Where is Carl Lentz Now? What Does He Do Now?
by Aishwarya R
Updated May 19, 2023
Who is Carl Lentz?
Carl Lentz, born on November 6, 1978, is an American former pastor who gained prominence as a celebrity pastor and spiritual advisor to notable figures like Justin Bieber, Kendall Jenner, and Selena Gomez. He was often referred to as a hype priest by GQ magazine. Until November 4, 2020, Lentz served as the lead pastor of Hillsong NYC. However, his tenure at Hillsong came to an end when he was fired by Hillsong Global Pastor Brian Houston.
Lentz was dismissed due to "leadership issues and breaches of trust" and following the revelation of moral failures. This marked a significant turning point in his career. On May 31, 2021, allegations emerged from Leona Kimes, a former nanny for Lentz's children. Kimes accused Lentz of bullying, abuse of power, and misconduct.
These accusations added to the controversy surrounding him. In May 2023, Lentz appeared in the FX documentary "The Secrets of Hillsong" where he confessed to having an extramarital affair with Leona Kimes, the wife of a married Hillsong pastor and the former nanny of his children. During the documentary, Lentz also disclosed his dependency on Adderall, a prescription medication.
Carl Lentz's journey as a pastor and his involvement with celebrities, combined with the scandals and controversies surrounding him, have contributed to his notoriety in recent years. Carl Lentz, originally from Williamsburg, Virginia, was born in that location. During the years 1998 to 2000, he attended North Carolina State University, where he played basketball as a walk-on for the men's basketball team.
Later on, he relocated to Los Angeles to pursue studies at The King's College and Seminary[citation needed]. Subsequently, Lentz continued his education at Hillsong International Leadership College, which is affiliated with Hillsong Church, located in Sydney, Australia. It was during his time there, at the age of 20, that he and Joel Houston, the son of Hillsong founder Brian Houston, conceived the idea of establishing a Hillsong Church campus in New York City. In 2003, he completed his theological studies[citation needed] and returned to Virginia Beach, where he began serving as a youth pastor after receiving ordination.
Where is Carl Lentz Now?
It was reported that Carl Lentz had been hired by Transformation Church, a predominantly Black, nondenominational megachurch located in Tulsa, Oklahoma. The church is led by pastor, author, and popular YouTuber Michael Todd. Tammy McQuarters, the executive pastor of operations at Transformation Church, expressed her enthusiasm for Lentz's addition to their staff, stating, "We gladly welcome Carl Lentz to our Transformation Church staff, helping TC with strategy as we continue to move forward in our vast vision."
McQuarters also mentioned that Lentz had spent the past two years engaging in personal growth and healing, and was now ready to utilize his gifts within the local church once again. The church firmly believed in Lentz, his marriage, his abilities, and his journey of restoration. A reliable source close to Lentz revealed that he had relocated with his family to Tulsa and had started attending Transformation Church.
The source further disclosed that the former pastor, now 44 years old, had established a consulting and coaching business, with churches among his clients. According to the source, Tulsa was seen as an ideal place for Lentz's family to continue their healing process and move forward. Before the news of his new position emerged, it was reported by Variety that Lentz and his wife, Laura, would be participating in the FX docuseries titled "The Secrets of Hillsong."
This four-part documentary, based on the investigative reporting of Alex French and Dan Adler from Vanity Fair, would feature the first interviews with the Lentz couple since their removal as pastors. The series aimed to provide a comprehensive account of Hillsong, incorporating interviews with former congregants and individuals connected to the church.
Joel Chiod, the head of the documentary at Scout Productions, expressed their commitment to presenting a well-rounded and definitive story of Hillsong, stating, "With the depth and clarity of this project owed to the excellent reporting of Vanity Fair, and the perspectives of those speaking out for the very first time, we have been committed to telling a well-rounded and definitive story of Hillsong."
Child also acknowledged the unprecedented access to Carl and Laura Lentz, emphasizing that "The Secrets of Hillsong" would offer new insights into the unchecked scandals and corruption within the church and its impact on the affected community. Agnes Chu, the president of Condé Nast Entertainment, expressed gratitude towards Alex French and Dan Adler for their exceptional reporting and the courage of those who came forward to share their experiences.
Chu highlighted the central theme of power and its systemic abuse within the Hillsong collapse, further stating, "I'm grateful to our partners at Scout Productions and FX for helping us bring this eye-opening story to light."
What Happened to Carl Lentz?
The Hillsong megachurch, a renowned place of worship for numerous celebrities including Justin Bieber, became entangled in several controversies. One prominent scandal involved the termination of Carl Lentz, who had an extramarital affair with a woman named Ranin Karim. In reference to his marital infidelity, Carl Lentz took full responsibility for his actions, acknowledging that he had been unfaithful in his marriage, which he considered the most crucial relationship in his life.
He expressed his acceptance of the consequences resulting from his behavior and declared his commitment to embarking on a journey of rebuilding trust with his wife, Laura, and their children. Lentz acknowledged the need for personal growth, healing, and seeking appropriate support. He extended a heartfelt apology for betraying the trust of those they had served, recognizing the difficulty and confusion that this revelation brought to people.
Lentz expressed a desire to deliver this message in person, as he believed it was deserved, but circumstances prevented him from doing so. Lentz's reputation suffered another blow when his former nanny, Leona Kimes, accused him of misconduct and mental abuse in 2021. However, Lentz vehemently denied these allegations.
Despite the accusations, Lentz found employment at Transformation Church, a megachurch that embraced his return. Previously labeled a "hype-priest," Lentz was warmly welcomed by Tammy McQuarters, The executive pastor of Transformation Church expressed wholehearted acceptance of Carl Lentz into their staff, emphasizing that he would play a valuable role in advancing their strategic initiatives and contributing to the church's overarching vision.
What Does Carl Lentz Do Now?
In 2010, Carl Lentz co-founded Hillsong NYC, igniting a transformative wave that left an indelible impact on churches and ministries, particularly among millennials and the unchurched. His innovative approach revolutionized the way people connected with faith, resonating deeply with a new generation.
Lentz's unique style, embracing tattoos, distinctive hairstyles, and fashionable attire, became a trendsetter among young pastors, inspiring authenticity and relatability in religious circles.
Lentz's influence extended far beyond the pulpit. He played a significant role in the spiritual journey of renowned individuals, including baptizing Justin Bieber and being present at the baptism of Kevin Durant. His genuine connections and friendships with other prominent figures demonstrated the power of faith in transcending societal boundaries.
While navigating the complexities of public discourse, Lentz faced challenging questions regarding his stance on sensitive issues. In one instance, when asked about abortion on The View, he highlighted the importance of respectful dialogue and understanding amidst differing opinions. In subsequent statements, Lentz affirmed his belief that abortion is indeed sinful.
He fearlessly voiced his concerns over legislative decisions, describing the passage of the Reproductive Health Act in New York as "evil, shameful, and demonic". Lentz's appearances, such as on Oprah's SuperSoul Sunday, sparked controversy within Christian communities, provoking discussions about the nature of a relationship with God and the inclusivity of faith.
In March 2023, Lentz embarked on a new chapter, joining the staff of Transformation Church in Oklahoma. While not assuming a pastoral role, he embraced the opportunity to contribute his talents and insights in a different capacity, continuing to inspire and uplift others on their spiritual journeys. Lentz's story serves as a testament to the transformative power of faith, resilience, and personal growth, encouraging individuals to live authentically and impact their communities positively.
Carl Lentz Wife and Kids
Before ascending to become one of Hillsong's beloved leaders, Carl embarked on a remarkable journey of faith. Enrolling in Hillsong College, he pursued his passion for preaching, setting the stage for an extraordinary future. Fate intervened when he crossed paths with Laura Lentz (née Brett), a fellow student at Hillsong. Originating from Australia, Laura and Carl found solace and love in their shared devotion to Hillsong. Their connection blossomed, leading them on a beautiful path towards marriage in 2003, as Laura joyfully embraced a new life in the United States.
Laura and Carl ventured into ministry together, wholeheartedly embracing their calling. With Laura as a co-pastor by his side, their partnership strengthened their faith community, leaving an indelible mark on the hearts of many. However, their journey took an unexpected turn when Carl's infidelity came to light, and the repercussions were felt deeply by both of them.
In accordance with Hillsong's policies, the dismissal of Carl meant that Laura's pastoral role came to an end as well. It was a challenging time for them both, as they navigated the painful aftermath of the situation. The media captured glimpses of Laura without her wedding ring, symbolizing the deep emotional impact of the events. Despite the pain and difficulties, they remained steadfast, with Laura expressing her struggle with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
Carl's public statement acknowledged his transgressions, admitting to the heartbreaking truth of his infidelity. In the wake of his confession, further investigations shed light on additional affairs, leaving both Carl and Laura grappling with the consequences. The repercussions reverberated beyond their personal lives, with prominent figures like Hailey unfollowing Carl on social media, and Laura taking a hiatus from her platforms.
Transitioning from New Jersey to Southern California, the Lentz family sought solace and renewal in their new surroundings. They made a conscious decision to prioritize their family and shield their private healing process from the public eye. While they have chosen not to delve further into the details of Carl's infidelity, Laura continues to share her love and light through her active presence on Instagram.
In September 2022, she hinted at sharing her perspective someday, but for now, their focus remains on their cherished family bond and their commitment to journey forward together. Their story is one of redemption, forgiveness, and the unwavering power of love. Despite the challenges they faced, Carl and Laura stand united, embracing the transformative strength of their faith, and cherishing the unbreakable bonds of their family.
Where is Carl Lentz Now - FAQs
Carl's dismissal from Hillsong was prompted by revelations of his infidelity. As per Hillsong's policy, Laura, being married to Carl and working together at the church, also had to leave her pastoral role.
Carl and Laura met while studying at Hillsong College in Australia. They both pursued their passion for ministry and eventually got married in 2003. Together, they embarked on a path of serving Hillsong and impacting the lives of many.
Carl's infidelity had profound consequences for both his personal life and his role within Hillsong. The disclosure of his actions caused turmoil and led to his dismissal from the church. Additionally, Laura faced the end of her pastoral responsibilities due to the church's policies.
Following their departure from Hillsong, the Lentz family relocated to Southern California. They made the conscious decision to focus on their family and prioritize their healing process away from the public eye. Both Carl and Laura took steps towards personal growth and rebuilding their lives.
Despite the challenges they faced, Carl and Laura drew strength from their faith. They chose to embrace forgiveness and work towards rebuilding their relationship and family bond. Their commitment to their faith provided a guiding light during this transformative and healing period of their lives.