Back in September of 2022, we reported on the scandal that led to the firing of Hillsong NYC pastor Carl Lentz and we predicted that Lentz may be attempting a comeback. After months of silence on social media, Lentz had posted a series of family photos and a message about his family’s new life.
“Its been a challenging road but we are alive,” Lentz wrote, “we are at peace and thanks to the grace of God we are TOGETHER. Not sure what the future holds for us, but we do know that we face it as a family and for that I am so thankful. My deepest thanks to our friends and family that have shown us such unconditional love and grace when we have desperately needed it. Forever grateful.. we are hopeful about what is ahead!”
The post has sparked speculation that Lentz may be planning to return to the ministry, despite the sexual abuse allegations that have been leveled against him. Lentz’s return could have significant implications for the Hillsong Church, which has been struggling to restore its image in the wake of multiple scandals.
Today, it seems that our prediction has come true as RNS is now reporting that Carl Lentz has joined the staff of another infamously seeker-sensitive false church that we regularly report about, Transformation Church.
According to RNS, Carl Lentz, the former pastor of Hillsong New York City who was fired in 2020 due to an extramarital affair, has joined the staff of Transformation Church, a predominantly Black, nondenominational megachurch in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Lentz will be helping with strategy as the church continues to pursue its vision. Lentz has also launched a consulting and coaching business with church clients, and his family has relocated to Tulsa to heal and move forward.
Pastor Mike Todd of the Transformation Church has been growing in popularity at an alarming rate, despite his repulsive and controversial behavior. Earlier this year, Todd made headlines for turning tithing into a million-dollar lottery, using his congregants as nothing more than pawns in his sick game. And just a few weeks ago, Todd made headlines again for spitting in his hands and rubbing them all over a congregant’s face during a so-called “sermon.” It’s clear that Todd cares more about shock value and self-promotion than he does about spreading the teachings of the Bible.