Married Hillsong creative director resigns over lewd photos

Darnell Barrett has stepped down over the incident. (Photo: Hillsong NYC)

The creative director of a Hillsong Church in New Jersey has resigned over inappropriate photos sent to a volunteer.

Darnell Barrett, 32, claims the photos were sent to the volunteer by mistake but told the Daily Mail in a statement that he had decided to leave his post at the Montclair campus over "infidelity", which he and his wife are "working through". 

"We thought it was best for me to move on. I don't want to get into the details," he told DailyMail.com.

"This was something that was just an honest mistake and I informed my wife as soon as it happened," he added.

The pictures show Barrett shirtless in front of the mirror wearing only white Nike Pro gym tights. The photos, in which his manhood was reportedly visible, were shown in an Instagram story shared with his 'close friends' group in February. 

He then texted the volunteer, "Hey! I think I might've added you to my close friends list by accident. I'm so sorry. Trying to figure out how the hell to edit it." 

The volunteer has accused Barrett of deliberately trying to "bait" her with the photos. 

Barrett has denied this. 

"I was not at all trying to lure her. I get that she, within the context of what's happening with Hillsong, that she would draw those conclusions. But I barely know her. That was not my intention," he said. 

Hillsong has been hit by a string of scandals since the firing of Hillsong New York pastor Carl Lentz last November for moral failures. This was followed by further claims of inappropriate sexual relationships between Hillsong New York staffers and volunteers. 

Just this month, Hillsong Senior Pastor Brian Houston said that operations at its Dallas church would be paused following accusations of lavish spending by former lead pastor Reed Bogard and his wife, Jess. 

Former Hillsong College student Anna Crenshaw has also accused a married Hillsong staff administrator of sexually assaulting her.

Newsletter Stay up to date with Christian Today
News
Church of Scotland issues slavery apology
Church of Scotland issues slavery apology

The Church of Scotland General Assembly said it was “grieved beyond telling” for the suffering inflicted.

The Christian Church in mainland China since 1949
The Christian Church in mainland China since 1949

The history of the Christian Church in mainland China since 1949 is a story characterised by times of dramatic upheaval, near destruction and martyrdom, and unexpected revival.

Church of England releases prayer for national unity
Church of England releases prayer for national unity

Bishops in the Church of England have issued a prayer for unity in the UK that asks God's protection from "the perils of division and hatred". 

Police drop criminal investigation into street preacher
Police drop criminal investigation into street preacher

A pastor has hailed a "win for free speech" after police dropped a criminal investigation into him over comments he made about Islam and transgender ideology while street preaching.