Lots has modified for Carl Lentz over the previous few years, however the former celeb pastor would not see a return to the pulpit in his future.
In an unique interview with PEOPLE, Carl — who was fired from Hillsong Church in November 2020 on account of earlier “ethical failings” and later admitted to having an affair — stated that though he has discovered a brand new church, returning to being a pastor is not even one thing the couple has had “any actual weighted discussions about.”
“I haven’t got that in my coronary heart to do,” says Carl, 45. Nonetheless, he says that he would not “inform God huge absolutes like I’ll or will not do something. I am at all times open.”
“If sometime, I really feel actually compelled to do a church, then I might take into account it with the assistance and assist of lots of people who would additionally agree,” he explains. However I can not image myself doing it.”
“What we went by way of, what I went by way of as a pacesetter, was vital,” he provides. “I needed to restore loads and I really feel the load of that, and I feel it is probably the most acceptable and wholesome choice for me to remain out of that function for a very long time.”
Miguelangel Lugo
Carl “absolutely” enjoys the place he and his household are following his infidelity scandal. “There’s so many different issues to do, … and so many different issues in our coronary heart that it has been enjoyable to discover it,” he says.
The household now attend the Transformation Church, a Tulsa-based church led by pastors Michael and Natalie Todd, in accordance with its website.
Carl says Pastor Mike has been a “actually devoted pal” in wake of the infidelity scandal.
By no means miss a narrative — join PEOPLE’s free daily newsletter to remain up-to-date on the very best of what PEOPLE has to supply, from celeb information to forcing human curiosity tales.
“If a church had huge arms to hug, TC would have the largest,” Carl tells PEOPLE. “And that is what it is felt like being right here. It simply felt like no judgment. We’re an everyday household identical to we’re. … And we’re part of the combo right here.”
Carl even works as a strategist for TC, a job he says “sticks immediately” to his strengths. The previous pastor started working for TC shortly after he and his household joined the church in February 2023.
Miguelangel Lugo
But it surely’s “the individuals” on the church are actually what makes it “particular,” Carl says. His spouse Laura provides, “They simply actually love individuals they usually actually love God, and it’s totally evident of their on a regular basis life.
As for Hillsong Church, the couple tells PEOPLE, “We’ve got no opinion on the Hillsong Church of right this moment,” including, “We do not know the leaders.”
“We’ll at all times love the individuals of Hillsong Church at all times, as a result of they’re the explanation why you do it,” Carl says. “However so far as what the church is doing, we now have zero relationship or opinion about what Hillsong Church does transferring ahead. We’re transferring in our personal route and simply want everyone the very best.”
