Hillsong Global Support Team
Bio
Tolu has been a long-standing member of Hillsong Church, based at the New York City Campus in the United States, where she has played a key role in the leadership team since its inception in 2010. From 2014 to 2023, she served as the Executive Pastor and Chief Operating Officer at Hillsong East Coast, where she brought extensive experience and knowledge in leadership, management, strategy, and operations. Academically, Tolu holds bachelor’s degrees in Computer Science and Economics, along with master’s degrees in Economics and Regional Science from Cornell University.
In September 2023, Tolu was appointed as the Global Chief Operating Officer for Hillsong Church Global. Her desire is to continue building the church and championing people, which has been a defining aspect of her ministry. In addition to her responsibilities as Global Chief Operating Officer, Tolu was appointed to the Hillsong Global Board in 2020 and continues to serve as a director, contributing to the strategic direction and governance of Hillsong Church.
Bio
Jonathon “JD” Douglass, known affectionately by his childhood nickname, JD, has been an integral part of Hillsong Church since the age of 4. Growing up at the Hills Campus, JD actively participated in the church’s Kids’ and Youth Ministries, experiences that deeply shaped his passion for praise and worship. He attributes the love and encouragement he received at Hillsong as pivotal in forming his belief in the power of a healthy local church to establish God’s Kingdom on earth.
For the past 19 years, JD has been a dedicated member of the Hillsong Church staff. As a worship leader, songwriter, and founding member of Hillsong UNITED—a group that began nearly 20 years ago as the worship team for Hillsong’s youth ministry—JD has co-written several of UNITED’s iconic songs, including "Tell the World," "One Way," and "My Future Decided." His undeniable passion for worship and ability to elevate the atmosphere wherever he leads worship are defining aspects of his ministry. JD and his wife Lauren have also faithfully served as campus pastors for Hillsong Church in downtown Sydney for many years.
In September 2023, JD was appointed as the Creative Pastor, overseeing both the Global and Australia regions. In this role, he leads the Creative Campus Pastors in Australia and oversees Hillsong Creative globally. JD is committed to instilling foundational values like servanthood and humility within the teams he leads. His heart is to continue building purpose-filled Jesus followers within the creative team, encouraging them to use their God-given gifts and talents to glorify Jesus and create environments where people can encounter Him in church communities and beyond.
Bio
Lee is a dedicated pastor, educator, and scholar with over 20 years of experience in ministry and theological education. Born and raised on the coast of Newcastle, Australia, Lee began his professional journey as a carpenter, working in the trade for six years. During this time, he became a Christian, which set him on a new path.
In 1997, Lee pursued theological studies at Hillsong International Leadership College, earning a Diploma in Ministry. He and his wife, Cherie, began their pastoral work in 1999, serving in Hillsong Church's New People’s Ministry. In 2003, Lee joined the staff of Hillsong International Leadership College as Dean of Students. His academic journey continued as he obtained a Bachelor of Theology and a Master of Theology, and he is currently working towards a PhD, focusing on Lukan Pneumatology and its impact on Pentecostal communities, including Hillsong Church.
In 2014, Lee was appointed Executive Vice President of Hillsong College, a role he continues to hold. In this position, he teaches a variety of vocational and degree classes and remains actively involved in preaching at Hillsong's local and global campuses. Lee also dedicates significant time to mentoring alumni. As a member of Hillsong’s Global Support Team, Lee plays a integral role in aligning the strategic direction of Hillsong College with the broader vision of Hillsong Church. He is passionate about Hillsong College’s mission of discipling believers and raising leaders, recognising the potential in connecting the College with Hillsong campuses globally.
Countries
California
Canada
East Coast
Germany
Latin America
Portugal
Russia
Sweden
Ukraine
Bio
With over 35 years of ministry experience, Gary Clarke is a dynamic preacher and teacher. Alongside his wife Cathy, Gary served as the Lead Pastor of Hillsong Church London for 22 years. Under their leadership, Hillsong UK experienced significant growth, expanding into multiple campuses. Since 2021, Gary and Cathy have served as Pastoral Oversights, offering support to Hillsong Churches
In July 2024, Gary was appointed to the role of Regional Support Pastor. In this capacity, he also oversees the global Social Impact initiatives of Hillsong Church. Gary is deeply committed to helping people gain a true understanding of the message of Jesus Christ and His Church. He is passionate about empowering individuals to live to their fullest potential, enabling them to make a meaningful impact in their daily lives.
Gary is dedicated to addressing some of the most pressing issues facing humanity, from youth challenges to global poverty. He has initiated and provides oversight to various partnerships and projects that bring justice to those in less fortunate circumstances.
Countries
Berlin
France
Netherlands
Bio
Mário founded what is now Hillsong Portugal over 20 years ago, starting with just 12 people in the living room of his home. From these humble beginnings, Hillsong Portugal has grown into a vibrant church with thousands of members across more than 10 locations. The story of Hillsong Portugal has inspired countless individuals, not only within Portugal but also globally.
In July 2024, Mário was appointed as the Regional Support Pastor, a role that reflects his deep passion for building the church of Christ and raising up a new generation of followers and servants of Jesus. He is committed to the belief that the only way to perpetuate what God has called us to do is by investing in and sowing our lives into future generations. Mário is a world-renowned speaker, frequently invited to preach and teach in churches and conferences around the globe. He is especially passionate about empowering pastors and leaders from across the world to fulfill God's calling over their lives. His expertise in leadership transitions and growth opportunities has made him a highly sought-after advisor, guiding churches through various seasons of pioneering and growth. Additionally, Mário has significantly contributed to the health and advancement of churches both nationally and internationally.
Countries
Denmark
Hungary
Romania
Bio
Richard, a native Australian with Dutch heritage, brings a rich and diverse background to his role as the Lead Pastor of Hillsong Church in Amsterdam. Before settling in Amsterdam, Richard lived in London, where he met his American wife, Debbie. Together, they have been faithfully serving as the Lead Pastors of Hillsong Church Amsterdam since 2012.
With a passion for seeing the city of Amsterdam come to know Jesus Christ, Richard and Debbie are dedicated to sharing the Good News and helping the nation experience the transformative power of what He has done. Over the years, Richard has accumulated significant experience in ministry, having previously served in various capacities that have shaped his leadership and pastoral approach.
In July 2024, Richard was appointed as the Regional Support Pastor. Richard is deeply committed to helping people realize their 'God-potential' and is passionate about both God and His people. He is a gifted teacher, known for helping individuals receive their own revelation of the message of Jesus, empowering them to apply it in their daily lives.
Bio
Phil and Lucinda Dooley became the Global Senior Pastors of Hillsong Church in February 2023. This followed 16 years as Lead Pastors of Hillsong Church Africa, which they planted in Cape Town in 2008. Before that, they spent 12 years leading Hillsong Australia's youth and young adult ministries.
Phil loves being part of how God is building His Church and has devoted his life to sharing the message of salvation around the world. A visionary leader and life-long learner, Phil is deeply committed to growth and health in all areas of church life. This includes building healthy organisational structures, collaborative teams, and a healthy, joy-filled Kingdom culture. Known for his humorous communication style, he connects easily with people and loves bringing them along on the journey and seeing their lives transformed by Jesus. On Sundays, he never tires of seeing people gather to worship Jesus and grow in their faith – and, yes, he’s always up for some fun along the way!
Lucinda’s greatest passion is her relationship with Jesus and seeing others draw close to Him through all that she does. She’s a dedicated church builder, who is passionate about pioneering new churches and church locations, building healthy teams, and raising up layers of incredible leaders. Lucinda is deeply committed to the next generation and to drawing out the gold in them. She’s equally devoted to seeing women empowered, flourishing, and making a difference in their world. She believes that church is more than a friendly place – it's where friendships can be made, and people can find connection and community. She is joy-filled, faith-filled, and on fire for the Church.
Together, Phil and Lucinda are focused on Hillsong Church's vision: “To build a healthy church, changing lives through Christ.” They are passionate about serving not only their church family but also the broader community, uplifting lives wherever they go.
Locations
Asia Pacific:
Indonesia (Bali)
Fiji
Japan
Philippines
Singapore
South Korea
Shanghai
Europe:
Israel
Italy
Spain
United Kingdom
Bio
Steve and his wife Joyce began their ministry in Spain and for 10 years served as missionaries, church planters, pastors and pioneers of innovative rehab and re-integration programmes among those affected by heroin-addiction. This experience provided invaluable lessons in leadership, learned in a language and culture different from their own. Following their time in Spain, they returned to the UK, where they led and pioneered churches, while also being heavily involved in training leaders across numerous nations and cultures for the next 13 years.
In 2003, they emigrated to Australia, becoming the Campus pastors of Hillsong Church in Brisbane in 2009 where they served faithfully for 13 years. During this time, Steve also took on the role of State Leader for Queensland and the Northern Territory, further expanding his leadership influence through a period of growth from one to ten campuses in this region of Australia.
Since 2022, Steve and Joyce have served as Pastoral Oversights, providing support to Hillsong Churches across the UK and Europe. In July 2024, Steve was appointed as Regional Support Pastor for Asia Pacific and areas of Europe. Steve is deeply committed to caring for pastors and building church rooted in clear vision and culture, while inspiring people to represent and follow its mission. He believes in leading by example, embracing humility in leadership, and serving others in the most practical ways.