Carl & Laura Lentz open up (here's what happened)

[@TheBSideApp]

It's time to turn the lights on. The last four years have been a whirlwind of heartbreak, devastation, healing, & restoration. I, Carl Lentz, am beyond excited to have a space where we can all turn on the lights & address our darkness. Join me for episode 1- let me know how it speaks to you in the comments below! Start your 7 day trial on the B-Side App today! www.bsideapp.com/pricing ---- Join our Discord: discord.gg/pRKTgv7A3B Download B-Side today on Apple: apps.apple.com/us/app/b-side-app/id6469474522 Download B-Side today on Android: play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.bsideapp&hl=en_US&pli=1 Want to give financially to the B-Side? www.paypal.com/paypalme/bsideapp

[@carasparks8500]

Hey, I used to watch u preach all the time. I myself have backsliding. People forget we are human. You probably weren't ready for the attention and high level of fame u received and u maybe handled it wrong but I respect u for being vulnerable and i forgive u even tho it's not my place to or anyone else's. U cam comeback from this and the religious will hate it but God is grace. And alot of people aren't. Much love and peace to you

[@316Speedshop]

U really got on here trying to promote an app, by you, a false prophet, that we the people have to pay for?

[@carasparks8500]

@@316Speedshop he never claimed to be a prophet.......educate yourself. And learn what the true Grace of God is.

[@316Speedshop]

@@carasparks8500 u would support his quest to live in a multi million dollar mansion again...

[@nakitawill]

@@316SpeedshopB side isn’t “his app”

[@mattybabs7]

As a pastor, I have followed this story closely. The ripple effects were felt in every church. This podcast is simply a glimpse of the grace and goodness of God. I am beyond excited to see what God is able to do with a humbled man. I know you most likely won’t see this, but Carl… thank you for humbling yourself and receiving God’s overwhelming grace. We will be praying for you and your family.

[@owen4him]

He's NOT healed. He's a narcissist and this is just another way for him to be in the limelight. It's still ALL ABOUT HIM. NARC. Wake up!

[@christinam1070]

Lol

[@amy247365]

When we humble ourselves and seek the Lord & repent, He will forgive us. This is a testimony of how God works in our lives. Won’t the Lord use this man’s testimony to reach & teach others for His glory? Yes, He will.

[@wroch3178]

I’m not sure. For me he still just find a way to make money instead of find a job.

[@wroch3178]

@@emmanuelgarcia619i agree with you! This is not normal

[@yosebby]

I met Carl once during my first month of following Jesus. I didn't know much about church culture back then, especially the "celebrity" aspect of it. One day, I was backstage because I had been asked to film and help out. I was standing in the hallway when Carl had just finished speaking. He had his church crew with him, and honestly, it looked a bit intimidating. Looking back, I remember there was this aura in the air that you couldn't approach him unless you were close to him. But I was so oblivious at the time (honestly, praise God, because that culture is wack) that I just walked up and shared a bit of my testimony with him. I could sense the people around me didn't like what I did, but when I was talking to Carl, he made me feel so seen and embraced me with a huge hug. It was exactly what I needed at that time. I owe a lot to Carl for helping lay the foundations of my faith with Jesus. Look, we all mess up, some more than others. But dang, man, Carl, I pray God guides you and your family through this new journey. May God be glorified through your new adventure

[@esthera3883]

❤❤

[@christinam1070]

Everything this holier than thou narcissist does is for appearances. Wake up.

[@dmbm3422]

@christinam1070, maybe you missed the part in the Bible where Jesus said, "thou shall not judge"?

[@rickbandy8310]

@@christinam1070so sad. It doesn’t matter what he says or is. YOU are not off the hook for loving him…for keeping no record of wrongs. Unless you don’t know Jesus… in that case, you were never on the hook.

[@Amoski1208]

@@christinam1070have you met him?

[@TheSchmidu67]

Today is a good day! The devil lost another fight against a couple. Just go on, God will always be on your side. Be blessed 🙌🙌🙌

[@eguonoejenobor9300]

Absolutely 💯

[@ibabymomx3]

Amen!!!

[@ibabymomx3]

@BibleBeliever-hq8cu meaning the devil tried to destroy their marriage but they still remained together.

[@PeculiarPerson777]

@BibleBeliever-hq8cu we are all sinners...this is a VICTORY...let us hope their walk, together, is made STRONGER by this test.

[@OGjudoka]

The devil had no hand in any of this. This man sinned because he is a sinner with a sinful nature and sinful flesh. Stop accrediting to Satan what belongs to our own flesh.

[@omni1562]

Honestly, the real hero here is his wife and kids. I admired Carl so much, that affair of his hurt really badly. Thank you guys for being vulnerable and opening it all up to us

[@Misspermiscuousgirll]

I don’t admire one bit she is weak and encouraging bad behavior and she should leave him

[@JanelliRojas]

I was part of Hillsong Connecticut and when everything happened I remember feeling betrayed and lied to. It was the church I got saved and baptized. At the time when the news broke out of what happened I thankfully was in therapy and I was able to navigate through it in a healthy way and even though I decided to no longer be part of Hillsong I still kept my faith stronger and believing in God. Watching this today made me very emotional and I didn’t realize I need this conversation from you guys to help my healing journey of that season in my life. Thank you for the humility and the rawness.

[@jenniferoestrike750]

What is "everything"? What the heck happened?

[@RCGWho]

​@@jenniferoestrike750A lifestyle of secrets and lies and decadence culminated in being outed for adultery.

[@316Speedshop]

You sound like somebody that would need therapy because some other person you don't even know did something

[@JordanAnthonySmith]

Happy for you, sis. Glad you kept moving forward.

[@al-bakersophie6583]

​@@316SpeedshopLmaoo. Why would you say that?

[@felipemorenomusic]

Thank you Carl and Laura for not giving up. May God use your story to for his glory.

[@andreeasmarchis7956]

When John Bevere asked Jim Bakker “when did you fall out of love with Jesus”. The great evangelist who was now in jail responded and said “Never, I always loved Him, all the way through. But it’s when I stopped fearing the Lord”. Jim Bakker considered it the grace of God for him to fall - he said if he hadn’t fallen, he would’ve never been truly saved! God bless you Carl, this is amazing!

[@jennyrdermon]

Amen 🙏❤️‍🔥

[@WMWeathersby]

I had no idea Jim Bakker said that! DEEP. Thank you.

[@mrfabulous4640]

Yet, Jesus said if you love me you will keep my commandments.

[@PeculiarPerson777]

yes, sometimes we need the pursuit of the devil in order to be convicted of our real sin...a lack of faith...a lack of What Jesus truly did for us on the Cross...as I don't think many are really appreciative of His Finished Work on the Cross. I am glad for this family! I hope they find true healing and all that Jesus has given us...lavished us with...and Accomplished for us...upon that Glorious Tree! Hallelujah Amen! There needs to be a wound, in order to heal...so I totally agree with Mr. Lentz regarding suffering leads to growth. Amen!

[@debiwolek]

It would be nice to hear much more from Laura. It’s good hearing Carl take total responsibility and there are NO EXCUSES. It’s so true, you could have destroyed your family but you destroyed a church of thousands of innocent people. And the public that looks at the state of the church. It’s good to grow and learn so that is the best step. You’ve been the one talking for years. Lauras voice is the one needed to be heard from now. Everyone has compassion on her and want to hear how she has dealt with this. No one ever blamed her.

[@ybatoba]

May the Lord be glorified through this podcast. A real story of HOPE that people need.

[@Vivianaone2]

Amen brother.

[@Nenapr217]

🙌🏽

[@julietzulu7866]

It would be - If he actually used the word SIN and credited the power of Jesus Christ for his repentance. This is NOT humility, he is ultra focused on his platform, what people think, his reputation. It's really unbelievably obvious.

[@vocesintergalacticas7545]

As someone who used to attend your church, I want to thank you so much for doing this. From the moment everything happened, I always knew that God's mercy and grace would be with you. This whole video brought so many tears out. Laura you are amazing. And I am glad to see Carl healing and fighting with all his heart for you. I always knew you were going to make it. You don't know me but I love you and have pray a lot for you guys ! And will be always grateful for what you gave me at Hillsong NYC. God bless you and this new journey you are stepping on 💖

[@RCGWho]

​@@rylocblood33This is that.

[@rosemarysanchez]

If David went into hiding and never came out into the light, we wouldn't have any of the Psalms. Thank you for being courageous in sharing your story!

[@jodyhernandez6475]

you can't compare David and Carl. 😂 seriously.

[@rosemarysanchez]

@@jodyhernandez6475 ok

[@iamempressires333]

​@@jodyhernandez6475I don't think they're comparing persons it's more like situations ... everyone can be tempted into sin.

[@Jounior2567]

@@iamempressires333 Everyone can be tempted into sin and no one on the planet is living a sin-free life, okay fair enough. But I can't wrap my head around the fact that we are merely brushing off a married man who went out of his way to meet, flirt, get close and eventually have sex with someone, as 'he got tempted'. I am sorry, but the amount of effort that goes into this particular sin to bear fruit doesn't do any justice to the phrase 'ohh I fell short'. This screams to me a lack of conviction in your beliefs in the first place, just like Ravi Zacharias. How could you be a preacher, someone who is supposed to have studied the word of God in its entirety at an incredible depth and not once during the process of committing the ultimate sin of adultery were you not convicted? And when I say adultery, I am going back to the Old Testament definition of a physical act. Not even the one Jesus gave us.

[@iamquaret]

From this conversation, I've learned that we all have access to God regardless of our title or position. As a man, it's important to say what you mean and mean what you say. When you make a mistake, God can save and redeem you, but you will still face the consequences. If you hang in there, you may lose everything, but your testimony will be one that can change lives and show the ultimate power of God's word.

[@brightpage1020]

The moment Jesus died on the cross, the veil at the temple tore open. This was a significant symbol that the veil that separated us from God is now open. Before that only certain specific - I think it was the Levite (?) Priests were allowed into that inner sanctum inside the temple. There they would offer sacrifices on behalf of the community or congregation and they would have a moment with God in there amd come out with His advice, or to share the wisdom they gained there. But that veil tearing reveals the heart of God to each of us who believe so we no longer require a religious representative to carry our concerns to God, but we can accept His guidance personally. No more separation from the Holy Spirit.

[@jjuukobosco3235]

Amen there's healing in Repentance but the proud in heart............

[@chatwithanns]

Just thank you Carl and Laura for starting the conversation that so many Christians might be afraid to start. His grace is sufficient (2 Corinth 12:9) and rightly or wrongly, your family has now plastered that message on a billboard for the world to see. THANK YOU! ❤

[@brightpage1020]

Yeah so many families are going through stuff like this. And I can't imagine the pressures as an official, church sanctioned representative of God to live daily by that higher standard of Heaven. But that too is a choice, right? A position he applied to. The heat is real. You lead a popular church, the heat is big time. I'm sure Satan gets your number and knows what influences will tempt you to disavowe the Lord as authority in your life. Knows by what you are influenced by.

[@RCGWho]

Grace is the power to overcome sin, not the permission to sin. Maybe mercy is the word we should use?

[@alfredoruizdechavez7721]

2 Corinthians 7:10 - "For godly grief produces a repentance that leads to salvation without regret, whereas worldly grief produces death". Encourage you Carl to keep seeing this gift of Godly repentance.

[@andrealisset7362]

“You can’t FALL from grace.. you fall INTO grace” 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼

[@go2yourself]

Amen 😊

[@Nenapr217]

🙌🏽

[@aliciaporter6454]

Love this!!

[@emmanuelmakoba6085]

That quote isn't true though.

[@vanillathunder1]

Galatians 5:4 says otherwise, I understand the meaning but it is wrong 😕

[@David_G3221]

It's refreshing to see that Carl is choosing to walk in humility- you can see it in his eyes, the way he's processing his emotions, and in his speech. That arrogance and pride he had while at Hilsong is gone and this new- better- version of him is on display. Grateful that I get to be part of it, by listening to this series 🙏🏿

[@David_G3221]

@RCGWho to be honest, I don't know 100% because I can't see his heart like the Lord can. What I do know is that out of the heart, the mouth speaks and that our eyes are windows into our souls. From what I see and hear, I believe that change happened in his life. I encourage you to listen to the full episode, it's very eye opening!

[@arjaywrld]

@@RCGWhois he supposed to wear a 3 piece suit?

[@neemafrica]

​@@RCGWho First introduce yourself..and if your name isnt God, then stop judging him because you think you are disqualifying him but you are really disqualifying God and the power of His grace and mercy and goodness in your own life. And who said God doesn't like us to look good!? 🤷🤷

[@RCGWho]

​@@arjaywrldArmani

[@neemafrica]

​@@RCGWho Even Jesus was a celebrity...the point is to be able to test out spirit through the help of HS and not judge people just because God gave them nations they are scam. Goodluck

[@alanhawkins_44]

49 years in ministry. I’m for you. Didn’t know anything about you except headlines until today. Keep going.

[@jillianperry5404]

Thank you for speaking. You are missed! From someone who did have an affair, who did lie to their partner I can tell you with full confidence that our marriage is now THRIVING. We have opened up the gates of talking about things I'd rather run away from. We have healed and grew immensely. It is possible. Do not let google tell you "once a cheater always a cheater". It takes work. It takes hard work and true effort in one's self to understand why and also understanding that your partner is hurt. It is possible for broken trust to be rebuilt!! It was good to hear from you guys! Can't wait to hear more from you both!

[@BishopBrooks614]

Same

[@lukerowlandmusic]

The Lentz’s told this as a human-centric story. I rejoice for redemption. But it made me sad to watch this video, because this should have been a story about JESUS, His relentless pursuit of us, and the saving power of His blood (in more than just subtext). Even the opening line of the conversation (2:04) uses subtle "playing-the-victim" motifs (us against the people trying to "control the real narrative" of our lives) and frames the story as a human struggle of overcoming ("you get up and fight and try to break through"). Carl talks about the desired outcome of this podcast as people seeing the other side of the story (2:43) and seeing "what is possible when you work hard at a relationship" (4:26). Their journey is framed as human accomplishment (8:36) - "We waited so long to talk because we had a bigger priority, which was to save our family. More accurately, for me to save my own life, and then work to try to save our marriage, and then work to try to save our family." I'm trying to be generous with the writing of this comment, but there is only so much I can do when the name of God isn’t uttered until fourteen minutes thirty four seconds into the video. He says “by the grace of God” they had humans step in and help them and give them a human plan and provide human mentorship, as they “figure out what to do” and go “bit by bit” (14:34). Carl says his actions caused “a whole lot of pain for a whole lot of people” (19:42), but doesn’t here or anywhere in the video verbally recognize his actions as a sin against God. Second brief mention of the name of God (24:22). Any Christian would affirm our role in choosing obedience and repentance, but this story is told so far in the human-centric direction we lose all redemptive orientation. Carl says, “How do you get a second chance? Choose it” (24:56). Not sure why Laura puts “sins” in air quotes, hopefully just a mistake (40:42). Laura to Carl, regarding her ability to feel completely safe with him, “That’s a lot of work on your end… you show up every day in doing the work… a lot of men don’t choose to do that” (43:25). Laura on why she stayed, “I just chose very early on in this situation to be like, ‘I don’t want to live with a broken, bitter heart.’ And so I did the work myself” (46:38). I can’t help but write that the mention of God’s name seems more like a cliché in a statement like this (Carl to Laura, seemingly catching himself from leaving God out of it), “You are so strong, where I feel like God spared your sanity” (52:19). Talking about generational trauma, “And so, we chose to break it. And so I did my work” (54:43). The name of God is mentioned only ten times in the entire video. The name of JESUS is invoked once, in a description of what Carl preached about (58:52). Carl and Laura said many true and good things. But they made this a human story when it should have been about Jesus.

[@RCGWho]

One of the best, most insightful comments yet. It's postmodern Christianity. It's all therapy, trauma,doing the work. It's secular.

[@ppazautomation]

Good recap. My husband and I watched it as hopeful as we could only to be disappointed in the lack of God and focus on therapy.

[@lukerowlandmusic]

I am going to keep following along with this podcast in hopes that the message turns toward Jesus. But if continues like this, idk how much more I can take. It bummed me out so much watching this today. I totally believe in therapy. I totally believe in doing the hard work of healing. But it's JESUS that brings transformation, not my work. And it's by JESUS's blood I have redemption and justification and even the ability to turn in repentance to a loving God my heart of flesh would reject in its own strength.

[@RCGWho]

@@lukerowlandmusic I think they'd almost be better served at a 12 step program. There's more dependence on God in a 12 step than what I'm hearing here.

[@lukerowlandmusic]

@@RCGWho definitely right about the 12 steps relying far more on God than the language in this video. Here are the first three steps: "1. We admitted we were powerless over ______ - that our lives had become unmanageable. 2. Came to believe that a Power greater than ourselves could restore us to sanity. 3. Made a decision to turn our will and our lives over to the care of God as we understood Him."

[@MsRaquelD]

I was a part of Hillsong from 2013-2020. I started in NYC, but then went to the NJ campus once they opened in Nov. 2013. I served in many aspects. Was very involved. I met many friends there who I am still friends with to this day. When this blew up in 2020, it was huge for us at the church. It was very sensationalized in the media. Some stories outlandish and just spun into a weird perspective. But, for those who actually attended and were a part of this community, it was different. The church dissolved in many ways in NYC/NJ. (there is still a small Hillsong that exists, but nothing like before.) I'm glad to see Carl and Laura taking this into their own hands and telling their truth. It is not easy to come back after mistakes, to put yourself in the spotlight for everyone to judge, assume, and basically "stone" you. I can't imagine that this was easy at all on a personal level. I respect their willingness to be open and vulnerable and raw. But, here's the thing; Community is necessary. Pastor's are important. But neither trump a relationship with God. We are human (not excusing anything by any means) so we fail and make mistakes. It's in the aftermath that determines the outcome of our path. And are we not called to extend grace and forgiveness? Albeit very difficult. This was a very confusing time. You are taught to live a certain way. Uphold certain standards. You're taught about relationships and conduct. And when those are teaching the lessons fail, it can rock your world. But, it just goes to reinforce that no matter the 'title' or position, we are just human beings living in this world. The focus should be on God him self vs idolizing a person. I admire their candidness. I'll be watching all episodes, curious to see what I can learn through them, and what lessons I can implement in my own life. There is redemption, healing and a light at the end of the tunnel. I pray their podcast does some good in the world. I trust it'll help many people. xoxo

[@thematthewbrown]

I love to see this part of the story coming out. What a God of redemption we serve.

[@shandelpitts3807]

I saw you first on Oprah's Super Soul Sunday, and it was the start of my journey back to God after 25+ years of running away.

[@brightpage1020]

Welcome home! Praying your journey leads to Heaven.

[@kaia0821]

Welcome back Lentz family. It’s your time to tell your story. We can’t say we all haven’t made mistakes. I’m glad you guys stuck together with God and found your way. I wish many would do the same. A lot of people have abandoned you guys. Many have not. I’m still here rooting for you guys. And supporting

[@Paula-mf8kw]

The devil is really sly. No one is perfect. Thank you for quashing the evil one with your humility. May you completely heal from the things that bother you. God bless you pastor.

[@Nenapr217]

Not today Satan! Not tomorrow! Not ever! 🙏 In Jesus’s powerful name! 🙌🏽

[@DSBSteve]

What’s the devil got to do with a guy cheating? Blaming the devil is the opposite of accountability.

[@rosemisatiofficial5428]

Overempowering the devil while disempowering the power of Christ.

[@s_grim]

Happy to see Carl back in action. And happy to see him on The B-Side alongside Tim Ross. 2 legends.

[@denisegodbolt7440]

Crying real tears as I watch the power of redemption. Continual blessings to the entire family for granting us access to your vulnerability.and transparency. This a HUGE win for the Kingdom of God🙌🏽

[@amonmayoyo304]

Man is taking responsibility for his actions as a man , appreciate that!!!

[@jenniferoestrike750]

What actions?

[@christinam1070]

He’s just trying to make $

[@zhegal1]

@@christinam1070 Don't be mean.

[@RCGWho]

He said Responsibility, blame, blame, blame. Responsibility, blame, blame, blame. Repeat.

[@GordonA-Jr]

Taking responsibility is to stop saying I made a mistake and start calling it sin and confess it as such, at least publicly and repent, maybe he has and hopefully so. “Mistakes” sanitizes what happened way too much. What separates our fellowship with God is sin, not mere mistakes

[@ChidiyaMusic]

This is beautiful. And incredible. And thought provoking. And raw. And needed. Thank you guys for fighting for your lives, each other and your family.

[@avocadot0ast0111]

Personally, I care more about how Laura and her kids felt in all of this rather than Carl.

[@philishange]

Totally agree, Carl had no business with being a leader of any sheep period, that's what went wrong here. I just want to hear from Laura as a godly wife and mother too.

[@YoungTruthful18]

Sounds like you need to forgive him, and think about how you would feel if someone held your sins against you saying, they don't care how you felt.

[@YoungTruthful18]

@@philishange Sounds like you need to forgive him, and think about how you would feel if someone held your sins against you saying, they don't care how you felt.

[@lebonthite]

I remember replying to a post that Carl and the Wife Posted Right Before they went offline. I said. I'm waiting for the Book. I'm still waiting.

[@Natertot4896]

You sinned against God, your marriage, your family, your friends, your ministry. Call it SIN and say that you live in a state of repentance and humility before God and man.

[@eduardofunesmorales5355]

I always knew this day will come. Thank you PC and L for taking the hard route of healing, this is going to speak to an audience that it’s been marginalized and desperately need it. Much love to you all from a former Hillsong NYC member.

[@elizabethmungai1554]

Same here.... Glad to witness his comeback.. Grateful to God. Love from 🇰🇪

[@iamcharity]

What a mighty God we serve!! You are a perfect example of the redeeming power of christ!!

[@jordybsm]

I appreciate the discussion but I quickly realized that I have to adjust my expectations in order to continue watching this. She asked him some very direct and straight forward questions and some of his responses were so long winded that he either skirted around the answer or he didn't directly answer the question at all. These kinds of talks are tough even after making ground in the healing process, but there were multiple times I found myself saying "just answer the question."

[@elisestokes6961]

I actually felt surprised by his straight honesty.

[@suziesmith9076]

Particularly the pulpit question.

[@jeremiahdunsin1282]

I felt the same way, but i quickly realized that this can't be the first time they are having this discussion and if he had not answered some of these questions well and satisfactory during those discussions, they will not be here. Perhaps, he has to answer more circumspectly because this is public and there is a limit to the vulnerability that can be shown in public. The most important thing for them is their lives, kids and family and they still have to protect them from the public

[@Jahnessabelle]

Laura is so beautiful. Thank you PC and PL for your transparency.

[@annscott4432]

Wish she wouldn’t be displaying cleavage so much. Not very good witness.

[@DeconTheMonkey]

Thank you to both of you for sharing this. This is my story as well. I’m a pastor and my wife was the one who had an affair. But we worked hard through our marriage as well and we are in a place where both of us are living in God’s grace and healing. I listen to this and i feel all the questions and emotions shared- vibes with me. People need to be brave- if they can work on the reconciliation process and truth telling. All hard and the hurt processing and listening. But there is hope for working on a NEW journey. It is possible. ❤

[@goldendancert7394]

You guys are the only people I’m willing to take advice from! Like how amazing that you came through this, that you’re strong enough to share and help and loooove. Thank you

[@apond]

This is one of the most refreshingly honest and humbling restoration story. Thank you for your waiting to share until you were stronger as a family. Celebrating your recovery and hope it brings healing to many.

[@annaperdomo630]

Not a fall from grace, it’s falling INTO grace. 🙌🏼 That makes so much sense. So good.

[@panmputu7243]

As lovely that sound. That’s not what Galatians 5:4 says. God bless you

[@inquisitor4635]

That is a Satanic inversion.

[@laurieworthen8965]

This channel has been so powerful for me, because I am able to relate to the brokenness. I lost my husband to an opiate overdose. There has just been a lot of loss for me, I quit drinking years ago and during covid started back up ...I had quit for 8 years. I am grateful for your conversation of accepting responsibility and working hard for the recovery. Thank you for your honesty and transparency!!! God is using your story mightily!!

[@Twoteddys2]

Thank You Carl and Laura for your transparency and vulnerability. It could not have been easy to share such personal details of your lives, of your marriage, of even your children's lives. Nevertheless, I am confident that others, including myself, will learn and grow from this podcast.

[@jenniferoestrike750]

Transparent about what?

[@traceinoz3159]

I am blown away … in a good way. What a Mature family , this is the ministry you belong in. I have been outside the church for a long time. Absolutely loving the lord. I never knew my healing would begin with the Lenz family sharing. I’m on board for your journey. Gods grace and mercy shines out if you all.

[@garynbeaver]

I met and heard you preach several times in my church Grace City Church in Lakeland, FL. I thank you both for your honesty and humility in this podcast. It was difficult to hear what you did to your wife and the church after it happened. Carl you are right I felt betrayed by your actions especially when my spouse also committed infidelity in our marriage and the church help my marriage reconcile, but then several years later I would be betrayed again from my spouse. But I want you to know I forgive you. I thank you for your apology. I thank you both for doing this podcast. I realized listening to Laura that I have this trauma of broken trust from my ex wife. I need to talk about it to a professional because the betrayal trauma has crept into my new marriage. I'm questioning my spouse's integrity at all levels and it's wrong and unfair to her. So thank you for doing this podcast and opening up to everyone about your recovery. It has made me do an internal look at myself at 3:51am. I know God used this podcast to reach me to tell me that the argument I had the night before with my wife was not what should have happened. That the devil is trying to slowly use my trauma against me. That isn't going to happen now. God bless you both and I look forward to more episodes.

[@dannyspromise]

I pray the Lord heal your spirit, soul and body from the trauma you’ve experienced. I thought your comment was very touching. I believe God will shepherd you to wholeness and abundance in your soul.

[@edithkagimu3602]

Mercy is Rare. Falling from Grace is & can be so easy for every Christian, we just assume it can never be You. But God. Looking forward to hearing this message. Hope it is received widely with mercy . A timely discussion 👏🏾 thankyou B side

[@konniebarbieri1266]

This was really good. I appreciated the honesty and how well Carl owned his sin. Loved how you took time for your marriage to heal and your kids to heal as your priority. So well done. Thanks to both of you. Many blessings on your new ministry.

[@YoungTruthful18]

This was so phenomenal. Praying for your all's family!

[@zachdavis7536]

Carl and Laura, thank you for this video. It brings me to tears. May the LORD bless both of you.

[@nikolehintz-lyon1504]

This! As a clinical therapist a follower of Jesus, and a past ministry leader I want you to know you both are brave strong and a brilliant example of what the ‘church’ needs. I understand both from a clinical lens and former leader what did and is continuing to happen. I believe you both have been used and will continue to be used by being real having hard conversations and allowing even the ugly parts to always be heard. This to me is church! Proud of you both for using your voice for no other reason but to show others how to heal and that it’s ok to talk about rather than avoiding or using spiritual bypassing. As a clinician it was heartbreaking to see but thankful you both were brave enough to put yourself in a position that opened others eyes to more than just your mistakes. Thanks for being real being vulnerable and holding “church.”

[@rebecabenitez4682]

Halfway into this, and my heart is melting. As a fellow redeemed sinner and church leader , I can relate to struggling in private, wrestling with issues of one's heart while loving on people and serving them even when bleeding. I hurt a lot watching this unfold. My kids were heartbroken because they'd go to Hillsong in NY all the time. I sincerely pray the Lord continues to shine His face upon your family. Ministry is secondary. Saving one's soul and family are worth everything. May the Lord continue to order your steps and keep you in His perfect peace. God bless you.

[@BobClatterbuck]

Thank you to both of you! I’ve watched the Hillsong saga, been in two churches with pastors that abused their authority and lacked integrity. Both churches had preaching that was less than Biblical as well. Seeing a pastor that fell and takes responsibility, and seeing a wife that fights through the pain to see her husband not only take responsibility, but work to reconcile how he can gives hope. You are setting an example to all of us that our sins are our responsibility and it hurts others and many times those closest to us, but through reconciliation, owning our sin, repenting and moving forward, much can happen. I have deep respect for you both, Carl for your honesty and taking responsibility and Laura for showing us a glimpse of Jesus and how He loved us regardless of our sins to the point of dying for us.

[@carlostorres633]

I never stopped believeing in you or judged you through this. I also went through a similar thing personal unhealed demons and trauma caused me to break down in a destructive lifestyle with serious bad choices and looking back I just wish I would have just been honest and upfront and I wrecked my marriage. For the past 2 years have walked through a lot of the same things you went trough and I can relate so much to you can't save your face and heal. So I have healed in the shadows and I too have felt healed enough to speak up so this really blessed me. I believe in you man. God is so good to you.

[@chrisgomez8294]

This has provided me so much healing. I have been dealing with a betrayal in my marriage and I have been made to feel crazy. I have been told everything I was doing was wrong. This entire interview has validated me so much and I feel so much better. Thank you lord for this amazing couple and for them allowing themselves to share their story.

[@deeboateng230]

What a gracious and godly woman.

[@purpletiger111]

From the beginning I have lifted you both and your family in prayer…I am thanking God that He has brought you to this point. I will continue to keep you in my prayers. “What God has joined together, let no man put asunder.” Hold on to Him and each other. His love and grace has no boundaries and no limits. Love you my dear brother and sister. 💜🦋🙏🏾

[@PastorRogerLane]

This is very transparent. Amazing how he didn’t blame no one else but himself. Taking ownership of his mistakes is amazing. Most Pastors and leaders don’t usually take that road. They will back as church leaders again. The bravery of her staying is amazing as well.

[@jenniferoestrike750]

What mistake did he make?

[@LizJoyDolan]

@@jenniferoestrike750 do some googling - I've seen a few questions you'd posted on these comments that could be more clearly answered with a quick google search of his name or Hillsong. ❤

[@troyjhinkle]

Carl and Laura, Praying God's continued grace and healing for you and your family. If we don't believe God can restore, we don't believe the gospel. I am rooting for you and your family. Your testimony of healing will touch so many lives and give hope to others also in similar situations.

[@karitosmiles]

I don’t know how to express my happiness to see them. I continued praying for both due the lentz were a couple which my husband and me admire so much. And for sure we wanted to hear of them again

[@elisestokes6961]

Well done you two! Thank you for prioritising your marriage over your reputation etc. Good words 'we aren't going to be the ones who are there yet, we are still learning'. Thank you Carl for not taking your life and choosing to face it all....you reduced your families pain so much by making that choice. Good on Carl for looking at motives for interviews. 'if you don't want to be lied about, don't put yourself in a position to be lied about'...words of wisdom. Im so proud of him honouring Laura and praise her character and even pin point the pain he caused her by causing her to question reality. Well done you two....wow.... thanking God that He came into the picture and He met you in the mess to say 'this is not the end of the story, this chapter will turn be an even more powerful chapter for the glory of God'.

[@gracemclemore5801]

I love that they’re healing. I love love love that he received help. But this entire podcast was about them, with maybe one or two mentions about God? It was him explaining how he’s changed and it took 25mins to mention God. Which I totally understand, but from a former pastor, it just felt like a podcast to regain his reputation instead of to glorify God. It felt like a celebrity apology rather than an expression of heartfelt godly transformation 😭 It felt like a repentant story without the power of God. If your story of redemption has more to do with your own power and grit than the power of the Holy Spirit, then is this truly a redemption story or just a story of changed behavior? Purely talking in a Christian sense of the word redemption. I never want my own testimony to be more about me, than the power of God. Because at the end of the day, it’s not about me. My life has one point to it, and it’s to point to Him. To glorify him. To praise him. Especially in times where I trip and fall. When I get back up, it’s to shout HIS name even louder than before I stumbled. Honestly, I don’t know. Purely my own thoughts on the podcast! Praying continually for them and their beautiful family!! ❤

[@tauilotalafaaoti6559]

Welcome back Lentz family!! GRACE FOR GRACE❤

[@nitzaandreu3430]

I have a lot of respect for people who can bring themselves back to God after falling into human errors. This is the reality of humanity and our need for God and Hope to grow and learn and be better, build a closer relationship with God.

[@benmaua]

You are a hero for standing up again & fighting to utilize your family to reach the lost. Keep severing, keep being healed so you can heal others. Love you brother!

[@marniebeaton1551]

When you receive real GRACE from Jesus.. which we all do as Christian’s.. but His forgiveness of hidden and painfu sins.. it’s so undeserved, so unfathomable, so mind blowing that it puts us in total awe of who Jesus is. It brings incredible healing, and love, and hope, and freedom. And it’s available for Carl, and Laura.. and for all of us. Thankyou to both of you for transparently sharing your pain. What the enemy meant for evil, God will use it for good. That’s victory!! 🎉🎉 Hallelujah!!! THIS is the testimony of what Jesus can do.❤

[@miacazares3939]

I don’t usually comment, I’m a silent watcher. I remember the scandal, that’s the first time I heard about you. What you have done with this is a blessing to others, as a newly wed this is what I want in my marriage. Thank you for using your testimony to bless others

[@ntombifuthishabangu]

Laura, thank you so much for staying 💗

[@israel8847]

Is that you Carl?

[@kezs3848]

I didn't know much about the headlines story, I'm so beyond proud of you Carl for your humility and honesty on such a public platform. I would give both you guys biggg bear hugs if I could... I can't begin to imagine the suffering and tragedy that fell once everything went public...but I'm so glad God held you and your family and still is, what an incredible testimony... Thankyou for sharing your story so bravely. This has helped me check myself to not be so quick to judge and harsh when a leader who struggles and to give more grace and support. Your story is powerful. Though I'm sorry you and your family have suffered in ways deeper then the norm, I pray that God uses this 2nd chance both ministry and family for the saving of many souls and for the spiritual maturing of the church. Bless you bless you bless you! The verse that comes to mind is (I'm paraphrasing) "the enemy comes to kill steal and destroy, but God comes to bring life". Other verse , "what the enemy meant for evil (to destroy you) God meant for the saving of many lives" Bless you and your family.

[@Dr.Aiken-Isaac]

This conversation was helpful, but a mistake is when I stub my toe or accidentally call someone named Bobby, Robbie. That’s a mistake. It’s better when I call my “sin”, sin. It helps me to more clearly own what I did. It seems that you were trying to make the word sin parenthetical. Call a thing a thing, Carl. Don’t euphemise it. Sometimes, even with mercy & grace, there are consequences, & I know I’m not in your shoes to know what those are. Glad, at least, that you & your wife are journeying forward & together, but please stop calling it a “mistake.”

[@jackforcecity]

Pastor Carl, I loved watching your sermons in the past and it broke my heart to hear about the incidents and I was deeply troubled. Hearing your journey of repentance and start your journey again, brings joy. God bless youbforbsharing your story and how you can recover from that brokenness as this could be a roadmap for recovery to lots who are listening your story. Reminds me the story of David...God bless you. I dont think I can thank enough your wife Laura as she was being a pillar for your redemption journey. May God bless you both... Beautiful display of God's Grace, Mercy and goodness...

[@alfonsoobando3616]

It’s very evident that’s he’s repentant. 🙏 for him and his family.

[@jenniferoestrike750]

Repentant of what?

[@alfonsoobando3616]

@@jenniferoestrike750 Of his affair. How he failed his calling. How he failed his wife. How he failed his children. He was pretty descriptive.

[@christinam1070]

He’s a liar

[@alfonsoobando3616]

@@christinam1070 Glad you are here to let us know what lies in the heart of people. There’s a chance he is. There’s a chance he isn’t. That’s between him and God. You and I are not his pastors, therapists, or even friends.

[@Thisisbisola]

@@alfonsoobando3616👏👏

[@feastandvibe]

I am from NY I remember that whole Hillsong era in the city. When it first started I KNEW something was going to go down there so I stayed away. Listening to him now I feel this is genuine. I didn’t care much about what happened before because people are all (we) are all imperfect. But I will admit this does bring glory to God and because of that reason it’s beautiful. NO flashiness no loudness it’s humble it’s raw and it’s real it’s Gods grace and love .. amen ♥️ God bless them and may God continue to use them ♥️

[@selomemeyers8757]

I've been waiting on this for 4 years this is refreshing to hear.❤

[@mosestyson6028]

Pastor Carl: Thanks so MUCH for taking the responsibility. I believe you are on your way to a deeper assignment with GOD, and if you keep this honesty and humility, YOU CAN REALLY HELP SO MANY PEOPLE at a deeper level. Bless you all.....

[@joshuasalermo3772]

Glad Carl lentz has a platform again, his preachings were always were great. I’m excited to hear how good this podcast is!

[@evrgreenoffical]

I love this transparency and vulnerability. Mad respect for you both. May the Lord continue to restore and renew you both 🙌🏿

[@RockNRollaRankins]

So happy for you both! Missed ya bro and I still listen to your sermons to help me!

[@ROSADIANA-DSB]

I don’t know this couple or story but it came on my feed today. Thank you for sharing because people think relations are always up and up. I haven’t been blessed with a husband but my parents are married 53 years and I’ve seen their battles with the devil and they came out stronger and stronger. It’s great to see people staying together through the good and bad. ❤Congratulations you will be helping a lot of people with your testimony

[@gcassara76]

Hard to hear Laura say that his natural personality was to protect and justify...that doesn't really align with someone who was currently being exposed for having multiple affairs at the time and other serious boundaries being crossed. Protection and justice??? Just don't do the things your doing validates that more than struggling with not saying anything to defend your reputation when your truly guilty? You should stay quiet in that situation regardless of who says an "off" thing. That's true brokenness. Feels like there is still an unhealthy mindset that needs to make Carl look good even while his actions were bad.

[@beckieward4582]

I appreciated the honesty and talking about this topic. Not a lot of people are willing to share and I feel like this is going to change peoples lives.

[@surprisesmom683]

He has a long journey to go on- begin with making space for his wife, letting her process and share her heart, letting her finish her sentences and not talk over her, especially the part of their kids. This is an hour of him preaching/ teaching- he’s gifted, absolutely. But this video shows more of his gifting than the actual story of what happened. Laura asks him: how can you stand in stage and preach but continue that relationship? He doesn’t answer this. I don’t think he knows himself.

[@617Beantown06]

The moment he said, "the way I can articulate that..." was a dead giveaway😂

[@rosemisatiofficial5428]

I agree with you.

[@Jounior2567]

That's exactly what I felt. I am not a fan of simply brushing this off as an 'I got tempted and fell short'. The amount of time and effort you need to put in to allow this sin to bear fruit shows me a severe lack of conviction in your beliefs in the first place.

[@morgangaynor136]

I found my relationship with church and a new relationship with God in Pastor Carl’s church in NYC in 2009. We are all sinners and God has mercy and forgiveness for us all. I’m so glad to see him and his family thriving and I’m excited to what the next chapter is for them. God bless

[@Patricia_Philidor]

Glad to see you share your testimony! Our God is a restoring Father! He is FAITHFUL! Sharing your story for His glory! 🙏🏾

[@KRISMK74]

With the kids guilt checking and wanting to overcompensate with things takes 3-4 yrs to finally say NO with conviction and feel okay about it. But that's with consistency in living out that changed life. My husband and I were divorced for 10 yrs and got remarried. There was addiction, drugs, women and we know what Laura and Carl went through and are going through and I see them i a good place to be able to talk about it. There's healing in this chapter too! God Bless you guys. Only God can take the broken/dead things in life and bring them back to life!

[@tamimoncrief2264]

I can appreciate the transparency, hope in time he ll realize his story is more about the goodness of Jesus than about him. Im glad to see they are on a journey of healing (because of God's love and mercy for us sinners). The difference between the late David Wilkerson and his church in NYC was that David lived a life of holiness and the fear of God. There were no VIP rooms or catering to celebrities and wealthy "hip" people. Its a sad culture that i see in many mega minustries and mega churches. Its run like a business. Hopefully his eyes are open to this and he's satisfied living as a humble man walking with his Lord. I wish this family all the best.

[@ConsuelaEsseboom]

I’ve been praying for you all from the moment it came out. I was part of Hillsong NYC when I was in grad school in NYC. So happy to see this. In this season, much toxicity in the church is going to be exposed and healed. And having conversations like this is adding to the health 👏🏾👑

[@denisedee0605]

Thank you both for your absolute vulnerability. I know it’s not easy and I appreciate you both. I know there are people out there going through addictions, trauma and many other things and hearing how you have overcame it all even if it seemed like it was the end of the road BUT through Gods mercy and and grace you are better than ever. This will and is encouraging many ❤❤❤❤❤

[@maddie_iuli.ana89]

‘God’s Child’… Carl Lentz have been on my mind ever since this happened, and randomly declaring God’s goodness over time…. because that’s just who God is. Gracious and Kind. Thank you for not giving up, may the Lord continue to guard this beautiful family, always.🙏🏼🤍

[@julietzulu7866]

WOW. I have never listened to Carl before, not even really familiar with this story. Observe, there is a cursory mention of God, interesting that there is no mention of JESUS CHRIST's - REDEMPTION ALONE. In the last two minutes he does say "who JESUS is" with regard to his preaching, but that is it. What IS he saying here? It's all about HIM: "we will get up again, our story, our humiliation, we will help people because of this. How lonely we were, how hard it was for us." POOR US. We can be a part people's lives through sharing this. "Save MY life, save MY reputation, salvage My image, save MY marriage, My platform. My family..."Me being a control guy", this isn't fair. WE WE WE (deflection that loops in his wife in his SIN to dilute it). While he talks about his 'fault'...it's clear it's really about HIS embarrassment, his humiliation, people don't understand, people are lying about me/us, I can't control what people think. He "dedicated his life to being a 'light' in the church." "When you are in a situation that is 'dishonest' " - NO MENTION of the word SIN - he never calls it SIN - she does, he doesn't.

[@markd2942]

I agree with you, I felt this but couldn’t articulate it. It was a feeling in my heart. You said it perfectly…..

[@davidwilliams2299]

He says we will talk about what specifically happened in the podcast, yet he never mentioned what happened under the segment titled what's the real story lol.

[@wretchlikeme2506]

3:05 fired from your job?? When A pastor is removed it's called deposition. 1 Timothy 5:19 Do not entertain an accusation against an elder, except on the testimony of two or three witnesses. 20 But those who persist in sin should be rebuked in front of everyone, so that the others will stand in fear of sin. Or ....What is it called to remove someone from the church? excommunication, form of ecclesiastical censure by which a person is excluded from the communion of believers, the rites or sacraments of a church, and the rights of church membership but not necessarily from membership in the church as such.

[@CathySwanMusic]

Thanks for talking about this. I hope both of your stories help a lot of people, particularly people in ministry. Only God can redeem the broken places. 🙌

[@dreamqueen317]

I can tell you that I did not follow Carl Lentz until he cheated on his wife and his entire congregation turned on him. I always thought his faith was earnest, but a little too rock star for me. But when he fell, is when I started praying for him and DM'ing my prayers to him because I know that type of pain and hurt. When you mess up, some Christians will act like you are the scum of the earth. They forget seventy times seven and how Jesus treated people and cast you out. But thank you God for breaking Carl down to save him. You're children needed to see how you can tear us down to rebuild us to be stronger. Like an out of work muscle when you finally go back to the gym. That muscles tears apart, aches, and is sore for days. But joy comes in the morning when you can move again with stronger muscles ready to bare weight.

[@claudiabailey5302]

His entire congregation didn’t turn on him. For years people suffered under his ministry and inappropriate behaviour even when they were notify leadership. Even his own leader couldn’t talk to him. I truly believe that God can forgive and restore. But every time one of these men fall they seem to need to air it on social media or television etc they never can seem to stay out of the media. He didn’t honestly confess he got caught and not for the first time. As spiritual leader and pastor he should never be back in the pulpit I am not saying he can’t do ministry but clearly he couldn’t handle the spotlight. He abused people, and made a complete mockery of marriage and is biblically is disqualified to take up another post as a pastor.

[@Diddlinaleo]

«If you think you are standing strong, be careful not to fall. The temptations in your life are no different from what others experience. And God is faithful. He will not allow the temptation to be more than you can stand. When you are tempted, he will show you a way out so that you can endure.» ‭‭1 Corinthians‬ ‭10‬:‭12‬-‭13‬ ‭NLT‬‬ This couple is courageous enough to come into light and rely on the goodness of God. And they WILL endure.

[@kristynamartin1229]

Wow, this episode exudes God’s grace. Incredible, what a beautiful picture of humility and forgiveness. We need more transparency like this, the Christian life isn’t always linear.

[@AnthemsAngels]

GRACE UPON GRACE is what people need to take away from this, not condemnation. Our whole salvation depends on it 🙏. Good job stepping out in faith, humility, and trust in God to restore all things. May He bless your family.

[@AngelasTravelAdventures]

I have a very honest and real question, if Carl hadn't got caught, would he still be doing it? That's probably a question people are reluctant to ask.

[@RCGWho]

Hillsong has been a decadent, celebrity, sensuality show. Nothing but God outing them all could stop the show.

[@awakeningmusicfestival]

Carl and Laura, thank you for your strength and believing in who God made you to be. For a person who has been where you have been in this particular situation, the pain runs deep. Our God is a redeemer and loves us in every situation.

[@TwinGlobal_Official]

I heard the whole thing on the podcast! I always believed in the Lentz family. They are the real deal! God is doing something beautiful in their lives. So excited about this season/chpt in their lives! God is good!🎉

[@Mariah.S.Robles]

Watching this has made me so emotional. I have been hurt and betrayed by those who claim to be Christians (I'm a Christian myself) and have not had the "full circle" moment that we get to witness here. So many try to bypass the difficulty to rush the "full circle" experience. There has been a lot of trust destroyed + time and fruit can only tell where this will go. But as I listen to this, I can't help but witness the true GRACE of God. The undeserved favor. May those of us who have been burned never become so hardened that we miss out what God is doing. God is clearly doing something here. Thank you for letting us watch this story unfold + putting yourselves out here like this.

[@tbee1575]

Beautifully stated.

[@thesleepsanctuary5025]

😥💔. Thank you God for healing all those affected, we thank you for your amazing plan of redemption. Thank you for your forgiveness.

[@commonman711]

Restoration is beautiful! Very happy for the Lentz family. Better and stronger than ever.

[@johnesan1]

Mistakes like getting a math problem wrong by not carrying over the one? That would be an accidental mishap. Or is it a conscious decision? There is a difference.

[@addisonturnbough886]

Agreed