Disgraced Hillsong Church Pastor | Carl Lentz Case Analysis

[@kayakdog121]

Any church that feels more like entertainment and a money grab with just a twist of Christianity needs to be avoided at all costs.

[@heathernikki5734]

Venue Church in Chattanooga

[@elijahgavin6706]

@@heathernikki5734 keep spreading the word

[@zenawarrior7442]

Agreed. So many churches are like this. Most are uncaring & use people overall. I've been to many types, all showed their true colors. All about popularity or $.

[@heathernikki5734]

@@elijahgavin6706 Oh I will and they hate it, they're a cult

[@jamesfrench7299]

Like Scientology lite.

[@skunkrat01]

As an Aussie, I'm so disgusted with Hillsong. As a person I'm disgusted with Hillsong! Jesus isn't in flashing lights and huge band sets, he came to serve the least of us.

[@georgered6867]

As a christian, im sad how hillsong grown to be something that misleads the growth of a christian. As a musician i felt i can grow in SOME of their songs....but find most songs carnal based not spiritually filled am dissapojnted by that. Like you said Jesus was brought up *WITH THE LEAST* whole their music was *ALL INSTRUMENTS NOT SO SOLEMN FOR SPIRIT TO GROW*

[@skunkrat01]

@@sherrylovegood yeah I wanted to put that in but didn't want to make my comment a chapter long lol. May 21 🤞🤞

[@skunkrat01]

@@georgered6867 Im not a musician but I know music can move me in 100 different ways. It must be really disappointing seeing something you love being exploited like that, but it seems that's all Hillsong does.

[@karearoto4294]

Election soon! 😀

[@adearthical]

You have no idea! If Jesus had a P.A and projector system, he would have run a fat rave every weekend.

[@jesssanders2132]

"He dressed in clothing HE considered to be stylish." Sometimes it's the subtle shade that cuts the deepest.

[@willer3399]

💯

[@Puff_Puff_Packs]

Thats what i come here for!

[@TomikaKelly]

I caught that too!! 🤣😫

[@amyrussell860]

I believe Denzel Washington has aaid something on this order: when you are at your highest, that's when the devil comes for you. People often have to learn this life lesson the hard way, and prosperity gospel makes the rest of us who are also believers look bad in general.

[@SpecialAgent-zn1vv]

And I'm not mad about it.... Ahhh... Dr. Grande...👀👀👀

[@PollyAlice2000]

It is truly amazing how many people go in for this weird “spiritual Ponzi”. These people are all about money, property, and prestige, and the people in them are not interested in God or spirituality.

[@briancarney3443]

...wow... ...and you figured that all our on your own! Jesus must REALLY love you!

[@tlc6756]

@@briancarney3443 don't you have something better to do than going around trying to humiliate people? Maybe you should take a good look at yourself first.

[@alanaadams7440]

It's a cult pure and simple

[@princessbuttercup8954]

Yeah that can also be said for about 95% of people who go to church and probably about 99% of all pastors and preachers. I left the church because most of the ones sitting in the pews are there for show. They think they're better than the people who don't go and I got tired of all the 2 face liars that show up on Sunday only to do everything they claim to be against on Monday.

[@TheGothicRichard]

They have a god. A god of pleasure and sin. His name is Lucifer.

[@janetdiaz8916]

I read a study that was done in Canada, where Pastors volunteered to be tested to determine if they were narcissists. The test results showed that over 45% of the pastors were narcissists. Pastoral positions attract narcissists, especially because they are admired by the congregation and can control the congregation. I have found that young Christians lack discernment, and fall for these kinds of pastors or leaders. Also, if a person has a background where there was narcissistic abuse in their family, they are vulnerable to narcissistic pastors. But I also find that they are vulnerable to propaganda in social media. They don't even seek out references to test for falsehoods in these statements.

[@ivanasimic2072]

more than 45%, I would say today abot 90%

[@missbee3618]

Sounds like Tronnie Dump and his sad supporters

[@artyomarty391]

pretty sure every leadership position in our society is bound to have an overwhelming disproportion of narcissists. I think the key here, is that its only narcissists who really really want to be in these kinds of positions One could also argue that its also narcissists who can actually thrive in such positions, because they enjoy it the most, whereas other people might get stressed out/intimidated/overwhelmed/etc

[@artyomarty391]

@@missbee3618 have you heard of Killary Clinton and how many heads she had to step over to get where she is? This is by far the most narcissistic candidate in the 21st century. Trump is not far behind, but killary is an evident winner here I have a friend attorney who is 70 years old. The guy voted liberal his whole life and in trump election its first time he couldnt vote liberal because he knew Hillary: she often stopped by his family's house years ago and he knew who she really is

[@KanyeKetchup]

same as real estate agents

[@annal7364]

Dr. Grande’s Worst Nightmare: Being driven in a rusty 2000 Kia Rio to New Jersey for his epic surprise birthday party, where he is forced to wear uncollared shirts and be serenaded by Justin Bieber at a table, sharing vegan plates and superficial chitchat with Oprah, Carl Lentz, and Dr. Phil. 🥳

[@nonprogrediestregredi1711]

That's very on point! I would, however, add one caveat; he would have a "life coach" type lesson from Depak Chopra! Oh, the humanity!!

[@annal7364]

@@nonprogrediestregredi1711 😆

[@thestraightroad305]

😱😱😱

[@susansandler8429]

Uncollared SHORT-SLEEVED shirts... lol.

[@heartquaker427]

Also add the Mystic leader Jaggi Vasudev aka Sadhguru 😝oh and did I forget Charles Manson ?🤭😵‍💫

[@Bynggo]

I’ve been to the Hillsong church in Brisbane, Australia to attend a funeral. At every entrance, to my great surprise, were cash machines. The ushers actually nodded and pointed to the machines as I walked in. My immediate thought was, in your dreams mate, you aren’t getting money out of me.

[@InTheSkyGirl]

Whoa...asking for a collection at a funeral!?! Yet another reason to skip the whole enterprise.

[@Bynggo]

@@sherrylovegood absobloodylootly. We aren’t exactly ‘the praise the lord and send me the money’ yokel sort of people - here we are. Hand waving, huge stage spectaculars every Sunday. They have more prime realestate than that other church, and bigger cars

[@Bynggo]

@@sherrylovegood good on you. I applaud your dedication. I was at a social event recently and met up with an old school friend who remember my auntie, who was the English mistress at our school. She told me my auntie was a wonderful teacher and because of her influence my school friend had gone into teaching. Maybe as the rule went many decades ago, once you married you had to give up the profession, was not such a bad idea. Family and children must be a huge distraction if you are going to dedicate yourself to education. My main concern, along the dumbing down road, is that there isn’t a great emphasis on common sense. I used to run a cubs group and we took them out one day and taught them how to use a public phone in case of emergency. It would take me an hour to explain what some of them did to try to make a call. What a head shaker. 😳🥺😵‍💫. Simple things like putting air in bike tyres or identifying bird sounds were other things we did that kids just didn’t seem to have a knack for. So I can only imagine what trying teach anything of an academic nature must be like. Hang in there, the future of our country is almost in your hands. Parents may not have the skills themselves and rely on kids learning stuff at school.

[@Bynggo]

@@sherrylovegood Respect is everything in a learning situation or at work in general. That day 1 demand couldn’t be argued with unless of course the teacher was not worthy of respect. I certainly admire that opening. I train horses and that is the unspoken deal we have. I will never hurt them or disrespect their space and, touch wood, so far so good. They know what I expect and and I know their capabilities. I try never to stress them but I have always found that the horses will give their all in an emergency or when required.

[@groovy-momma418]

@@Bynggo NO "praising the lord" in my house. More like thanking the goddesses and maybe some of the gods 😄 My cross is a pentagram/pentacle. I worship the earth 🌎 🙏 Namaste 🙏 ❤️

[@wynnkidsnannylorivance4111]

I saw the fall of Hillsong church a decade ago. They were far too concerned with image over the real business of a church. And that is only one of many reasons that I suspected that things were not as they appeared at Hillsong.

[@jamesfrench7299]

They also promote a version of Christianity that says it's alright to pursue material wealth at the same time. Sounds like having your cake and eating it too.

[@laurarahz12]

When Darlene Zchech left something felt off…

[@wynnkidsnannylorivance4111]

@@jamesfrench7299 prosperity gospel isn't the gospel.

[@jamesfrench7299]

They're basically doing a 180 on God's teachings about humility and not chasing wealth. How can they think that's ok? They are not getting admission through the pearly gates.

[@SethMacLeod95]

“A Den of robbers” as our Lord and Savior would say. Flip them tables

[@janetward9196]

Thank you Dr. Grande for this analysis. As a Christian, it helped me understand the truth behind the disgrace as well as insight into why this happens. We can't assume that every church or church leader that claims to live and/or preach the truth of the Bible is doing so in reality.

[@ringonordstrom692]

If you're born again and you are reading your Bible, you don't hang up for long in these conspicuously false-religious arenas. If you're shallow and looking for bad music and flash, here you sway.

[@johnny10grasp3]

Only the bible can make good people do bad things.

[@jmo1375]

@@johnny10grasp3Wrongo

[@margueritearavena2256]

I was criticised for speaking out about all that you have said about not just him but other pastors and tv evangelists. Finally, not just Hillsong, but other churches have been exposed and many of the congregational members have left in droves but those churches will never be exposed as they are small time in comparison. My father told me 35 yrs ago that there would be a rise in these types of churches and that many would get bewitched by these places but many would leave the back door. My father was a minister with a doctorate's degree in theology. We moved to America where he attended the Wesley Theological Seminary in Washington DC, not these poorly educated mass so called pastors of today. It's such a joke! We lived poorly, he was given the privilege of writing and speaking at Martin Luther King's second funeral service, he was the first white man to visit the African Americans along the Potomac River in West Virginia and approached the Municipality to construct proper roads and street signs into their community. He worked with the youth of African Americans, Cubananos and Puerto Ricans during the 60's riots. They never had money to entertain, go to see a movie, a restaurant etc etc. They were beautiful genuine people, not like so many today.

[@carolynsmart7850]

Those people you describe were genuinely Christlike.

[@mariw1298]

How wonderful to have known such a dedicated Gospel minister and devoted Father. Thank you for sharing your story!

[@denisechauvin1965]

Pastors who work with the poor do not get rich. Poor people do not have money to make a pastor or church rich. Poor people need help. Great Pastors are images of Christ and live by his example. Being poor is not a good thing but being humble is. If our basic needs are met then we can live a happy life and focus on God and the Spirit within us which is a particle of God.

[@margueritearavena2256]

@@denisechauvin1965 Amen. My father was a minister but on the side worked with the poor. As a minister, he was given a humble home for his family but paid very low wages, unlike the mega churches and the pastors of today that push the plate around and declare you will be blessed by giving and making you feel like the more you give, the more you will be blessed.

[@beagledog2001]

Your father sounds like he was a wonderful man!

[@heathernikki5734]

We have one in Chattanooga named Tavner Smith! Caught cheating on his wife with his staff, lying about it, threatening former staff members, making them sign ND agreements, spending untold $$$$ on gucci, cars, 3 houses, and his shoe fetish. He's in his 40s and dresses like my 14 year old nephew just like this guy, it's quite ridiculous. He aspires to be just like this. Venue Church is NO church.

[@judyoliver7472]

Wow.

[@quarteracreadventures855]

'Venue Church is NO church' = 'No true Scotsman'

[@ladyditn1239]

Oh yeah! I know about that douchebag too! I'm from Nashville and have heard all about him! These men are the LOWEST of the lows!!!!

[@cleopatra444]

wow im always appalled at how blindly people follow and worship these clowns 🤡🐏🐏🐏🐏🐏

[@heathernikki5734]

@@judyoliver7472 It's absolutely stunning what people in my hometown will enable. There's a Facebook page exposing him called Venue Is No Church, he's truly a fraudulent narcissist and Venue is a cult.

[@lornaginetteharrison7168]

"Carl’s relationship with Justin Bieber gave him even more confidence; Carl believed that he could pretend to be a great pastor, just like Justin Bieber pretends to be a great singer." Wow, double burn, and justifiably so!🔥🔥 Right, back to the chocolate Easter Eggs!

[@lealamb9713]

Good burn

[@zenawarrior7442]

@@dorishaffer4055 Me too. He's actually very talented & deep. Have you seen his video about Ghost with Diane Keaton? So profound❤

[@elijahgavin6706]

Justin Bieber is an adept singer, he just chooses to use his vocal gifts to make dogshit music for untold reasons

[@dalidzucheredi2495]

I was looking for this comment 🤣

[@angelarch5352]

haha as soon as I saw the picture of Bieber in this video I knew the jokes were on the way, laughed out loud! :D

[@margaretpeery9926]

The way you break these cases down for us and sprinkle in your caustic wit is absolutely amazing. 🤣 Excellent story. I'mma change out of my church clothes now. 😜

[@margaretpeery9926]

@@lucyclark1301 I'm an atheist. Go on with your bad self. Sentences begin with a capital letter. 🤣

[@MeganVictoriaKearns]

@@margaretpeery9926 BAM! Got her! Lol. Boomers... whatcha gonna do?

[@amyelizabeth959]

@@margaretpeery9926 lol I wonder if they can even define 'caustic' and they're still gonna jump on your vocab... If I'm not wrong I think their issue is with your contractions actually.

[@margaretpeery9926]

@@MeganVictoriaKearns I'm 65. I don't mind anyone playing on my lawn as long as they as don't sling mud. 😁

[@margaretpeery9926]

@@amyelizabeth959 My comment was to the fine doctor. I neither sought nor cared for anyone's grading of it. English isn't everyone's first language. Many people have learning disabilities. People such as she can run weaker individuals off social media and I'd prefer to address that as opposed to allowing them to think it's okay. It's particularly fun when they make it easy.

[@davidbrienlantry8760]

I have been praying for this analysis Dr. Grande! The Bible has a lot to say about false prophets. Any 'church' that preaches or teaches wealth and beauty before kindness and compassion is a church to avoid, kind of like parts of New Jersey.

[@nikinoftz]

When everyone was flocking to Hillsong in those days, I kept away from it. I sensed a certain danger to following a church/worship group that concentrated too much on the senses to attract followers. I much prefer a small intimate church whose heart is for the individual child of God and not susceptible to the glitter of gold.

[@meagancarmichael3892]

Me too

[@mariaeduardadecarvalho3626]

same here!!

[@meagancarmichael3892]

@@mariaeduardadecarvalho3626 me too. They are a business who have made merchandise of the Gospel. So sad.

[@marydjackson2067]

I Totally agree. I never understood how a Pastor could be Pastoring thousands and know the people in his church.If they have an emergency can they call on him...I just don't get it.

[@PsychTalkwithDrWendla]

I've been meaning to comment for a while now. Your videos are just terrific. As a psychiatrist, I find them so informative and professionally done but I have to say they are also just deliciously entertaining!!

[@amya.9509]

It's scary to me that adults buy into this stuff.

[@heathernikki5734]

Yes, these people can vote and drive

[@bthomson]

Smh!

[@amya.9509]

Always ask questions. Never accept answers that don't make sense.

[@nonprogrediestregredi1711]

Yes, I sympathize with those who fall prey to these cults.

[@amya.9509]

God, teach a *child not a children 😂

[@Cletus_the_Elder]

It's all very sickening. I wish we could say this was a rare aberration, but there are too many who rise to church leadership who have no faith. They are either so shallow that they think that what they have is indeed faith, or they are cynical unbelievers who know a good grift when they see one.

[@heathernikki5734]

TAVNER SMITH in Chattanooga, Tennessee is a good example of this.

[@paul9156c]

TRUMP sure knows a good scam when he sees one, but will hold it upside down.

[@thehistory5401]

Sickening? all he did was cheat lol

[@cuckertarlson3037]

@@thehistory5401 you don't think cheating is immoral and wrong ? One of the most selfish things a person can ever do to someone.

[@rebukesatan8166]

Carl was called by God. He has the grace of a minister. Gifts given by God at birth are irrevocable. They are separate from the human sinner.

[@Orpilorp]

Hi! Jane here. Thanks for the great analysis. A true believer in Christ has a living, active relationship with Jesus. The Hillsong-type churches have nothing like that to offer. They were totally focused on themselves. The church of the mighty Me.

[@Enochthehammer]

I feel fortunate that I’ve never heard of Carl Lentz prior to seeing this episode.

[@6teezkid]

The level of gullibility some people have and live with is astounding.

[@dkeith45]

@ChiChi Absolutely. One only need look at the history of Peter Popoff to see the level of stupidity. Though his original fans can be given a little bit of leeway regarding their level of intelligence, his current fan base dispels all doubt on how effing stupid the average human is.

[@orangemangas2465]

An entire Democrat party suckling the teat of the lying mainstream media. Gullible doesn't begin to describe it

[@spa-peggymeatballs4861]

The comment section is full of “not my preacher” and “but not my church” sentiments. Unpopular opinion, I’m guessing, but these “good ol boy” small town pastors are JUST as dangerous as the mega church pastors. They aren’t all bad, I’m sure, but I’m also sure that a whole lot of them are. All while standing in front of everyone and telling them how they should live.

[@briancarney3443]

All churches have always seemed creepy. ESPECIALLY THESE DAYS.

[@celestecelestial90]

@@spa-peggymeatballs4861 💯

[@CodingAbroad]

It’s mind boggling how many of these US churches have these well off pastors. Why is everyone so blind to what’s going on here?

[@branchofthevine779]

It’s not just America. Look at the false churches in Nigeria and Australia (Hillsong homebase)

[@CodingAbroad]

@@branchofthevine779 I know they baffle me too. We have some in the uk but we’re such a small country anything too extreme would be stopped pretty quickly

[@orangemangas2465]

Same as global warming, black lives matter, and the me too movement. why is everyone so blind to see what's going on here?

[@donskuse2194]

These are the false prophets the Bible warns believers about.

[@ksellers3688]

It’s because these pastors help influence politics. They have such large followings and by keeping churches tax free, it’s an incentive for the pastors to manipulate their congregations

[@allisonmf9184]

I love when Dr. Grande calmly throws bits of shade in. "After all he received credits for running errands for church leaders..." LMAO

[@TURTLEORIGINAL]

Hello, I'm old, but could you tell me what you mean, "Shade."

[@SwimminWitDaFishies]

@@TURTLEORIGINAL Shade is mild derogatory (snarky) or subversive sarcastic comments.

[@batacumba]

I love how Dr. Grande takes every possible opportunity to throw shade at the wonderful state of New Jersey.

[@nagolhayze9366]

Carl excelled at, and mastered the reality of shallowness. Taking it to a whole new level. It’s like this is a predestined format for grandiose narcissists, regardless of their vocation. It always ends in tears.

[@saratexas5181]

The fact that this was posted on Easter 🤣. Thankful for the sweet, simple service I attended this morning- I used to go to a church like this and it’s really exhausting. I promise these people are not happy 🙁.

[@MashaRistova]

This is my easter service too lmao hallelujah

[@cuckertarlson3037]

Can't beat the smaller congregations. When the church is so big you can walk in and no one even recognizes you, then the church is to big. Church is supposed to be like a family unit. You lose that with these giant mega churches.

[@briancarney3443]

Any person who goes to a church like this IS A FAKE! MEANING : YOU MY DEAR JUST REVEALED : YOU ARE A FAKE!!!

[@tlc6756]

@@cuckertarlson3037 I've attended smaller churches too and they can be just as susceptible to a narcissists outer charm. But this applies to all groups, not just churches.

[@cuckertarlson3037]

@@tlc6756 oh yeah, for sure. Got to be careful when choosing a church, big or small. I suggest shopping around so to speak until you find a good one.

[@innerlight4601]

When churches are coming up like shopping malls you know they're in for business .

[@tommihail2178]

Great Analogy, love it🙋❤️

[@carolynsilvers9999]

Egos know no bounds. 🙄 I can't imagine why people agree to work for these creeps .

[@jonathankessler7436]

money?

[@jeansalzman2.012]

Wonderfully stated throughout! How despicable to put himself above ANYBODY... much less EVERYBODY!

[@BillFindlater]

The style of presentation ,clarity, insightful, informative,stylish and with brilliant splashes ofdark humour. This is the best!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@Altered4n892t]

Thank you for breaking this down. To me, this is a cult as much as any cult. Gwen Shamblin etc Greed is the root of this sickness

[@jessitabonita]

Professing Christians, actually: _everyone_ should watch the "American Gospel" documentaries to be able to discern and avoid "pastors" like this. The "churches" that are ME-centered rather than Christ-centered to spew the prosperity gospel or a twist on new age nonsense sure do know how to lure in members with their "positive" music such as: ❌ Hillsong ❌ Bethel ❌ Elevation

[@WindTurbineSyndrome]

A used car salesmen in my town started a evangelical nondenominational Bible study in a basement, a few years later he built a church and school private for grade school. He introduced music. The congregation grew quickly. He then raised 5 million dollars in one week to build a megachurch on agricultural zoned land. His Bible study included abridged bibles that told people how to interpret the passages, they began to criticize Catholics as pagans, the youth study grew to grade k-12. I don't go anywhere near there. Obviously he had outside money influenced to grow so fast. Ethnic minorities with baptist leanings who tried to join the choir to sing didn't last long. They proselytized very hard in my town and surrounding towns. they seemed to be all about control and money based on how my friend was treated. They only wanted people who would volunteer 20hrs a week and tithe $4000 or more per year. When she moved they showed up to take whatever they wanted. When she had troubles they turned their back on her.

[@lorineilson7529]

I’m going to have to watch American Gospel again.

[@monicapyle]

I'll check it out. Thanks!

[@debrarolland1704]

@@WindTurbineSyndrome your post was too long and was cut off. Repost the ending.

[@Dilley_G45]

Exactly Jessica. There are more. If you want a good bible teaching discernment on false prophets check out "Fighting for the Faith" channel on youtube. Be blessed

[@dissidentfairy4264]

How could celebrities be so gullible? Which only goes to show that power and money not only corrupts but doesn't necessarily equate to critical thinking skills. Any religious organization that promotes wealth and prosperity and superficiality should be a Big red flag to people. A friend conned me into going to her church once. The preacher said, "The more you sin the more God loves you." I stood up and said, "Then why isn't everyone out sinning?" The laughter was deafening. It's the direct opposite of what Jesus Christ taught. I'm a believer in spite of religion. Wake up people we don't need immoral wolves in sheep's clothing flashing Rolex watches in our faces and hypocritically telling us how to live our lives to be saved. We intrinsically know what to do. The spirit of God is within us.

[@careip]

The world they live in.

[@cesarincamendozaloyola4407]

Jethro Tull's My God and Wind Up 🤟

[@dissidentfairy4264]

@@cesarincamendozaloyola4407 The Jungle song isn't bad, I like it, but I wouldn't rest my eternal salvation on it:-)

[@dissidentfairy4264]

@neil menace Actually, it was the preacher who said it, not my friend. lol I spent the weekend at my friends place in LA just to visit her. Saturday morning she tells me we are going somewhere. I assumed out to breakfast or shopping. She didn't tell me where she was taking me until we parked in front of her church. I must admit I felt a bit tricked:-) So I had two options at that point, to sit inside a hot car or go inside. So I went inside. The first thing I was hit with was a loud electric guitar band playing music. Don't get me wrong, I like guitars and bands like everyone else but it didn't seem very holy to me, it was more like going to a rock concert. Then the preacher who said "The more you sin the more God loves you." He did a slide show that I felt was inappropriate for children regarding pornography and things a Christian shouldn't do. I'm the first to agree that pornography is highly destructive, in fact, I have nothing but antipathy for it, but I didn't feel we needed the slide show to drive the point home. lol It was fairly tame but still it was risque enough that it didn't seem child friendly....and there were children in attendance. Then there was a huge buffet afterwards. Whole strawberries in champagne glasses and a scrumptious looking buffet. I admit it was beautiful to look at but where is the spirituality in any of it? I saw it as a social club rather than a church.

[@InTheSkyGirl]

Atheist here. Loved your comeback 👍

[@mcgheebentle1958]

And this is why nondenominational “hip” megachurches are on their way out as more and more people, especially young people, are flocking to simple and small conservative churches that emphasize tradition. The pendulum swings, people. Megachurches are starting to become known as an older person’s church. In their attempt to stay “relevant” they have lost the game completely. Young people want something traditional that withstands the test of time.

[@kaydenpat]

Actually, churches are losing young people.

[@mcgheebentle1958]

@@kaydenpat The data is a little more nuanced than that. Young people (and older people) are leaving more liberal churches. Churches that have watered down the message of Christianity. Churches that are “loose” with the way they treat the Bible. Churches that are no longer firm on core important principles. These churches make up the vast majority of churches in this country, unfortunately (which is why overall data shows that overall church attendance is declining; simply because there are more people going to these types of churches than any other type of church in this country, and so there also is more people leaving this type of church overall). On the other hand, attendance at conservative churches has skyrocketed. Especially by young people! Young people are specifically going to more conservative churches according to data. And this is very true, go to any conservative church in your area and you’ll see A BUNCH of young people (15-23 year olds). Again, remember that the pendulum swing. Young people want church again, we want truth again. Young people are more conservative in many ways than most other generations around today. The pendulum swings.

[@LadyOaksNZ]

This is so true here in New Zealand churches too. God's greatest wrath is reserved for those wolves who mislead, hurt or abuse his people. 🙏🙏🙏

[@renee1961]

Dr. Grande, we Appreciate how hard you work! Even on holidays!🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

[@AKirshawn]

Listen, there's a lot going on here right... but the escaping New Jersey joke was freaking hilarious 😂

[@TruthSeekress2012]

The best one in r his video!

[@euenfheiejrj]

I don’t get the NJ hate. Montclair is very nice.

[@jessitabonita]

Right?! I've heard Dr. Grande burn NJ in another video (I can't remember which one...) so I wonder if it has some significance to him...🤔🤷🏻‍♀️😂

[@Rhodap1]

NJ is a wonderful state. Haters going to hate.

[@gretarobinson1142]

🤣

[@susansandler8429]

Another sobering, clear-eyed analysis. Thank you for continuing to ground us in reality and teaching us to "see".

[@stephaniexoxo2642]

“Like Justin Bieber can pretend to be a singer” 💀 love watching the growth of your channel along with your confidence in the dry humor

[@Nikitaxo24]

The dry humor is soo good 👍 👌

[@MelisJoy]

Your analysis are always gold, but I especially love how you conclude things. With the sarcasm, logical analysis and poetic conclusions, you're a triple threat🤍

[@deedeeindustrialsuperprecision]

Justin Bieber pretending to be a great singer and getting away with it is in my opinion something that should be studied.

[@oniriscope]

Jumping in for another weird story… Those behaviors should be brought to people attention, thank you Dr. Grande for your work. Sending some mad support your way from Paris.

[@alisonburgess345]

Brian Houston is now ALSO in disgrace and has left this wretched "church".

[@haltersweb]

Brian Houston’s father, Frank Houston who began this mega-church was facing child sexual abuse allegations before he died. Brian Houston was revealed to have covered up his father’s crimes with children, and to have had a few moral breaches of his own with women in the church. Despicable!

[@ep5036]

Really, what happened there?

[@mariannemullin9517]

BUT STILL OWNS ALL THE PROPERTIES

[@rexlex1736]

How much money did he take with him as a "separation bonus?"

[@The12thSeahorse]

@@rexlex1736 - Probably enough, that he could comfortably retire.

[@susanjaneterry1073]

I like watching your videos, Dr. Grande, because you introduce me to topics I never heard of. Then, I'm all over them. You really have interesting videos that lead me to hours lost on Netflix and Hulu. Thanks!

[@emilypaige732]

Funny enough Carl Lentz gave me the creeps from the moment I heard about him and Hillsong. Yet so few people agreed with me when I would tell them that something did not add up.

[@leanne12348]

Me too!! I walked out of Waterloo hillsong Disgusted after hearing him preach one night.

[@cutienerdgirl]

What's also horrible is that Carl Lentz kept trying to push Selena Gomez to get back with Justin Bieber and for them to go to counseling. Selena Gomez would also go to the church with Justin Bieber and their relationship was really toxic. 🙃 Selena Gomez stopped attending in 2019.

[@thehistory5401]

Horrible? Haha if thats horrible to you then youve been very sheltered

[@twiceshy9773]

@@thehistory5401 oh hush

[@thehistory5401]

@@twiceshy9773 worse things have happened to me and ive had a good life lol. Lentz encouraged a couple to go to counseling, the first word that comes to mind in order to describe this is "horrible" haha

[@cutienerdgirl]

@@thehistory5401 I've been through horrible things myself. I think it's horrible for people to push someone to stay in a toxic and abusive relationship for any reason.

[@unavoidablycanadian397]

Good for Selena.

[@harrynac6017]

The best way to deal with people like him is to forget him, which is easy, because he has nothing to offer.

[@ameliakater7357]

I've been hoping you would cover this one. Excellent case analysis as always!

[@erin9110]

Thanks for explaining the prosperity gospel. The situation is so messed up, I feel for his wife and their kids.

[@sheena6125]

I love your professional analysis mixed with dry humor! I burst out laughing more than I expected. Had to put my coffee down as I was spilling it on me during your oh-so accurate and subtle digs :)

[@MrAllysonn]

I agreed. Great analysis Mr Grande. Been to Hillsong church in Paris, Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane. I got baptism in the church. Now I've changed my perspective (too). Would you please do Mr Brian Houston too?

[@Blackheathenly]

I hope you got out. It's a big money making scam.

[@AJManol]

This isn’t a church based on the Gospel. Consider watching the doc Christ Alone. Helped me see through the b.s. 💓

[@AllyOnHerbs]

I hope you found a nice bible believing church and friends 🙏🏽

[@JRandaII]

*Dr.

[@sabaducia]

And their whole charity business through Gloria Jean's coffee, where they "help women" by taking their Centrelink support money. Disgraceful. And their recent covid nonsense. Just a toxic organisation.

[@rejaneoliveira5019]

Wishing a Happy Easter to everyone who celebrates!✨🐣✨

[@bigdaddytrips6197]

Easter is a pagan holiday. Has nothing to do with true worship , true Christianity .

[@janedmunds4218]

Also Passover and Ramadan this year

[@quester09]

peace to all

[@davidbennett9691]

I think there would be far fewer phoney pastors and churches if they were taxed like any other business.

[@davidsmith-uw2ci]

Definitely the scam would be less attractive to the master scam artist's if that was the case

[@Meowzers1250]

Yep. There should at least be strict measures put in place to stop this abuse. Perhaps they need to show evidence that they spent x amount of their income on their local communities or to help in need. Wages should also be capped. If you want big bonuses then join the corporation market. Maybe even donations capped, and if they go over the limit, then evidence of improvements to church buildings or local communities needs to be shown. I mean look at scientology and how scarily wealthy and powerful that 'religion' is. All in a country where massive amounts of people severely struggle for basics such as food, housing, medical care and education.

[@mexiaznann]

Agreed. Been a Christian my whole life & still think it’s crazy how megachurches operate

[@victoriawilliams2786]

I agree. Especially prosperity preachers.

[@davidsmith-uw2ci]

@@Meowzers1250 I can almost guarantee most of the money doesn't go to where they say its going.

[@E7L1L3s]

Very illuminating! I had never heard the whole story and find it sickening! Thank you for your clear explanation/understanding. It helps for unknowledgable persons to gain wisdom. As a Christian, I married 2 different narcisist and never knew what that was until 9 mos. ago. I'm now 80yrs.! Shalom!

[@mandychadwick6823]

Bless you beautiful soul ❤️❤️

[@ObservationStation_77]

Whoa! You are right - my daughter attended the NYU church, I visited once- accurate descriptions! I am a strong believer and will say JESUS is not happy with narcissistic Carl.

[@BigZebraCom]

Just a reminder I'm not diagnosing anybody in this video; only speculating about what could be happening with a pastor who couldn't keep it in his pants like this.

[@annal7364]

🤣

[@BigZebraCom]

@@annal7364 Hi! Thanks for the emote! :)

[@Emilymk97]

You're the first I've heard mention even a moment if his life in Virginia Beach. I knew him there, his skills were honed in that church. Before some shady shit it was an off shoot campus of Hills that was one of the largest in the area. He was a young adult pastor (college age) by the time I was involved in the cult, the same was true of the narcissism even then and he learned the abuse of volunteers before going to NYC. Celebrities were commonplace there too and the green room catering. Sadly, they were mostly catered by legit food business owners who were in the church that either did it entirely for free or insanely discounted. He relayed his story that he left a basketball scholarship at UNC because he was coming to the end of himself and thought giving it all up for God was his only chance to save his life. IMO he took his time training where he was a big fish in a smaller pond but when exposed to the sea was swallowed whole. I was shocked that his wife stayed, she seemed like she would not be the one to take bs from him.

[@lynnepaulocsak122]

I lived in Virginia Beach for awhile. What church was he attending there?

[@Emilymk97]

@@lynnepaulocsak122 wave

[@vectorstain]

doh!

[@lightinthedark1594]

I remember seeing him on KZbin. He was on a talk show or something. I can't believe people fall for this. My gma fell for it years ago w Benny Hinn. I was shocked back thn and im shocked today. Don't rely on any man to tell you what the Bible says. They cherry pick it for their own sick agenda.

[@gregevans6044]

Don't stand next to Benny Hinn on Judgement Day. It's not going to be pretty

[@jessitabonita]

@@gregevans6044 His nephew Costi Hinn is thank God the opposite and actually preaches the true gospel.

[@lightinthedark1594]

@@gregevans6044 Right ..It's frightening to think of the bl÷÷d on these wolves hands .

[@denisemartin4379]

I absolutely loved this analysis. So clear, true and very interesting.

[@jabjab4434]

Appreciate your subtle humor and informative topics

[@MashaRistova]

I put your videos on every morning and play them while I cook breakfast. It's my little routine lol I love it

[@bthomson]

Like "The next level of shallowness." Why do these people fall for this stuff!😫🙄🤔

[@zenawarrior7442]

Hi friend. It's our society. So much shallowness, greed, narcissism. Look at the commercials and shows...mostly ego based. Sad. 😌Happy Easter tho😊💚🌹🐰

[@bthomson]

Zena - You always make me smile! 🐸

[@zenawarrior7442]

@@bthomson 😁😉😎👍

[@orangemangas2465]

@@bthomson what about the church of global warming. Or the cult of BLM or the frauds of the me too movement. Quick to take your money...

[@EarlSmith2469]

Cheers, Dr. Grande! The upbeat and exact analysis you present of cases is informative and insightful! Thank you for shining light on the shallow world of hollow material gain and Justin Bieber's hollow singing!

[@thomashunt413]

The relationship between religion and feeble minded gullible people is always fascinating.

[@paypaypayut]

It makes me wonder how God feels when the humans he loves and died for, are led on this merry chase in these organizations. It is a deception and a waste of their time if they are truly looking for God. The entertainment realm of today is not looking for him.

[@savahbejin7511]

Dr. Grande slaying it again with a straight face!

[@georgered6867]

Exactly on point Dr.Grande Prosperity preachers has that kind of nature....THEY PREACH WHAT THEY(congregation) WANT TO HEAR! They arent rooted christian...once they stumble youll see great hypocrisy among them. They find it hard to accept their own shortcomings and find it hard to practice humility.

[@coweatsman]

Christianity was always crap. The first mistake (and not the only mistake) was to worship its messenger and forget the message. How silly is the idea of a dead man resurrecting on the 3rd day? Just like Elvis still being alive. The "dead man walking" 3 days latter is the very stuff that cults are made of.

[@janedoe7330]

@@coweatsman No. Please read the Bible. It is God's living word. God speaks to us and meets our needs. He is real and is coming back. We need to be ready. Repent of your sins and ask him to him save your soul from eternal hell.

[@georgered6867]

@@coweatsman Christianity heals the world....the idea of education,hospitals,feeding the hungry was the work christianity first started. Just for you to know,it was instituted by christians the work given to them by God. Just because they commit mistakes that dont justify the truth you claim. The idea of ressurection was the proof forgiveness was and will be the living proof that God forgives and that reminds you to forgive and that you are forgiven....so your souls will experience LIFE.. *in our otherwise decaying world*

[@georgered6867]

@@janedoe7330 a person who pevert the idea of God will find it scary to even read the Bible,he will either be ashamed that he speaks so much his ignorance rather than feed his knowledge of God.

[@coweatsman]

@@georgered6867 All of the values of Christianity have antecedents elsewhere as well. Monotheist religions tend to be the most violent religions, because their god is right and everyone else's god is wrong. Witch hunts, inquisitions, crusades. Compare to other eastern religions the Abrahamic religions are just so primitive. Something that is not proven and physically can not happen, like a resurrection is not "proof" of anything any more than the good works of the tooth fairy is proof of anything. So a bunch of grief stricken groupies started seeing Jesus all over (at least as recorded more than 4 decades later) is no better than fans of Elvis seeing Elvis still alive. The believers were hardly objective, being credulous gullible groupies.

[@angelarch5352]

The summary of this video has an extremely good message. I was wondering where this was going (with no crime actually committed lol;) but it was entirely worth it at the end!

[@ladyditn1239]

YAAAAAASS!!!! This is the one I have been waiting for Dr.Grande! The fact that people couldn't see what this cheeseball is about is hysterical! With his deep-v shirts and riding around like the "Fonz" saving Justin Beibers soul while throwing back tequila shots is just mind blowing! Wake up people!!!! Not to mention the fact that he would troll around New York picking up women...a lot! It's just so gross! You could see this coming 1000 miles away!

[@adabsurdum3314]

Well, if you're gullible enough to buy what these phonies sell you... Jesus is not God, there are none

[@ladyditn1239]

@@adabsurdum3314 That is your choice if that is what you believe. Jesus is my lord and savior. I am so thankful that God is in my life and has helped me change my life in ways I never thought possible. My God is very real to me. I hope you have a blessed day❤

[@eriksoley6774]

That New Jersey line was brilliant, and brilliantly delivered.

[@LaChanceuse]

This case reminds me of when, a man old enough to be my grandfather, who is in a high position in a Catholic institution called me "judgmental" for pointing out that his attempts at having an affair with me was immoral.

[@MinkaSchlossberger4ever]

How did You dare....!!!😅

[@AWalkerbtweenworlds]

Dr. Grande, this analysis was so dry, I needed a glass of water after the escaping NJ, prosperity gospel, and Justin Bieber comments. LOL funny, and brilliantly insightful, as usual. 😄👏

[@Flamsterette]

Thank you for your analysis, Dr. Grande. Happy Easter Sunday 2022!

[@daphnemcneely5655]

This will go down as one of your classic episodes.

[@jluttjoh]

I didn't need to hear anything more after, " he worked at a Gucci store." 😆 Love the humor!

[@kimdoran7798]

Thank you for sharing this and breaking it down step by step. Shows first hand the humanness the flesh struggles with and what power can do even within a church setting. Just sad honestly, for this and all other situations we have not yet gotten light of, God will not be mocked!

[@Copebroo]

"Pastoral burnout-based on Carl's behavior Im guessing that's when he spins the wheels of his BMW" LOL

[@EmmaElaineN]

The way you describe what happened it occurs to me that what you describe, especially with the "prosperity gospel," those churches are an MLM.

[@NotChefCook]

EXACTLY !

[@newbeequilter]

What's an MLM?

[@amyg.333]

Don’t talk to him. Don’t look at him, & definitely don’t babysit for him. Amen.

[@laurapitmon1253]

I had heard a little bit of this story on social media but I had no idea he was this disturbed. It's sad so many people were deceived by him.

[@katiedavis9198]

"Just like Justin Bieber pretends to be a good singer...." 😅😅 I was working while listening to this podcast and burst out laughing. Your random bits of humor always get me. Thank you for another great podcast.

[@MightyWomanOfGod9050]

Me too! LOL.....

[@amandaoneill6040]

Ireland (rightly so) gets such a hard time due to how the Catholic Church treated the Irish people years ago up until 96' but these mega churches in the US , the money the fame and the behaviour of the pastors blows my mind, yes I know not all , but it's happening now as we speak...

[@sheilasmith7991]

I often think the Irish relationship with the Catholic church is like an abused dog repeatedly returning to its owner. Very sad.

[@angtxsun4460]

Thank you for your honesty, some people want to fit in to a shallow world of things, appearance, and fame. Since when does the world need more shallow people seeking to follow shallow people? It is simply in the cards that like lemmings they will guide each other off a cliff.

[@Su_aSponte]

This is becoming an elevated gossip show and I am here for it.

[@breathnstop]

This is one of my favorites of yours Doctor. This type of manipulation is really harming people, many people and its allowed in the name of religion. Glad to see you call it out for what it is.

[@Guys-Mom]

So Good of you to put out this full sick reality of this New York version of Hillsong. I have no words.. Disgusted fits! So much damage to regular good Christians... I look forward to this outcome

[@GelatinousCube-jw8vg]

How about a speculative analysis on the 1984 kidnapping of Jody Plauche by Jeffery Doucett? What made the case famous is the reaction of Jody’s father, Gary Plauche. Very interesting and chock full of potential mental health factors. Either way please keep us the amazing work you are doing. We all enjoy your videos regardless of the topics you choose.

[@heathernikki5734]

Yesss, Gary Plauche did nothing wrong 🤘🏻

[@BackyardButcher]

I've not heard of that story, sounds interesting!

[@wifiwitch7694]

oh yeah news cameras caught the whole thing. it's here on KZbin even. Jody's dad did nothing wrong. and he never saw the inside of a cell for taking out that monster thank goodness

[@Flamsterette]

@@BackyardButcher He killed his son's groomer.

[@kidchunguswrx2524]

@@wifiwitch7694 he did get to see the inside of the predators head tho

[@Auroradiluculum]

"Just like Justin Bieber pretends to be a great singer" hahaha 😆! I love it Dr. Grande!

[@robertnobles8189]

“To view Carl’s behavior as an aberration is to release the church from responsibility” I would argue you could say this about almost EVERY church of any sect.

[@branchofthevine779]

That’s not an argument fool, just a claim you just made.

[@robertnobles8189]

@@branchofthevine779Cue the name calling! Religion poisons everything, and the behavior on display in this case, in only a matter of degrees, is the inevitable result.

[@robertnobles8189]

Look at the Catholic Church this Easter; Pope in gold, in a marble Cathedral, filled with priceless works of art, it’s rape of children. Lots of the same elements in varying degrees; fashion, big buildings, celebrity, and sex scandals. In a word; Church!

[@stevehall5209]

@@robertnobles8189 Churches set up universities and hospitals, charities and soup kitchens back in the day. The abuse of religion poisons everything, but don’t judge any system by its abuse.

[@robertnobles8189]

@@stevehall5209 I volunteered in Church soup kitchens; they only fed the hungry after requiring them to listen to a sermon. My ex-wife sent my son to Catholic school; they have terrible teachers and also prosthelytize throughout the day, with zero academics on Wednesdays, just prayer and theology. It is charity with the intent of attracting more followers and money, not out of kindness.

[@kieuhatch4896]

One of the best analysis that I have enjoyed! This is not a church it’s a celebrity world entertainment gathering, it’s so sad, as a Christian there’s somethings so wrong with this organization that even let this happened and that no one stopped it or anyone be accountable? And they finally held other pastors after Lentz who also fell to sexual sins accountable, this is absolutely not the way to show Christ and I’m so sorry if anyone was led away by them! God is true love don’t follow people follow God, God is perfect, we aren’t. This is what we call a wolf in sheeps clothing.

[@ltrishlm73]

Thank you for the thorough analysis. I attended this church, a true church that is still Christ centered and having an impact on the City today. Men will fall, most definitely and as a christian I know myself the enemy will constantly pull down any person with a heart for Christ. If Pastor Lenz has issues they need to be privately dealt with and it should not reflect on his heart towards Christ. His messages at the services I attended were definitely spot on from the Bible and impacted many people. Furthermore, I never waited anywhere close to an hour in line to attend service there. Basically it is less sq feet than many churches I know, it is in the Hamerstein Ballroom near Herald Square. It honestly was not pretentious or anything like it has been presented. Normal people worshiping our Creator, Jesus Christ is the reason for everything, we as Christians live to worship him and all of his glory. "Amazing

[@AlexBobalexRavenclaw]

Interesting breakdown. Burst out laughing a few times. Happy Easter, Dr. Grande!!

[@glamdivaaus7954]

Please give us your brilliant analysis of the case of Marriane Barter missing from Australia since 1994. Such an interesting and mysterious case, would love to hear your opinion! 😊

[@marciaheadley9933]

Narcissism is so common in the pulpit; it is almost safe to say that it's a feature of the pulpit. Sadly,

[@dianataylor8685]

Very well done!!!!! I read a article in Vanity Fair which didn't lay it out as well as you.

[@libertygiveme1987]

This explains Justin Beiber sooooooooo MUCH!!!! When I discovered that he had become "Christian," I was sooooo HAPPY, then I started listening to his songs and thought, "Something's NOT RIGHT!" Again, Thank-You Dr. Grande, you really know how to put the pieces together!!!!

[@AllThingsNew1723]

This makes me so sad, because it's in the news people can think all churches are like this, and that's not the case... Jesus is real even if these people aren't 🙏✝️

[@Cuinn837]

I agree.

[@fefelarue2948]

Churches are the original Multi-Level Marketing Scheme.

[@branchofthevine779]

Just like the peddling of a worthless opinion.

[@Blackheathenly]

@@branchofthevine779 It's a fact.

[@orangemangas2465]

Global warming is a multi-level marketing scheme so is BLM and the me too movement

[@twiceshy9773]

Lol even the angels have a hierarchy/pyramid scheme!!

[@branchofthevine779]

@@Blackheathenly Only in your world opinions become fact, pretty shallow thinking.

[@000luvrnhatr000]

Dang Dr Grande that closing statement was grounding. Thanks for the interesting video as always! I think I went to one of those churches like 10 years ago 😳 just once though, I was never committed 😉😂

[@janrogers5691]

Thank you Dr Grande. Even though you are a secular psychologist I due well to remember so is carl lentz. I’m finding, as a Christian, that the most objective information on these obvious never regenerated persons or APOSTATE souls (Hippocrates). I also caught your comment on justin bieber is the same !! Oh I so much agree and thank you for being the only one I’ve heard, either secular or Christian reporting programs. I’ve always thought it but sat back to see if anyone else would pick up on this. Thank you Dr Grande for making your channel with closed captions!!’

[@kelliearnold8498]

I thank God I’ve never went to that church. My goodness it’s just crazy. Awesome job Dr.Grande!!!!