Carl Lentz's Net Worth Might Surprise You
American pastor Carl Lentz is probably best-known for baptizing Justin Bieber as well as being present at the baptism of NBA star Kevin Durant. After co-founding Hillsong NYC in 2010, he held the position of lead pastor for nearly a decade (via GQ). But in November of 2020, Hillsong Global Pastor Brian Houston reportedly fired Lentz for "leadership issues and breaches of trust, plus a recent revelation of moral failures" (via Daily Beast).
On Instagram, the celebrity pastor admitted he'd been unfaithful to his wife, but he also revealed that he'd be working on "rebuilding trust" with his family. Since leaving Hillsong, he's largely stayed out of the limelight to presumably do just that. However, he remains a well-known religious figure and has had a storied career — one that famously involved rubbing shoulders with the likes of Bieber. So, just how much is Lentz worth? Let's take a look.
Carl Lentz is a millionaire
According to MDDailyRecord, Carl Lentz is worth $3 million, but the riches are relatively recent.
The 42-year-old was born in Virginia and first attended North Carolina State University where he played basketball (via Metro). He then moved to Los Angeles to study at The King's College and Seminary, before moving to Australia and studying at the Hillsong International Leadership College of Hillsong Church in Sydney (via Christian Post). Somewhere in there he also married his wife, Laura, with whom he now shares three children, per Metro.
Once Lentz graduated with a degree in theology, he went back to Virginia to become a youth pastor. Although he didn't co-found Hillsong NYC until 2010, he and Joel Houston — the son of Hillsong's founder — first had the idea over a decade earlier. In 2017, the church expanded by opening additional campuses in Connecticut and Boston.
In recent years, however, things have been a bit more difficult. In addition to getting fired, Lentz's former nanny accused him of sexual assault, something that has been acknowledged by Hillsong Church itself. Out of a job and knee-deep in scandals, Carl Lentz may not be able to keep his fortune for long.
If you or anyone you know has been a victim of sexual assault, help is available. Visit the Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network website or contact RAINN's National Helpline at 1-800-656-HOPE (4673).