Former megachurch leader Carl Lentz was born on November 6, 1978, making him 47 years old. He rose to global prominence as the co-founder and lead pastor of Hillsong Church New York City, recognized widely for his non-traditional aesthetic, high-profile celebrity friendships, and a modern approach to evangelical ministry. His tenure came to an abrupt halt in November 2020 when he was terminated from the church due to moral failures and leadership issues.
Public curiosity regarding his age often intersects with the timeline of his rapid rise and sudden fall within the global church network. Understanding his trajectory requires looking past surface-level internet rumors and examining the actual milestones of his life, career, and subsequent transition away from lead pastoral roles.
Early Life and Educational Background
Stephen Carl Lentz grew up primarily in Virginia, spending formative years in both Virginia Beach and Williamsburg. During his youth, he engaged heavily in athletics. From 1998 to 2000, he attended North Carolina State University, where he played as a walk-on member of the men's basketball team.
His religious path shifted when he moved away from traditional local church environments to pursue formal ministry training. He enrolled at Hillsong International Leadership College in Sydney, Australia. Studying abroad exposed him to the high-energy, contemporary corporate worship model pioneered by the international Hillsong network. While in Australia, he met his future wife, Laura Lentz, with whom he would eventually build his ministry footprint.
The Rise of Hillsong NYC and Celebrity Culture
In 2010, at roughly 32 years old, Lentz teamed up with Joel Houston to plant the first American branch of Hillsong Church in Manhattan. Operating out of secular venues like clubs and theaters with concert-grade lighting and rock-band worship, the congregation drew thousands of young urban professionals.
Lentz cultivated an image that shattered traditional clerical stereotypes. Clad in designer streetwear, sporting tattoos, and maintaining close personal circles with musicians, actors, and athletes like Justin Bieber, he functioned more like a cultural influencer than a conventional clergyman. This aesthetic drove massive social media followings and positioned him as a central figure in modern evangelical branding. Mainstream publications frequently profiled him, cementing his status as the face of a new wave of celebrity pastors.
Dismissal and the Hillsong Controversy
The trajectory of Lentz's career shifted permanently in November 2020. Global Hillsong senior leadership terminated his employment, citing leadership issues, breaches of trust, and moral failures. Shortly after the announcement, Lentz released public statements acknowledging that he had engaged in an extramarital affair.
The firing triggered a cascade of internal investigations and public scrutiny regarding the culture within Hillsong Church. Former attendees and staff members came forward with allegations detailing systemic abuses of power, severe burnout, and a corporate structure that prioritized brand protection over pastoral accountability. These events later became the focal point of investigative documentaries and media exposés, casting a harsh spotlight on the unchecked authority often granted to charismatic leaders in modern megachurches.
Where Is Carl Lentz Now?
Following his dismissal from Hillsong, Lentz stepped away from public ministry for several years to undergo intensive counseling and family restoration with his wife.
By 2023, he returned to a professional ministry environment in a non-pastoral capacity, taking on a strategic role at Transformation Church in Tulsa, Oklahoma. In 2024, he and his wife launched a podcast titled Lights On with Carl Lentz, where they discuss accountability, recovery, and the fallout from their departure from Hillsong. He has stated publicly that he does not intend to return to a traditional lead pastor position, choosing instead to focus on consulting and advisory work.
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Carl Lentz born?
Carl Lentz was born on November 6, 1978.
Is Carl Lentz still married to Laura Lentz?
Yes. Despite the intense public scrutiny and personal crises following his 2020 termination, the couple remained together and relocated to focus on marital counseling and rebuilding their family life.
What is Carl Lentz's current occupation?
He works as a non-pastoral strategist and co-hosts a podcast focused on personal accountability, faith restoration, and organizational leadership lessons.
Did Carl Lentz start his own church after Hillsong?
No. He has publicly stated that he has no plans to plant another church or assume a traditional senior pastor role.
