Stephen Carl Lentz (born November 6, 1978[1]) is an American former celebrity pastor who was also a spiritual advisor to celebrities such as Justin Bieber.[2] He was the lead pastor of Hillsong NYC until November 4, 2020, when he was fired by Hillsong Global Pastor Brian Houston for "leadership issues and breaches of trust, plus a recent revelation of moral failures."[3]
In 2010, Lentz co-founded Hillsong NYC in New York City.[8] His appearance, particularly his tattoos, hair style, clothing, and footwear, started a radically different trend amongst younger pastors.[9]
On October 30, 2017, while on The View, Lentz was asked if he believed abortion was a sin; he did not answer the question directly, instead saying that "the cultural, religious norm right now is that if you and I disagree, we're done. I don't believe that's the case."[13] Eight days later, Lentz released a statement via Twitter saying "I do believe abortion is sinful."[14] In January 2019, he called the passage of the Reproductive Health Act in the State of New York, which allows abortion after 24 weeks when a fetus is unviable or the pregnancy poses a risk to the mother's health, "evil, shameful and demonic".[15]
Lentz appeared on Oprah's SuperSoul Sunday, which caused some to question Lentz's theology, since he said one could have a relationship with God outside of Jesus.[16][17]
Lentz was hired on staff for a non-pastoral position at Transformation Church in Oklahoma in March 2023.[18]
Scandals
Affair and dismissal
On November 4, 2020, Brian Houston, Global Senior Pastor of Hillsong announced through a church newsletter that he had fired Lentz. The reason for Lentz's removal was cited as "leadership issues and breaches of trust, plus a recent revelation of moral failures."[19][20] Lentz acknowledged that he had engaged in an adulterous affair.[21] His wife's employment with the church was also terminated despite her own conduct not being an issue.[22][23]
Further allegations
On May 31, 2021, Leona Kimes, wife of Hillsong Boston pastor Josh Kimes, accused Lentz of "manipulation, control, bullying, abuse of power, and sexual abuse" toward her.[24][25][26] Kimes worked as the Lentz family nanny and alleges that the assaults happened from 2011 to 2017.[24] On the 2023 FX documentary The Secrets of Hillsong, Lentz admitted to an Adderall addiction and to having an extramarital affair with Leona Kimes.[27][28][29]