Hillsong founder says COVID-19 vaccine is a âpersonal decisionâ after church member dies By Chris Williams Alabama's governor blames 'unvaccinated folks' for COVID-19 surge Kay Ivey, Alabamaâs governor, told reporters on Thursday itâs time to start blaming unvaccinated people for the recent surge in COVID-19. (Source: WIAT/NNS via FOX Edge) Hillsong Church’s Global Senior Pastor Brian Houston said many members of his international church are fully vaccinated after one member refused to get his shot and later died. "Many of our pastors, staff, and congregation are fully vaccinated and more will be when vaccines become available to them in their countries," posted on his Instagram page earlier this week.