In an era where celebrity connections and spirituality often make headlines, Justin Bieber’s longtime pastor and mentor, Judah Smith, is firing back at accusations that his church, Churchome, is actually a cult — and he’s doing it with a heavy dose of sarcasm.
Smith, the charismatic preacher known for guiding stars like Bieber and his wife Hailey through spiritual journeys, took to Instagram on Friday to post a humorous video responding to the growing whispers about his ministry. In the clip, Smith jokes about the outlandish rumors while poking fun at the idea that Churchome could be anything remotely close to a cult.
Caught by Paparazzi: “Are You in a Cult?”
Smith explains in the video that he was recently stepping out of his vehicle when he was swarmed by paparazzi. One particular photographer — whom he describes as a “nice lady” — got straight to the point and asked him the question on everyone’s minds: “Are you running a cult?”
Rather than bristle at the suggestion, the pastor leaned into the moment with playful theatrics.
“I turned to the side of the stage and said, ‘Bring out the snakes! We’ve got some blood for rituals!’” Smith laughed in the Instagram video.
While he admits it probably wasn’t the most “pastoral” response, the moment gave him an opportunity to address the claims head-on — with humor and a dash of showmanship.
“If We’re a Cult, We’re the Worst One Ever”
Judah didn’t stop there. He continued to joke that if Churchome were truly a cult, it would have to be “the worst cult in history.”
“We meet once a month,” Smith explained, “and I stopped preaching every Wednesday. Total cult behavior, right?”
His tongue-in-cheek tone seems to be a clear rejection of the idea that his Seattle-based, celebrity-frequented church is anything more than a modern faith community trying to make a spiritual impact.
Why the Rumors Started: The Drew House Fallout
The accusations of cult-like behavior didn’t arise out of nowhere. TMZ sources say the claims came from people close to Ryan Good, Justin Bieber’s longtime friend and partner at the streetwear brand Drew House. According to these insiders, Good has grown increasingly uncomfortable with the influence Judah Smith has over Bieber’s life and business decisions.
The tension reportedly stems from Bieber’s decision to add Judah Smith to the board of Drew House, despite Ryan and Judah allegedly not getting along. Since then, the relationship between Bieber and Good has cooled, and they are reportedly not speaking.
The fallout has raised questions about who’s influencing Justin behind the scenes — and whether his growing involvement with Churchome is contributing to personal and professional changes that have concerned longtime friends.
Who Is Judah Smith? From Preacher’s Kid to Celebrity Pastor
Judah Smith isn’t new to the spotlight. The son of pastors, he grew up in the church and eventually took over Churchome (formerly City Church) in Seattle. Known for his modern, relaxed approach to preaching — often wearing sneakers and jeans while delivering sermons — Smith gained fame for his deep connections with Hollywood’s elite.
Justin Bieber credits Smith for helping guide him through dark periods in his life, including his public struggles with fame, substance use, and anxiety. Their relationship has been well-documented over the years, with Bieber frequently attending Smith’s sermons and even breaking into tears during spiritual moments.
Other celebrities tied to Churchome include Ciara, Russell Wilson, Kourtney Kardashian, and more.
What Is Churchome?
Churchome is a Christian megachurch known for its digital-first strategy and celebrity outreach. It offers virtual services, app-based sermons, and flexible gathering times — including the once-a-month meetings Smith referenced.
But it’s this non-traditional format that’s also led to criticism. Detractors argue that Churchome’s modern approach, combined with its celebrity ties, blurs the lines between ministry and influence — opening the door to speculation about its true intentions.
Still, there’s no concrete evidence to suggest Churchome meets any formal definition of a cult, which is typically characterized by authoritarian control, manipulation, isolation, and exploitative behavior.
Concerns From Friends and Public Scrutiny
Despite Smith’s attempts to downplay the cult claims, those close to Bieber — especially Ryan Good — are worried. Sources say Good has expressed concern over Bieber’s recent behavior and decisions, which he believes may be influenced by Smith and Churchome.
This isn’t the first time Bieber’s faith community has drawn scrutiny. In the past, the singer was closely linked to Hillsong Church and its disgraced pastor Carl Lentz, who was fired amid scandals that rocked the global megachurch.
Since distancing himself from Hillsong, Bieber appeared to lean more heavily on Judah Smith for spiritual direction — a shift that some believe may be affecting his business relationships and inner circle.
Judah Smith’s Final Word (For Now)
Despite the speculation, Smith insists he’s not leading a cult — and his tone on Instagram suggests he’s not taking the rumors too seriously.
“I love people. I love Jesus. I love the Church. We’re just trying to do our best.”
Smith’s message, laced with both humor and sincerity, is a plea for understanding in a digital age where viral narratives can quickly spin out of control.
As for whether he’ll be sacrificing any animals or summoning spirits anytime soon?
“Let’s just say I won’t be making any voodoo dolls,” he joked.
Takeaway: Drama, Faith, and the Spotlight
In the high-profile world of celebrity spirituality, even the smallest controversies can explode into public debates. Judah Smith may have taken a comedic route to respond, but the concerns raised by Ryan Good and others underscore a larger conversation about influence, loyalty, and personal growth within Hollywood’s faith circles.
Whether Churchome continues to be seen as a spiritual sanctuary or comes under further scrutiny remains to be seen. For now, Smith seems content to preach, laugh, and keep the snakes in storage — metaphorically speaking.
