Carl Lentz, shown in 2017, was fired Wednesday as a Hillsong Church pastor. Episode 1 traced the roots of the modern Hillsong Church to New Zealand, where Frank Houston began his ministry. I now begin a journey of rebuilding trust with my wife, Laura and my children and taking real time to work on and heal my own life and seek out the help that I need.. A charismatic pastor helped build a megachurch favored by star athletes and entertainers until some temptations became too much to resist. On Oct. 22, a staff member at the church office in Manhattan found intimate text messages on Mr. Lentzs work computer. Amid a series of crises, including the resignation of its leader, the evangelical powerhouse has shed more than half its . @psmatthewjmorris So glad you came! The church seemed to go out of its way to cultivate a hierarchy of coolness. Dedicated to teaching Biblical prin Hillside Tabernacle City of Faith | Altadena CA Ever wonder what it means to follow Jesus? A survivor of sexual assault, Krawczyk felt victim-blamed: "They never brought it up to me that it wasn't my fault. So to those people, I pray you can forgive me and that over time I can live a life where trust is earned again.. "The more you say no to him, the more he kept coming back," she continued. He mixed with a jet-setting group of other hip pastors, including Rich Wilkerson Jr., a Miami pastor who performed the wedding ceremony for Kim Kardashian and Kanye West. What to Know About Hillsong's Star Pastor Carl Lentz, All the Celebrities Who Attended Hillsong Church, Carl Lentz's Alleged Mistress Speaks Out About 'Toxic' Relationship, Hillsong Staffer Accuses Ex-Pastor Carl Lentz of Sexual Abuse as He 'Vehemently' Denies Claims, Hillsong Co-Founder Brian Houston Resigns amid 'Complaints Made Against' Him by 2 Women, Ex-Hillsong Pastor Carl Lentz Says His Family Is 'Together' After Facing a 'Challenging Road', Carl Lentz's Alleged Mistress Speaks Out in Hillsong: A Megachurch Exposed Trailer: 'Toxic', Hillsong Founder Says Carl Lentz Had Multiple 'Significant' Affairs in Leaked Audio: Report, Hillsong Church Founder Brian Houston Charged with Concealing Father's Child Sex Offenses in 1970s, Hillsong Pastor and Justin Bieber's One-Time Spiritual Confidant Carl Lentz Fired for 'Moral Failures', Ex-Hillsong Pastor Carl Lentz Enters Treatment for 'Depression, Anxiety and Pastoral Burnout', Hillsong Church Founder Brian Houston Steps Down from 'All Ministry Responsibilities' Until Trial, Ex Hillsong Pastor Carl Lentz 'Has No Plans to Open a Church' After Affair, Says Friend, Hillsong Church Founder Brian Houston Speaks Out on Carl Lentz's 'Narcissistic Behavior' After Firing, 'Downfall' of Hillsong Church Will Be Explored in New Discovery+ Doc Series, Woman Alleging Affair with Carl Lentz Talks About Former Hillsong Pastor on 'Ex on the Beach', Woman Claims She and Ex Hillsong Pastor Carl Lentz Had Affair During Coronavirus Pandemic, Ex-Hillsong Pastor Carl Lentz's Wife Laura Breaks Silence on Sex Scandal on Wedding Anniversary, Hillsong Pastor Carl Lentz, Bieber's One-Time Spiritual Confidant: 'I Was Unfaithful' to My Wife, Ex-Hillsong Pastor Carl Lentz and Wife 'Continue to Work Through' Effects of Affair, Says Friend, enter treatment for "depression, anxiety and pastoral burnout,", Brian Houston first heard of the accusations in 1999. Who We Are; . According to the series, at least eight men have come forward with accusations of abuse by Frank Houston between 1965 and 1977. Why is Frank McCourt really pushing it? One of the best things about this Church is the awesome classes for the kids. They're in a battle for everything. I am deeply sorry for breaking the trust of many people who we have loved serving and understand that this news can be very hard and confusing for people to hear and process. He is also a Licensed Minister for the Church of the Nazarene. Watch Online. All rights reserved. ", The statement continued, "Brian Houston claims that leadership looked into the allegations against Carl at the time and found no evidence to substantiate them. It's made the make you feel something. This is a hard ending to what has been the most amazing, impacting and special chapter of our lives , he wrote on Instagram. (Houston deleted the tweet and apologized to Ed, who deemed it disingenuous. Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information, A full body orgasm at the L.A. Phil? Brian found a winning formula when he tapped former Australian child performer Darlene Zschech to be the church's second worship leader. And you can't help but reflect on the history of Frank Houston in that regard. It's just very, very messed up. Hillside Church Mark Miltimore Current Workplace Mark Miltimore has been working as a Lead Pastor - Pastors at Hillside Church for 17 years. The pair undertook a five-month affair after meeting in a park one Friday in May 2019, she claimed. When you accept the calling of being a pastor, you must live in such a way that it honors the mandate. Updated: Apr 28, 2023 / 07:52 PM PDT. Our general right now, he has gone down, Mr. Termini told the camera. The docuseries concluded by drawing a direct line to Frank Houston, who died in 2004. A church that started as series of small group meetings in apartments across the city began gathering at the downtown concert venue Irving Plaza, then at the larger Hammerstein Ballroom, and then at United Palace, a venue that advertises itself as Manhattans fourth-largest theater. 2,555 were here. One of those men was Brett Sengstock, who declined to participate in the series due to ongoing legal proceedings, but whose story prompted a 2014 investigation by the Australian Royal Commission into Institution Responses to Child Sexual Abuse. Ms. Lagata, a former volunteer, said that when high-profile entertainers or sports stars would try to slip into the main seating area, content to worship with ordinary churchgoers, ushers were often instructed to guide them to the special section in front, or to whisk them backstage to meet Mr. Lentz. Director . The founding pastors, Brian and Bobbie Houston, took Lentzs termination as a church hypepriest personally, with Brian writing in his email, While I have no doubt in my heart that this is the right course of action, I must mention Bobbies and my personal sadness, as we have known Laura her entire life and Carl for well over 20 years.. Two days later, the site reported that Mr. Bieber saw Mr. Lentz as a 2nd father.. They're trying to manipulate you into receiving and accepting the abuse that they're causing. If. David Shoebridge, a member of the New South Wales Parliament's Legislative Council, spoke to Frank's "deeply, deeply troubling background," including allegations of abuse going back to his days with the Assemblies of God (a precursor to Hillsong) in his native New Zealand. Hillside Covenant Church's Hillside Covenant Church on Church Center. Both sources have since left the church. Pastor Tim is the lead pastor of Hillside Church. Instead, those who want to deepen their connections to the community often take on volunteer work. "Because the only thing everyone likes more than a rising star is a falling star, right? Pop star Justin Bieber poured his heart out in a new Instagram post about depression and anger and also said he did pretty hard drugs by age 19. Gary also helps our Farm Drive ministry since He currently serves on our Emergency Response Team. "When we talk about Carl and purity, wolf in sheep's clothing is honestly the mental picture I get," said Jaclyn Hayes, a former member of Wave Church, the Virginia church where Lentz preached before joining Hillsong. Fox News Mostly Avoids Airing How It Paid Out $787 Million For Spreading Election Lies. He worked as a greeter at a Gucci store on Rodeo Drive in Los Angeles. ", Said Karim, "He just doesn't know how to have compassion [for] others because he thinks he's the only one who suffers.". Homepage | Hillside Church of Bloomington | Bloomington Minnesota WELCOME TO HILLSIDE! But students claimed they didn't have the option of hiding anything when it came to their personal lives. Bailey Krawczyk, who attended Hillsong College from 201721, detailed how incoming students were required to provide personal information so they could be "red-lighted" or "green-lighted" to work with children in the community. Hillsong has churches on six continents and has attracted celebrity worshipers like Selena Gomez and Kevin Durant. When that does not happen, a change needs to be made and has been made in this case to ensure that standard is upheld.. They wanted to protect the founder of Hillsong. For the "Walking into Retirement" series, he is joined by local podcaster Nolan Smith as he interviews Pastor Terry about his impending retirement. We, the Lentz family, dont know what this next chapter will look like, but we will walk into it together very hopeful and grateful for the grace of God.. A post shared by Carl Lentz (@carllentz) on Nov 5, 2020 at 12:12pm PST. In his free time, you will find him surfing or fishing the Pacific Ocean, providing one of his greatest joys to share his catch with his church members. Carl Lentz, speaking at Hillsong NYC, became not just a friend to celebrities but a celebrity himself.CreditAndrew White for The New York Times. Our mission is to invite everyone to have a deeper personal and communal experience with Jesus, to actively engage in repairing the brokenness in our lives and our communities with the overwhelming love of Christ. Learn More WATCH OUR LATEST MESSAGE Pastor Sam is often found on campus casually hanging out in his flip flops, laughing really loud and fellowshipping with everyone. We exist in partnership with Los Angeles Christian Presbyterian Church in the areas of mission, Christian Education and Fellowship. Hear personal stories and listen to our pastor explain what the Gospel is. Like so many other churches, Hillsong NYC has been meeting online since March. Lanford Beard has been with PEOPLE since 2015. Jesus is a core value., The church has contracted with a New York law firm to conduct what Mr. Houston described as an independent investigation of Carls leadership of Hillsong New York, and culture of the church during that time.. Be a miracle, to everyone, every day, everywhere. "It's just this whole method of minimizing a criminal, traumatic act. Even in the contemporary era of megachurches, Hillsong stands apart. Pastor Doug and his wife, Brie, have lived and served in Petaluma for almost all of their lives. Hillsong said Houston remains on a period of leave. Currently he is a part of the pastoral staff at Hillside LA and also founder of the non-profit Project Prodigal. ", Shoebridge added, "The records of Hillsong show that [Brian Houston] and the governing council of Hillsong were very much aware and indeed discussed and debated the fact that Brett Sengstock had come forward and disclosed the abuse by Frank Houston. Hillsong has been forced to apologise unreservedly after the churchs founder, Brian Houston, was found to have engaged in conduct of serious concern by the church. On Thursday, Lentz apologized for cheating on his wife and letting down those who looked to him for spiritual leadership. The Lentzes sold their home in Montclair in October. If youre a pastor, youre more important than everyone else, said Josh Canfield, who used to attend the church and sang with the local churchs worship band. Mr. Lentz interned for Mr. Houston, who founded the church with his wife, Bobbie, and befriended his oldest son, Joel. Mr. Lentz, who was raised in Virginia Beach, spent years looking for his calling. When you lead out of an empty place, you make choices that have real and painful consequences. Tim was most recently Associate Pastor at Church of Jesus Christ Spirit Filled in Reno Nevada. A USC graduate, she joined the Los Angeles Times in 2003 and has 30 years of journalism experience in Southern California. A culture that worshiped wealth, while making volunteers cater to leaders as royalty. Doug Manson Lead Pastor Pastor Doug and his wife, Brie, have lived and served in Petaluma for almost all of their lives. To our pastors Brian and Bobbie, thank you for allowing us to lead, allowing us to thrive and giving us room to have a voice that you have never stifled or tried to silence. At a time when many Americans have abandoned regular churchgoing, Hillsong attracts thousands of young churchgoers through soaring music and upbeat preaching. ), Ed drew a parallel between his daughter's experience and what happened with Lentz, calling them "closely connected" because "when [church leaders] obviously have desire to protect themselves more than help the victim, then that becomes problematic. Hillsong: A Megachurch Exposed on discovery+ probes the culture and personalities including embattled founder Brian Houston and disgraced pastor Carl Lentz behind the global religious phenomenon. ), Ed and Anna Crenshaw found the timing of Lentz's ultra-public resignation and the subsequent pile-on rather coincidental. But that opportunity I will not have. The music is completely weaponized for whatever the church's needs are, as well as financial, which is the aim of the game is to get the money out of the people.". When you accept the calling of being a pastor, you must live in such a way that it honors the mandate. Pastor Wayne would then begin the ordination process with the . God may be forgiving, but Hillsong Church seems less so. Check-In Give Events Livestream More. Ms. Lentz resigned from her position at the church, according to Mr. Houston. Laura and I and our amazing children have given all that we have to serve and build this church and over the years I did not do an adequate job of protecting my own spirit, refilling my own soul and reaching out for the readily available help that is available. Get our L.A. ", Shoebridge observed, "Their reputation has taken a hit [so] they are hoping to spread their wings into foreign markets, get away from some of this history and reach into the United States. Soon, volunteers began to question the celebrity-focused nature of services, including a VIP section that everyday worshipers were forbidden to enter. Original reporting and incisive analysis, direct from the Guardian every morning, 2023 Guardian News & Media Limited or its affiliated companies. James & Justine Oates | Associate Pastor + Youth Director Published on March 24, 2022 07:00 AM. In his Instagram post after his firing, Mr. Lentz wrote, This failure is on me, and me alone and I take full responsibility for my actions. Draft preview mode. Following an in-depth investigation, it was found that Pastor Brian became disoriented after a session at the Hillsong Conference, following the consumption of anti-anxiety medication beyond the prescribed dose, mixed with alcohol, the global boards statement said. This story has been shared 138,913 times. Below, read some of the bombshell claims made by former Hillsong churchgoers and employees, not only against the organization but also specifically founder Brian Houston, in the docuseries. ", Said Hardy, "Hillsong and Brian Houston's endgame is really about transforming society. Lentz helped open the Australia-born ministrys Hillsong East Coast branch in New York City in 2010. I am deeply sorry for breaking the trust of many people who we have loved serving and understand that this news can be very hard and confusing for people to hear and process, he wrote. Those four locations became known as Hillsong East Coast, and the Lentzes were in charge of all of them. "They know that they were sitting on it, hoping that the problem would just go away, minimizing the problem, continuing to question her, continuing to make her tell her story over and over again," said Ed. Eventually this stuff is gonna catch up with you. ", In the years before his death, Frank sought to make financial reparations with Sengstock, according to the docuseries. It was on that day that, as a child, he trusted Christ as his personal Saviour. Two of the megachurchs lead pastors from their Dallas branch, Reed Bogard and his wife Jess Bogard, made an announcement during their Sunday sermon, saying, We just really feel that its time to transition off of our staff and take some time to remain healthy, get healthy, and to really see what this next season holds for us. For more than a decade, the couple, who first met at Hillsong International Leadership College, had served in various staff roles at the church across three of its American branches, but they said the experience has really taken a bit of a toll on Jess and I, on our family. They gave no further explanation for their sudden departure. That it honors the church, and that it honors God. According to Sengstock's testimony, when Sengstock reached Brian, he said, "You know, it's all of your fault that this happened you tempted my father." We are thankful for a legacy of godly leadership at Hillside Church. Episode 3 dug into some facets of that "poisonous culture," including the code of secrecy and the extreme expectations of both students and volunteers. "So you started to understand this person cannot lose a battle. ", In episode 2, journalist and Beyond Belief author Elle Hardy noted that Brian "built [Hillsong] up from 45 people in a school hall in western Sydney. "And for 40 years, people have been cast aside. Vera and Zhenya Kasevich, then the leaders of Hillsong Kiev, believe the audio was intentionally leaked and claim they had previously told Houston of other issues with Lentz (such as "behaving in an unpastorly manner, including smoking and drinking").

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