Leona Kimes: Former Hillsong Pastor Shares Her Story
Leona Kimes, a former Hillsong Church employee, has revealed shocking allegations. She claims Carl Lentz, ex-lead pastor of Hillsong NYC, sexually abused and bullied her. Kimes shared her story in a Medium essay titled “Writing My Voice Back”.
Kimes worked as the Lentz family’s nanny for seven years. She moved from Australia to help build Hillsong NYC. The abuse began during her employment and got worse over time.
Kimes described working long hours, from 7 am to 11 pm. She felt manipulated, controlled, and bullied by her boss. He made inappropriate comments about her looks and touched her inappropriately.
In summer 2015, the abuse intensified. Her boss took a photo of her without permission. He sent it with suggestive comments. The pastors addressed inappropriate behavior twice, but blamed Kimes.
Kimes tried to leave her job at the church. However, she was told she couldn’t find work in NYC without a degree. This left her feeling trapped in the abusive situation.
Key Takeaways
- Leona Kimes, a former Hillsong Church employee, has come forward with allegations of sexual abuse, manipulation, and bullying against Carl Lentz, the ousted lead pastor of Hillsong NYC.
- Kimes worked as a nanny for the Lentz family for seven years and detailed her experiences in a Medium essay.
- The abuse started while she worked for the lead pastors and escalated over time, with Kimes describing feeling manipulated, controlled, bullied, and sexually abused.
- Kimes tried to leave her job in the church but was told she couldn’t find work in NYC without a college degree.
- Hillsong Church launched an independent investigation into the culture of its East Coast locations after Lentz’s firing.
The Rise of Hillsong Church and Its Celebrity Culture
Hillsong Church began in 1983 and quickly became a global megachurch. It drew members through its modern approach to Christian worship music. The church expanded to over 30 countries across six continents.
Hillsong United, the church’s band, played a big role in its success. Their hit song “Oceans (Where Feet May Fail)” went 4x platinum. This certification came from the Recording Industry Association of America.
Hillsong’s Global Influence and Star-Studded Congregation
Hillsong’s impact went beyond music, attracting many celebrity members. Justin Bieber, Selena Gomez, and Kendall Jenner were among its famous followers. Carl Lentz, a stylish pastor with celebrity connections, helped boost the church’s fame.
Lentz’s leadership and the church’s star power made Hillsong a trendy Christian institution. It gained a reputation for being modern and influential in religious circles.
The Church’s Contemporary Approach to Worship
Hillsong’s success came from mixing pop music with religious services. This fresh approach appealed to younger Christians seeking modern worship experiences. The church’s ability to adapt to cultural changes fueled its growth.
| Statistic | Value |
|---|---|
| Number of countries with Hillsong ministries | 30+ |
| Hillsong United albums released | 6 studio albums, 15 live albums, 6 EPs, 32 singles, 9 DVDs/Blu-Rays |
| Attendance at Hillsong NYC pre-decline | Thousands |
| Attendance at Hillsong NYC currently | Around 500 |
“Hillsong created the contemporary worship band Hillsong United in 1998, which has released six studio albums, 15 live albums, six EPs, 32 singles, and nine DVDs and Blu-Ray discs.”
Leona Kimes: From Australia to New York City
Leona Kimes, a talented indie folk singer-songwriter, moved from Australia to New York City. She and her husband Josh helped establish Hillsong NYC over a decade ago. This marked the iconic church’s East Coast presence.
Kimes’ journey to New York wasn’t direct. She started as a nanny for the Lentz family, prominent Hillsong leaders. Later, she transitioned into a pastoral role, deeply involved in church ministry.
The move to New York brought challenges and opportunities for Kimes. Her musical talents and passion for service shaped her journey. These experiences set the stage for remarkable events in the coming years.
“The move from Australia to the bustling metropolis of New York City presented its own set of challenges and opportunities for Kimes.”
Kimes’ relocation marked the start of a transformative chapter. It led her to speak out against alleged misconduct within Hillsong. Her voice became a powerful force for accountability and change in the church.
Working for the Lentz Family: The Beginning
Leona Kimes started as a nanny for the Lentz family at Hillsong Church. Her role grew beyond childcare over time. Kimes worked long hours, often from 7 am to 11 pm.
Frequent schedule changes blurred her work-life balance. This made it hard for Kimes and her husband to spend time together.
Initial Role and Responsibilities
Kimes took on more tasks in the Lentz household. Her role expanded beyond nannying. This led to an unhealthy dynamic at home.
Early Warning Signs of Boundary Issues
Kimes noticed early warning signs of boundary issues. The family’s demands on her time increased. Her personal life suffered as a result.
The Blurring of Professional Lines
Kimes’ duties mixed with the family’s personal matters. She reported experiencing various forms of abuse while working for the Lentz family.
These included manipulation, control, bullying, abuse of power, and sexual abuse. The situation worsened over time.
“The inappropriate behaviors by Lentz were addressed by the lead pastors on two occasions, where Kimes felt blamed and silenced.”
Kimes’ experience shows why clear boundaries are crucial. Professional standards must be maintained, even in faith-based organizations. Without them, work environments can become unhealthy and abusive.
The Progression of Workplace Abuse
Leona Kimes, a former Hillsong pastor, shared a troubling pattern of escalating workplace abuse. She described emotional manipulation and power dynamics that led to sexual misconduct allegations.
Kimes faced constant criticism and gossip. The Lentzes often called her “Cinderella.” In summer 2015, Kimes alleged sexual touching and physical violations by Carl Lentz.
“The abuse intensified during the summer of 2015, with Kimes alleging unwanted sexual touching and physical violations by Carl Lentz.”
The scandal led to physical fights. Laura Lentz admitted hitting her husband and the nanny. Later, Kimes posted an essay alleging sexual and emotional abuse by an unnamed pastor.
These events reveal concerning workplace abuse and power dynamics in high-profile religious institutions. The ongoing investigation highlights the need for accountability and employee protection.
| Incident | Date | Allegations |
|---|---|---|
| Laura Lentz reveals Carl Lentz’s admission of infidelity | Oct. 25, 2020 | Carl Lentz admitted to being unfaithful |
| Physical altercation involving Laura Lentz, Carl Lentz, and Leona Kimes | October 2020 | Laura Lentz hit both Carl Lentz and Leona Kimes |
| Leona Kimes’ Medium essay alleging abuse | April 2021 | Allegations of sexual and emotional abuse by an unnamed ousted pastor |
| Carl Lentz admits to inappropriate relationship with employee | November 2020 | Acknowledged allowing an inappropriate relationship to develop with an employee |
The Hillsong Church scandal keeps unfolding with allegations of workplace abuse and emotional manipulation. This crisis shows the need for accountability in religious organizations.
Breaking the Silence: Kimes’s Medium Essay
In May 2021, Leona Kimes bravely shared her story on Medium. She revealed sexual abuse allegations during her time with the Lentz family at Hillsong Church. Kimes, a former nanny, finally spoke up after years of silence.
Her essay marked a crucial step in reclaiming her voice. It also sought accountability for the alleged misconduct she endured.
Details of Alleged Misconduct
Kimes’s essay described troubling encounters with Carl Lentz, Hillsong’s former NYC pastor. She reported sexually charged comments and secret groping over seven years.
The alleged abuse escalated during her employment with the Lentz family. Kimes felt manipulated and victimized throughout this period.
Impact on Personal and Professional Life
Kimes’s revelation had far-reaching effects on her life. The trauma deeply affected her mental health and well-being.
Intense therapy helped Kimes find courage to share her story. The sexual abuse allegations also impacted her career path.
Kimes and her husband resigned from Hillsong Boston in April 2022. They left the church, marking a significant life change.
“I’ve been in therapy for two years, and I’m just now able to share my story. It’s taken me a long time to be in a place where I feel safe enough to do so.”
Kimes’s Medium essay showcases her strength and healing journey. Her story resonates with many people.
It sheds light on sexual abuse allegations within influential folk rock institutions like Hillsong. Kimes’s bravery encourages others to speak up.
Carl Lentz’s Response to Allegations
Carl Lentz, ex-Hillsong pastor, denied Leona Kimes’s allegations through his lawyer. Kimes shared her experiences working for the Lentz family. Lentz claimed her accusations were baseless.
Later, Lentz admitted to an “inappropriate relationship” with an employee. He accepted responsibility for the power imbalance. However, he denied abuse, calling it “mutual adult decisions” involving lies.
The public’s reaction to Lentz’s response has been mixed. Many doubt his claims and question his accountability. The indie rock pastor’s celebrity ties and modern worship style are now overshadowed by scandal.
“I take full responsibility for allowing an inappropriate relationship to develop in my home.” – Carl Lentz
Lentz’s statement acknowledges misconduct but lacks a full apology. This has intensified debates about Hillsong’s leadership and accountability practices.
People await a more detailed response from Lentz and Hillsong leaders. They seek genuine accountability and ways to heal and reconcile.
Laura Lentz’s Perspective and Confrontation
Carl Lentz’s infidelity rocked the Hillsong community. His wife, Laura Lentz, faced the crushing truth of his unfaithfulness. She grappled with the shock and pain of his betrayal.
The Physical Altercation
Laura Lentz shared details of a physical clash in an interview. She caught her husband with Leona Kimes, a former Hillsong employee, in a compromising position. This confrontation showed her raw emotions and heartbreak.
Processing Betrayal and Discovery
Laura Lentz felt “gaslit” by her husband and Kimes for a long time. She struggled to understand the depth of their betrayal. The scandal destroyed the Lentz family’s carefully built image.
They now faced the harsh reality of infidelity. The family embarked on a difficult journey of healing and recovery.
| Key Statistic | Value |
|---|---|
| Laura and Carl Lentz’s Marriage Duration | 17 years |
| Hillsong Church’s Weekly Attendance | Over 150,000 |
| Carl Lentz’s Time at Hillsong NYC | 10 years |
“The betrayal was unimaginable. I felt gaslit by both Carl and Leona for so long, and it was a devastating realization to come to terms with.”
The Lentz family’s Americana-inspired healing journey began. It showed the complex mix of faith, leadership, and human nature. Their story became a powerful lesson in overcoming adversity.
Hillsong Church’s Official Response
Brian and Bobbie Houston, Hillsong Church’s founders, responded to Leona Kimes’s disturbing account. They acknowledged the severity of her allegations. The Houstons announced an independent investigation into Hillsong’s East Coast locations.
The church promised to implement new policies to prevent workplace misconduct. Hillsong’s leadership recognized the need for systemic changes. They aim to address issues raised by Kimes and other former staff.
“Leona’s story is very disturbing, and we are committed to a full investigation to ensure this never happens again,” the Houstons said in their statement.
Legal experts will lead the investigation into allegations by Kimes and others. Hillsong vows to be transparent and accountable throughout the process. They aim to implement reforms to protect employees and volunteers.
The church is focusing on addressing institutional failures that enabled alleged misconduct. Hillsong is prioritizing the well-being of its community. They’re committed to creating a safe, respectful environment for all involved.
The Aftermath: Institutional Changes at Hillsong
Hillsong Church is making big changes after recent scandals. They’re focusing on new policies and support systems. These changes aim to rebuild trust and create a healthier environment.
New Policies and Procedures
Hillsong is improving its HR training and standardizing policies globally. They’re boosting communication and transparency. The church wants to address concerns and implement safeguards effectively.
These reforms aim to create a culture of accountability. They want staff to feel safe sharing their experiences.
Support Systems for Staff Members
Hillsong is setting up robust support systems for its staff. This includes employee assistance programs and mental health resources. They’re also creating ways for confidential reporting of workplace issues.
The church aims to nurture an environment where staff can seek help. They want employees to feel empowered in tough situations.
These changes are a direct response to recent scandals. Hillsong wants to rebuild trust and enhance accountability. They’re also prioritizing the well-being of staff and congregation.
The community will be watching Hillsong’s progress closely. The success of these reforms is crucial. It will determine if Hillsong can regain credibility and ensure safety.
Moving Forward: Kimes’s Role at Hillsong Boston
Leona Kimes faced trauma at Hillsong NYC but chose to stay with the organization. She and her husband, Josh, now lead Hillsong Boston. This shows her faith and desire for church reform.
Kimes’s choice reveals the complex nature of faith and forgiveness after abuse allegations. Her new role demonstrates resilience and belief in the church’s ability to change.
Her healing journey has been challenging. Yet, Kimes’s continued service shows her deep conviction and hope. She represents positive change as Hillsong deals with recent scandals.
Kimes’s leadership role symbolizes hope and the power of faith. It also shows the importance of pursuing justice within religious institutions.
FAQ
Who is Leona Kimes?
Leona Kimes is a former Hillsong Church employee and current Hillsong Boston pastor. She accused Carl Lentz, ex-lead pastor of Hillsong NYC, of sexual abuse, manipulation, and bullying.
What is Hillsong Church and how did it gain global influence?
Hillsong Church is a megachurch known for blending pop music with religious services. It attracted celebrities like Justin Bieber, Selena Gomez, and Kendall Jenner.
How did Leona Kimes become involved with Hillsong Church?
Leona and Josh Kimes moved from Australia to New York City about ten years ago. Kimes started as a nanny for the Lentz family.
This led to her involvement in the church community. She later transitioned to a pastoral role.
What were Leona Kimes’s experiences while working for the Lentz family?
Kimes worked long hours, often from 7 am to 11 pm. She faced constant schedule changes and blurred personal-professional boundaries.
Kimes reported a pattern of escalating abuse. This included emotional manipulation, bullying, and sexual misconduct.
When and how did Leona Kimes share her story?
In May 2021, Kimes published an essay on Medium. She detailed her experiences of abuse while working for the Lentz family.
Kimes described instances of sexual misconduct and manipulation. She also shared the lasting impact on her life.
How did Carl Lentz respond to Leona Kimes’s allegations?
Carl Lentz’s legal representative strongly denied Kimes’s allegations. Later, Lentz admitted to an “inappropriate relationship” with an employee.
However, he denied any notion of abuse in his statement.
What was the response from Hillsong Church?
Brian and Bobbie Houston, Hillsong Church founders, called Kimes’s story “very disturbing”. They announced an investigation into Hillsong’s East Coast locations.
The church promised new policies to prevent future power abuses.
What changes did Hillsong Church make in response to the scandal?
Hillsong Church updated its infrastructure services. This included increased HR training and standardized policies across its network.
They aimed to improve accountability and communication. The focus was on rebuilding Hillsong East Coast.
What is Leona Kimes’s current role with Hillsong Church?
Leona Kimes now serves as a pastor at Hillsong Boston. Her decision to stay shows the complex nature of faith and forgiveness.
Kimes’s journey highlights the need for institutional reform after abuse allegations.