Former Hillsong celebrity pastor, Carl Lentz recently sat down with recording artist Lecrae to talk about his past and what life has been like after falling from ministry grace. Once a high-profile pastor with celebrity connections, Lentz is now speaking from a place of humility, acknowledging the pain he caused and the lessons learned.
Lentz’s departure from Hillsong was a highly publicized event, shaking the global church community. His admission of infidelity led to widespread scrutiny, leaving many to question whether he could ever return to ministry. In the aftermath, he retreated from public life, focusing on his family and seeking restoration. He admitted to battling depression and deep shame, stating that his past actions deeply hurt his wife, children, and congregation.
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Lecrae points out that the huge ministry realm in itself breeds the possibility for pastors to be lifted up to a place of idolization, a spot that no human should be placed in. As Lentz points out, it led for him to also put himself in a position he did not belong.
“Did I put myself on a pedestal, the answer is a flat ‘yes,'” says Lentz. “I put myself on different standards, different expectations that are legitimate, as far as people interact to it, I don’t think you can ever stop people from being human…I spent a lot of time in New York constantly feeling the weight of trying to bridge that gap about perception and never feeling like I was doing it. And I look back at that now with the new eyes that I have and some of the new tools and I go, ‘God, I really robbed myself,’ because I really thought that I can please everybody.”
In a surprising turn, Lentz has resurfaced at Transformation Church in Oklahoma, a ministry led by Pastor Michael Todd. His involvement there has sparked mixed reactions. While some applaud his attempt at spiritual rehabilitation, others remain skeptical of his return to the church community. Lentz insists, however, that he is not seeking a platform but rather a place to serve and heal.
“Why Transformation?” Lecrae asks. “Another super popular, super popping church for the outside looking in?”
“I knew that was going to happen, and it was such a beautiful place to be,” says Lentz. “We needed to make a shift. I went and got a job with a, really a company that I ended up really falling in love with and did ad sales and marketing…we realized we needed to make a change.”
During Lentz’s time in Florida working in marketing and sales, he says that he met with Todd while he was in the state, and the two connected on a deeper level. Lentz says they do not discuss the possibility of him ever preaching, and that right now, Todd is a sincere friend in this season of restoration.
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Abby Trivett is content development editor for Charisma Media.
