Is Hillsong A Cult? Carl & Laura Lentz Open Up..

[@TheBSideApp]

Want to submit a question to Carl & Laura? Write in to [e-mail] Become a BSider today! www.bsideapp.com/pricing We love you all. Thank you for walking with us!

[@melissak9627]

I really admire Laura, she is such a strong wise woman. I just admire people who are willing to forgive like that and keep going even when it's so bloody hard to keep working on their relationship even when she didn't feel like it or everything would have felt like it was against her. Even when she felt like she lost everything. She got back and up again and fought hard. She is amazing and such a great example to her children of a Godly woman of grace and humility. This is the kind of woman men should be looking for to marry. She is the example we as woman need to follow if we want to fight for our marriage so it will last a lifetime.

[@rob95stro]

Love both of these people. I will definitely say Hillsong has been an incredible Church - because a church is about the 10s of thousands of people attending, not the person on stage. For people that want it to be a cult, sure they can call it that. But my life was transformed by Jesus, a huge piece of that was Carl shedding a light on how much Jesus loves me and people. My wifes life transformed by serving at Hillsong for years. To people actually pursuing Jesus while attending saw the fruit. The people that came for the hype, there probably was still some fruit - but they are choosing to call it a cult because they’re hurt. Because they probably didn’t come strictly to learn about Jesus. But I don’t want that to be a blanket statement. It may be. Whatever. Jesus is a Legend. Carl and Laura are really great and did so much for Jesus, not for Hillsong. It’s about how YOU choose to see it

[@jordangilbert7757]

No, it's a cult. Carl and Laura were incredibly damaging to Hillsong, but more importantly they were incredibly damaging to the wider body of Christ (the actual 'church').

[@Rickseavey84]

Sometimes we end up living in disfunction and grief so long, we get to the point where we don't know how to survive without disfunction. The Lord has better, He wants us to live in the Joy of our Salvation. This is such a great conversation, thank you!

[@frankfranklinson]

Amen!!

[@lcm4him]

It becomes “familiar” and seems abnormal not to be around , in, or causing the chaos. If it ever dawns on you, it is so eye opening.

[@user-account-not-found]

Sounds like a great reason to cheat on your wife.

[@markbaker2629]

Heads up on the promo; fast forward to 1:08:00 to hear the answer.

[@wangeciwatene9172]

God bless you

[@Mat-xe8pt]

Cheers brooo

[@dso]

My goodness all the way at the end

[@Andrew-um6xj]

You are a legend

[@irisbyrnes4442]

Understand all this. So many triggers. After many years. Thanks for being honest. Hurt and rejection takes time. God is good, could not have done it without him.

[@kevinthomas728]

This honesty has been so healing for me. Seeing the honest responses from someone who I see as a victim of the church system helps me heal from my own trauma with church.

[@kennethbrewer5993]

All I have to say is I do not know you two but I love you! I am so thankful for all the work you both have and are still putting in each day to draw closer to God and each other. You both are amazing testimonies of how God can restore what the enemy tried to destroy! God Bless!

[@Naoperro]

LOVED THAT EPISODE! Thank you for sharing your experience and how you navigate through the high and lows within this new journey of yours 🤍

[@jewelsosebee3809]

I love your family’s testimony❣️. I am so grateful too see it and I am so happy that you all were brave enough to bare your wounds in front. It is amazing and God gets the glory! I only wished I heard from Laura more. Carl speaks a lot. Lol! Thank you both and to your kids! ❤❤

[@louisethompson3100]

You answered my question yay! thank you. Really appreciate your honesty. I love watching as you both give me tools to deal with things in my life :)

[@nolongerastayathomemom7543]

Laura you are so beautiful inside and out. Thank you both for sharing your journey with us❤

[@gtss999]

One of the most anticipated podcasts in my list. All of the hot topics - super relevant. Blessings, we are with you 100%

[@oliviabright8720]

Thank you both for having the courage and obedience to allow God to use your testimony to restore others! Im blessed by your conversations as many are. Blessings on your channel. Look forward to more encouraging conversations. 🙏

[@ebonychurch7570]

As a wife, I'm in the thick of this betrayal. My husband has many addictions which he's not reaching out for healing and help for. I have to walk this out with Jesus. But thank you guys for your honesty and answers on what walking it out looks like. Gives me some insight to what the future could be.

[@Kirbygal55]

My heart goes out to you. l pray things will get better in your relationship. May you know God's guidance in this.

[@Poputnyk]

I pray that your husband begins to hold himself accountable and starts to heal. Please remember that his issues, downfalls, and erroneous ways aren't a reflection on you. You, the wife and woman, are beautiful, desirable, and enough. You are of value, and you matter greatly. His mess is because of him, ultimately. Too many women internalise or blame their ownselves for what their mates have done. Please remember that you're awesome, regardless.

[@ronnie-lynn]

My mentor in faith & life, also went through infidelity in her marriage. It needs to be talked about more. We are imperfect humans, that sin. I love and adore her, and seeing her marriage thrive and strengthen through these trials and tribulations. Is SO inspiring & encouraging. I am blessed to call them friends. Her being a minister/pastor who was unfaithful in her marriage, I find it refreshing for her to admit her failings in her relationship. 💕✨

[@orton1900]

I listen to hillsong music every night , I love their music !

[@userone3802]

Laura is my inspiration. I haven’t been through anything remotely like she has, but I suffer with retroactive jealousy, it’s torture. There are certain places when I see them on tv that my partner lived and went to with his ex wife and it sounds stupid, but every time I see it I feel nauseous. I hate being this way and I have no idea why I have it. I just keep doing the work to change my mindset.

[@gail2208]

You guys are very seen appreciated and loved and a breath of fresh air , praying and cheering you all on from afar online and certain your guys are helping many of us handle our stuff we all have it that’s for sure.

[@dreamer4life772]

This is so raw and transparent- real people sharing real stuff! I related on so many subjects and levels, I needed this...love, love, love it... thank you!❤

[@crystalmorgan9118]

Love the space of Grace. What i am learning is how to give grace

[@charlottenoer8356]

Its important to point out that this perspective is an very, very American and western approach to christian life. Million and million of Christian have no clue about the therapy stuff. The new christians I have in my life only have their bible and the supernatural and live far away from this Latte/slim jeans christianity, Everything is in a cultural context and some literally only have Jesus to guide them through and the belief that the still small voice in their hearts telling them not to fear but to hold on is the voice of Jesus. What I am saying is don't make a theology out of your therapy because others only have jesus and he is enough

[@RCGWho]

He always has been. For centuries when there was no therapy. And for the people who can't afford therapy, He's still enough. I hear more talk of therapy among Christian influencers now than the power of the Word and His Spirit.

[@joyceedith2296]

Loved this. May God continue to bless your union😊

[@missjennifer7777]

I love how much they laughed in this video🫶🏼🫶🏼

[@jeremymorse713]

Love these guys. Love what theyre doing. Love their heart for what (& who) matters. Keep at it!

[@crystalccruz]

A church doesn't have to be a cult in order for it's leaders to practice cult tactics or be abusive. You don't have to be a part of a cult or even high control religion in order to have been deeply hurt by the church. It doesn't devalue the pain of those who have left cults to call out abusive churches or leadership. It's putting language to what a person went through.

[@rociochavez8831]

This comment though 👌🏼👌🏼

[@LindsayPaige2240]

Absolutely.

[@Vin-og2dj]

He literally says this...

[@slewis2935]

@@Vin-og2dj stop apologizing for Carl. He says a lot of things. Carl is a decent bloke, he means well, but it doesn't mean he needs to be encouraged. Some of us are broken people, we are trying to change, always in recovery, and we will speak the right words about healing and how we understand the victims of our sins. This does not mean we should be encouraged. I never became a pastor because I KNEW I was too broken and damaged to be leading others. Carl should never be a pastor again because he is also too broken and damaged to be leading others. Let Carl do his own work, he needs to experience all of it himself, not be defended. He is a strong man, and he will get through this and come out the other side better for it. God will lead him to where he needs to be, but men who are broken should be following others, not be encouraged to continue trying to be leaders. God despises the proud but gives grace to the humble - James 4:6

[@Vin-og2dj]

@@slewis2935 What???

[@sandra153]

Thank you for this! I really appreciate these conversations!

[@nataliegrace3545]

The text fighting is so difficult and gets misunderstood. I totally agree that it needs to be in person

[@Vin-og2dj]

My time at Hillsong - LOVE my time there. Loved my leaders. Loved the people. Prayed for the pastors and I pray for them still. Loved Bobbi, loved Brian. Still do. They are good people. There is no church that doesn’t have its own issues. For the people that left the church offended - I pray for them too. I pray bitterness doesn’t settle in their hearts and that Satan doesn’t steal what God came to deliver them from.

[@Vin-og2dj]

@KingLoKing of course not. Grace does

[@Vin-og2dj]

@KingLoKing Everyone is getting exactly what they deserve according to how God sees them and their hearts. Your bitterness is preventing you from seeing the transformation that God does in people. If you’re a believer you need to work on knowing how to extend Grace to people. God says on judgement day the same judgement you used on others will be used on you. Your judgement is harsh because you’re not seeing and hearing. But you have chosen to keep your hard heart. Karl and Laura are aware of this command that God gives us. They understand that forgiveness must be given. The hurt clearly still remains and is a process that needs to be worked on with trauma therapists, pastors and prayer. That is exactly what they’re doing. Bobbi and Brian are doing that too. They are still good people. Good people still make mistakes. If you’re not a believer then I pray for your salvation because it’s gonna get harder for you to see and hear God and know his truth. Gods word says there are multitudes and multitudes in the Valley of Decision (Joel 3:14) and the day of his coming is near.

[@Vin-og2dj]

@KingLoKing bless you

[@slewis2935]

@@Vin-og2dj "If you’re a believer you need to work on knowing how to extend Grace to people"? My friend, you need to work on understanding the arrogance of that statement when your fellow Christians have suffered at the hands of unstable and sometimes mentally ill narcissists who masquerade as leaders of the church. It's God who will have grace on the perpetrator. We need to take care of the victims, not worry about giving grace to those who caused harm. This sort of absolution is exactly what a predatory person wants you to continue believing. They use the Bible as a tool to control minds. Wolves in sheep's clothing. Take the wool off your eyes and realize that. I was around all of these leaders when I was part of a Hillsong church, and yes, they probably meant well at the time, but it does NOT mean they should be given the grace to do it again.

[@Vin-og2dj]

@@slewis2935 I’ll leave this with you

[@CheriseFlower]

I did not expect to have such a personal revolution on the discussion around triggers. Years ago after a traumatic situation, God asked me to return to the location of the trauma, which to human logic was a horrible idea. I just only realised that this helped me overcome a trigger that would have greatly altered the trajectory of my life.

[@ruthg6569]

Thank you for this Podcast

[@irisbyrnes4442]

No discussions after a trigger just anger. Yes honesty is everything….

[@Jess_Curious]

I LOVE your views on triggers. This is beautiful. I'm going to re-frame the ones that I can. I know this will help with most of them. I want to own them and not let them control or own me! Thank you!! This is going to be a pretty sad example but it's a true example. I was with my husband for 13 years. We went through a lot of the things you have been through. My husband just wasn't willing to do "the work" that was needed to fix us. Or to help me. So, alot became triggers, questions, I was completely devastated. I was willing to forgive after some time but things kept happening. Then the promises of never again. I didn't think I could be more devestated but I was. Then to avoid the work it just became about me and how I'm living in the past. He used the typical we don't need counseling we need God. But we had God. He said God can heal all things. I do believe that but I also believe we have a responsibility to do our part and mend what we broke. I also know everything he did was a choice. God gave him away out of that choice but he did it anyway. Time and time again. So we split up and talked about getting back together multiple times and even tried it but of course, I found more of the same. He was still doing the same things he was looking in my eyes promising he wasn't. Until I showed him proof. He watched the devastation. He watched me many times cry myself to sleep. He knew just how bad it was for me. And still kept doing it. All of it. I almost died trying. I really hoped in him. I fought for him and for us. Losing me through it all. I had to realize that he was the trigger. It took everything in me to stop allowing the trigger to continue. He no longer gets to have his ride or die. I gave my all in every way. Only to realize that if he loved me the way I loved him he too would fight like hell or die trying. I had to save myself. God showed me all of this along the way but I wanted to believe in my husband and not give up, until I had to. This podcast has really helped me. I know I'm not alone. I know I didn't deserve this. I know I don't deserve this. I know if he really wanted to, he would have. I also know that life doesn't end here. Life is so beautiful. Sometimes you have to take a hard look at the facts, face reality, and look for what God has in store for you. It sure isn't heartache, devastation, pain, and horrible grief. It's fun and beautiful. Life has so much to offer. And God is so good. Thank you. You are saving lives. At times I felt like if I died it would take the horrible pain away that I couldn't escape no matter what I did. I am so glad that I never went through with it. I haven't had one regret of still being on this earth. But you are actually saving lives and giving hope to some who thought it was lost forever. Whether you stay or go there is hope. Thank you. Truly.

[@ebonychurch7570]

Just wanted to say you're testimony resonates with me. I'm right in the thick of it. I've been suicidal many times, I want the pain to end. Only Jesus knows my future, but I'm trying to find myself.

[@Jess_Curious]

@@ebonychurch7570 don't let it win. Get mad then get up! There is so much life has to offer! I was there many times. I can promise you this, no one is better off without you, life isn't gone forever, the sun will shine again, God loves you, I'm sure so many around you do too! You CAN do this! Even if it's only for you. Prove it to yourself!

[@janettiispaghetiii]

“PastAAAAS” lol😂 why was that so funny Sorry Laura Love ya and your accent

[@benjaminwellinger1416]

I loved Hillsong, when Brian and Bobbie were leading. It was joyful, hopeful, Jesus-centric with good teachings and great music. But what I always find iffy with those big evangelical churches: They always want people to volunteer and work for free. On the other hand, the senior pastors and church leaders get a lot of money. This doesn't sit right with me. So Hillsong (and other likeminded churches) to me is not a cult, when it comes to content and teaching. But it has parallels with multi-level-marketing-schemes.

[@jennyc5100]

Loved this show!!!

[@marshamccown4530]

Lights on for Jesus… You’ve made it!🎉🎉🎉🎉🙏🙏🙏👀👂🏼👂🏼👋🏼🤓Real talk….😇

[@lingonberry6500]

the issue with a lot of evangelical churches including hillsong is that we do not stand up against a wicked culture. Even when the culture is so obviously corrupted. I understand you have issues with gender (for eg), but we should be bold to say it from the pulpits. If you do not confess me before men, I will not confess you before my heavenly father People call it a cult because of that. you answer the question well but i think that is where the question is actually coming for

[@cesarparraherrera9159]

I agree with Laura the Holy Spirit can do more than a pastor, a therapist and a coach.

[@krisb.5327]

How terrible to never be able to trust your husband. I feel sad for her.

[@hannahsarthub]

Except that she does now. They literally spend most of the time talking about how they have worked on and rebuilt trust over the last few years to the point that she does trust him now.

[@mamitianaralija5075]

When you don’t do the work that’s what we think, its not her case she trusts her husband again because she has done the work

[@Stacy-pg1fy]

Sending love from Oregon

[@tammaree1889]

The hiker bit 🤣 that was so funny!

[@608BRAINROT]

HI EVERYONE!! We are loving the CARL & LAURA PODCAST so far! & we wanted to hop on this chat to say that we are a Christian-based Podcast aiming to show students and young adults of today that church can be FUN! If you'd like to take the time to check out our first episode and provide us any feedback that would be so appreciated! We will engage in spiritual conversations while adding in some real-life topics and how we can navigate as Christians living in a difficult society! Thank you and God bless!

[@victornikora2857]

Loving God Loving people! Walking in love is the secret! Love is the greatest! Put the conversation down!! Do love!

[@ruthg6569]

Especially on making your marriage better

[@soniairak80]

I try to listen to every episode. I support u guys ❤

[@KendalynSanford-rm1ss]

So how do you handle it when the thing that triggers you has passed away? The way I was treated by my mom and stepmom is a trigger for me when I get treated the same way by people now but they have both passed and I am not sure how to get past it.

[@mauriciotorres9746]

Would’ve been so good if Laura said “yeah it’s a cult”! lol

[@keribarnett5784]

I love the dynamic between you two considering all that you've been through. It's cute. Lol

[@Peter-z3b6t]

Sanctification can take awhile to occur. Keep grinding and the light of the Lord will guide you straight.

[@princess]

Irrelevent comment but I'm pretty sure this was filmed in The Ridglea Theater green room in FW, TX. lol I recognize it from our church plant days for THFW.

[@justashton255]

lol pasta. love this series. much love

[@leog9012]

Let her talk!

[@loanloan3581]

Please, don't talk above her. Let her talk.

[@BetweentheSheetsWLea]

Carl and Laura can we reach out about getting help in our marriage?

[@SavedbyGracethrufaith.7]

So powerful

[@Mr.Reel2u_]

Awesome episode. Carl will you ever mentor anyone again? I’d love to have you as a mentor man. We have talked some on Instagram and you gave me great advice I appreciate you.

[@mammenaley]

When my daughter plans to get married I would want so much for the 2 of u to counsel the couple....oh I wish.....

[@Kelissse]

Just LOVE you guys!

[@Jaaon-v4t]

Take a shot of holy wine everytime they say trigger

[@jhoysdee3966]

subtitles please

[@soulrebel4life]

Short answer amen yes they are

[@Catherine-bo8lb]

This is a big call Big Time

[@SILVAbums]

I thought she was saying pastas or therapy or both. and I think that sounds like a winning model so yeah

[@alisonkulatea2989]

Can’t afford it !!!!! JESUS IS FREE✝️🙏❤️

[@Andrew-um6xj]

Hillsong college is a cult , hillsong church is a cult of personality. The reason for my answer is there’s a church in Norwich Uk called soul church . It’s a small clone of Hillsong and every pastor leader and elder was trained at HSC . They don’t talk like human beings their eyes are glassed over and having been hurt by these people and leaving you realise just how much everything they do is hype and psychological control . It’s all about getting a full house and getting you to part with your money . There’s no movement of the spirit there , there’s no accountability or teaching on sin . It’s all blessings blessings and they hype you up to hit you with Malachi and take your money . They twist scripture to fit their narrative. Their leaders are clones and they paint this perfect couple image you end up idolising.God and his kingdom is real but Hillsong and soul church are not real churches if they were around in Paul’s day he would definitely be writing them a letter .

[@mariamack6959]

Comic relief, the accent from Carl. Lol

[@AlesiaMichelle]

Dear Lord, [or b-side producers] please get these 2 some headphones 🙂

[@0555pink]

@ 1:11:13 ----- they took things from the BOTH of you far too Easily! 😩😩😩

[@longcat1168]

You both are amazing! Please consider not eating your hat. It’s hard to see your eyes. ❤️🙏🏼 Go God!

[@longcat1168]

* wearing your hat oops!

[@yvettehorst1686]

Can you speak on your relationship with Justin Bieber? I feel Ike people are also assuming you along with p Diddy had something to do with Justin’s brokenness as a child/teen. Were you a good role model for him looking back now?

[@FieldingValentine-y1i]

Wisozk Mountain

[@cany7206]

Is it me or does it feel like Carl is irritated at the fact that his wife has an accent lol.

[@jordangilbert7757]

So nobody has read the Lentz Report huh? My goodness, what are you people doing? Why, in the Name of all that is holy, are you going anywhere near a microphone and an audience ever again? Seriously, why are you putting yourself up again as someone to hear, to follow, who's view should be valued by anyone? I'm begging you, put this behind you, work an honest job and don't subject any more vulnerable people to your obscene self.

[@Jennifer-i3b9q]

100

[@educocult]

Am disappointed with the definition of a cult that was used. This does not tally with the widely used definitions provided by Robert Jay Lifton, Janja Lalich, Alexandra Stein or Steven Hassans Might this question be posed again after acquainting yourself with these definitions that overlap?

[@denali9643]

A lot of psycho-babble. A lot of Tower of Babel. Almost no language of the Kingdom.

[@sharonhutchinson1574]

I don’t agree . I don’t trust Pastors they have to prove themselves to me in fact I don’t trust anyone in church authority most of the time they preach false doctrine. I trust my God and Saviour Jesus Christ .I am the biggest sceptic of human beings especially one in authority and power I have experienced too much in churches .

[@zekejones2249]

Hillsong is bigger than Brian Houston. I'll leave it at that.

[@joshleauanae801]

😂😂😂😂😂

[@victorcarrera7335]

could this guy... be quite about the church ... thanks.

[@willdegraw]

Your addiction for the spotlight is saddening.

[@willdegraw]

8:16 mark, "there's a Scripture that talks about - ya know - renewing your mind 'nd all that kinda stuff..." umm. do you mean, Romans 12:2 which says, [2] Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect. (ESV)

[@JoshAndrew]

Your addiction to hate and judgement is saddening

[@tbo2120]

It’s frightening. This is the new age. People are addicted to pretending like all of this is okay. Watch the comments and even the above ones ^ flooding in because you’re using discernment and wisdom….. just watch … God Bless and stay the course. The road is narrow.

[@oliviabright8720]

Please be kind. It's better not to say anything and stay off of a channel if you don't agree with a certain conversation or certain people. 🙏

[@bondinho6114]

That’s a facts dammmn they love the spotlights too much

[@carolannpienaar7762]

Definitely DONT WANT ADVICE FTOM AN ADULTERER!! HOW DARE HE!!!!!!!

[@schalkbuys9030]

Why would you listen to these 2?

[@Matthieu260582]

this is cultural discussion. not so much to do with Jesus. im out of there.

[@Christina-bx6zq]

Gym could be the biggest that's where most affairs start. The way women dress is ridiculous