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The rise and fall of the ‘hypepriests’ of Hillsong

Is the era of “hypepriest” the end? The oust celebrity-turned-pastor Carl Lentz in Hillsong NYCcontroversies and legal troubles surrounding Hillsong founder Brian Houston and a recent documentary series annals allegations of abuse in the famous Hillsong church, it certainly might lead some to believe that the American public is tired of well-dressed pastors with celebrity friends and big social media followers.

America’s relationship with dramatic preaching, sex appeal, and celebrity predates the republic of the United States.

But while recent headlines have led to a decline in churches in Hillsong USA, the position of the famous pastor in the United States is not seriously threatened. At least not yet.

America’s relationship with dramatic preaching, sex appeal, and celebrity predates the republic of the United States. George Whitefield is an actor in England before he crosses the pond and uses his gifts to promote himself and become a “The most beautiful youth“to win young admirers and become the famous preacher of the colonies in the 1700s. Presbyterian Charles Finney’s space of worship in the 1800s like theater as much as they did in the sanctuaries, and he popularized “New Measures” of Engagementlike emotional preaching and stirring music, which entertain and revive the spiritual feelings of the believers.

The 20th century brought bold American preachers into new media to spread the good news. The attractiveness of preachers – their bodies, voices, and demeanor – often goes hand in hand with their success. Hellfire and brimstone preacher Billy Sunday understands this and has suits suitable for display his athletic body. Men and women alike enjoy his extremely manly lecture performance.

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No group harnessed the power of mass media more effectively than the Pentecostal Christian movement, which was born at the dawn of media culture at the beginning of the 20th century. From the beginning, early Pentecostals felt compelled to bring their miraculous good news to”Countries“Before the return of Jesus was prophesied. They are quick create newsletter and popular music served as vehicles for their vision.

The five elements also create the stars. The advent of new technologies such as radio, film, and television seemed like a divine miracle helping Pentecostal preachers reach unprecedented global audiences. While many of the most famous preachers of the past were white men, Pentecostal celebrities included a diverse group of mass communicators such as Maria Woodworth EtterMarcelino Manuel da Graça, aka Grace “Sweet Daddy”and Ida Bell Robinson.

Few have experienced the highs and lows of a Pentecostal celebrity like Aimee Semple McPherson in the 1920s preaching. A transplant from Canada, McPherson moved to California and opened a store in Echo Park, a neighborhood in Los Angeles known for its art residents. Nearly a century before Lentz used the best-selling music of Hillsong and his friendship with pop superstar Justin Bieber to reach the masses, McPherson inspired many musicians, illustrators, actors, and actresses. members and designers. in Hollywood to help her get her message out into the world.

People pray during a service at Hillsong Church on October 22, 2017, in New York.
People pray during a service at Hillsong Church on October 22, 2017, in New York.Andres Kudacki / AP file

Long before Lentz attracted hipster enthusiasts to Hillsong NYC, McPherson was attracting flappers fans dazzled by her charming personality and theatrical productions. While Lentz Joe Rogan raised his eyebrows With her figure carefully sculpted and often exposed, McPherson wore fitted sequin dresses to enhance her sex appeal. “She clings to white,” commented one person attendees sarcastically, “and the cloth sticks to her.”

If she’s alive in the 2020s, she’ll definitely be appearing alongside Lentz on “Preacher and sneakers“Instagram account, tell how one”celebrity-centered approach to Christian ministry“Often accompanied by conspicuous consumption.

In public, McPherson ignores her criticisms and shows how a famous female preacher can achieve in the United States. Her career survived sex scandals, strange disappearances and re-emergences, legal trials, and church divisions. She builds one megachurch (Temple of Angelus), established a denominations (Foursquare Church), bought a radio station and start a Bible College.

Today, many prominent and charismatic Pentecostal figures continue this conservative political tradition.

McPherson also illustrates how famous preachers can shape nations in concrete ways. She aroused American patriotism in her lectures, campaigned against Democratic candidate Upton Sinclair and enthusiastically promote war bonds rallies during World War II.

Today, many prominent and charismatic Pentecostal figures continue this conservative political tradition – especially in predominantly white organizations. Do it once Presidential candidate Pat RobertsonCharisma News Editor and Trump prophecy promoter Steve Strangor more charismatic and Pentecostal worship leaders people crammed into the Oval Office to pray and take pictures with President Donald Trump in 2019. Famous broadcasters like Paula White-Cain and the preacher Tony Suarez became indispensable property both for Trump and for conservative evangelicals in the 21st century.

The rapid rise of Hillsong USA demonstrated how a new era of digital platforms can be used to attract celebrity attendees, deliver rapid growth and shape mainstream public books. Hillsong’s megahit “Shout to God“Became a mainstay on Christian radio and in charismatic and evangelical church services throughout the late 1990s and early 2000s, and Carl Lentz was just one of many young Americans who came to Australia to learn how to replicate the fervor and enthusiasm they heard on live worship albums. Hillsong’s sequel. Lentz’s photogenic smile, Southern Pentecostal preaching and ability to attract popular congregations make him well suited to translate Hillsong Australia to Hillsong USA.

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Brian Houston, the Australian founder of Hillsong, has a big vision to influence the world and saw during Lent the star power of the famous American preachers that inspired him. So is he, Praying with passion for the president at the White House in 2019, and celebrate Trump’s vision of a “strong America”. As the successor to that model, Lentz used his substantial background to promote conservative sexual ethics and condemn abortion. In a move that surprised some, Lentz also supported Black lives are worth it too years ago other charismatic and Pentecostal celebrities like messengers Joel Osteen march in memory of George Floyd.

Lentz’s star rose with fellow famous preachers as Chad Veach in Los Angeles and Judah Smith in Seattle, and together they have given many Pentecostals concern and charismatic hope for the future. Although young people are tend to move away from the Christian partisans In the United States, media-savvy ministries appear to be able to reverse that trend. Churches of beautiful young people singing pop music to God in large, culturally influential cities presented a visual reflection of data shows that religious participation has decreased.

In fact, as a celebrity megach Church has grown biggerthey gathered many Americans who still go to church (although much less often) into centers for creating Christian content in the form of music, dance, and preaching for consumers around the world. However, merging in major churches guided by the stars has risks and rewards. And Hillsong USA’s decline exemplifies living by jetliner and branding sometimes means dying with it.

No matter how far Lentz and Hillsong USA have fallen, it would be a mistake, however, to think that the American public will soon tire of celebrity-centered preachers. Once savvy innovators, many reputable and Pentecostal preachers have found a market for their ministries without formal attendance or affiliation. The next “it” preachers with impressive flair, catchy music and worldviews are attracting millions of audiences – on TikTok or Instagram or YouTube or whatever comes next.

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