Hillsong Church launches investigation after Carl Lentz dismissal - Brian Houston

Hillsong Church is launching an independent investigation into the inner workings of Hillsong NYC/ East Coast. This announcement was made by Founder Brian Houston after the church fired Hillsong NYC Pastor Carl Lentz, over having an affair.

In his tweet, Brian stated that "we are launching an independent investigation into the inner workings of Hillsong NYC/ East Coast. We need a solid foundation for a fresh start and new beginning. The best is yet to come."

Pastor Carl Lentz was fired "in relation to leadership issues and breaches of trust, plus a recent revelation of moral failures" as revealed in a statement dated 4th November from Hillsong Church Global Senior Pastor Brian Houston.

The statement also went on to say that "this action was not taken lightly and was done in the best interests of everyone, including Pastor Carl.""It would not be appropriate for us to go into detail about the events that led to this decision. Our focus at this time is to honor God and pastorally care for our East Coast church community as well as the Lentz family."

"While I have no doubt that this is the right course of action, I must mention Bobbie’s and my personal sadness, as we have known Laura her entire life and Carl for well over 20 years."

"Hillsong East Coast services and all of our ministries will proceed as usual, and we will continue to be a place of hope, love and faith through the powerful and transforming message of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. This is a message our nation and the world need to hear more than ever during a time of such instability and uncertainty."

The next day, Pastor Cal Lentz revealed on his Instagram page that his time at Hilllsong NYC had come to an end.

Pastor Carl Lentz and his family

He added that "This is a hard ending to what has been the most amazing, impacting and special chapter of our lives. Leading this church has been an honor in every sense of the word and it is impossible to articulate how much we have loved and will always love the amazing people in this church." 

"I was unfaithful in my marriage, the most important relationship in my life and held accountable for that. This failure is on me, and me alone and I take full responsibility for my actions. I now begin a journey of rebuilding trust with my wife, Laura and my children and taking real time to work on and heal my own life and seek out the help that I need."

"To our pastors Brian and Bobbie, thank you for allowing us to lead, allowing us to thrive and giving us room to have a voice that you have never stifled or tried to silence. Thank you for your grace and kindness especially in this season, as you have done so much to protect and love us through this. We, the Lentz family, don’t know what this next chapter will look like, but we will walk into it together very hopeful and grateful for the grace of God.."