Justin Bieber in a cult? (for newbies)
We had just gotten over the Kardashian Churchgate... You know, that story where “donations” through the church were allegedly laundered with a wink to the tax authorities. But before we could fully process that, the next holy headline was already at the door. Church drama, baby. And not just any drama. For a month now, it's been buzzing around on TikTok: Justin Bieber, a church, and rumors of a cult-like atmosphere.
Just to clarify: when we talk about a “cult vibe,” we don't mean a dark basement full of hoods and candles. But rather: a closed community with a lot of control, group pressure, and a tad too much power in one leader's hands. Think: glitter cult light. Read here about celebs who grew up in a cult.
Justin Bieber and the mysterious link in his bio
The whole circus began, how else could it be, with a link in Justin Bieber's Instagram bio. One click, and you're redirected to the website of Churchome – a modern church with an app. It's no secret that Justin has supported this church for years. But that the institution would attract so much attention? That's new in the last month, but why?
A church, but Instagrammable
Churchome feels like a mix between a wellness retreat, TED Talks, and a glossy YouTube series about spirituality. Think: daily prayer via the app, monthly get-togethers, and sermons from a pastor. And not just any pastor: Judah Smith — a long-time ‘brother’ of Justin (as he calls him). He even officiated Justin's wedding to Hailey and sometimes travels with him on tour.
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Other famous faces have also joined Churchome: Hailey Bieber, Kourtney Kardashian, Selena Gomez, and Lana Del Rey to name a few.
Who is that pastor anyway?
Okay: Judah Smith is the face of Churchome. Young, media-friendly, and anything but the classic preacher. But his reputation is... meh. In older sermons, he allegedly compared homosexuality to sins like murder and rape (sorry... what). Later, he nuanced his statements with: “Everyone is welcome,” but for many, a dark cloud still hangs over him - understandably. Well, he is so close with Justin Bieber....
From Sunday service to million-dollar business
Let’s talk about the moneys (not entirely unimportant). Churchome started as a splinter group from the Hillsong church and then grew (also) into a digital faith movement. Through the app, you receive daily inspiration, you can become an online member, and once a month there is a physical service. Hip, modern, and perfectly tailored to Gen Z. The church has generated more than 17 million euros annually since 2017 — and tax-free. How? Through donations, app gifts, mandatory contributions from staff (more on that later), and smart branding. Holy moly.
The dark side: lawsuits and rumors
The fairytale cracked when a former employee came forward with a complaint: she claimed she was required to give part of her salary to the church. Not a voluntary gift, but a forced contribution — under pressure.
Churchome allegedly paid high amounts for years to remain part of the Hillsong Family network, a kind of religious franchise that is now mainly known for abuse scandals and power abuse. As expected: the church is silent about it.
Is Churchome really a ‘cult’?
Just to clarify: Viral videos on TikTok talk about churches that increasingly resemble a glitter cult. New members are overwhelmed with love (love bombing), and then placed in small groups with a group leader. Those leaders ask you to share your finances (yes, really), and you would have to confess your biggest sins — while the cameras are rolling.
Does that really happen at Churchome? It hasn't been confirmed. But the structure, hierarchy, and intensity do seem to match the signals that ex-members of similar churches share. They are at least ingredients that contribute to that ‘cult’ vibe people are talking about.
And Justin?
His connection to Churchome is clear: he is known as a loyal member. But how deeply he is involved in the internal structure? We don't know. For Justin, Churchome seems to be primarily a source of peace and support — a safe space in an otherwise chaotic star life. And honestly: who doesn't look for those kinds of places? – I get it. Here you can read more about the singer and why he might have gone bankrupt.
6 facts about Justin
- Justin got his very first tattoo at sixteen: a dove on his hip (and he also got a matching tattoo with Judah)
- He once had a monkey as a pet — which was confiscated by customs.
- He calls his faith “his compass” and you can see that: he prays before shows and mentions God in interviews.
- His wedding to Hailey was a Pinterest dream in South Carolina.
- During performances, he often wipes away a tear.
- He follows more motivational accounts than celebs on Instagram.
