What does it take to get fired from Hillsong. Being a open homosexual in ministry? Bad theology? Apparently adultery is a fireable offense at Hillsong Church. This would mark the end of Carl Lentz’s time at Hillsong NYC. Carl Lentz is perhaps the second most well known pastor at Hillsong, and one of the most famous pastors in the United States.
Brian Houston put out a press release addressing the topic on November 4th:
Today Hillsong Church East Coast advised our congregation that we have terminated the employment of Pastor Carl Lentz. This action was not taken lightly and was done in the best interests of everyone, including Pastor Carl.
We thank Pastors Carl and Laura for the way they have served faithfully and sacrificially since the start of Hillsong NYC and for contributing so significantly to the countless lives that have been transformed for Jesus Christ through this ministry. They have a heart for people and we are confident that after a time of rest and restoration, God will use Carl in another way outside of Hillsong church. In terminating his tenure, we in no way want to diminish the good work he did here.
This action has been taken following ongoing discussions in relation to leadership issues and breaches of trust, plus a recent revelation of moral failures.
It would not be appropriate for us to go into detail about the events that led to this decision. Our focus at this time is to honor God and pastorally care for our East Coast church community as well as the Lentz family.
While I have no doubt that this is the right course of action, I must mention Bobbie’s and my personal sadness, as we have known Laura her entire life and Carl for well over 20 years.
Hillsong East Coast services and all of our ministries will proceed as usual, and we will continue to be a place of hope, love and faith through the powerful and transforming message of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. This is a message our nation and the world need to hear more than ever during a time of such instability and uncertainty.
I appreciate the great team of people who serve here, and as we embark on the process of selecting new leadership, we are praying that God would bring about an exciting new season for our church and this region.
Hillsong Church will not be making further public comments on this matter.
Hillsong did not go into detail on why this took place. But Carl Lentz would confess on Instagram what he did.
The key line here is “I was unfaithful in my marriage, the most important relationship in my life and held accountable for that.”
Lentz was apparently having an affair, and so Hillsong fired him. This would be disqualifying for a pastor. But at what point was Carl Lentz ever qualified to be a pastor? He clearly does not hold a Biblical worldview, especially on topics like homosexuality and abortion. But he is the epitome of Hillsong, and Hillsong is not big on theology or worldview. It is a carnal church.
So what will become of Carl Lentz. It is most likely that he submits to a restoration process. He may never return to Hillsong, but he’s in Big Eva. He will land at a megachurch somewhere or start his own, like Todd Bentley and John Gray who are experts in the restoration process.
Readers have asked me to do a verdict on Carl Lentz (he would be tied for next on the list.) This is the first time that I have specifically written about him. But I have written about Hillsong and Brian Houston who is a a false teacher. But this adultery is corroborating evidence that Carl Lentz is a false teacher.
