Carl Lentz rose to international fame as the lead pastor of Hillsong Church’s New York City location. Known for his charismatic preaching, celebrity connections, and modern appearance, Lentz became the face of a new generation of pastors. He often wore designer clothing, maintained a high-profile social media presence, and drew massive crowds to his sermons.
Under his leadership, Hillsong NYC grew rapidly, attracting thousands of young followers and notable celebrities, including Justin Bieber, Kevin Durant, and Selena Gomez. His approach blended pop culture with spirituality, helping the church expand its influence among millennials and Gen Z.
Controversy and Termination From Hillsong
In November 2020, Hillsong Church terminated Carl Lentz, citing “leadership issues and breaches of trust.” Shortly after, Lentz publicly admitted to infidelity in his marriage. The scandal sparked widespread media coverage and scrutiny, not only of Lentz but also of Hillsong Church’s organizational culture.
The fallout prompted internal reviews, former staff allegations, and growing criticism of the church’s governance. Hillsong’s reputation suffered, and Lentz’s exit marked the end of his high-profile ministry career—at least within traditional megachurch settings.
Stepping Away From Public Ministry
Following his removal, Lentz stepped away from preaching and public ministry. He issued an apology to his congregation and followers, acknowledging his failures and asking for forgiveness. After years of building a global platform, he went silent on social media and avoided interviews.
He reportedly focused on rebuilding his family relationships and seeking counseling. This period marked a dramatic change for someone who once thrived in the public eye.
Personal and Family Rebuilding
Lentz remained married to his wife, Laura, and the couple has worked toward healing and recovery. They have been candid about attending therapy and prioritizing family stability after the scandal. Their public statements emphasize accountability, honesty, and personal growth.
Their journey has included time away from ministry, intense counseling, and efforts to repair trust—both within the family and in their faith community. Though private, their process has been shared in select forums to encourage others navigating similar challenges.
Return to Ministry in a New Role
In 2023, Carl Lentz quietly returned to ministry, this time in a non-pastoral role. He joined Transformation Church in Tulsa, Oklahoma, led by Pastor Mike Todd. According to statements from the church, Lentz was brought on as a strategist and not as a preacher or spiritual leader.
The church made it clear that Lentz’s position was behind the scenes and focused on structure, leadership development, and strategic growth. His involvement sparked debate among religious communities, but Transformation Church framed it as a redemptive opportunity rooted in grace and restoration.
Public Reception and Controversy
Reactions to Lentz’s return have been mixed. Some supporters believe in second chances and commend his willingness to take accountability. Others remain skeptical and question whether he should hold any role in church leadership after the breach of trust at Hillsong.
Christian commentators, pastors, and media outlets have discussed the implications of restoring fallen leaders. The debate continues about how—and if—spiritual figures should be reintegrated after moral failures.
Documentary and Public Reflections
Carl Lentz appeared in The Secrets of Hillsong, a documentary series released in 2023. The series explored the rise and fall of Hillsong Church, with Lentz speaking openly about his mistakes, his experience with celebrity culture in faith, and the pressures of leading a global congregation.
His participation in the documentary marked one of his few public comments since the scandal. He shared insights into how fame impacted his spiritual integrity and the systemic issues that led to his downfall.
Focus on Accountability and Healing
In public statements since his return, Lentz has emphasized that he is not seeking to reclaim his former position as a lead pastor. Instead, he has spoken about embracing a quiet life of service, accountability, and long-term healing.
He remains committed to ongoing therapy and mentorship and is reportedly focused on long-term recovery—not platform building. His messages emphasize humility, brokenness, and grace.
Life Beyond Fame and Influence
Carl Lentz’s life now contrasts sharply with his years of celebrity-centered ministry. He no longer leads sermons or oversees large congregations. Instead, he participates in strategic roles within church administration and remains under the authority of senior leaders.
He has distanced himself from media fame and celebrity culture, choosing instead to work in the background. His current path centers on reflection, character development, and support for church operations rather than public influence.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Carl Lentz doing now?
Carl Lentz currently works in a behind-the-scenes strategic role at Transformation Church in Tulsa. He is no longer preaching or leading a congregation.
Did Carl Lentz return to public ministry?
Yes, but not in a pastoral role. He has joined church staff in a supportive, non-preaching capacity focused on structure and leadership development.
Is Carl Lentz still married?
Yes. Carl Lentz remains married to Laura Lentz. The couple has worked through personal challenges and continues to focus on healing and rebuilding their relationship.
What happened between Carl Lentz and Hillsong?
In 2020, Hillsong Church fired Lentz due to “moral failures” and “breaches of trust.” He later admitted to infidelity and took responsibility for his actions.
Did Carl Lentz appear in a documentary?
Yes. He was featured in The Secrets of Hillsong, a documentary that explores the rise and fall of the church and includes Lentz’s reflections on his experience.