Justin Bieber's Pastor Addresses Accusations His Church Is a "Cult"

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Justin Bieber’s longtime pastor is defending his church’s purpose.

Amid rumors about the nature of the “What Do You Mean” singer’s friendship with Judah Smith, who leads the nondenominational Christian church Churchome, the faith leader revealed he was recently confronted about the speculation surrounding his organization.

“I got out of my car and was immediately surrounded by paparazzi—that's a first for me,” he said in a video of him giving a recent sermon posted on his Instagram page May 2. “All of a sudden, this nice lady turns on her camera. She goes, ‘So is this a cult or not? And I was like, ‘Oh my word, I wasn't expecting that question.’”

Judah, who joked that the encounter was “not good PR,” went on to make light of the accusation.

“If we’re a cult, we are the worst cult in the history of all cults,” he continued. “We meet once a month, guys. I stopped doing this every Wednesday. We’ve got to get better at this.”

Judah’s bond with Justin, 31, dates back well over a decade, when they were introduced by the pop star’s mother Pattie Mallette. From there, the two quickly formed a connection over their shared devotion to their faith.

Jeff Kravitz/FilmMagic

“Justin and I share Scriptures on a regular basis and communicate,” the pastor told E! News in 2013. “And I think you find a lot of comfort and clarity in the Scriptures.”

More recently, the “Holy” singer shared that he seeks spiritual guidance to deal with online speculation about his personal life, including his marriage to wife Hailey Bieber.

“They treat me like ass out here, but I remember that I am flawed and God forgave me,” he wrote in a post on his Instagram Stories April 24. “It helps me to stop feeling better than those who are mean and hurtful because when I'm really honest, I can be mean and hurtful too.”

Indeed, the Grammy winner—who shares son Jack Blues Bieber, 8 months, with Hailey—said he tries to remember his own flaws before judging the actions of others.

“My instinct is to be like, ‘Damn I wouldn't gossip and spread lies about someone on the internet,’” he went on, “but there's other s--t I do I'm not proud of.”

As for reports about Justin’s well-being, a rep for the singer told E! News in April, “These unnecessary stories and inaccurate assumptions will continue. But, they won’t deter him from staying committed to following the right path.”

For more on Justin and Hailey’s relationship and family life, keep reading.

Hailey Bieber/Instagram

Business Partners

In April 2025, Hailey Bieber shared a mirror selfie wearing a new leather jacket that she was designing to support Justin Bieber's new clothing brand Skylrk.

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Colorado Getaway

Justin and Hailey had some fun in the snow while vacationing in Aspen, Colo., in January 2025.

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Afternoon Stroll

Three months after welcoming their son Jack Blues Bieber, the smile-filled couple took a walk outside together.

Instagram / Hailey Bieber

6th Wedding Anniversary

Three weeks after Jack arrived, Justin and Hailey celebrated a relationship  milestone in September 2024.

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Baby, Baby!

The Biebers announced the arrival of their first child together in August 2024.

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PDA Alert!

Justin and Hailey, wearing Jordan Road earrings, shared this kissing photo on their Instagram pages in honor of their fifth wedding anniversary in 2023.

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Marriage Milestone

"To the most precious, my beloved." Justin wrote on Instagram. "You have captivated my heart. I know from the depths of my soul down to my bones that this journey with you will only exceed our wildest expectations. So let's keep dreaming big baby. Cheers to forever and ever. I love you with every fiber of my being. HAPPY 5TH YEAR ANNIVERSARY!!!"

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Forever

"5," Hailey wrote on her Instagram to celebrate their fifth anniversary. "I love you."

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Sky High

The couple was over the moon in love as they got ready to take flight.

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"My Little Bean"

Justin and Hailey looked so darn cute cuddled up together!

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Cute Cuddles

The two cuddled up during an outing at the lake.

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Hot and Steamy

Justin and Hailey couldn't keep their hands off each other while making out in the water.

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Engagement Announcement

In July 2018, Justin confirmed his engagement to Hailey in a lengthy Instagram post. "Hailey I am soooo in love with everything about you! So committed to spending my life getting to know every single part of you loving you patiently and kindly," he captioned this photo. "My heart is COMPLETELY and FULLY YOURS and I will ALWAYS put you first," he continued. "You are the love of my life Hailey Baldwin and I wouldn't want to spend it with anybody else. You make me so much better and we compliment each other so well!! Can't wait for the best season of life yet!"

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The Next Step

He also shared this shot as part of the engagement announcement, writing, "It's funny because now with you everything seems to make sense!" He added, "My goodness does feel good to have our future secured! WERE GONNA BE BETTER AT 70 BABY HERE WE GO!" Aww!

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Kisses for Days

The Biebers sharing a sweet smooch. "Hunny buns punkin," Justin captioned the photo. 

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Covered in Cake

The two enjoyed a very sweet smooch to celebrate their love. 

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Birthday Boy

Hailey posted this sweet pic in honor of her hubby's 25 birthday. 

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His Lips Are Sealed

"My lips get jealous of my arms cuz I can hold you with them," Justin shared. We're pretty jealous too! 

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Photo-booth or Bust

Could these two be any cuter?! "My only bubba," Hailey shared about the sweet pic. 

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Snow Bunnies

It may be cold outside, but they know how to keep each other warm. 

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Blurry Nights with Bae

This photo might be blurry, but one thing is clear—they're so in love! 

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Studio Vibes

Hailey supporting her man in the studio while he does what he loves. 

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Turn that Frown Around

Justin's pouty pucker is courtesy of his vacation ending. Very relateable! 

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Ride or Die

Once again, these two are absolutely slaying the relationship goals! "Go best friend that's my best friend," Justin captioned the pic. 

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Love and Faith

The couple who prays together, stays together. "I know for me this conference came at the exact time I needed it, I believe God is THAT amazing and faithful that he brings us the right words during the season that we need it the most," Hailey captioned the shot with her hubby.

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Sunset Lovers

Amazing views for the gram. The sunset is also pretty nice! 

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The Biebers

One of their first official shots as husband and wife! 

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Posted Up

Even in this photo taken years ago, this pair was picture-perfect.

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No More Hiding

In January 2016, the two decided they weren't going to hide their romance any longer, and this photo of them kissing quickly circulated throughout the internet.

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Sharing Is Caring

Hailey decided to lend a helping hand in January 2015 when she gave Justin her hair-tie right off her wrist!

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