There's plenty of turmoil on our TV screens, and The Secrets of Hillsong documentary is another addition to the lineup.
But unlike the Vanderpump Rules drama, or the real-estate shenanigans of the soon-to-be-released Selling Sunset season 6, the new project from FX and Vanity Fair focuses on an institution that's meant to be a safe space.
Hillsong, a now-global megachurch founded in the 1980s in Australia, was disguised as a welcoming community. Behind closed doors, however, the spiritual phenomenon that got the attention of countless Hollywood stars—Justin and Hailey Bieber, Selena Gomez, Kendall and Kylie Jenner, Kourtney Kardashian and others have been known to frequent Hillsong services over the years—was actually responsible for horrible scandals, thanks to a controversial leader, Carl Lentz, and founder, Brian Houston.
For those who are curious about what to expect in the doc, we'll fill you in.
What is 'The Secrets of Hillsong' documentary about?
Those who tune in to shows about cults will want to have a look at the anticipated release. It starts by diving into the story of Carl Lentz, a star in his own right, and his ultimate fall from grace.
"Carl was this mega-superstar...and then he just disappeared," we hear in the trailer.
He had several extramarital affairs, actions that were a far cry from the behavior he was preaching at Hillsong.
"I did those things. Those are on me. I take responsibility for those, and for the rest of my life I’ll be making amends where I can,” he says in the documentary, according to The Washington Post.
However, the infidelity of the "hipster pastor" was not the first scandal to take place in the church. Hillsong founder Brian Houston eventually resigned over allegations of sexual misconduct. His father, who had been a pastor, had abused young boys in the 1970s, something that Brian allegedly did not report to authorities. Additionally, there was said to be discrimination against women, people of color and members of the LGBTQ+ community, The Washington Post further reports.
How to watch 'The Secrets of Hillsong' documentary
The first two episodes of the four-part project will be released on FX on Friday, May 19. Those who do not have access to FX will be able to stream the episodes on Hulu. The remainder of the documentary will stream the following week, on Friday, May 26.
The Secrets of Hillsong will include the first interviews with the former pastors who made international news, as well as the celebrity followers who flocked to the church's teachings.
Watch the 'The Secrets of Hillsong' documentary:
What does the Church of Hillsong believe?
According to Hillsong's website, the believers are "overwhelmed by the gift of salvation we have found in Jesus, we have a heart for authentic worship, are passionate about the local church, and are on a mission to see God’s kingdom established across the earth."
Where is Carl Lentz now?
Though he relocated from New York City to Florida and took a regular 9-to-5, Carl Lentz is now back to religious teachings, according to USA Today.
"After two years of Carl being in his own discovery and healing process, he has shown readiness to use his God-given gifts towards the local church again," Tulsa's Transformation Church Executive Pastor Tammy McQuarters said in a statement to the publication.
Despite the indiscretions that cost him his job at the Church of Hillsong, Lentz and his family are back together.
Catch The Secrets of Hillsong documentary on FX and Hulu on Friday, May 19.
