‘Hillsong: A Megachurch Exposed’: Is Justin Bieber Still Pals With Pastor Carl Lentz?
Hillsong: A Megachurch Exposed is the subject of a discovery+ documentary about Hillsong Church, a religious organization of which Justin Bieber was once a member. The organization originated in Australia and soon became a global phenomenon. The three-part series dives into why Hillsong’s weekly sermons became the most trendy places to attend church. One of these congregants was singer Justin Bieber, who befriended Hillsong’s charismatic pastor, Carl Lentz, in the early 2010s. However, after a scandal rocked Hillsong, which involved Lentz, Bieber and Lentz reportedly parted ways. Are Bieber and Lentz still friendly?
What is Hillsong Church?
Hillsong originated almost 40 years ago in Australia and quickly grew into a global network of churches.
Hillsong is reportedly a non-denominational place of worship that prides itself on being edgy and cool. It appeals to young people drawn to its stylish preachers, music, and services that bordered on rock concerts. It drew thousands of crowds to arenas to listen to services filled with purposeful messages such as “you are home.”
Its official band, Hillsong Worship, won a Grammy at the 60th annual awards show. They took home a statue in Best Contemporary Christian Music/Song category, as reported on the official Grammy site.
Hillsong uses a mix of urban locations to hold its services. It utilizes VIP seating for celebrity attendees, including many of the most popular in the entertainment and sports worlds.
These big names are Nick Jonas, Kevin Durant, Vanessa Hudgens, Selena Gomez, Carmelo Anthony, Hailey Baldwin, Kendall Jenner, Chris Pratt, Katherine, and Patrick Schwarzenegger, and Justin Beiber, who have all attended services.
Are Justin Bieber and Carl Lentz friends?
Hillsong’s main draw was its enigmatic New York pastor, Carl Lentz. He began his career with the organization as an intern for Brian Houston, who founded the church with his wife, Bobbie.
Lentz and his wife Laura would move to New York City to help lead Hillsong’s congregation.
Lentz befriended Bieber around that same period. They were so close that in 2017, the pop star moved in with Lentz and his wife after Bieber canceled the remaining dates of his Purpose World Tour.
Bieber and Lentz maintained a close friendship for several years.
However, on November 5, 2020, Lentz took to Instagram to admit he cheated on Laura, his wife of 17 years.
“I was unfaithful in my marriage, the most important relationship in my life, and held accountable for that,” Lentz wrote. This statement was paired with a photo of Lentz with his wife Laura and their three children.
“This failure is on me, and me alone, and I take full responsibility for my actions.”
Shortly after his admission, Bieber distanced himself from both the disgraced pastor and Hillsong.
Lentz was dismissed from his position at the mega-church in 2021.
Bieber spoke out about pastors who ‘put themselves on a pedestal’ without mentioning Lentz by name
To GQ Magazine, Bieber says he saw firsthand how faith could morph into just another kind of celebrity worship.
“I think so many pastors put themselves on this pedestal,” he said without mentioning Lentz.
“And it’s basically, church can be surrounded around the man, the pastor, the guy, and it’s like, ‘This guy has this ultimate relationship with God that we all want, but we can’t get because we’re not this guy.’ That’s not the reality, though. The reality is, every human being has the same access to God.”
Bieber says he is a congregant of Churchome and is close to its pastor Judah Smith. He has known Smith since the age of 15. According to the singer, Smith “put our relationship first” instead of outside influences.
Smith also officiated the wedding of Bieber and his wife, Hailey.
Hillsong: A Megachurch Exposed is currently streaming on discovery+.
