Have you ever wondered what the net worth of Carl Lentz is? Well, the famous American pastor made a fortune because he’s one of the leaders at Hillsong Church in New York City.
GQ, an American men’s magazine, branded Carl Lentz as a “hype priest” because he wore outfits typically supported by celebrities. His affiliation with high-profile stars also made him a celebrity pastor.
As of May 2023, Carl Lentz has a net worth of $3 million. Stick around as we dive into his personal and love life, how his fame rose, and how he put himself in the limelight.
Table of Contents
Early Life
Stephen Carl Lentz was born on the 6th of November, 1978, in Virginia Beach, Virginia.
Since childhood, he has always had a passion for basketball. As such, he was a basketball player at Frank W. Cox High School in Virginia, where he grew up.
He continued his basketball stint at North Carolina State University from 1998 to 2000, where he was a walk-on of the school’s basketball team. Lentz eventually dropped out and moved to Los Angeles to pursue higher education at The King’s College and Seminary.
After completing his studies in Los Angeles, Carl Lentz moved to Sydney, Australia, where he joined Hillsong International Leadership College to study Theology. This is where he got his calling to be a sincere man as a pastor.
Hillsong Church Career
During his stay at Hillsong Church’s International Leadership College, he became good friends with Joel Houston. He was the son of Brian Houston, the founder of the school.
Carl Lentz and Joel Houston wanted to establish a Hillsong church based in New York. However, when both of them graduated in 2003, they shelved the idea because he became a youth pastor in Virginia.
After seven years, Carl co-founded the Hillsong Church in New York City. He significantly impacted the church and ministries, especially the millennials.
He quickly established a connection with millennials because he wasn’t the typical man of the cloth. He wore what celebrities wear, was a tattooed pastor, and had a fantastic hairstyle.
Carl Lentz’s excellent fashion style brought attention not only to his name but also to Hillsong NYC. As a result, thousands of people attend his service weekly.
Spiritual Advisor
Considering that his fresh concept of church services put Carl Lentz’s name in the limelight, he also drew the attention of celebrities.
Justin Bieber is the first celebrity who became affiliated with the former pastor. In 2015, Carl Lentz baptized the artist.
Since then, the two have built a great relationship. In 2019, Carl Lentz officiated the wedding of Justin Bieber and his supportive wife, Hailey Bieber.
Carl Lentz also has a connection with other celebrities. He has preached to Chris Pratt, Kylie and Kendall Jenner, Selena Gomez, and other stars.
Personal Life and Relationships
Information on whether Carl Lentz had any relationships while still staying in Virginia is unknown.
However, when Carl Lentz was studying at Hillsong International Leadership College in Sydney, Australia, he met Laura. The two grew fond of one another, and they eventually married each other in 2003.
Laura Lentz worked at Hillsong too. She was a pastor but has now transformed into a digital content creator.
The couple currently has three children: Ava, Charlie, and Roman Lentz.
Fired from Hillsong
On November 4, 2020, Brian Houston, Carl Lentz’s friend, announced that the latter would no longer serve at Hillsong NYC. However, he only glossed over the reason by saying it’s related to leadership issues and breaches of trust.
Two days later, Carl Lentz posted a family picture on his Instagram account with a caption saying they’re no longer a part of Hillsong Church. The reason being is that he was unfaithful to his wife, Laura.
Ranin Karim, Carl’s alleged girlfriend, spoke to the tabloids about their relationship. She stated they’re in love with each other, although it’s a connection that none of them planned.
Additionally, Ranin admitted that she and Carl often fought over the latter’s marriage. The affair only ended when Laura found out about it because someone from Hillsong saw the text messages between the pastor and the alleged girlfriend.
Other Allegations
Not long after Carl Lentz’s cheating incident, he faced another allegation. Leona Kimes, their nanny, accused him of several things, mainly sexual assault, on her medium account.
In her post, she exposed how the family, especially Carl, abused her sexually. Kimes added that she was also manipulated, bullied, and experienced abuse of power.
Moreover, former congregants and volunteers spoke about the behavior of Carl Lentz at Hillsong Church. Some stated that he’s often flirtatious, which makes people uncomfortable.
Carl Lentz Net Worth 2023
As of May 2023, Carl Lentz has a net worth of $3 million. He earned most of his fortune from Hillsong NYC.
Additionally, he gets revenue from the books he published: Own the Moment and The One: Experience Jesus.
However, because of his scandals and allegations, Carl Lentz’s net worth might enter a downward trajectory.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is Carl Lentz Doing Now?
Carl Lentz has been laying low since the allegations happened. He hasn’t made any career moves yet.
Where Does Carl Lentz Live Now?
Carl Lents, his wife Laura Lentz, and their children are currently residing in Florida.
Key Takeaways
Admit Your Mistakes
Carl Lentz admitted what he did wrong and didn’t defend himself.
We should admit that we’re in the wrong whenever we make mistakes. By owning up to them, we’ll learn how to be better than what we used to be.
Think Before You Act
There was a time when Carl Lentz acted out of impulse. It resulted in him hurting his family and eventually getting fired.
It’s vital to think before saying or doing anything. We should consider other people’s feelings and whether our actions will positively or negatively affect them.
Be Authentic
Carl Lentz is a big personality. Not only is he a pastor, but he’s also a celebrity.
We all know that a pastor values their character and personality. However, he committed several mistakes behind everyone’s back, which is the opposite of the persona he’s presenting to the public.
With that said, it’s essential for us to be authentic and to always live by our values. Not doing so will ruin our relationship not only with ourselves but also with other people.