Sam Collier, the first-ever African American lead pastor of a Hillsong church, has announced he is stepping down from his position as a slew of scandals continue to surround the church and its founder, Brian Houston.
Collier, who with his wife, Toni, led the Atlanta, Georgia-based branch of Hillsong, announced his departure from the church on Wednesday afternoon.
“It is with great sadness that I inform you of my departure from Hillsong.
I have appreciated the Hillsong family and want to thank the Houstons for the love they have shown Toni and me.
My greatest reason for stepping down as Pastor of Hillsong Atlanta is probably not a secret to any of you. With all of the documentaries, scandals, articles, accusations and the church’s subsequent management of these attacks it’s become too difficult to lead and grow a young Church in this environment.
I have no shame in admitting I cried like a baby moments after I informed the Hillsong global pastor of my departure.
I truly love the Hillsong family and believe they will get through this storm and come out better than they were before.
Join me this Sunday at Center Stage for our final service as Hillsong Atlanta and for more info about a new Church I’m planting/launching on Easter Sunday 2022: “STORY CHURCH”
” – Collier, who is also an author, adviser to the King family, and founder of A Greater Story Ministries, wrote on social media.