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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Your experience is real—but is it the whole truth? In this episode of Lights On, Laura and I unpack how to honor what you've been through without letting it hijack your future. We talk about healing, empathy, church hurt, relationships, and why holding your experience with humility might be the most powerful thing you can do right now.

This one's honest, unfiltered, and necessary. Let’s keep getting better—together.

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Charles Metcalf joins Carl Lentz to talk about untouchable confidence, overcoming shame, and what it means to believe God chose you. This raw, hope-filled conversation will challenge your perspective on yourself and your purpose.

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In this episode, Cody Jefferson and I keep it real—talking about healing, mindset shifts, and what it actually takes to get unstuck. If you're tired of surface-level fixes and ready for real transformation, this one’s for you. We dive into inner work, truth, accountability, and living with purpose. No fluff. Just an honest conversation that’ll push you to take action today. Let’s go. #lightson

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Your experience is real—but is it the whole truth? In this episode of Lights On, Laura and I unpack how to honor what you've been through without letting it hijack your future. We talk about healing, empathy, church hurt, relationships, and why holding your experience with humility might be the most powerful thing you can do right now.

This one's honest, unfiltered, and necessary. Let’s keep getting better—together.

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This convo right here is special. I sat down with my good friend Chris Durso — a real one — and we got into it. We talk about leadership, trauma, healing, therapy, church in New York, and what it actually means to get healthy. Chris opens up about his battle with PTSD, abuse, and what healing has looked like for him. This one’s honest, raw, and filled with hope.

If you're trying to figure out your faith, your friendships, or just how to keep going when life hits hard — this is for you.

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What if your biggest complaint is actually a clue to your biggest breakthrough? In this episode, we explore how to turn frustration into transformation using the power of self-awareness, honesty, and the “Three C’s” — Clear, Conscious, Committed. Whether it’s in your relationships, career, or personal growth, this conversation will challenge and empower you to see your complaints in a whole new light.

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In this episode, we dive into real talk on faith, identity, alcohol, and finding balance in your 20s. Unscripted, heartfelt, and full of moments that might just shift your perspective.

We explore parenting, purpose, and the question that keeps coming up:

“What else might be true?”

Perfect for anyone navigating life, growing in faith, or figuring it all out one step at a time.

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"What if Hollywood's breakthroughs could be in spiritual storytelling?" Carl Lentz sits down with filmmaker John Irwin to talk about his new project House of David, the miracles behind its creation, and how faith and filmmaking collide in powerful ways.

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Go to https://meetfabric.com/LIGHTSON and apply today, risk-free.

Carl and Laura dive deep into your questions! They discuss the joys and challenges of getting older, their parenting philosophies (including a debate on spanking!), and how to rebuild a marriage when it's tough. They also address a common issue: balancing church with kids' activities and dealing with church-related guilt. Plus, don't miss the story of a hilarious trash-talking moment on the basketball court! Tune in for honest answers and real talk.

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