Former Hillsong pastor Pat Mesiti starts ministry after sex worker scandal

The TV coach, stripped of his authority to preach after caught sleeping with sex workers in Darlinghurst, has launched a new ministry.

Disgraced former Hillsong pastor Pasquale “Pat” Mesiti has reinvented himself after he was caught paying for prostitutes — launching a new ministry to appeal to the vulnerable and telling worshippers: “I’m back, I’m stronger, I’m happier.”

The “I’ll Make You A Millionaire” television coach, stripped of his authority to preach by the megachurch’s leaders when they caught him sleeping with sex workers in Darlinghurst, has established Reborn Ministries, hosting online Sunday sermons for “lost’’ Christian worshippers struggling during COVID.

Former Hillsong pastor Pat Mesiti leaves Parramatta Court.

Christine Huf Mesiti, Pat Mesiti’s new wife. Picture: Facebook

“In 2016 I lost everything — my marriage, my business, important relationships, my home, my family, my life, my reputation,” he says in a rousing video speech on the new ministry’s website.

“I thought suicide was the only option. I thought I had nothing to look forward to.

“God doesn’t break us, he builds us. I’ve come back.

“I’m stronger, I’m in a happier place.”

The self-confessed sex addict and one-time close friend of Hillsong founder Brian Houston launched the new registered public, non-profit, company Reborn Ministries on June 12 with its headquarters at Surfers Paradise.

His popular income-accelerating seminars suffered a setback due to COVID-19 restrictions.

He is listed as company director alongside his Versace-loving singer wife Christine.

Pat Mesiti with Mike Tyson.

Pat Mesiti with Arnold Schwarzenegger.

The 60-year-old perma-tanned evangelist told The Daily Telegraph his latest venture was an online ministry to help support those lost during the pandemic.

“COVID-19 left a lot of people devastated, isolated, with feelings of hopelessness,” Mr Mesiti said.

“Many people lost their jobs, their business and, sadly, many lost their life and loved ones. Our online ministry called Reborn Ministries.tv has been set up simply to help people navigate life through this difficult season. We are not a church. My passion has always been to help people.’’

A screenshot of a website setup by disgraced former Hillsong pastor Pat Mesiti called Reborn Ministries. Picture: Supplied

Mr Mesiti, who said his Teen Challenge had helped 400 young men overcome addictions, said he felt that “everyone deserves a second chance, sometimes a third and sometimes a fourth’’.

“Having walked through that valley myself, I understand the struggles of mental health, loss, grief, financial struggles, and family,” he said.

“Reborn Ministries for us is our give back.”

In his video spiel, Mr Mesiti promises: “Put the broken pieces of your life back together to regain your sanity in this crazy, mixed up, hectic world and meet like-minded people … So you stop feeling lost and distracted and get back on track.”

Originally published as Former Hillsong pastor Pat Mesiti starts ministry after sex worker scandal