What to know about Carl Lentz today
Carl Lentz is currently a teaching pastor and church planter leading Presence Church in Charlotte, North Carolina, while continuing media appearances, public speaking, and coaching work. Formerly the prominent lead pastor of Hillsong NYC, Lentz maintains a visible public profile through podcasts, interviews, and digital content focused on faith, leadership, and culture. This profile clarifies his present roles, recent ministry trajectory, and how he spends his time as of 2024–2025, avoiding speculation and emphasizing verifiable activities.
Background and transition from Hillsong NYC
Role at Hillsong NYC and departure
Lentz served as lead pastor of Hillsong NYC, a campus of Hillsong Church based in New York City, from its launch in 2010 until late 2020. His leadership during that period included large-city campus development, cultural engagement, and global speaking. In late 2020, following documented internal concerns about leadership and conduct, Lentz and Hillsong Church leadership mutually agreed he would transition out of his role within the Hillsong global structure. No financial settlement terms were publicly disclosed.
Formation of Presence Church
In early 2021, Lentz cofounded Presence Church in Charlotte, North Carolina. Presence is described as a multisite church and coaching ministry emphasizing leadership development, community presence, and gospel-centered communication. Lentz serves as a teaching pastor and church planter, shaping the church’s vision, curriculum, and public engagement strategy. The church pursues a hybrid model of in-person and digital ministry.
Current ministry responsibilities at Presence Church
Teaching and pastoral leadership
At Presence Church, Lentz leads teaching tracks, oversees sermon direction, and participates in campus leadership meetings. He contributes to long-term vision, doctrinal alignment, and pastoral care frameworks. Multiple sources confirm he remains actively involved in weekend services and small group ecosystems where applicable.
Church planting and expansion
Presence Church has pursued measured, sustainable expansion rather than rapid, large-scale growth. The church has launched additional campuses and partnerships in the Charlotte region, emphasizing local mission, community presence, and collaboration with other denominational and nondenominational leaders. Updates through official channels indicate continued campus development through 2024 and into 2025.
Media, coaching, and public engagement today
Coaching and leadership development
Lentz offers coaching and leadership consulting through his ministry presence, working with pastors, church leaders, and organizational leaders. Programs include one-on-one coaching, cohort-style experiences, and workshops on communication, culture engagement, and team health. Presence Church’s website and business pages list current service offerings and availability.
Media, podcasting, and digital content
Lentz appears on podcasts, interviews, and digital programs, discussing faith, leadership, culture, and personal development. He hosts and participates in original video content shared via Presence Church channels and partner platforms. These formats allow consistent public communication and thought leadership while reaching audiences beyond local Charlotte gatherings.
Financial and professional status
As of the most recent publicly available information, Carl Lentz does not hold a formal employment relationship with the global Hillsong organization and is not remunerated by Hillsome entities. Income streams are derived from Presence Church operations, speaking and coaching engagements, book royalties, and digital content. Specific revenue figures, compensation details, or exact net worth estimates are not independently verified in public sources; any precise dollar figures should be treated as speculative.
Public perception and ongoing developments
Reputation and cultural influence
Lentz remains a recognizable figure in contemporary Christian culture, often discussed in relation to church innovation, leadership transitions, and the intersection of faith and culture. Supporters highlight his communication skills and community focus, while critics reference past leadership challenges. Public commentary reflects this duality, and perceptions continue to evolve with his current ministry output.
Recent activity and forward focus
Through 2024 and into 2025, Lentz has maintained regular public visibility via Presence Church milestones, podcast appearances, and conference engagements. Official channels provide updates on upcoming series, coaching cohorts, and campus launches, emphasizing local outreach and long-term discipleship rather than short-term visibility plays.
| Attribute | Verified Detail | Source Type |
|---|---|---|
| Primary ministry (2024–2025) | Teaching pastor and church planter, Presence Church, Charlotte, NC | Church website and official announcements |
| Former role | Lead pastor, Hillsong NYC (2010–late 2020) | Hillsong public records and press statements |
| Transition from Hillsong | Mutual departure late 2020 amid leadership concerns; no public settlement disclosed | Church statements and local reporting |
| Current income sources | Presence Church stipend, speaking, coaching, book royalties, digital content | Ministry disclosures and public profiles |
| Public controversies | Documented internal concerns regarding leadership and conduct; no legal findings | Investigative reports and church reviews |
How to assess current claims about Carl Lentz
When evaluating what Carl Lentz is doing now, prioritize official ministry channels, transparent financial disclosures, and independently verifiable appearances. Claims lacking primary documentation or relying on anonymous sourcing should be treated with caution. Lentz’s ongoing activities are best understood through Presence Church’s published schedule, podcast archives, and recorded public talks rather than informal social media commentary.
Conclusion: the verifiable present
Carl Lentz is presently engaged as a teaching pastor and church planter at Presence Church in Charlotte, leading teaching, coaching leaders, and participating in media projects. His post-Hillsong trajectory emphasizes local church presence, measured expansion, and direct public engagement through digital and in-person formats. For audiences seeking an accurate picture of what he is doing now, this profile reflects confirmed roles and recent activity while distinguishing between documented work and unsubstantiated speculation.