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The influential music ministry of Hillsong Church, producing contemporary worship music that has achieved global mainstream success. Originating from Hillsong Church in Sydney, Australia, founded by Brian Houston in 1983, its music ministry became a defining force in modern Christian worship. Known for accessible, anthemic songs blending pop, rock, and electronic elements, it spawned global hits like 'Shout to the Lord', 'Oceans (Where Feet May Fail)', 'What a Beautiful Name', and 'Who You Say I Am'. Operated through distinct bands targeting different demographics: Hillsong Worship (main congregational), Hillsong United (youth/young adults), and Hillsong Young & Free (youth/electronic). Sold tens of millions of albums worldwide, won multiple Dove Awards, and received Grammy nominations, influencing worship practices globally. Faced significant controversies in the 2020s related to church leadership scandals and financial mismanagement, leading to Brian Houston's resignation and the rebranding of the music away from the 'Hillsong' name in many contexts (e.g., Hillsong Worship became 'Hillsong UNITED' in 2023).

• Founder Brian Houston resigned as global senior pastor in 2022 after an internal investigation found he breached the church's code of conduct, including inappropriate behavior with two women. He was later charged by Australian police for allegedly concealing his father Frank Houston's child sexual abuse crimes in the 1970s; he pleaded not guilty but stepped down from all ministry roles.
• Hillsong Church faced intense scrutiny over its finances, leadership culture (described as 'cultish' by some former members), lavish spending by leaders (including private jets), and handling of sexual misconduct allegations, leading to global branch closures and a significant reputational crisis.
• Despite the church's scandals, the music created under the Hillsong banner continues to be widely used in churches globally, demonstrating a complex separation between the artistic output and the organizational failures.
• The music ministry underwent a major rebranding effort in 2023, consolidating Hillsong Worship, Hillsong United, and Hillsong Young & Free under the single name 'Hillsong UNITED'. This coincided with the church's broader efforts to distance itself from past controversies associated with the Houston family name.