The story of Carl Lentz has been one of great megachurch prominence followed by a nigh instantaneous fall. Lentz rose through the Hillsong circuit, becoming the face of the New York location. Like Hillsong, his theology was rather shallow and wide-reaching. He was notoriously weak on social issues, like homosexuality and abortion, while being in a city where such biblical stances would be costly. In 2020, he was fired from Hillsong after committing adultery with several women. He has even been accused of sexually harassing the nanny.
Back in March of 2023, Lentz took a job at Transformation Church, home to Mike Todd, who is also a false teacher of a similar shade to Lentz and Hillsong. Lentz was brought on to help rehabilitate his image and career. Transformation Church is known for its outlandish stunts, sermon illustrations, and even crossdressing pastors.
Now in 2026, Lentz announced a new book, Overcoming Infidelity: 10 Conversations to Help Heal the Hurt which is set to release in October. The book seeks to guide “readers through ten critical conversations that arise in the aftermath of infidelity.” The irony of the serial adulterer selling a book on navigating infidelity in marriage is very much the selling point of the book. The book is priced currently at $26.60.
Analysis
This move represents the completion of the comeback for Carl Lentz. By selling the book on overcoming infidelity, he can now frame his rehabilitation as being complete. This could possibly set him up for a return to evangelical circles, whether through the conference circuit or perhaps even another pastorate position at a church not too dissimilar to that of Todd’s Transformation Church.
Adultery remains a very touchy subject in the church these days with the numerous high-profile scandals that have come to light in recent years. Rightfully, Lentz is disqualified from being a pastor, yet this will not stop many churches from opening their pulpits. Nevertheless, the book represents a means to put the past behind him despite the grievous scandal. Carl Lentz should not be able to come back from his adultery, yet his rehabilitation being complete makes is return to the pulpit all the more likely.
