Carl Lentz is an American pastor who gained popularity due to his connections with celebrities like Justin Bieber. He was the lead pastor of Hillsong Church New York until 2020 when he was fired from the role.
Biography
Stephen Carl Lentz is a well-known American pastor, author, and entrepreneur, born on November 6, 1978.
Carl grew up in Virginia Beach and attended Frank W. Cox High School, where he played basketball. After high school, he went to North Carolina State and joined the basketball team as a walk-on player.
Though not particularly religious, Carl attended a Baptist church during his childhood. One evening, at his parents’ urging, he went to hear Steve, the pastor of Hillsong Church, who was a guest speaker. That service deeply impacted him, leading him to enroll at Virginia Wesleyan for his sophomore year.
Carl later joined the Hillsong International Leadership College in Australia, but the sudden changes overwhelmed him. He returned to the U.S. and attended a Bible college in California, where he got his first tattoo—a flaming sword—near Sunset Boulevard.
A year later, he went back to Australia to complete his Bible studies and met his future wife, Laura.
Age
Carl Lentz was born on the 6th of November 1978.
Family Life
While attending Hillsong College, Carl met Laura, a fellow pastor who later became his wife. Both Carl and Laura have a simple, strong faith in Jesus and are dedicated to sharing the gospel in a way that resonates with people seeking more in life.
At the time of this publication, Carl and Laura have three children, all under the age of seven.
Education
Carl studied at North Carolina State University from 1998 to 2000. He then moved to Los Angeles to attend The King’s College and Seminary. After that, he studied at Hillsong International Leadership College in Sydney, Australia.
When Carl was 20 and still in college, Joel Houston, the son of Hillsong founder Brian Houston, proposed starting a Hillsong Church campus in New York City.
After earning his theology degree in 2003, Carl returned to Virginia Beach. There, he was ordained and began working with young people.
Ministry
Carl Lentz helped establish Hillsong NYC in New York City in 2010. He baptized Justin Bieber and attended Kevin Durant’s baptism. He also became friends with several well-known figures.
His connection with Bieber boosted his fame. He appeared on Kourtney Kardashian’s Instagram and was a guest on Oprah Winfrey’s show. He also socialized with trendy preachers like Rich Wilkerson Jr., who officiated Kim Kardashian and Kanye West’s wedding.
Lentz was known for his distinctive look, including tattoos, edgy glasses, and fashionable clothing. Women’s Wear Daily described his “uniform” as a Saint Laurent leather jacket, ripped jeans, and a low-cut T-shirt. He often wore a Rolex as well. Over time, pastors and staff at Hillsong began to dress like Lentz and even mimic his Southern-inflected accent.
Carl Lentz Affair and Scandal
On November 4, Hillsong’s founder Brian Houston informed the congregation via email that Carl Lentz had been fired due to “leadership challenges and breaches of trust, as well as recent disclosures of moral shortcomings.”
After the announcement, Carl Lentz admitted to his almost 700,000 Instagram followers that he had been unfaithful in his marriage, which he described as the most important relationship in his life.
On May 31, 2021, Leona Kimes accused Carl of “manipulation, control, bullying, misuse of authority, and sexual assault.” Kimes, who had been the family’s babysitter, claimed the assaults happened between 2011 and 2017.
Following the scandal, Carl Lentz took a long break from ministry and social media. He made a comeback in May 2023 with a social media post discussing how he had focused on self-reflection and sought guidance from trusted mentors during his hiatus. He acknowledged the need to take responsibility for his actions and committed to personal growth and healing. He also announced the premiere of a new docuseries.
The Secrets of Hillsong is a four-part docuseries that premiered on May 19 on FX. It is based on an investigative series by Vanity Fair and includes the first interviews with the Lentzes since the scandal. The docuseries also features interviews with former congregants who accuse the church of discrimination, financial misconduct, and sexual abuse.
Net Worth
Carl Lentz estimated to have a net worth of $1.5 million.
Social Handles
You can find Carl Lentz on the following social media platforms:
- Instagram: @carllentz
- X: @carllentzNYC
Frequently Asked Questions – FAQs
In this section, I will provide you with FAQs and answers on Carl Lentz Biography. Keep on reading dear friend.
1. Who is Carl Lentz?
Carl Lentz is an American pastor, author, and entrepreneur known for his role as the lead pastor of Hillsong Church New York. He gained widespread attention through his association with celebrities and his distinctive preaching style.
2. When and where was Carl Lentz born?
Carl Lentz was born Stephen Carl Lentz on November 6, 1978, in Virginia Beach, Virginia.
3. What is Carl Lentz’s educational background?
Carl Lentz attended North Carolina State University from 1998 to 2000. He then moved to Los Angeles to study at The King’s College and Seminary before completing his studies at Hillsong International Leadership College in Sydney, Australia.
4. How did Carl Lentz get involved with Hillsong Church?
Carl Lentz helped establish Hillsong Church NYC in New York City in 2010. He was involved in the church’s growth and became well-known for his connection with celebrities and his impactful preaching.
5. What was Carl Lentz’s role in Hillsong Church NYC?
Carl Lentz served as the lead pastor of Hillsong Church NYC. His leadership was instrumental in the church’s expansion and influence.