Stephen Carl Lentz, better known as Carl Lentz, is an American former celebrity pastor who became widely known for his work with Hillsong Church. Due to his profession, he has had the opportunity to work with numerous top celebrities including Justin Bieber.
However, his career took a dramatic turn in 2020, the year he was dismissed from his position at Hillsong NYC due to moral failures. He was accused of control, manipulation, sexual assault, and abuse of power.
Needless to say, his dismissal from the lead pastor position at Hillsong NYC, garnered widespread attention. People want to know more about the pastor and his current status. So, here we are with the details you need.
Early Life
Carl Lentz was born on 6th November 1978, in Williamsburg, Virginia. Growing up in a Christian family, he learned the values of faith and community early on.
In high school, he was known for being outgoing and skilled in basketball. He attended North Carolina State University, where he continued playing basketball but left to pursue a deeper calling.
Later he enrolled at Hillsong International Leadership College in Sydney, Australia. It was during this time that he came up with the idea of establishing a Hillsong Church campus in New York City. He decided to go ahead with the plan with Joel Houston, who was the son of Hillsong founder, Brian Houston.
Career
After completing his graduation, Lentz began his ministry career in Sydney and worked closely with Hillsong Church. With his unique preaching style, he could resonate well with young Christians.
In 2010, Carl Lentz returned to the U.S. and co-founded Hillsong NYC with Joel Houston. Hillsong NYC quickly became one of the most popular churches in New York City, attracting thousands of attendees each week. These included high-profile celebrities like Justin Bieber, Kevin Durant, and Selena Gomez.
Under Lentz’s leadership, Hillsong NYC grew rapidly, and he became a well-known figure in the evangelical world. His sermons focused on love, grace, and inclusivity. He also used social media to reach a wider audience and boost his celebrity pastor status.
However, in November 2020, Lentz was dismissed from his position as lead pastor due to a breach of trust and leadership issues. He later admitted to having an extramarital affair, which led to a huge public scandal, followed by his downfall within the Christian community.
Personal Life
Carl Lentz married Laura Lentz, a fellow Hillsong College graduate in 2003. The couple has three children, including two daughters, Ava and Charlie, and a son, Roman. The Lentz family is a modern Christian family.
However, Carl Lentz’s affair put great strain on the family. After he was fired from Hillsong, he relocated to California with his family. Despite the challenges, Carl and Laura have stayed together.
Carl Lentz has also been open about his struggles, especially after his public downfall. He has expressed a desire to learn from his mistakes and help others facing similar challenges.
Net Worth
As of 2024, Carl Lentz’s net worth is estimated to be around $10 million. The majority of his wealth was generated from his service at Hillsong Church, where he occupied the position of a lead pastor. His other sources of income include book sales and speaking engagements. His 2017 book “Own The Moment” became a bestseller and contributed to his financial success.
Despite his downfall, Lentz continues to be a well-known figure within the Christian community. While he is no longer a lead pastor at Hillsong, he is still a rich man. During his career as a celebrity, he earned a great deal.
