Brian Houston Biography: Age, Net Worth, Family, Career and Achievements
Brian Houston is a prominent Australian pastor, author, and evangelist best known as the co-founder and former senior pastor of Hillsong Church, one of the largest and most influential Pentecostal megachurches in the world. Under his leadership, Hillsong grew into a global movement recognized for its worship music, conferences, and expansive reach in over 30 countries. Despite challenges in his later years, Houston’s impact on modern Christianity and church growth remains significant.
Quick Facts about Brian Houston
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Brian Charles Houston |
| Popularly Known As | Brian Houston |
| Date of Birth | February 17, 1954 |
| Age | 71 years (as of 2025) |
| Place of Birth | Auckland, New Zealand |
| Nationality | Australian |
| Occupation | Pastor, Author, Speaker |
| Church Affiliation | Hillsong Church (Co-founder, Former Senior Pastor) |
| Denomination | Pentecostal |
| Marital Status | Married |
| Spouse | Bobbie Houston (m. 1977) |
| Children | 3 (Joel, Ben, and Laura) |
| Net Worth | Estimated $10 million (2025) |
Early Life and Background
Brian Houston was born on February 17, 1954, in Auckland, New Zealand, to Frank and Hazel Houston. His father, Frank Houston, was a well-known pastor in New Zealand who later moved to Australia to pioneer Pentecostal ministry there. Growing up in a deeply religious household, Brian was exposed to church life and pastoral responsibilities from an early age.
He attended Bible college in Sydney and later served in his father’s ministry before starting his own work in Australia. This early exposure to ministry and leadership laid the foundation for his future as a global church leader.
Ministry and the Birth of Hillsong
In 1983, Brian Houston founded the Hills Christian Life Centre in Baulkham Hills, Sydney, alongside his wife Bobbie. The church experienced rapid growth and became known for its vibrant worship, contemporary preaching, and strong community outreach.
By 1999, the church merged with his father’s Sydney Christian Life Centre and was rebranded as Hillsong Church. Under Houston’s leadership, Hillsong grew into a global ministry with branches in major cities such as London, New York, Los Angeles, Cape Town, and Buenos Aires.
Hillsong became internationally recognized not only for its sermons but also for its worship music ministry, producing world-renowned bands such as Hillsong Worship, Hillsong United, and Hillsong Young & Free. Songs like Oceans (Where Feet May Fail) and Shout to the Lord became anthems in churches worldwide.
Career and Leadership Style
Brian Houston was known for his visionary leadership and ability to connect with diverse audiences. His preaching style combined biblical teaching with practical life application, making Hillsong attractive to younger generations and urban communities.
He also hosted annual Hillsong Conferences, which drew tens of thousands of attendees from around the world, making it one of the most influential Christian gatherings globally.
Apart from church leadership, Houston also served as the National President of the Australian Christian Churches (ACC), a role he held from 1997 to 2009.
Books and Publications
As a respected Christian leader, Brian Houston has authored several books that have inspired millions worldwide. Some of his most notable works include:
- Live Love Lead: Your Best Is Yet to Come!
- There Is More: When the World Says You Can’t, God Says You Can
- How to Maximize Your Life
- You Need More Money
These books explore themes of faith, leadership, vision, and personal growth.
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Family and Personal Life
Brian Houston married Bobbie Houston in 1977, and together they became a ministry powerhouse. Bobbie is widely respected for her leadership in women’s ministry and her role in Hillsong’s global conferences.
The couple has three children: Joel, Ben, and Laura Houston. All three are deeply involved in ministry and music.
- Joel Houston is a worship leader, songwriter, and key member of Hillsong United.
- Ben Houston has served as a pastor, including leading Hillsong Los Angeles.
- Laura Toganivalu (née Houston) is active in Hillsong’s creative and pastoral ministry.
The Houston family has been central to Hillsong’s identity and global reach.
Net Worth
As of 2025, Brian Houston’s net worth is estimated at $10 million. His income has come from:
- Book sales
- Speaking engagements
- Leadership roles in Hillsong Church
- Conference hosting
Although Hillsong’s finances have been a subject of public scrutiny, Houston has consistently emphasized his work as ministry-driven rather than profit-driven.
Achievements and Recognition
Throughout his ministry, Brian Houston achieved remarkable milestones, including:
- Founding and leading Hillsong Church, one of the largest Pentecostal churches in the world
- Establishing Hillsong Worship, United, and Young & Free, with music that has influenced churches globally
- Hosting Hillsong Conferences that attract thousands of global attendees annually
- Serving as National President of the Australian Christian Churches for 12 years
- Authoring multiple best-selling Christian books
Controversies and Resignation
In 2022, Brian Houston stepped down as senior pastor of Hillsong Church amid internal investigations and controversies surrounding his leadership and personal conduct. His resignation marked a significant turning point for Hillsong, as the church sought to rebuild its reputation and leadership structure.
Despite these challenges, Houston continues to speak, write, and minister independently, focusing on preaching the gospel and encouraging others.
Legacy and Influence
Brian Houston’s legacy is tied to the global impact of Hillsong Church and its worship music, which continues to inspire millions across denominations. Even though his career has faced challenges, his vision of spreading the gospel through modern worship, conferences, and global outreach has left an undeniable mark on Christianity.
His influence can be seen in countless churches that have adopted Hillsong-style worship and in the millions of lives transformed through the church’s music and ministry.
FAQs About Brian Houston
1. Who is Brian Houston?
Brian Houston is an Australian pastor, author, and evangelist best known as the co-founder and former senior pastor of Hillsong Church.
2. How old is Brian Houston?
He was born on February 17, 1954, making him 71 years old as of 2025.
3. Is Brian Houston married?
Yes, Brian Houston is married to Bobbie Houston. They got married in 1977.
4. Does Brian Houston have children?
Yes, Brian and Bobbie Houston have three children: Joel, Ben, and Laura.
5. What is Brian Houston’s net worth?
As of 2025, Brian Houston’s net worth is estimated to be around $10 million.
6. What books has Brian Houston written?
Some of his books include Live Love Lead, There Is More, and How to Maximize Your Life.
7. Why did Brian Houston resign from Hillsong?
In 2022, he resigned as senior pastor of Hillsong Church amid internal investigations and controversies related to leadership and conduct issues.
8. What is Brian Houston doing now?
After his resignation, Brian Houston continues to minister independently through speaking engagements, writing, and evangelism.
