The strategic rise of Hillsong church catapults it from the small towns of Australia to the bright lights of NYC. Founder Brian Houston has a vision, but the charisma and A-list connections of pastor Carl Lentz earn the church its iconic status.

Founder Brian Houston goes to great lengths to minimize and silence allegations of sexual assault, cult-like tendencies and child sex crimes against the church. As the scandal deepens, it appears he will do anything to protect the Hillsong brand.