In this powerful episode of Lights On, Carl Lentz sits down with longtime friend Andrew Simila for a raw, vulnerable conversation about healing after church hurt. The two reflect on their years of ministry at Hillsong, the fallout that followed, and the emotional wreckage left behind.
Andrew opens up about the personal cost of staying loyal, the silence that followed the scandal, and the hard work it took to rebuild from rock bottom. Carl shares how one unexpected phone call with Andrew became the turning point in his own healing journey.
Together, they explore what it really means to forgive, grow, and show up healthier than before—not for anyone else, but for yourself.
This episode of Lights On is a gripping reminder that restoration is possible, but only if you’re willing to do the work.
Chapter Markers:
00:00 - The Impact of Church Hurt
07:55 - Restoration Is Possible — But It Takes Work
15:30 - How Coaching Triggered a Healing Journey
23:06 - Trying to Rebuild Life After Hillsong
30:20 - Comfort vs. Growth: The Coaching Mindset
38:30 - What 'Church Hurt' Really Means
45:12 - The Real Work Behind Reconciliation
52:06 - Victim Mentality vs. Ownership
59:27 - How to Rewrite Your Story
1:06:57 - Digging Deep to Heal for Real Growth
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