While the exact financials of the organization have not been made public, Hillsong reported revenue of $64 million in 2010. The organization also sells books and CDs. The church’s record label sold more than 16 million albums worldwide and earns an estimated $100 million a year.Īpart from the band, Hillsong runs Bible training colleges, a performing arts academy, and as of 2015, a feature film was in the works. Hillsong United, the band, has millions of followers on social media and has sold out stadiums during their performances. One of the church’s constants since its inception has been music. Their growing popularity meant that many people attended the sermons, with Hillsong themselves estimating an attendance of more than 30,000 at a congregation across a week. Over the years, Brian set up Hillsong churches in several other countries, including more than 130 locations like Indonesia, Scotland, and England, among others. At the time, he worked with Geoff Bullock, a musician, to develop a distinct sound for the church, eventually renaming it after one of their successful musical acts. After assisting his father for a few years, Brian founded Hills Christian Life Centre in 1983 along with his wife, Bobbie. Eventually, his father, Frank, moved to Australia in 1977.
Brian was born in Auckland, New Zealand, and his parents were pastors while he was growing up.