Own The Moment: How to Live a Spiritual Life in a Secular World

by Carl Lentz

This engaging and inspirational book by Carl Lentz, the rock star pastor of Hillsong NYC, shows us the way toward a more connected, spiritually-grounded, and fulfilled life.

When you think of a Christian pastor, you probably don’t envision a tattooed thirty-something who wears a motorcycle jacket, listens to hip-hop music, references The Walking Dead and Black Lives Matter in his sermons, and every Sunday draws a standing-room only crowd to a venue normally used for rock concerts—in godless New York City, no less.

But then you clearly have never met Carl Lentz.

As lead pastor of the first United States branch of global megachurch Hillsong, the former college basketball player is on a mission to make Christianity accessible in the 21st century. In Own The Moment, he shares the unlikely and inspiring story of how he went from being an average teenager who couldn’t care less about church to leading one of the country’s fastest-growing congregations—how one day he is trying to convince a Virginia Beach 7-Eleven clerk to attend his service, and just a few years later he is baptizing a global music icon in an NBA player’s Manhattan bathtub.

Amid such candid personal tales, Lentz also offers illuminating readings of Bible passages and practical tips on how to live as a person of faith in an increasingly materialistic world. How do you maintain your values—and pass them onto your children—in a society that worships money and sex and fame? How do you embrace your flaws in this Instagram era that exalts the appearance of perfection? How do you forget about “living the dream” and learn to embrace the beauty of your reality?

These are just a few of the many important questions Lentz answers in Own The Moment—a powerful book that redefines not just Christianity but spirituality as a whole.

Genres: Christian, Nonfiction, Faith, Self Help, Audiobook, Biography, Spirituality

352 pages, Paperback

Published October 30, 2018

About the author

Carl Lentz pastors Hillsong Church NYC, a thriving Christian congregation with locations in Manhattan and New Jersey. Born the youngest of four in Williamsburg, Virginia, he was raised in a Christian household but struggled to connect with the local church concept and religion in general. At age twenty, he discovered his calling and enrolled in the Hillsong College in Australia, where the Hillsong Church was founded in 1983. While completing his pastoral training there, Lentz met his wife and copastor, Laura. In 2010, they helped launch Hillsong Church NYC, the first US-based branch and one of the fastest growing churches in America. Known for reaching “the famous to the nameless,” the couple now lives in Montclair, New Jersey, with their three amazing children. Own The Moment is his first book.

Reviews

[Robert Rich · Rating 2 out of 5]

I feel bad giving a low rating on this because Hillsong NYC does a lot of great things and I’m sure Carl Lentz is a great pastor, but this book was just not that great. A lot of Christian messages live in the realm of universal positivity and generalities that can apply to many situations, but this was seriously generic platitudes that offered nothing in the grand scheme of things. And a lot of talk about basketball. I get it, you like the game. Lentz also likes to talk about how he’s so not into the fame or being cool, and then drops a bunch of stories about preaching to and hanging out with NBA players. Just didn’t do anything for me.

[Annette · Rating 3 out of 5]

Carl Lentz is a lead pastor at Hillsong in NYC. He is not a typical Christian pastor. Tattooed. Dressed in a motorcycle jacket for his sermons. Drawing packed crowds to a venue normally used for rock concerts in NYC.

The flamboyantly outspoken pastor insists on you believing what you need to believe and him believing what he needs to believe. “And even if it’s different, I think you will find we agree on many important things.” (Which I agree with).

I have no doubt that he is a great pastor attracting crowds for his sermons. But to write a book, that’s a different story and taking an editor especially when it’s your first book might be a good idea. The pastor chose not to have an editor as he felt his messages wouldn’t be the same.

The messages are very general. They may work for some, but I didn’t gain any insight from this book. For example, he talks about fear. “The only way you get through any fear is to step up, even minimally. And if you survive, it means it wasn’t as bad as you thought. And slowly but surely fear loses its grip.”

Sometimes, after reading a chapter, I wondered what was the point of him telling this or that.

He criticizes some spiritual gurus for their inspirational talks as being pretty much meaningless or too general and that didn’t sit well with me, especially when his way of passing on messages is not that great.

He is passionate about basketball and he involves a lot of talk about NBA players, which is way too much.

I know he attracts a lot of young crowd for his sermons and maybe this book speaks more to a younger crowd. But if you have read your share of books on spirituality, I’d reconsider. Highly recommend books by Erwin Raphael McManus: The Way of the Warrior and The Last Arrow.

[Micah · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have no doubt that Carl Lentz is super passionate about Jesus and people. I am also sure that he’s a fantastic pastor, so this review is based purely on his writing and subject matter (as it should be).

First, I’ve never attended a Hillsong church; I don’t live in New York City. Nor am I a fan of the NBA; if I was, I probably would have given the book 5 stars. As it stands though, the book was written as you would imagine a conversation with the author to be. It feels like he’s talking right at you. That’s great for some, and not great for others.

Second, he bounces around from topic to topic, which tells you a lot about what he thinks on a lot of things. Again, great for some; not great for others. I think it would be appealing to someone who approaches the book as a motivational or topical read that provides some insight on topics that appeal to those living in big American, urban areas.

Third, as a pastor’s kid who grew up in an American church and now as a missionary living far from America, the book didn’t resonate much with me. I can see that it would speak to a specific audience - an audience such as those that Lentz aims to reach in NYC. But to a missionary, homeschooling, Bible teaching female, who ministers to a very different crowd than Carl Lentz does, it just wasn’t for me.

Finally, I do appreciate getting a bit of insight into a man who is in the social media spotlight. I liked him a lot more than I expected, and I do hope that his writing encourages and inspires many who read it.

[Emma Ripley · Rating 1 out of 5]

I find the whole mega-mega-church thing so fascinating, Hillsong is almost this apex of the intersection of Christianity/culture/industry so I thought it would be interesting, which was my motivation to read it. I have nothing against CL as a person, but this book had little substance to it, it honestly read as a bit pandering. He's trendy and charismatic, but I'm afraid he possibly is appropriating social justice movements that he isn't in a position to be invested in.

[D · Rating 3 out of 5]

Really good book and well written. Truly felt like I was having a conversation face to face with Carl, every word you can hear him.
And about the message: on point. This books contains several examples of what christianity really is. Which is love and serve people.

[Nate Clark · Rating 2 out of 5]

I was impressed at the beginning. Carl talked about all of his influence and celebrity friends, but he mentioned he didn't want to focus on that and was going to leave out their names. I really appreciated that and he started off the book this way. The beginning had was a great mix of personal experiences, finding Christ and using scripture to back up points and wisdom.

By the middle Carl through that all out the window. He used "best friend" to describe his relationship with a whole entourage of famous celebrities and how he does all these things to reach all these people. It was all about him, and his successes, and how he has accomplished so much in NYC. To quote one of the last chapters on Culture "Words carry weight. But they don't matter as much as the words I say about me. Those hold the most weight." No where does he talk about the truth and the words of God that should be defining us and hold the ultimate weight. How many people could benefit from hearing that they are loved, treasured, worthy and known by God. But no.

He also uses no scripture to talk about the racial tensions in America. He doesn't draw upon any sort of minority leaders to help the situation. Instead, we get the answers from the prominent white man who tells us he has black friends (because that makes everyone an expert).

Last part I really took issue to... drug use. He sometimes is very against some of his friends using drugs and sought to save them and get them help. But then one of his "best friends" again is a drug dealer in NYC who he balls with and goes to for advice on drugs. He then enables a different addict to come to his church by purchasing him alcohol and letting him drink it during service, even bragging about giving a cheers to him during his sermon. Enabling an addict is never okay. If it was heroin would he have bought a syringe and encouraged him to partake in service? Does he think of other members in the congregation who may struggle with an addiction to alcohol? NO.

I was severely disappointed with this book, especially because it started out so well.

[Renée · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a cool and inspiring book. I mostly liked reading about Carl’s life, his trust in God and the crazy situations he sometimes finds himself in as a “famous” pastor in NYC. It’s a book to read slowly, one chapter at a time, and let the truth of that chapter sink in before moving on. I did think there were many chapters (especially towards the end) where I didn’t really feel inspired. But that is ok.

[Travis Oakes · Rating 4 out of 5]

Listened to this as an audiobook which is read by the author. This book was written more like a talk, which is why it worked nicely as an audiobook. I would recommend this book as it gives you a peak into a pastors life who has famous friends.

[Mike · Rating 3 out of 5]

Great Stories

The book has some great stories and the author is very likeable, genuine, and humble. It's not hard to see why he's leading a large church.

The book could be stronger, I think, if it had more structure. It's hard to know where it's headed or what the theme is.

[Christopher Armstrong · Rating 5 out of 5]

This one of those books where you wish six stars was an option. I was challenged while reading this to change my outlook in many areas.

[Richelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow I read this book recently and loved it. Carl writes beautifully and shares stories that are easily relatable. The person he is overflows from who he is to the pages of the book to the heart of the readers. He makes what it is to be a Christian easily obtainable and inspires you to be that person too. I am going to have to read the book again to let it all soak in.

[Justin Flanagan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Simply put, I think this book is life lessons, and like modern day proverbs from Carl. It was a great easy read with A LOT of truth in it. I enjoyed this book!

[Karen · Rating 1 out of 5]

Really unstructured. Not a basketball fan.

[Emil Bredahl · Rating 2 out of 5]

I did not think that this book was very good, which is sad because I have been at Hillsong events several times and I have visited Hillsong churches all over Europe several times, and have high respect for the ministry of the church and the amazing things God has done and is doing in the church. My thoughts on this book is about the book and not Hillsong. In my opinion did the author miss a broader direction through the book, and the huge amount of stories he shared ended up confusing me greatly. The words he use in the book and his writing style lacks and i did not get much 😢 It would have been better if somebody else had written the book for him. I was hoping that his stories in the book would be greatly beneficial for me but it came as an overload of stories and it would have been better if the stories would have had guiding principles that the reader could follow and practice. Carl Lentz is an amazing preacher and I have listened to many many of his sermons. That is why it made me a bit sad that I did not enjoy his book at all 😭 I am sure he wants to write a new book and I hope that one will be better

[Kelly Staten · Rating 2 out of 5]

Very little substance here. I don’t know much about Carl Lentz, but this just seemed like another “feel good Christianity” book by a TV preacher. He talks a lot about culture at the end and I found it to be kind of contradicting to how he presents himself as a hip pastor to the millennial crowd. Throw in a little SJW politics that he shouldn’t be commenting on from the pulpit and things just get murkier.

Not to mention, there’s no scripture quoted and salvation is only mentioned in passing at the very end. I remain a skeptic that he’s truly trying to advance the kingdom of God when it appears to be a money making gig.

[Rachel Robertson · Rating 5 out of 5]

THIS BOOK. Where do I even begin?

Carl Lentz has such a real, honest, relatable perspective. This isn’t a book that preaches over you, but speaks on a personal level straight to the heart. From hearing his experiences and stories, you’ll find ways to incorporate powerful lessons into your own life.

I can’t recommend this book enough. Life changing, that’s for sure.

[Laila Zakharia · Rating 2 out of 5]

I am not interested in basketball or in his own personal life. Honestly I was expecting preaching or lessons related more to God, life or church. Although I heard Pastor Lentz is a great influencer but unfortunately I didn’t see that in this book.

[Katharine · Rating 2 out of 5]

You can definitely tell why he appeals to the millennialist. Sad that much of this is no longer common sense.

[John · Rating 4 out of 5]

When I read that "rock star" pastor, Carl Lentz, had written a book, I was like 🙄, "here we go." I was pleasantly surprised that I was mistaken. I really enjoyed this book. I've never met Mr. Lentz, so I don't know what he is like in private, but in the book he comes across as earnest and genuine.

A couple of caveats that Mr. Lentz himself makes which are apropos. He is often referred to as a "celebrity pastor," or even as the blurb on Goodreads says, a "rock star pastor." Mr. Lentz points out accurately that 99.9% of his ministry is to people that are not celebrities, so it is a serious misnomer to call him a "celebrity pastor." Secondly, this book is not a book only for Christians—again, Mr. Lentz himself makes this point—it is a book for everyone. The author's framework is, "here is some stuff that I have learned about life, much of it through mistakes I've made, and yes, I am a Christian and write it from a Christian perspective, but even if you are not a Christian, join me for the ride and see what you think."

If Mr. Lentz was not a pastor, he could certainly have had a career as a motivational speaker, for that is his gifting. He really wants to thrive at life, not just live life, and he wants everyone else to thrive as well, and this is what the book is about. Each chapter is a topic about life and/or character and how we can do better at life, or control our character, rather than our natural character controlling us. For instance, he has a chapter on fear, describes wrestling with his own fears and how he overcame/is in the process of overcoming them (it's actually a very good chapter by the way). He concludes each chapter with an "Own the Chapter" section where he challenges the reader to apply the lessons that he has learned.

He does have some pretty interesting anecdotes such as scrambling around New York City in the middle of the night trying to find a place to baptize Justin Bieber, who has decided that he should get baptized. They end up baptizing him in Tyson Chandler's over-sized bathtub at something like 4 am in the morning. He tells another story (with Keven Durant's permission) about how he played a 2-on-2 with Kevin Durant as his partner (against two NBA players), about how Mr. Lentz lost it for them by taking a shot and missing, and how angry Kevin Durant was that Mr. Lentz hadn't passed it to him. Indeed, when Mr. Lentz asks Mr. Durant if he can put this story in his book, Mr. Durant's response is, "Yeah, no problem, by the way, I'm still pissed that we lost that game!" Mr. Durant is passionate about winning, which explains why he is one of the best players in NBA history.

A very good book. Some excellent life advice. I highly recommend it.

[HatBett23 · Rating 1 out of 5]

There's memory I have from my youth growing up on a farm in Iowa. It's a small family farm, tucked into the hills. There's a pasture on our farm, out past the barn. As I do, because I'm a young farm kid, I wander out to the pasture in the cool of the early morning; that morning moment when your legs are cool, but your shoulders are warmed from the sun.

The sun lightens up the dew in the pasture - you can see the water on the leaves of the grass. Walking through the pasture your jeans get soaked up to the knee. You see the steam rise off the grass. And as I look I see a spot out in the pasture where the steam appears more concentrated. I venture over to the spot. There I am greeted by the rotting corpse of a muskrat my dog killed and drug out there in the middle of the night.

I should have known better.

Likewise, I should have known better about Own the Moment.

This book is a steaming carcass of Christian inspirationalism, unlike all the others. Oh really, Carl, you aren't going to preach at us? Your message is the same thing I heard for years growing up in the Midwest attending youth conferences and the like. Big deal that you have tattoos and played basketball at NC State for like a month. Your message ain't unique. Look, Christians, stop trying to doll up your interlocutors in what you think will pass as "cool" without changing the underlying message. I would say that your message is antiquated and hasn't changed in 2000 years...but, somehow it has changed. For whatever reason, y'all decided to drop the admirable "store up your treasures in Heaven" message for a prosperity gospel adjacent claptrap.

At least I didn't waste a nickel on this book. I guess my taxes went to buy this book in some roundabout way, or I wouldn't be able to get it from the library. I'm fine with that. I will stress this again, NEVER BUY SELF-HELP/INSPIRATIONAL/CHRISTIAN BOOKS - just check them out from the library.

[Amber Burkhead · Rating 5 out of 5]

You may know Carl Lentz as the (rather famous) lead pastor at Hillsong NYC, but no part of Own the Moment is preachy. He never stands on a soapbox or pushes his beliefs. Instead, he shares how confidence in his beliefs enables him to engage in confrontation done right, or listening to and learning from beliefs different from his own without a) becoming offended or b) abandoning or compromising what he knows to be true.

Confrontation is amazing when done right. Challenging our thinking by discussing it in detail should build us all up, not tear us down. In no way am I saying I’m right. I believe what I believe with my whole heart and you can hold what you believe near and dear to yours but the truth is, somebody is wrong and somebody is right.

Lentz's words are important, no matter your beliefs, as they give us a way to build bridges to one another in an increasingly segregated country, and world. Beyond that, he writes with such humility and authenticity that you can't help but be drawn in. So do yourself a favor and pick up this book (or Audiobook), it's worth your time.

[Nneka Ngene · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've loved Carl Lentz and Hillsong for the longest time. Why? They love people first and ask questions (if necessary) later. I've watched Carl in particular and been inspired by his fierce and passionate love for people. Loving people just because, loving them because they deserve to be loved, from the stars to the least. It's incredibly inspiring and challenges me as well.

This book was fantastic. it's a dive into his life as he shares story after story of what it means to be the hands and feet of Jesus. Love them so well and so consistently that they will have no choice but to buy what you're selling which is: Jesus is the way.

I loved the stories, I loved the humor and at the end of the day Carl is just a regular human trying to make the most of every moment. He's the first to admit that he doesn't have all the answers and fails at things repeatedly. The fear of failure or not being ready isn't going to stop him from owning what he can in that moment.

[Tyler Wright · Rating 5 out of 5]

Truly amazing from beginning to end. The author writes out ever step and challenge all humans face and how we should take our time to evaluate and adjust to these changes. To not be a tunnel vision thinker but to be sympathetic and compassionate to help others with whatever challenges their facing. The book really shows Jesus loves for us all and how we can use god to overcome some of the worlds most challenging moments. This is a great read for anyone who is looking to make changes in their life and get set on the right path. Truly own the moment and don’t let life pass you by. Because each of these moments happen for a reason and need to be treated equally and as important as all the others. Weather be helping a friend who is suffering from drug abuse to standing in a riot for people’s causes. Take ever moment evaluate it and execute it.

GREAT READ TO HELP YOU START OVER COMING SOME OF LIFES BIGGEST CHALLENGES!

[Sean · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve followed Carl for years now as he has pastored Hillsong NYC, so naturally when I saw his book I grabbed it. I honestly really enjoyed my time in this book. I appreciated that his writing style is very raw unpolished. Carl makes it very clear in the beginning of the book that he wrote this and it wasn’t some sort of ghost writer.

This book was somewhat of a memoir and also a hope for the future. While reading it just felt like I was having a conversation with him, which made his rants about society normal and fun to hear.

I’d recommend this book to anybody that is interested in seeing what the next generation of Christians will be like. Whether you’re a Christian that tired of the polished overly perfect genre, or maybe you’re just somebody that’s interested to see what all this hype is about, it’s a really good read!

[Paige Gordon · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m pretty sure Carl just became one of my new hero’s. His stories are awesome and his dedication to following Jesus in all areas of his life is inspiring. He is someone who doesn’t just talk the talk of Owning the Moment but who actually tries (and fails at times) to walk the walk every single day of his life. If you need a book to inspire you to step up the way you are living life in the “normal” everyday of life, this one is definitely worth reading!

Favorite Quote: “Choosing to follow Jesus doesn’t mean the end of fear. Not at all. In fact, it’s almost like you welcome more fear. You quickly find out as a Christian that when Jesus said ‘Come and follow me’, he conveniently left out ‘And often times you will do so crying, yelling, and looking like a kid being pulled by the arm through an amusement park the kid doesn’t want to leave.’”

[Jeff Willis · Rating 2 out of 5]

I gave liking this book my best effort. I really did. I'm always interested by the perspective that pastors and other religious leaders bring to their own memoirs: how they view themselves, how they view the followings they've cultivated, what they see for themselves in the future, etc. However, I didn't really get much substance out of this book because it was so full of the author's personal anecdotes about famous people he's hung out with. It just felt like so much of the book was an opportunity for him to say, "Let me illustrate this point by telling you about the time that [celebrity] and I hung out together." I wish there would have been a little less stargazing and a little more substance.

[Ayesha Hawkins · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you watch or listen to Hillsong New York you will want to hear Pastor Carl Lentz on our culture and our impact. He is the narrator of the audio book, but he is reading that information not preaching it. If you have ever heard him preach it is full of energy and very dynamic. This book is read at a slower pace but his wit and slight sarcasm still shines through. The chapters on fame and culture were two of my favorite. However, there was also commentary on the negative side of church culture. This is not a book that is to read in a logical next step order that builds on itself; this is a book that each chapter is its own nugget to be processed individually.

[Sharon Bradley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome

Thank you for being the difference!
One of my favorite in the book, Lies: God gives toughest battles to his strong people.

I’m from a little town called Coushatta. This is located in Louisiana. I have struggled with many things in life. That I couldn’t understand why. But, I have always bushed it off by saying “God gives tough battles to his strong people”. I guess I’m strong enough to handle it. Lol

Wow it’s amazing how we grow up hearing things and attach them in our spirit and it’s all been a LIE!

God bless you pastor Carl.
I really loved and enjoyed your book. All because of Tyler Perry recommend it on Twitter. Glad I was able to purchase it.

[Rachel · Rating 5 out of 5]

LOVED this book until the chapter on Black Lives Matter...that chapter dragged for me a bit. I know Carl Lentz was standing up for his friends....but to me the book took on a different tone at that chapter, but overall, I give this book five stars as I felt changed after reading it. I felt bolder as a person and felt a renewed sense of diving into what I already know to do, but have been timid to do it. Thank you Carl Lentz for taking the time and effort to write this book. It was refreshing in many ways and I love the authenticity of you voice. I listened to this on Audible, and loved the fact that you read the book yourself. Thanks a bunch!

[Jene Barranco · Rating 5 out of 5]

I listened to this on Audible and so glad I did. His voice, accent, speed, and delivery brought it to the present moment. The examples from his life make his points relatable and down to earth. Love like Jesus, love your enemies, love the broken, love the needy, love the addicts, love the homeless....be love in your moment. Use rational and discerning thoughts and actions concerning our culture. He covered so much ground but brought the common thread all the way to end. He’s making a difference in the big city of NYC by loving people moment to moment, one person at a time. I was inspired.