Adulterous Pastor Fights Back
In their debut podcast episode titled “Lights On,” former Hillsong NYC Pastor Carl Lentz and his wife, Laura, delved into the profound impact of his infidelity on their marriage and ministry, as well as their ongoing efforts to heal and rebuild.
During the podcast, Laura interviewed Lentz, intending to delve into his relationship with Hillsong founder Brian Houston and the circumstances surrounding his dismissal from the megachurch network. However, Lentz expressed discomfort with how the media had labeled him a “disgraced pastor,” arguing that such labels failed to capture the essence of God’s grace.
Lentz passionately asserted that while his mistakes were public, he refused to be defined by the term “disgraced.” He emphasized that God’s grace wasn’t about falling from grace but rather falling into it, highlighting his journey towards redemption and personal growth.
Reflecting on the aftermath of his public scandal, Lentz shared his struggles with thoughts of suicide and the sudden loss of housing. He recounted the emotional turmoil of being asked to leave their temporary residence, underscoring the harsh consequences of his actions.
Amidst the turmoil, Laura opened up about her own experiences with betrayal trauma and the challenges of seeking specialized counseling to address the deep emotional wounds caused by Lentz’s infidelity. The hospitalization of their daughter during this tumultuous period further compounded their family’s pain and upheaval.
Throughout the podcast, Lentz expressed gratitude for Laura’s unwavering support and acknowledged her profound sacrifice in standing by him through the darkest moments of their marriage crisis. He vehemently denied any suggestion of her complicity in his personal failings, affirming her innocence and steadfast commitment to their family’s healing journey.
Confronting the toll of living a life of secrecy and deceit, Lentz described the psychological anguish he endured and the liberating power of honesty in his journey towards redemption. He emphasized the transformative impact of confronting his past and embracing transparency as essential steps towards healing and reconciliation.
In sharing their story, Lentz and Laura offered a candid and unfiltered account of the complexities of marital infidelity, trauma, and redemption, highlighting the importance of grace, forgiveness, and the ongoing process of personal and relational healing.
We are all sinners as Jesus said let he who is without sin cast the first stone.