Disgraced Hillsong Pastor Carl Lentz Now Selling a Book About the Affair That Destroyed His Ministry

Former Hillsong Pastor Carl Lentz and Wife Laura Announce New Book on Healing After His Affair Scandal

Former Hillsong NYC pastor Carl Lentz and his wife Laura have announced a new book titled Overcoming Infidelity: 10 Conversations to Help Heal the Hurt, set to be published by Simon & Schuster on October 20, 2026.

The announcement comes six years after Lentz was fired from his role as lead pastor at Hillsong Church's Manhattan campus. In November 2020, Hillsong Global Senior Pastor Brian Houston terminated Lentz, citing "leadership issues and breaches of trust, plus a recent revelation of moral failures."

Lentz subsequently admitted to an extramarital affair with a New York City fashion designer, a scandal that made national headlines and rocked the megachurch world.

Laura Lentz expressed enthusiasm about the project, stating she was "really excited" about the book and believes "it's going to help a lot of people," though she acknowledged "it wasn't easy to write."

Carl described the book as designed to "meet people right where they're at" and provide support during difficult seasons in marriage.

According to the publisher, the book offers "an unflinching look" at navigating marital betrayal. It guides readers through ten critical conversations that arise when trust is shattered, addressing questions such as whether trust can return and how to discuss relationship wounds with children.

It's going to help a lot of people. It wasn't easy to write. — Laura Lentz

During a 2024 ABC Nightline appearance, Lentz identified himself as "a recovering drug and sex addict," attributing his actions to "deep brokenness." He joined Transformation Church in Tulsa, Oklahoma in 2023 as a strategist, with church leadership stating they believed in "his restoration."

Laura had previously said she was unable to forgive Carl until 2023. The couple launched the "Lights On" podcast in June 2024 as part of the B Side network.

The book is currently available for pre order.

Carl Lentz Releases Infidelity Recovery Book Six Years After Hillsong Firing

The announcement has drawn mixed reactions from the Christian community. Some have praised the couple for their transparency and willingness to help others navigate similar struggles. Others have questioned whether Lentz, whose fall from grace was one of the most publicized church scandals in recent memory, is the right person to offer guidance on marital restoration.

At the height of his ministry, Lentz was one of the most recognizable pastors in America, known for his celebrity friendships with figures like Justin Bieber and Kevin Durant. Hillsong NYC grew to become one of the fastest growing churches in the country under his leadership before the scandal brought it all crashing down.

The Crusader's Opinion

Let me be direct. Adultery is a grievous sin, and no amount of rebranding it as a "healing journey" changes that reality. Carl Lentz didn't just stumble. He lived a double life as a drug addict and serial adulterer while standing behind a pulpit telling thousands of people how to follow God. The audacity of now profiting from that betrayal with a book deal from Simon & Schuster should make every Christian uncomfortable.

If Lentz has truly repented, praise God for His mercy. But there is a massive difference between personal restoration and public platform. Scripture is clear that leaders are held to a higher standard. The rush to monetize pain, before the ink on forgiveness is even dry, reeks more of celebrity culture than genuine repentance. The church must stop rewarding scandal with bigger platforms.

Take Action

• Pray for Carl and Laura Lentz's marriage and for genuine repentance and restoration, not just public rehabilitation.
• If you or someone you know is struggling with infidelity in marriage, seek pastoral counseling from a trusted local church leader before turning to celebrity advice.
• Support accountability in church leadership by encouraging your local church to adopt transparent leadership structures. Visit www.TheShepherdsShield.org to support efforts protecting church integrity.
• Have an honest conversation with your spouse this week about boundaries, transparency, and what faithfulness looks like in your marriage.
• Read Not Forsaken by Louie Giglio or Torn Asunder by Dave Carder for biblically grounded resources on marriage recovery that don't come with the baggage of celebrity scandal.