Just when Hillsong wants to move on from the infamous Carl Lentz affair, which has rocked the Australian-founded megachurch, Discovery+ has announced that it is producing a three-part documentary to cover the scandal.
Breaking Hillsong will reportedly follow the rise and fall former Hillsong NYC Pastor Carl Lentz. The documentary will stream on the service as a limited series.
“The project will chronicle the headline-making world of global star-studded megachurch Hillsong and the downfall of its ultra-hip, celebrity senior pastor, Carl Lentz,” a press release stated.
Lentz was sensationally fired in 2020 after admitting to an affair before selling his New Jersey home and moving his family to California. Since then, Hillsong America has battled challenge after challenge, including allegations of “lavish spending” and misuse of funds at their Dallas church, which has seen Dallas closed temporarily.
Hillsong is used to criticism and persecution it its home country of Australia, where the media have been attacking the megachurch for years, but in America, where it has received nothing but praise, its back is firmly to the wall.
Related: Hillsong’s Brian Houston gives first interview since Carl Lentz firing
Megastar New York pastor Carl Lentz, who has been so instrumental in helping build the church’s brand in North America, has simultaneously been the one that has also caused so much embarrassment.
Just this month, Leona Kimes, a former nanny to the children of former Hillsong pastor Carl Lentz, accused him of “bullying, abuse of power and sexual abuse”. A legal representative for Carl and his wife, Laura Lentz, responded to Kimes’ allegations, telling RNS the Lentzes “vehemently deny the allegations and, in addition to that, have irrefutable proof the events did not happen as they are being described.”
Brian and Bobbie Houston released an official statement after the allegations, which were more incredulous given that Kimes is a current pastor with her husband at Hillsong Boston.
According to People, Breaking Hillsong – which will be a partnership with the New York Post featuring investigating reporting by Hannah Frishberg – will also shed light on the “greater phenomenon” of corruption within megachurches.
Danielle Jarvis
Soul Purpose
Matthias Browning
