It's one of the most well-known and wide-reaching megachurches, and it has become a firm favourite of celebrities but Hillsong's next move is about to enable it to reach out to an even bigger audience.
The church has teamed up with Trinity Broadcasting Network to develop and broadcast a new TV channel that will air 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
The channel will give viewers 'a front row seat and backstage pass to all that's happening at Hillsong around the globe', according to Hillsong. Pastor Brian Houston spoke about what audiences can expect from the channel, "This new aspect of the Hillsong global vision is unlike anything we have launched up to this point. " He added: "It'll be a continuous, 24-7 feed that will be exalting Jesus and empowering people for every part of life."
The precise format of the channel and the programming is yet to be revealed but a post on the Hillsong Church website, which announced the upcoming launch alongside a video, said the channel will feature leadership teaching from Pastors Brian and Bobbie Houston and members of the international Hillsong team, worship with Hillsong United, Young and Free and Hillsong Worship, global conferences and kids shows.
In a statement released by Trinity Broadcasting Network, Chairman Matthew Crouch said: "We are excited and honored [sic] to welcome the Hillsong Channel as the newest member of the Trinity Broadcasting Family of Networks.
"This powerful new praise and worship network will offer an amazing opportunity for us to reach a whole new generation of viewers with the message of hope and grace as we partner with the most iconic and far-reaching presence in contemporary Christian music."
The Sydney based megachurch has established flourishing congregations in locations around the world such as London, New York, South Africa and Buenos Aires.
Hillsong Church's celebrity following includes Justin Bieber and Selena Gomez, who performed with Young and Free in Los Angeles last month. Fans will have to wait and see if the two have any involvement in the channel's launch or subsequent programming.
The Hillsong channel will launch to audiences around the world from 15 June. It will be available from cable providers including Direct TV and Sky.
