The Rise, Fall, And Financial Reality: What Is Carl Lentz’s Net Worth In 2025?

Carl Lentz, the former celebrity pastor of Hillsong NYC, has seen his public profile—and his financial standing—undergo a dramatic transformation since his 2020 firing. The question of his net worth is no longer about his high-flying, six-figure salary but about the value retained after a major scandal, a significant loss of income, and the pivot to new, less lucrative ventures. As of early 2025, financial estimates place Carl Lentz's net worth in a wide range, reflecting the uncertainty of his current income streams, but generally settling between $1.5 million and $4 million, a figure largely built on his years at the megachurch, not his post-scandal career.

The journey from a spiritual advisor to global superstars like Justin Bieber to a disgraced figure has had a profound and complex impact on his wealth. While he accumulated significant assets and a substantial salary during his peak, the abrupt end of his tenure at Hillsong and the subsequent loss of that income stream means his current financial reality is a careful balance of past earnings, severance payouts, and the nascent success of his new podcast career with his wife, Laura Lentz. This article dives deep into the financial sources, losses, and current status that define Carl Lentz's true net worth today.

Complete Biography and Professional Profile of Carl Lentz

Stephen Carl Lentz was once one of the most recognizable faces of modern American Christianity, known for his stylish appearance, celebrity friendships, and the rapid growth of the Hillsong Church’s New York City chapter. His biography is a study in the intersection of faith, fame, and finance.

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• Full Name: Stephen Carl Lentz
• Date of Birth: November 6, 1978
• Age (as of early 2025): 46
• Place of Birth: Williamsburg, Virginia, U.S.
• Spouse: Laura Lentz (m. 2003)
• Children: Ava Lentz, Roman Lentz, and Charlie Lentz
• Education: Graduated from Hillsong College in Sydney, Australia.
• Key Career Roles:
  • Youth Pastor in Virginia Beach.
  • Lead Pastor and Founder of Hillsong NYC (2010–2020).
  • Spiritual Advisor to celebrities, notably Justin Bieber.
  • Brief non-ministerial role at Transformation Church (2023).
  • Co-host of the "Lights On with Carl Lentz" podcast (2024–Present).
• Net Worth Estimate (2025): $1.5 million – $4 million

The Hillsong Peak: Unpacking Carl Lentz’s Pre-Scandal Earnings

To understand Carl Lentz’s current net worth, one must first examine the lucrative financial structure he enjoyed at the peak of his career. The role of lead pastor at a megachurch like Hillsong NYC was far more financially rewarding than a traditional ministry position, placing him squarely in the category of high-earning spiritual leaders.

The Six-Figure Salary and Housing Allowance

During his tenure at Hillsong, Lentz's compensation was substantial. Public records from 2016 indicated his annual pay and benefits exceeded $330,000. A significant part of this compensation was a generous housing allowance, estimated at $110,000 annually, which is a common, tax-advantaged perk for pastors in the United States. This high salary, combined with tax benefits, allowed him to accumulate wealth rapidly over his decade-long leadership of the New York branch.

Celebrity Connections and Endorsements

Lentz's close relationship with high-profile celebrities, most notably Justin Bieber, was a major source of his influence and, indirectly, his wealth. While he may not have received direct "pastor fees" from his celebrity flock, his status as a "hype priest" led to a lifestyle that included designer clothing, expensive sneakers, and access to exclusive circles. This celebrity endorsement raised his profile, making him a major draw for the church and cementing his position as a high-value asset to the Hillsong organization, which translated to a higher salary and benefits package.

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The estimated net worth of approximately $3 million often cited in pre-scandal reports is a direct reflection of this decade of high earnings, accumulated assets, and real estate holdings tied to his church-provided housing and allowances.

The Massive Financial Impact of the Hillsong Scandal and Severance

The 2020 revelation of Carl Lentz’s infidelity and his subsequent firing from Hillsong Church marked the end of his primary source of income and led to a significant depreciation of his financial standing. The scandal triggered a complex financial fallout that directly affects his 2025 net worth.

Loss of a $330,000+ Annual Salary

The most immediate and devastating financial blow was the loss of his substantial annual salary and benefits package. Overnight, Lentz went from a highly compensated leader to having no steady income. This loss forced the family to move states and drastically reevaluate their financial situation.

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The Severance Package and NDA Controversy

Following his termination, Carl and Laura Lentz negotiated a severance package with Hillsong. Lentz later revealed that to receive the payment—which he described as "half of a severance payment for like a year salary"—he was pressured into signing a Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA).

• Estimated Severance Value: Based on his $330,000+ salary, a "year salary" would be over $330,000, making the "half" severance payment likely in the range of $165,000 to $200,000.
• The Drawback: While a six-figure payout provided a temporary cushion, it was a one-time sum that pales in comparison to the multi-million dollar earning potential he forfeited by leaving the megachurch world.

The Net Worth Calculation: $1.5 Million to $4 Million

The current net worth estimate of $1.5 million to $4 million reflects the financial reality of his situation. The lower end of the range accounts for potential debts, legal fees, and the cost of living without a high salary. The higher end assumes he was prudent with his Hillsong earnings, invested wisely, and retained most of the assets accumulated during his peak years, including the value of any real estate or investments acquired during his high-earning period.

Carl Lentz’s Current Income Streams: The Pivot to Podcasting

Since his departure from Hillsong, Carl Lentz has shifted his professional focus away from traditional ministry and towards media, specifically podcasting, as his primary source of income and public platform.

The "Lights On with Carl Lentz" Podcast

In mid-2024, Carl and Laura Lentz launched their joint podcast, "Lights On with Carl Lentz." This venture represents his main source of new income.

• Revenue Model: Podcast revenue is typically generated through advertisements, sponsorships, and platform subscriptions (e.g., Apple Podcasts, Spotify).
• Financial Potential: While top-tier podcasts can generate millions, a new podcast, even with a high-profile host, takes time to build a substantial income stream. However, Lentz's existing notoriety and loyal following give the show a higher-than-average earning potential from the start. This media venture is critical to preventing his net worth from declining further.

Consulting and Other Ventures

Lentz briefly took on a non-ministerial consulting role at Transformation Church in Oklahoma, led by Pastor Mike Todd. While this role was short-lived and he has since stated he is not returning to full-time ministry, it demonstrates his ability to secure high-level consulting or advisory positions. Any future income will likely come from a combination of media, speaking engagements (though less frequent than before), and advisory roles, all of which are less stable but still potentially lucrative streams that contribute to his overall financial picture.