An alleged “inappropriate relationship” between two top pastors has led to a major shake-up at Neuma Church—a multi-national megachurch, based in Australia.

Last Sunday, Jacomi Du Preez, a board member at Neuma Church in Melbourne, Australia, announced during a livestreamed service that global senior pastors Corey and Simone Turner had abruptly resigned. Du Preez said the reason for the resignation was that “their health and wellbeing is such that they are no longer able to function in these roles.”

However, in a statement to church members on Friday, which was obtained by The Roys Report (TRR), the Neuma board divulged that a church member had come forward with an allegation that Pastor Corey Turner was in “an inappropriate relationship with Pastor Stacey Hilliar.” As a result of the allegation, Pastor Hilliar has resigned, as well.

According to her website, Hilliar and her husband, Jai, serve on the Executive Team at Neuma Church. Jai oversees the church’s business operations and Stacey oversees “the Prophetic Pillar,” including “worship, creativity, prayer, and the prophetic.” Hilliar also is an author and podcaster, who leads her own self-named ministry.

After receiving the allegation, the board immediately “stood down” Corey Turner and Hilliar, pending an internal investigation, the statement said. The allegation also was reportedly communicated to Turner and Hilliar, who then resigned, as well as the Australian Christian Churches (ACC), which credentialed both pastors.

Seemingly addressing the church’s previous statement, attributing the resignations to health issues, the board added: “Understandably, both pastors were under significant stress, and the Board had concerns about their health and wellbeing, as well as those of their families.”

The board said it didn’t disclose more information last week “to protect the complainant,” who wished to remain anonymous, and “the families of all those involved.” However, the board noted, “There has been much speculation in the public domain, and we feel it is important that we respond clearly to avoid further speculation.”

In wake of the scandal, Raef Soliman, formerly listed on the church website as “Apostolic Pillar,” is serving as interim senior pastor of Neuma Church. 

TRR reached out to Neuma Church, the Turners, and Hilliar for comment, but did not receive a response. 

Since February 2019, Corey and Simone Turner had served as lead pastors of Neuma Church, then known as Bridge Church. Prior to this, Corey Turner ministered for two decades, serving in pastoral roles at several Melbourne congregations, including CityLife Church, Discovery Church, and Activate Church.

Corey Turner and the church board rolled out a rebranding of Neuma Church in fall 2019, and months later announced a plan to launch more campuses.

By 2021, the Turners had adopted the title “global senior pastors” of Neuma Church, which has locations in Thailand and San Francisco. In 2022, the church’s “vision night” presented an ambitious plan to “plant 200 Neuma churches across four global hubs . . .” 

The two pastors allegedly involved in an inappropriate relationship together—Corey Turner and Stacey Hilliar—have posted several times in recent years about each other on social media. 

In February 2020, Corey Turner posted that Hilliar was a “firebrand woman of God . . . one of the best preachers you’ll ever hear.” And, in August 2022, he posted a picture of Hilliar leading worship. He wrote: “We are only at the starting line of what God is about to pour out on his people through your ministry.” 

Similarly, in September 2015, Stacey Hilliar posted about Turner, writing, “Corey has such a strong anointing on his life.” 

In a post on Oct. 28, 2023, Turner posted about returning from a ministry trip with Hilliar and other Neuma Church staff. “It’s been an amazing privilege to travel across Europe and minister with covenant family and 5 fold leaders,” he wrote. 

Investigation to be conducted by ACC 

The board of Neuma Church has canceled a previously announced internal probe of Turner and Hilliar and has passed the matter to the ACC, the church’s overseeing denomination.

“Given both pastors have resigned, the Board was advised that it should not proceed with an internal investigation,” stated the board. “However, as both parties are ACC credential holders, the matter is now in the hands of the ACC. We will cooperate with the ACC in their processes, and we are thankful for their support during this difficult time.” 

Formerly known as the Assemblies of God in Australia, the ACC was founded in 1937 and currently consists of 1,100 churches and 3,300 ministers, according to the organization. 

Disgraced Hillsong founder Brian Houston served as president of the ACC from 1997 to April 2009, when Wayne Alcorn was elected to lead the Pentecostal denomination. Alcorn preached at Neuma Church on the Sunday the Turners’ resignation was announced. 

TRR reached out to ACC regarding the status and specifics of the investigation into the Turners and Hilliar but did not receive a response. 

On its website, the ACC’s United Constitution, adopted in April 2023, provides information about the ministerial credentials it offers and how a suspension could occur. 

The ACC’s list of eight qualifications includes signing a “code of conduct” and also to demonstrate “the qualifications set out in 1 Timothy 3:1-7 and Titus 1:7-9 for a leader in the church.” These passages specify honoring marriage vows.  

The United Constitution of the ACC further states: “Credentials and certificates may be suspended or withdrawn on the grounds of improper conduct or false teaching by decision of a majority of the National Officers.” 

However, neither the ACC’s website nor its constitution specify the organization’s process for an investigation. 

Jimmy Hinton, an author who trains church leaders in abuse prevention, said he believes that the Neuma situation “warrants an independent investigation.” He said church members become “armed with facts” through third-party investigations, which dispel false narratives and rumors.

Hinton added: “It also helps determine whether leaders knew about this before or if there have been patterns of this kind of misconduct over the years.”

For its part, the board of Neuma Church stated the search for a permanent Senior Pastor is underway, expressing hope for “a successful transition into the next season.” 

“We all have confidence in God, who is building His Church, and we ask that you continue to pray for our church as we navigate this next season.”

UPDATE: On Feb. 15, Australian Christian Churches announced in an email to ACC pastors that the ministerial credentials of Turner and Hilliar have been “suspended.” The full statement obtained by TRR is included below.

Australian Christian Churches – Statement on Feb. 15, 2024

Freelance journalist Josh Shepherd writes on faith, culture, and public policy for several media outlets. He and his family live in the Washington, D.C. area.