Phil Dooley is a giant fan of Christmas. From mince pie with custard to Carols and spectacular tributes to Jesus, he loves this celebratory time of year.

This Christmas, though, follows a year where the new Senior Global Pastor of Hillsong has had a lot to deal with.

The fall-out from Hillsong founders Brian and Bobbie Houston stepping down this year has impacted inside and outside the church walls.

From disillusioned congregation members to online attacks and barbed headlines, Hillsong has come under fire.

Expect this to continue as Brian Houston is in court to defend charges of concealing sexual abuse committed by his father Frank.

Houston’s successor at Hillsong, Phil Dooley, told Hope Mornings that he is saddened whenever people turn away from Christian faith or church because of scandals or turmoil.

But Phil pointed us back to the source of faith.

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Do not focus or bank upon leaders, Phil encouraged.

Instead, Jesus always must be the one to follow – just as God’s people should always seek to be faithful witnesses.

Listen to the full interview with Phil Dooley in the player above.