Who is Justin Bieber’s controversial pastor, Judah Smith? The singer and Hailey Bieber were recently spotted with the trendy Churchome figure in Vegas, who’s also been featured on a Lana Del Rey song

Feb 27 , 2024

Justin Bieber and pastor Judah Smith. Photo: @justinbieber/Instagram

Justin Bieber and his wife Hailey Bieber were recently spotted hanging out at the Wynn Las Vegas with their pastor Judah Smith, as reported by TMZ.

Judah Smith and Justin Bieber have known each other for many years. Photo: Justin Bieber/Facebook

Smith took over as Biebs’ pastor after the pop star distanced himself from his previous spiritual guide, Carl Lentz, when it was revealed he’d cheated on his wife, per TMZ.

But Smith and Bieber go way back. Here’s what we know about the “Baby” singer’s new pastor – and his controversies:

Who are Judah Smith’s parents?

Judah Smith appears to be tight with famous Christian, Justin Bieber. Photo: Judah Smith/Facebook

Judah Smith is the son of Gini Smith and the late Wendell Smith – also both pastors by profession.

According to the Seattle Times, the Smiths served as youth pastors at Bible Temple in Portland for two decades together, before moving to Seattle where they founded evangelical church The City Church.

What is Judah Smith known for?

Pastor Judah Smith is as hip as his pop star pal Justin Bieber. Photo: Judah Smith/Facebook

For 10 years Judah ran the youth ministry of his parents’ church, and is now “lead communicator” at Christian community Churchome. Per the Hillsong website, he is known around the US and across the globe for his work in the church.

Like Carl Lentz, however, Smith is also no stranger to controversy. According to British media, in 2005 he reportedly called homosexuality a “sin” – even going so far as to say it fell in “the same” category as “murder, rape or living with your girlfriend”.

He has an interlude on a Lana Del Rey song

Judah Smith is so well known in US music circles that one of his sermons featured on Lana Del Rey’s album, Did You Know That There’s a Tunnel Under Ocean Blvd. Photo: Judah Smith/Facebook

Lana Del Rey surprised fans when she included a track titled “Judah Smith Interlude” on her 2023 album that featured a four-and-a-half minute recording from one of his sermons.

He’s married with kids

Judah and Chelsea Smith with two of their children. Photo: Judah Smith/Facebook

Smith is married to his wife Chelsea Smith, and they share three children together, Zion, Eliott, and Grace.

What are the Churchome allegations?

Pastor and ‘lead communicator’ of Churchome Judah Smith. Photo: Judah Smith/Facebook

Churchome has come under scrutiny over the years too. Per one report by the Seattle Times, the organisation has been accused of asking workers to donate a portion of their earnings back to the church. British media also reported that the church had hired someone accused of rape.

Fame and celebrity

Justin and Hailey Bieber were recently spotted hanging out with pastor Judah Smith in Vegas; the ‘Baby’ singer ditched his previous guide Carl Lentz after a cheating controversy in 2020
Smith has followed in the footsteps of his pastor parents – Gini Smith and the late Wendell Smith – and is married to his wife Chelsea, with whom he has three children