He was the "Prince of Pop" who seemingly had it all, but Justin Bieber’s life behind the curtain was once a mess of legal drama and public meltdowns. Then everything changed. Religion became his anchor. You've probably seen the headlines about him leading worship or hanging out with guys in cool sneakers who happen to be pastors. But where does he actually go?
The story of the justin bieber church journey isn't just about a celebrity finding a hobby. It’s a wild saga involving megachurch scandals, deep personal betrayals, and a shift toward a more private, app-based faith.
The Hillsong Fallout and the Carl Lentz Era
For a long time, if you thought about Justin Bieber and church, you thought of Hillsong. Specifically, you thought of Carl Lentz.
Lentz wasn't your typical pastor. He had tattoos, wore designer leather jackets, and looked more like a member of the paparazzi than a man of the cloth. He and Justin were inseparable. Lentz famously baptized Justin in a bathtub at NBA star Tyson Chandler’s house in the middle of the night because the singer was desperate for a fresh start.
It looked like the perfect mentorship. Until it wasn't.
In 2020, the world of Hillsong NYC came crashing down. Lentz was fired for "moral failures," which later came out as an extramarital affair. Justin didn't just walk away; he sprinted. He posted on Instagram that Hillsong was "not my church" and made it clear he was moving on. This was a massive turning point. It showed that his faith was bigger than just one famous friend.
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Where He Goes Now: Understanding Churchome
So, if he’s not at Hillsong, where is he? Most of the time, you’ll find him associated with Churchome.
Run by Judah Smith and his wife, Chelsea, Churchome is basically the "it" church for Hollywood right now. Judah has been in Justin’s life since the singer was a teenager. In fact, Justin’s mom, Pattie Mallette, used to play Judah’s tapes for him when he was a kid.
What makes Churchome different?
Churchome is kind of unique because it’s not just a building. While they do services at places like the Saban Theatre in Beverly Hills, they lean heavily into their app. It’s "church on your phone."
- Global reach: The app allows people to join from anywhere, which fits Justin's touring lifestyle.
- The Vibe: It’s very relaxed. Think less "fire and brimstone" and more "let's talk about our feelings."
- Celebrity Circle: It’s not just Justin. You’ll see Russell Wilson, Ciara, and various Kardashians involved.
Recently, in early 2026, Justin has been even more vocal about this community. He’s not just a guy in the back row. He’s been known to grab the mic and lead worship, singing songs like "Reckless Love" with tears in his eyes. Honestly, it’s a side of him the public rarely sees—vulnerable and totally unscripted.
Is It a Cult? Addressing the Rumors
With any celebrity-heavy organization, people start whispering the word "cult."
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Judah Smith actually addressed this directly in a 2025 sermon. He joked with the congregation, saying that if they were a cult, they were the "worst one in history" because they only meet in person once a month.
The scrutiny usually comes from how much influence these pastors have over the stars. For instance, Ryan Good, Justin’s former road manager and the creative director of Drew House, reportedly had a falling out with Justin over Judah Smith’s involvement in the business. Some sources claimed Ryan felt the church’s influence was getting too "intense."
Whether you call it a cult or just a very tight-knit community, the influence is undeniable. Judah Smith even appears on spoken-word tracks on Justin’s 2021 gospel EP, Freedom.
Why the Justin Bieber Church Connection Still Hits Headlines
Why do we care? Because Justin is one of the few A-listers who doesn't treat his faith like a PR stunt.
He talks about it in a way that’s almost uncomfortably honest. Just this past Christmas, he shared a massive reflection on how the music industry "didn't protect his soul." He described feeling like a product rather than a human.
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For many fans, the justin bieber church narrative is a comeback story. It’s about a kid who was chewed up by fame and used religion to glue himself back together. He’s even used his platform to call for a "safer and more honest" music industry, citing his spiritual healing as the reason he can finally forgive those who exploited him.
A Different Kind of Faith in 2026
As we move through 2026, Justin’s approach to religion seems to have shifted from the flashy, front-row spectacle of the Hillsong years to something more grounded.
He’s a dad now. Having a son has reportedly made both him and Hailey look at religion through a more serious lens. They aren't just looking for a cool place to hang out; they're looking for a foundation.
You’ll still see the occasional paparazzi shot of him outside a Wednesday night service in a baggy hoodie, but he isn't trying to sell you a religion. He’s just living it.
How to Follow Justin’s Spiritual Journey Authentically
If you’re curious about the community he’s part of, here’s what you can actually do:
- Check the Churchome App: If you want to hear the same sermons he hears, that’s where they are. It’s the most direct link to his current spiritual "home."
- Listen to the "Freedom" EP: It’s basically a musical diary of his transition from Hillsong to his current mindset.
- Watch "Next Chapter": His YouTube documentary gives a raw look at his counseling sessions with Judah Smith. It’s surprisingly candid for a pop star.
- Look for the Nuance: Don't just follow the "cult" or "saint" headlines. Real faith is usually somewhere in the middle—messy, quiet, and personal.
Justin’s story proves that you can change. You don't have to be defined by your 19-year-old self. For him, church wasn't just a place to go; it was the way he found himself again.
Next Steps:
- Research Churchome's current leadership board to see how Hollywood and business interests are merging in modern megachurches.
- Analyze the lyrics of "Where You Go I Follow" for a deeper understanding of the theological shift in Justin’s recent work.
- Review the 2025 "Identity" posts on Justin's official social media to see his most recent statements on the music industry and forgiveness.