A senior pastor at celebrity-loved mega-church Hillsong has been sensationally sacked over alleged ‘breaches of trust’ and ‘moral failures’ – six years after he baptized close friend Justin Bieber.
Carl Lentz, 41, who co-founded the New York City branch of the Australian church back in 2010, was fired by the organization’s leader Brian Houston, Hillsong confirmed in a statement issued on Wednesday.
‘This action has been taken following ongoing discussions in relation to leadership issues and breaches of trust, plus a recent revelation of moral failures,’ Mr Houston said.
Mr Houston added that this course of action was ‘not taken lightly and was done in the best interests of everyone, including Pastor Carl’.
Carl Lentz (right), who baptized Bieber (left) in 2014, was sacked by Hillsong founder Brian Houston this week
Lentz is married to Australian woman Laura Lentz. The couple have three children together
Lentz has said he first met when Bieber was already a star in 2008, when he was just 14-years-old
‘While I have no doubt in my heart that this is the right course of action, I must mention Bobbie’s [Houston’s wife] and my personal sadness, as we have known Laura her entire life and Carl for well over 20 years.’
‘We thank Pastors Carl and Laura for the way they have served faithfully and sacrificially since the start of Hillsong NYC and for contributing so significantly to the countless lives that have been transformed for Jesus Christ through this ministry.’
Mr Houston said it ‘would not be appropriate’ to provide details on the events which led to the church’s decision.
‘Our focus at this time is to honor God and pastorally care for our East Coast church community as well as the Lentz family,’ he said.
Lentz, who baptized Bieber in 2014, dropped out of university and attended a seminary in California before moving to Australia.
He enrolled in a Hillsong ‘leadership’ course where he met his Australian wife, Laura. The couple have three children together.
The 41-year-old has become a Hillsong star in his own right, with more than 678,000 Instagram followers including Drake and NBA stars Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving.
Lentz copped backlash earlier this year when he ignored large gathering limits to allow 200 to enter the New York church. He tested positive to COVID-19 in March.
Hillsong was brought to public attention when Justin Bieber was baptised in an NBA player Tyson Chandler’s bath by Lentz in 2014.
It played a central role in transforming his image from a partying ladies’ man to a clean-cut Christian devotee.
His wife, Hailey Baldwin, is also a believer, and are frequently spotted in church together.
Bieber and Lentz were inseparable during a trip to Australia in 2017, where they were spotted brunching together at swanky Sydney restaurants while the pop star was on tour
Now a father-of-three, Lentz described their relationship in the past as ‘regular friends who talk all the time’. Pictured with rapper Lil Wayne
Founder Hillsong Brian Houston (pictured) said it ‘would not be appropriate’ to provide details on the events which led to the church’s decision
Other famous faces have followed their lead, including Chris Pratt, Selena Gomez, Kylie and Kendall Jenner and Kourtney Kardashian.
Bieber and Lentz were inseparable during a trip to Australia in 2017, where they were spotted brunching together at swanky Sydney restaurants while the pop star was on tour.
Speaking to the U.S. edition of GQ in 2015, Lentz documented the moment Bieber got down on his knees, ‘ravaged by loss’ and sobbed: ‘I want to know Jesus’.
According to the magazine account, the baptism finished with Bieber ‘wet and sobbing against Pastor Carl’s chest… born anew’.
The incredible moment appears to have cemented a close friendship between the pair.
Lentz documented the moment Bieber got down on his knees, ‘ravaged by loss’ and sobbed: ‘I want to know Jesus’. Pictured with Lentz’s son
Bieber’s wife, Hailey Baldwin, is also a believer, and are frequently spotted in church together
Lentz has said they first met when Bieber was already a star in 2008, when he was just 14 year old.
Now a father-of-three, Lentz described their relationship in the past as ‘regular friends who talk all the time’.
He has been quoted telling media: ‘When he’s with me, he rolls with me.
‘He’s like a member of our team … He fits in like a piece of furniture’.
Lentz opened the New York branch of his church in 2011. He has become known in local media as the ‘rock star preacher’ and also for his spruiking of an alkaline-based nutrition and fitness regime.