Hillsong San Francisco has announced its separation from the global Hillsong Church network, taking a significant step toward operating independently under a new name.

According to the Christian Post, The Hillsong California campus led by Brenden and Jacqui Brown will now set forth with a fresh identity and vision, as confirmed by Church leadership on February 16, 2025.

The announcement was made during a remote broadcast by Hillsong Church Global Senior Pastor Phil Dooley and Hillsong California Lead Pastor Sam Lopez. This decision marks a pivotal change for the local congregation, which has been part of the Hillsong global network under the leadership of the Browns for several years.

In his announcement, Pastor Dooley emphasized that after considerable prayer and deliberation, it was clear that the Browns were ready to guide their congregation on a new path. "We believe the time is right for this. This is an exciting season for the Browns and for our church in San Francisco," Dooley stated, showcasing his support for the leaders.

The Browns Look Forward to a New Chapter

The talks about separating from Hillsong and becoming independent had been ongoing for about two years. This move aims to allow the San Francisco church to pursue a vision that aligns more closely with the specific needs and aspirations of its community.

Sam Lopez spoke further on the topic, addressing the congregation's concerns and curiosity regarding the sudden news. "In my conversations with a couple of people in our church, I'm starting to realize that this isn't very normal," he explained. Lopez reassured everyone that nothing precipitated the decision abruptly, emphasizing that it was a natural progression for the church.

The name of the newly independent church will be unveiled by the Browns next Sunday. They have promised to share not only the new name but also their vision for the future of the congregation.

Continued Support from Hillsong Leadership

Pastor Lopez praised the dedication of the Browns to their community, highlighting their 24 years of service to Hillsong Church. "We have an incredible couple there. They have a vision for it. God has called them. We're backing it 100%," he affirmed.

The separation reduces the number of U.S. campuses under the Hillsong brand to five. However, both the global and local leaders view this change positively, indicating a mutual understanding and support for the independent future of the San Francisco church.

Following the announcement, the leaders of Hillsong San Francisco took to Instagram to express their gratitude and excitement for the upcoming changes. They acknowledged the support they received from the global church, specifically thanking the global senior pastors and the California lead pastors.

A Season of Renewal and Anticipation

"God has been faithful in every step of our journey, and we believe He's leading us into something fresh and full of purpose," the Browns shared. They reassured their followers that although the name is changing, the mission remains the same: to connect people to Jesus and foster a community of love and spiritual growth.

Their statement concluded with an invitation for the community to join them in unveiling the new name and detailed plans for the church’s future. "We can't wait to step into this new season together," they expressed, illustrating a bright outlook toward their upcoming independence.

This separation comes in the backdrop of past scandals at other Hillsong locations, like Hillsong NYC, which had faced issues under former pastor Carl Lentz. These past challenges underscore the importance of unique leadership and direction for each campus to aptly serve their communities.

Looking Ahead: A Fresh Start with a New Name

The transition of Hillsong San Francisco into a standalone entity reflects a larger trend within global religious movements where local congregations seek autonomy to better cater to their distinct community needs. The San Francisco congregation eagerly awaits the revelation of their new church name, signaling a new chapter in their community’s history.