When faith communities fail to protect their own, the silence can be deafening. For those within the Christian and evangelical world, the story of Leona Kimes struck a powerful chord. It exposed deep wounds within megachurch culture and ignited a necessary conversation about power, abuse, and accountability.
This article is written for survivors, advocates, researchers, and faithful readers navigating the hard terrain of church-related trauma. Here, we explore Leona Kimes’ testimony, its impact on Hillsong Church, and how her voice continues to empower others seeking justice and healing.
Who Is Leona Kimes and What Is Her Story?
Leona Kimes served as a Carl Lentz assistant at the globally influential Hillsong Church in New York. In 2021, she publicly shared her story of sustained abuse, manipulation, and spiritual coercion while working under Lentz—one of the most high-profile pastors in the evangelical world.
Kimes’ statement outlined a pattern of inappropriate behavior, blurred boundaries, and exploitation masked by authority and status. Her words were published on Medium, where she wrote: “I was physically violated, emotionally manipulated, and spiritually taken advantage of.”
Her account was a landmark moment in the ChurchToo movement, echoing the broader #MeToo reckoning in religious institutions.
“The church must be a safe place, and when it fails to be, we must speak.” — Leona Kimes, Medium, 2021
The Hillsong Church Controversy: What Happened Between Leona Kimes and Carl Lentz?
The Carl Lentz and Leona Kimes controversy deepened an already growing rift in Hillsong’s global image. Lentz was fired in 2020 for “moral failings,” later revealed to involve an extramarital affair. However, Kimes’ abuse allegations suggested a deeper pattern of pastoral misconduct that extended beyond consensual impropriety.
Key Allegations Made by Kimes:
- Unwanted physical contact and suggestive behavior
- Emotional manipulation justified through spiritual language
- Fear-based control using his position of power
- Lack of oversight and accountability within church leadership
These claims weren’t isolated. Other megachurch abuse stories had already begun surfacing globally, but Kimes’ account shook the foundation of Hillsong’s leadership model.
Reference:
How Leona Kimes Exposed Abuse in Megachurches
By stepping forward, Kimes gave voice to those silenced in the shadows of religious power. Her courage demonstrated how female voices in ministry are often dismissed, especially when they speak against revered male leadership.
Her testimony also forced churches and their followers to ask uncomfortable questions:
- Why was there no system for reporting or investigating misconduct?
- How many more victims are suffering in silence?
- What structural reforms are urgently needed?
Kimes’ story wasn’t about revenge; it was about truth-telling. And that truth laid bare the toxic mix of celebrity culture, unchecked power, and spiritual manipulation.
Reference:
- Christianity Today, 2021: “Churches Must Do More Than Fire Abusive Leaders”
The Path to Spiritual Abuse Recovery
Religious trauma isn’t just emotional; it cuts into one’s spiritual identity. For many evangelical abuse survivors, faith becomes a source of both pain and potential healing.
Practical Steps Toward Healing:
- Seek trauma-informed therapy from clinicians familiar with spiritual abuse
- Join survivor support communities like GRACE (Godly Response to Abuse in the Christian Environment)
- Explore personal faith outside institutional control
- Read empowering memoirs like Leona Kimes’ or Chrissy Stroop’s essays
“Healing takes truth, time, and tenderness.” — Diane Langberg, trauma therapist and author of Redeeming Power
Church Leadership Accountability: What Must Change
Abuse of power in church leadership is not just a moral issue; it’s systemic. Kimes’ story called for:
- Independent investigation units within churches
- Transparent reporting structures free from retaliation
- Mandatory leadership training on boundaries and abuse prevention
- The end of blind loyalty to charismatic leaders
These aren’t just reforms. They’re lifelines to prevent future abuse.
Reference:
- Religion News Service, 2021: “Leona Kimes’ Story Is a Wake-Up Call for Church Accountability”
Faith After Trauma: Leona Kimes’ Journey Forward
Despite the heartbreak, Kimes hasn’t walked away from her faith. She has rebuilt it with intentionality, community, and transparency.
Her journey encourages others to:
- Reclaim spiritual practices that bring peace
- Detach faith from institutions that failed them
- Advocate for others still in the storm
Through her voice, many have found their own.
Conclusion
The story of Leona Kimes is more than a personal testimony it’s a mirror reflecting the cracks in church culture, leadership accountability, and spiritual safety. Her courage to speak out shattered the illusion of untouchable authority within megachurch systems, empowered abuse survivors to reclaim their voices, and sparked necessary reform in Christian institutions. For believers, victims, and advocates alike, her journey is a call to confront hard truths, demand transparency, and rebuild faith on the foundations of justice, empathy, and truth.
FAQ’s
What happened between Leona Kimes and Carl Lentz?
Leona Kimes alleged a pattern of emotional, physical, and spiritual abuse while working as Carl Lentz’s assistant at Hillsong Church.
Who is Leona Kimes and what is her story?
She is a former Hillsong staffer who shared her abuse experience in a public statement, catalyzing accountability conversations in evangelical spaces.
How did Leona Kimes expose abuse in megachurches?
By publishing her detailed account, she drew attention to the systemic issues of power, secrecy, and celebrity culture in church leadership.
Did Hillsong Church respond to Leona Kimes allegations?
Hillsong acknowledged the allegations and promised to investigate, but critics argue the response lacked transparency and urgency.
What support is available for victims like Leona Kimes?
Organizations like GRACE and spiritual abuse recovery networks provide community, resources, and trauma-informed care for survivors.
