23 Years of Secret Addiction: A Pastor's Shocking Recovery Story

In this raw and unprecedented episode of Lights On, Carl Lentz sits down for an exclusive interview with Blaine Bartel, a former megachurch pastor who built one of America's largest youth ministries before losing everything due to a 23-year secret addiction. For the first time, Blaine opens up about the moment his double life was completely exposed, the "terrifying grace" that shattered his world in 24 hours, and the brutal honesty required to rebuild from absolute rock bottom. They discuss everything from the difference between recovery and resurrection, why churches abandon fallen pastors, and the uncomfortable truths about what really happens when ministry success collides with hidden shame. From the shock of losing his marriage and ministry to discovering what true freedom actually looks like, this conversation reveals how one man died to everything he was and found life again. Whether you're struggling with addiction, wondering if restoration is possible, or simply curious about what real redemption looks like, this interview offers hope without sugarcoating the cost. Warning: This episode contains discussions about sexual addiction, ministry failure, and the kind of honest conversations most people never have.

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Follow Carl at: https://www.instagram.com/carllentz/

Follow Blaine at: https://blainebartell.com/

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Supported by God Behind Bars https://godbehindbars.com

Supported by Plana https://plana.org/

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CHAPTERS:

00:00 - Blaine's Background: From Ministry Success to 23-Year Secret

03:33 - "God Issued a Warrant for My Soul" - Complete Exposure in 24 Hours

05:09 - "You'll Never Get Free" - The Doctor's Devastating Prediction

06:45 - Recovery vs Resurrection: The Moment Everything Changed

08:20 - "Jesus Makes Dead People Alive" - True Heart Transformation

10:45 - Death Before Resurrection: Why the Cross Comes First

12:43 - Why Pastors Fall So Hard and the Problem of Quick Comebacks

17:34 - GOD BEHIND BARS PARTNERSHIP

18:18 - The Loneliest Moment: When Everyone Cuts You Off

24:28 - Carl's Story: Being Completely Shunned by Hillsong Church

30:41 - Why Churches Choose Brand Protection Over Restoration

36:14 - The Day They Finally Lifted Their Heads Again

39:16 - PLANA.ORG PARTNERSHIP

40:16 - Jesus Washing Feet: The Vision That Changed Everything

43:37 - Understanding Addiction: The Three Greatest Fears of Every Man

48:31 - Brain Chemistry vs Willpower: Why "Moral Failure" Misses the Point

52:38 - Sacred Rituals: Bridging the Gap Between Inspiration and Transformation

59:15 - Vision for the Man vs Vision for the Career: What Really Matters

1:02:48 - How to Safeguard Your Life: Full-Throated Confession and Community

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