Last Wednesday, Jan. 15, Justin Bieber led worship at Judah Smith’s church, ChurchHome.
Bieber has attended ChurchHome for the past eight years. ChurchHome meets on Wednesday nights in Beverly Hills and is pastored by Judah Smith. This was Bieber’s first time leading worship and as he hit the stage, he went full Kanye.
Bieber sang a few tracks, including “Reckless Love,” “Good Good Father” and “Sinking Deep.” Some of the lyrics to “Reckless Love” are “Oh, the overwhelming, never-ending, reckless love of God/ Oh, it chases me down, fights ’til I’m found …/ I couldn’t earn it, I don’t deserve it/ Still You give yourself away/ Oh, the overwhelming, never-ending, reckless love of God.”
After tearfully thanking his friend and pastor, Smith, for leading the church, Bieber took a pause in worship and shared to the congregation “there is power in your weakness and being vulnerable.” He seemed to be trying to express his heart but was overwhelmed with worshipping God and being in front of his church. He went back into worship. He encouraged the crowd to “take it” and to just “Vibe. Be in your own zone (with God) and vibe.” Then he sang “Without you I would have never made it!” to Jesus.
After worship was over, Smith got up at the end and Bieber shared that he hadn’t wanted to lead because he didn’t want people to think it was a show. Smith shared how he and the church were willing to take the risk because of their love for Bieber. He shared how Bieber’s story, which has been played out before the whole world, is one of great redemption.
Smith also shared how he was crying while Bieber led worship and how he felt they had made it through together. “Justin, you are a miracle! You never would have made it without Jesus!” Smith said.
Bieber’s wife Hailey was front and center at the service as well. After the service Bieber left with friend Jaden Smith.
It’s been an eventful few months for Bieber. TMZ broke the story of him worshiping first, as they had of his Lyme disease several months ago. (Bieber’s been battling Lyme disease, a condition that went undiagnosed for much of 2019.)
Bieber is veering up to drop his new album soon, featuring some real heavy-hitters, a documentary, tour … and when that’s all said and done, start a family with Hailey.
Watch the full worship service here.
