What REALLY Happened At Hillsong? Carl Lentz & Ben Houston Tell All

Lights On with Carl Lentz

In this powerful episode of Lights On, Ben Houston and Carl Lentz sit down for a raw and vulnerable conversation about their time at Hillsong Church. The two reflect on the highs and challenges they experienced while leading in one of the most influential church communities in the world. Carl opens up about the fallout he faced during one of the most difficult seasons of his life and how, when the dust settled, Ben was one of the only people who remained by his side.

Their stories highlight friendship, loyalty, and the importance of standing by someone when life hits the hardest. With honesty and grace, Ben and Carl peel back the layers of their struggles, faith, and personal growth, providing a glimpse into moments the public never saw. Tune in to hear how these two leaders found strength in vulnerability and forged a deeper bond through adversity.

This episode of Lights On promises to inspire with stories of redemption, resilience, and the kind of friendship that endures through the darkest seasons.

Chapter Markers:

0:00 - Introduction

1:22 - Guest Introduction and Context

3:50 - Adjusting to Changes, Facing the Hardest Parts, Navigating Church

15:53 - What Would Ben and Carl Do Differently?

23:47 - Ad: Download the BSIDE App - https://www.bsideapp.com/pricing

24:35 - A Son Watching the Fallout

29:32 - That Wasn't Fair Towards Ben

32:19 - You Came Anyway

34:11 - Every Story Has Many Sides, Choosing the High Road

37:58 - Ben's Burnout

50:21 - Finding Health, Finding Sanity

51:18 - What Helped Ben Clear the Cloud

55:24 - Final Remarks and Conclusion