What does the Australian ministry, a charismatic Evengalical church, neoliberal tech companies, and the state of late-capitalism all have in common? Yes girls and gays, it’s the beginning of our ongoing mini-series / extensive deep-dive covering the wild and disturbing world of the newly emerging megachurch: Hillsong. Starting as an independent Pentecostal branch off the long-standing Australian institution, Hillsong spread across multiple countries and continents bringing in now over a 100,000 members each week, plus half a million online, watching and engaging in their radical and new-wave form of religious and spiritual practice. From their record-breaking Christian-rock albums to the multiple independent college programs and pricey-stage productions, Hillsong is a vast network of contemporary Instagram-ready entertainment venues veiled under the promises of the Spirit and the Gifts of God. Our series begins with a background and context of their ministries’ inner-workings, plus explanations for how their brand grew to such large numbers, and why their glitzy celebrity connections have brought their beliefs into the American consciousness… Eating For Free is a bi-weekly gossip podcast reporting from the edge of the internet! We're a new wave of celebrity reporters at a time when pop culture is increasingly chaotic and media lacks the ability or moral direction to make sense of this capitalist nightmare! Do you have a tip for us? Got some hot gossip? Need to get any questions off your chest? Call our hotline at Call 1-810-EAT-FREE (1-810-328-3733) or send us an email at questions@eatingforfree.com! Become a Patreon backer for exclusive access to weekly bonus episodes and more! You can also find us on our website, Twitter, and Instagram. For behind-the-scenes gossip and access, join our exclusive Facebook group: Girls & Gays (G.A.G.S.)!  Joan Summers: Twitter, Instagram. Matthew Lawson: Twitter, Instagram. Part 1, Part 2, Part 4 Links: Hillsong: the evangelical megachurch that helped save Justin Bieber’s soul — and image (Vox) Justin Bieber Had a 'Legitimate Problem' with Xanax and Sex While 'Depressed': 'It Got Dark' (People) CARL LENTZ Hesitates to Congratulate Bieber on Engagement ... AFTER MAJOR FALLING OUT (TMZ) Justin Bieber Gets Spiritual Healing With Pastor Carl Lentz (The Blast) Chris Pratt and Katherine Schwarzenegger (People) The rise of the star-studded, Instagram-friendly evangelical church (Vox) Chris Pratt Defends Hillsong Amid Claims It's Anti-LGBTQ: 'Nothing Could Be Further from the Truth' (People) Selena Gomez Opens Up About First Time Leading Worship at Hillsong Concert to Perform 'Nobody'  (The Christian Post) Selena Gomez Shares Tearful Testimony at Hillsong Conference: 'I Am Enough, I'm a Child of God' (The Christian Post) Kendall Jenner looks sensational in wide-leg leather trousers as she joins brother-in-law Kanye West at Hillsong's midweek church service (DailyMail) Kevin Durant Talks Baptism At Hillsong NYC Church (The Christian Post) 'It feels like Arcade Fire - it’s epic!' Vanessa Hudgens reveals she and boyfriend Austin Butler are followers of the Australian Pentecostal super-church Hillsong (Daily Mail)