"From Scandal to Second Chances: Carl Lentz Takes on First Church Position Since Hillsong Dismissal" - Discover the Controversial Pastor's New Role at Transformation Church in Tulsa and the Mixed Reactions from the Christian Community.

 

In this Oct. 23, 2017, photo, Carl Lentz, then pastor of Hillsong Church in New York, appears during an interview, in New York. (AP Photo/Bebeto Matthews)

Carl Lentz, the former Hillsong NYC pastor who was dismissed in 2020 for "moral failures," has been hired by Transformation Church in Tulsa, Oklahoma. This is his first church position since leaving Hillsong. Transformation Church, led by Pastor Michael Todd, announced the hiring on Sunday, March 26.

Lentz's hiring by Transformation Church comes after he completed a year-long restoration process with the oversight of church leaders, according to a statement from Todd. Todd also stated that Lentz will serve as a teaching pastor, with his first message scheduled for April 10.

Lentz's dismissal from Hillsong in November 2020 came after revelations of infidelity

Pastor Michael Todd gives a sermon recently at Transformation Church in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Video screengrab

and breaches of trust. He has since been in the public eye, with interviews and a book deal, but has not held a church position until now. The news of his hiring by Transformation Church has caused mixed reactions from the Christian community.

Some are applauding Lentz's restoration process and his willingness to submit to the leadership of another church. Others are concerned that his hiring by Transformation Church sends the wrong message, and that he should not be in a position of leadership so soon after his dismissal from Hillsong.

Transformation Church has stated that they believe in second chances and that they are excited to have Lentz on their team. They have also stated that Lentz has been transparent about his past and that they believe he is committed to growth and restoration.

Transformation Church in the Bixby suburb of Tulsa, Oklahoma. Photo courtesy of Google Maps

Overall, the hiring of Carl Lentz by Transformation Church has generated both support and criticism. While some see it as a positive example of restoration and grace, others have expressed concern about the message it sends and whether Lentz should be in a leadership position so soon after his dismissal from Hillsong.