‘Lights on with Carl Lentz’ is raw and repentant, and that’s a start
By 
Tim Bechervaise2024-06-06T10:41:00
In their new podcast, disgraced celebrity pastor Carl Lentz and his wife Laura promise to “open up about everything” – his infidelity, the allegations of abuse and his dismissal from Hillsong NYC. Whatever our views on his motives, the first episode is honest and repentant, if a little lacking in Jesus, says Tim Bechervaise
Secrets. Shame. Scandals. Survival.
It’s sounds like the promo for a Netflix series or a box office release, not a podcast. And certainly not one involving a church pastor.
But sometimes truth can be stranger than fiction, because this week saw the unexpected release of ‘Lights On With Carl Lentz’, a podcast in which Carl and his wife Laura share the journey they’ve been on following his dismissal as pastor of Hillsong New York in 2020 for infidelity (among other allegations).
Related articles
-
News AnalysisShould Brian Houston return to ministry?
The Hillsong founder is one of many Christian leaders who appear to have brushed off past scandals, and made a quick return to the pulpit.
-
OpinionThe complicated case of Russell Brand’s (sort-of) conversion
How do we cheer on someone’s walk towards Christ without minimising the pain of their past actions? As Russell Brand speaks of needing a personal relationship with Jesus months after being accused of sexual offences, Emma Fowle explores
-
Interviews‘I would love to be out of a job’ Investigative reporter Julie Roys on uncovering Church scandals
Julie Roys explains why she’s determined to expose abuse and misconduct in the Church
More from Reviews
-
OpinionA Band Called LoveSong shows how God can bring revival through the most unlikely people
LoveSong’s documentary is an inspiring look at how God brought renewal through the 1960’s hippie movement, says Derek Walker. It’s slightly self-indulgent, but it’s true value lies in the lessons we can learn for today’s quiet revival
-
ReviewsJackie Hill Perry’s new album shows culture and faith aren’t mutually exclusive
The rapper, poet and preacher’s third album Blameless demonstrates how Christian artists can stay authentic to their cultural heritage while glorifying God. It’s a message that’s particularly relevant during Black History Month, says Maxine Harrison
-
ReviewsAlister McGrath’s new book argues belief is essential to being human
Theologian Alister McGrath challenges post-Enlightenment assumptions about faith in his new book, arguing that belief is not the enemy of rationality but its necessary companion, essential to human flourishing
- Issues
- Topics A-Z
- Writers A-Z
- © 2025 Premier Christianity
Site powered by Webvision Cloud