of complete and utter discouragement. But all is not lost.