Fired Hillsong NYC pastor Carl Lentz gets a new job at Oklahoma megachurch

Former Hillsong NYC pastor Carl Lentz (Photo: Hillsong)

Carl Lentz, who was fired as the pastor of Hillsong New York City over an extramarital affair, has joined the staff at a megachurch in Tulsa, Oklahoma.

He has been given a job at the non-denominational, black-majority Transformation Church, led by Michael Todd.

It is his first church job since losing his leadership position at Hillsong New York City in 2020.

His new appointment was confirmed in an email to Religion News Service (RNS) from Transformation's executive pastor of operations, Tammy McQuarters, who said that Lentz would be helping the church with its strategy and vision.

"We gladly welcome Carl Lentz to our Transformation Church staff, helping TC with strategy as we continue to move forward in our vast vision," she said.

Lentz admitted to marital unfaithfulness following his November 2020 firing. Despite his indiscretions, his wife, Laura Lentz, has stayed by his side.

RNS reports that Lentz and his family have already relocated to Tulsa and are attending the church, which is based at the 4,500-seater SpiritBank Event Center, in the city's Bixby neighbourhood.

McQuarters said the church believed in Lentz and his "restoration".

"After two years of Carl being in his own discovery and healing process, he has shown readiness to use his God-given gifts towards the local church again. We believe in Carl, his marriage, his skill set, and his restoration," she said.

News
Traitors’ winner Harry Clark heads to Rome in new BBC documentary exploring faith in modern Britain
Traitors’ winner Harry Clark heads to Rome in new BBC documentary exploring faith in modern Britain

BBC Two and iPlayer are set to air a new one-hour documentary this Easter charting The Traitors’ winner Harry Clark’s personal pilgrimage from Slough to the Vatican

Christians welcome NI decision to pull out of puberty blocker trial
Christians welcome NI decision to pull out of puberty blocker trial

Nesbitt initially indicated that the province would join the trial.

EU Parliament condemns expulsion of foreign Christians in Turkey
EU Parliament condemns expulsion of foreign Christians in Turkey

Turkey has said the EU is interfering in its internal affairs.

Fewer Britons giving something up for Lent as cathedrals invite deeper reflection
Fewer Britons giving something up for Lent as cathedrals invite deeper reflection

The number of Britons giving something up for Lent has fallen sharply over the past decade, according to new research highlighting a significant shift in how the season is observed.