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
A brief history of Christmas bans
A brief history of Christmas bans

These days, Christmas is hard to miss and nearly impossible to avoid. But at various times it has been banned in different countries, including Britain. This is the story …

Organisers of Christmas evangelistic campaign thrilled with impact
Organisers of Christmas evangelistic campaign thrilled with impact

Organisers of this year's Shine Your Light Christmas evangelistic outreach have been "overwhelmed" by the response from local churches.

Reach out to others, says Salvation Army, as 1.8 million Brits set to spend Christmas Day alone
Reach out to others, says Salvation Army, as 1.8 million Brits set to spend Christmas Day alone

People are being urged to reach out after polling suggested 1.8 million UK adults will spend Christmas Day alone, even though they do not want to.

Another Christmas in hardship for Gaza church
Another Christmas in hardship for Gaza church

For Christians sheltering in the Holy Family parish in Gaza, there will be few comforts this Christmas.