Carl Lentz Net Worth: Explore Pastor’s Rise to Fame and Fall from Grace

Carl Lentz’s Net Worth

Carl Lentz, the famous American pastor and one of the leaders at Hillsong Church in New York City, has a net worth of $3 million as of March 2023. Often referred to as a “hype priest” due to his celebrity affiliations and stylish wardrobe, Lentz has garnered much attention throughout his career. In this article, we delve into his personal and love life, the rise of his fame, and the controversies that have put him in the limelight.

Early Life and Education

Stephen Carl Lentz was born on November 6, 1978, in Virginia Beach, Virginia. Growing up, Lentz had a passion for basketball, playing at Frank W. Cox High School in Virginia and later at North Carolina State University. He eventually dropped out of college and moved to Los Angeles to pursue higher education at The King’s College and Seminary. After completing his studies, Lentz moved to Sydney, Australia, to join Hillsong International Leadership College and study Theology, where he found his calling as a pastor.

Establishing Hillsong Church in New York City

During his time at Hillsong International Leadership College, Lentz became friends with Joel Houston, son of the school’s founder, Brian Houston. Together, they dreamed of establishing a Hillsong church in New York City. After graduating in 2003 and serving as a youth pastor in Virginia, Lentz co-founded Hillsong Church in New York City in 2010. He quickly gained popularity, particularly among millennials, thanks to his unconventional appearance and approach to ministry.

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Ministering to the Stars

Lentz’s fresh approach to church services and his connection with celebrities brought him to the limelight. He became a spiritual advisor to stars such as Justin Bieber, who he baptized in 2015, and later officiated the wedding of Bieber and his wife, Hailey Bieber, in 2019. Lentz has also preached to Chris Pratt, Kylie and Kendall Jenner, Selena Gomez, and other stars.

Personal Life

Little is known about Lentz’s relationships before moving to Australia. However, while studying at Hillsong International Leadership College, he met Laura, whom he married in 2003. The couple has three children: Ava, Charlie, and Roman Lentz. Laura Lentz, who previously served as a pastor at Hillsong, is now a digital content creator.

Controversial Exit from Hillsong

On November 4, 2020, Brian Houston announced that Carl Lentz would no longer serve at Hillsong NYC due to leadership issues and breaches of trust. Lentz later admitted to being unfaithful to his wife, Laura, on Instagram. His alleged girlfriend, Ranin Karim, spoke to the tabloids about their relationship, claiming they were in love but had fought over Lentz’s marriage. The affair ended when Laura discovered incriminating text messages.

Further Allegations

Following the cheating scandal, Lentz faced additional allegations. Their nanny, Leona Kimes, accused Lentz of sexual assault, manipulation, and abuse of power in her Medium post. Former congregants and volunteers also spoke about Lentz’s flirtatious behavior at Hillsong Church, which made some people uncomfortable.

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Final Words

As of March 2023, Carl Lentz’s net worth is $3 million, primarily earned through his work at Hillsong NYC and revenue from his published books, Own the Moment and The One: Experience Jesus. However, due to the scandals and allegations surrounding Lentz, his net worth may face a downward trajectory.

Carl Lentz’s rise to fame as a celebrity pastor and his influential role at Hillsong Church in New York City were overshadowed by the controversies and allegations that ultimately led to his dismissal from the church. The events surrounding Lentz’s life serve as a cautionary tale about the pitfalls of fame and the importance of maintaining integrity in the public eye.