Is Carl Lentz Still Married? What is He Doing Now?

Who is Carl Lentz?

Stephen Carl Lentz, born on November 6, 1978, is a former American pastor who gained prominence as a celebrity pastor and spiritual advisor to notable figures such as Justin Bieber, Kendall Jenner, and Selena Gomez. He was often referred to as a hype priest by GQ. Until November 4, 2020, Lentz served as the lead pastor of Hillsong NYC. However, he was subsequently dismissed by Hillsong Global Pastor Brian Houston due to “leadership issues and breaches of trust, plus a recent revelation of moral failures.”

On May 31, 2021, Leona Kimes, the former nanny of Lentz’s children, came forward with allegations of bullying, abuse of power, and sexual abuse against Lentz. In May 2024, during the FX documentary “The Secrets of Hillsong,” Lentz admitted to having engaged in an extramarital affair with Leona Kimes, who was not only the nanny but also a co-pastor and the wife of a married Hillsong pastor. Lentz also revealed his dependency on Adderall during the documentary.

Is Carl Lentz Still Married?

Yes, Carl Lentz is still married. On May 5, 2003, Carl and Laura tied the knot, embarking on a journey of two decades of marriage. In 2024, they celebrated their 20th wedding anniversary. While Carl recently acknowledged the healing process following his mistakes, Laura openly discussed the matter in a detailed post in May 2021.

To mark their 18th wedding anniversary, Laura took to Instagram for the first time since Carl’s cheating scandal became public in November 2020. Although she did not directly reference the scandal in the caption, she alluded to familial challenges and resilience. Drawing a parallel to palm trees, Laura highlighted their strength, ability to withstand storms, and continuous upward growth. She also listed words such as “freedom, righteousness, reward, and resurrection.”

What is Carl Lentz Doing Now?

Following his departure from Hillsong, Carl Lentz sought a desk job in Sarasota, Florida. In the documentary, he expressed his desire to “get off the grid” and allowed a film crew to visit his workspace in the gray-and-white office of an advertising firm. Playfully, he remarked, “I’ve been advertising the Gospel for quite a while.”

Other sources indicate that Lentz joined the staff of Transformation Church in Tulsa, Oklahoma. The church’s executive pastor of operations informed Religion News Service via email, stating, “We warmly welcome Carl Lentz to our Transformation Church team, where he will contribute to our strategic efforts as we continue to progress towards our expansive vision.”

Carl Lentz Net Worth Now

Carl Lentz has a net worth of $3 Million. Even in 2020, Carl Lentz had a net worth of $3 Million. In the year 2010, Carl Lentz assumed a crucial role in the founding of Hillsong NYC in the vibrant city of New York. His contributions to the church and ministries left an indelible mark, especially among the millennial demographic, showcasing his profound and transformative influence. 

Lentz brought forth a fresh and distinctive approach to fashion and branding within the realm of young pastors, setting a trend that encompassed tattoos, unconventional hairstyles, and fashionable attire, including trendy clothing and footwear. Through these unconventional choices, Lentz aimed to connect with and engage the younger generation, making religion and spirituality more relatable and accessible to them.

How Old is Carl Lentz?

Carl Lentz, originally named Stephen Carl Lentz, entered the world on November 6, 1978, in Williamsburg, Virginia. He is 44 years old currently. Following his high school years, Lentz pursued higher education and enrolled at North Carolina State University from 1998 to 2000. During his time there, he had the opportunity to be a walk-on player for the university’s men’s basketball team, showcasing his passion for the sport. 

Subsequently, he embarked on a new educational journey at the esteemed Hillsong International Leadership College, situated in Sydney, Australia. It was during this formative time, at the young age of 20, that Lentz, alongside Joel Houston, the son of Hillsong founder Brian Houston, conceived the idea of establishing a Hillsong Church campus in the bustling metropolis of New York City.

What Happened to Carl Lentz?

In a heartfelt Instagram post shared a week before the premiere of “The Secrets of Hillsong,” Lentz expressed his unwavering dedication to his family over the past three years. His sole focus during this time has been fighting for his wife and children, making their well-being his top priority. In order to fulfill this commitment, Lentz recognized the importance of pursuing sobriety and healing simultaneously. 

Lentz went on to reflect on the significance of celebrating their 20th wedding anniversary on May 5, emphasizing the purity and depth of their connection. However, he acknowledged that this milestone came with significant challenges, including humiliation, embarrassment, and heartache.

Regarding his current role, Lentz explained that although he is part of a supportive church community, he is no longer involved in active ministry. Instead, he aims to offer perspective, insight, and support wherever possible. He finds joy and hope in the knowledge that his own experiences and journey can serve as a source of strength and guidance for others. Lentz is committed to being there for anyone who has walked a similar path of destruction, both within and outside the church, standing with open arms as a symbol of support and understanding.

Carl Lentz Wife

Laura Lentz is the wife of Carl Lentz. In a recent interview for an upcoming FX documentary, Carl and Laura Lentz spoke candidly about the challenges they faced following the revelation of Carl’s infidelity. Despite the difficulties, the couple has chosen to work through their issues and remain together.

According to Laura, she was completely shocked when she first learned about Carl’s betrayal. The moment she found out, during a conversation with Carl on October 25, 2020, was deeply heartbreaking for her. Carl confessed to being unfaithful, leaving Laura devastated.

The affair came to light after incriminating text messages between Carl and a woman named Ranin Karim, who was identified as his mistress, were discovered by Hillsong leadership. This prompted the board members and founder Brian Houston to question Carl about his relationship with Leona Kimes, the Lentz family’s nanny and a member of the church. 

Until that point, Laura had been unaware of Carl’s affair with the nanny, although she had suspected something was amiss after witnessing them in a compromising position. Despite the pain and betrayal they experienced, the Lentz couple has chosen to participate in the documentary as part of their healing journey. They are working through the aftermath of Carl’s actions and are committed to rebuilding their relationship.

Despite the external noise, rumors, and half-truths surrounding him and his family, Lentz remained determined to prove his devotion to his wife and children like never before. While acknowledging that there is still a long journey ahead that requires hard work, honesty, and prayer, Lentz shared that they have found themselves in a beautiful, happy, and authentically truthful place.

How Tall is Carl Lentz?

Carl Lentz has a height of 175 cm(5 feet 9 inches). In March 2024, Carl Lentz was appointed to a staff position at Transformation Church in Oklahoma. It should be noted that this role did not involve pastoral responsibilities.In a church newsletter dated November 4, 2020, Brian Houston, the Global Senior Pastor of Hillsong, publicly disclosed that Carl Lentz had been terminated from his position. The decision to remove Lentz was attributed to “leadership issues and breaches of trust,” as well as the revelation of recent moral failures. 

Lentz himself admitted to being involved in an extramarital affair, which was a contributing factor to his dismissal. It is worth noting that despite the circumstances, Lentz’s wife also faced termination from her employment at the church, even though her own actions were not a direct cause for concern.