Leona Kimes, an Australian-born pastor and former nanny, became a significant voice in addressing issues of power dynamics and accountability within religious institutions. Her story, tied closely to her experiences at Hillsong Church, has sparked widespread discussions about the challenges of navigating faith, trust, and personal boundaries.

Early Life and Spiritual Journey

Leona Kimes was born and raised in Australia, a country known for its vibrant Christian community. Growing up in a faith-centered environment, she felt a strong calling toward ministry from an early age. Her passion for serving others led her to become deeply involved with Hillsong Church, a global megachurch renowned for its music and outreach programs.

In 2010, she and her husband, Josh Kimes, relocated to the United States to support Hillsong’s expansion. They joined the leadership team at Hillsong NYC, where their dedication to ministry earned them respect and admiration within the congregation.

Role at Hillsong NYC

Leona Kimes worked closely with Carl and Laura Lentz, the lead pastors of Hillsong NYC. For seven years, she served as their nanny, managing household duties and providing care for their children. This position placed her in an environment where professional and personal boundaries often blurred, creating a complex dynamic that later became central to her story.

During her tenure, she not only contributed to the Lentz family’s household but also played a key role in supporting the church’s activities. Her work ethic and commitment to the mission of Hillsong reflected her unwavering faith and dedication to service.

Allegations Against Carl Lentz

In 2021, Leona Kimes came forward with allegations of sexual abuse against Carl Lentz. In a powerful statement, she described enduring years of unwanted sexual advances and manipulation while working closely with the Lentz family. Her decision to speak out was driven by a desire to shed light on the abuse of power within religious institutions and to inspire others to break their silence.

Leona’s revelations highlighted the challenges many face when navigating hierarchical structures in faith-based organizations. Her story brought attention to the importance of accountability, transparency, and creating safe spaces for individuals to voice their concerns.

The Aftermath of Speaking Out

Leona Kimes’ decision to share her story was met with a mix of support and scrutiny. While many applauded her bravery, others questioned the motives behind her revelations. Despite the polarized reactions, her story initiated crucial conversations about the need for systemic changes within churches.

Hillsong Church responded to the allegations with public statements affirming their commitment to addressing such issues. The incident also contributed to a broader examination of leadership practices and accountability within the organization.

Advocacy for Change

Since coming forward, Leona Kimes has become an advocate for survivors of abuse. She has emphasized the importance of creating environments where individuals feel empowered to speak up without fear of retribution. Her journey serves as a reminder that addressing abuse requires not only individual courage but also collective action from communities and institutions.

Leona continues to use her platform to raise awareness about power imbalances and to promote healing and restoration for those who have experienced similar challenges.

FAQs

Who is Leona Kimes?
Leona Kimes is an Australian-born pastor and former nanny who gained recognition for her role at Hillsong NYC and her allegations of sexual abuse against Carl Lentz.

What was her role at Hillsong NYC?
Leona Kimes worked as a nanny for Carl and Laura Lentz while also supporting Hillsong NYC’s ministry efforts.

What allegations did Leona Kimes make?
In 2021, she accused Carl Lentz of sexual abuse, describing years of manipulation and unwanted advances.

 How did Hillsong Church respond?
Hillsong Church issued statements addressing the allegations and emphasized their commitment to creating safe environments within their organization.

What impact has Leona Kimes had on the conversation about abuse in religious institutions?
Her story has highlighted the importance of accountability, transparency, and advocacy for survivors, sparking widespread discussions about reform within faith-based organizations.