Hillsong Music Featured on 'Nightline,' Megachurch's Influence Is in the Spotlight

By Emma Koonse, Christian Post Reporter Friday, November 14, 2014

Worship leaders appear on stage during the Hillsong Conference held Oct. 16-18, 2014, at The Theater at Madison Square Garden. | (Photo: Hillsong Church)

Hillsong Church and its band Hillsong United received special recognition on ABC News' "Nightline" Thursday evening.

The Pentecostal megachurch was founded in Australia in 1983 and today has over 30,000 members, according to Hillsong officials. In addition to their powerful ministry, Hillsong produced the award-winning worship band Hillsong United, which has toured the world performing at various Hillsong church location and concert venues. On Thursday, "Nightline" highlighted the achievements of the church and its music while featuring its New York leading pastor Carl Lentz. The segment aired at 12:35 a.m. ET.

Just weeks before "Nightline" featured Hillsong, the church's band Hillsong United was nominated for an American Music Award in the Contemporary Inspirational Artist category. It marked the band's first AMA nomination. The 2014 AMA's will be broadcast from Los Angeles' Nokia Theater on Nov. 23 on ABC.

The AMA's are not the first awards granted to Hillsong Music, which consists of Young & Free, United, and Live. Earlier this year, the group earned an astounding 10 Dove Award nominations. Despite their widespread success, musicians maintain their focus is on leading listeners to God.

"We are honored to receive these nominations for Dove Awards and are humbled that people listen to our music," the Hillsong Music team said in a statement. "We pray that it always points them to Jesus. To God be the glory!"

Hillsong United's success comes as no surprise since their No. 1 single "Oceans (Where Feet May Fail)" hit the top of the Hot Christian Songs chart this year.

Considered to be one of the most famous Christian worship bands in the world, United is currently filming "Hillsong: Let Hope Rise" on five different continents. The documentary is expected for release on April 3, 2015.