Hillsong's Founding Pastors Brian and Bobbie Houston’s 13-Year-Old Grandson Preaches His First Sermon

The preaching tradition in Brian and Bobbie Houston's family appears to be passing to another generation.

Bobbie Houston has proudly revealed that her 13-year-old grandson, Jack Toggs, recently preached for the first time during a "Youth Takeover" service in Australia. Although she was overseas when it happened, the Hillsong co-founder woke to a text message and video capturing the special moment.

Jack, who had only recently celebrated his 13th birthday, delivered a message about joy. For Bobbie, watching such a young member of the family confidently "bring the Word" was more than another proud-grandmother moment-it was evidence that her grandchildren are developing a faith of their own.

The milestone carries additional significance because Jack belongs to one of the most recognisable ministry families in modern Christianity. Brian and Bobbie founded Hills Christian Life Centre in Sydney in 1983. The congregation was later renamed Hillsong Church and grew from its suburban Australian beginnings into an international church movement known worldwide for its conferences, contemporary worship and influential music ministries. Hillsong Church identifies the couple as its founding pastors.

Brian's preaching and leadership helped drive Hillsong's international expansion, while Bobbie became an influential voice among Christian women. She founded the Colour Conference and frequently preached about womanhood, family, leadership and spiritual purpose. Together, the couple raised three children and now have eight grandchildren.

The Houstons' lives changed dramatically following Brian's departure from Hillsong leadership in 2022. Their separation from the church they had built brought a painful and highly public season of controversy, criticism and uncertainty. Nevertheless, Brian and Bobbie have continued speaking about their Christian faith, family and belief that God still has a purpose for their future.

Bobbie's latest update deliberately looked beyond those difficult years. Rather than revisiting the public battles surrounding Hillsong, she focused on the spiritual lives of the couple's grandchildren-and Jack was not the only youngster who gave her reason to celebrate.

Bobbie also spent time at a conference with Savannah, the Houstons' firstborn grandchild, who is approaching her 18th birthday. During his message, Pastor Benny Perez reportedly stopped and spoke prophetically over the teenager.

According to Bobbie, Perez discerned the "depth upon her young heart" and spoke words of destiny over her life. It was another emotional experience for the grandmother, who described all eight of the Houston grandchildren as flourishing in their "love and passion for Jesus."

"Now ya can't ask for more than that," she declared.

Bobbie also thanked pastors Mark and Kenzie Francey for repeatedly opening their home and hearts to the Houstons. She said it had been a joy to sit with them and discuss life, leadership and the Kingdom of God.

For Brian and Bobbie Houston, the sight of their grandchildren embracing Christianity may now represent a deeply personal kind of legacy. Hillsong's music has travelled around the world, its conferences have attracted enormous crowds and its story has generated international headlines. Yet Bobbie's message suggested that one of the couple's greatest joys is much closer to home: seeing the faith that shaped their lives taking root in another generation.

Jack may have preached his first message at only 13, but his proud grandmother is already making sure the world hears about it.