Discovery ANZ’s three-part docuseries, Hillsong: A Megachurch Exposed, will premiere with all three episodes, on Saturday, April 30 at 8.30pm AEST on Investigation Discovery, available on Foxtel and Fetch.
The back-to-back episodes will profile numerous ex-members of the church who have come forward to share allegations of the trauma, abuse, financial, and labour exploitation that created a culture of chaos within the church.
The series will also examine how the star-studded church, with more than 150,000 global members, was able to grow into a global brand that attracted high-profile celebrity attendees.
Hillsong: A Megachurch Exposed aims to unearth the truth behind headlines of recent scandals and shine a light on the fine line between culture, corporation and cult.
The series features interviews with Hillsong insiders, megachurch experts and Ranin Karim, the woman whose five-month affair with celebrity senior pastor Carl Lentz led to his downfall.
Participants who are featured in the docu-series include:
Ranin Karim — Had a 5-month affair with Carl Lentz, which ultimately led to Lentz’s termination from Hillsong.
Hannah Frishberg — New York Post reporter who has covered Hillsong’s scandals and alleged abuse in the aftermath of Carl Lentz’s firing.
Jaclyn Hayes — Former volunteer at Wave Church in Virginia Beach, where Carl Lentz served as a pastor prior to joining Hillsong, who alleges he exhibited controlling behaviour towards her.
Janice Lagata — Former Hillsong student and volunteer who had close working relationships with Hillsong NYC’s church leadership, including Carl Lentz, and who frequently raised concerns about the church.
Ben Kirby — Author with expertise on megachurches and creator of the viral Instagram account PreachersNSneakers which chronicles the expensive wardrobe worn by some pastors.
The series is produced by Breaklight Pictures, part of The Content Group (TCG), in association with New York Post Entertainment.
Hillsong: A Megachurch Exposed premieres Saturday 30 April at 8:30pm AEST on ID. All three episodes, back-to-back and is available on Foxtel and Fetch.