MONTCLAIR, NJ — A North Jersey pastor is reportedly helping pop superstar Justin Bieber embrace something more than just being an uber celebrity.
Bieber has a close relationshp with celebrity pastor and Montclair resident Carl Lentz, the lead pastor of Hillsong NYC.
According to several reports, Bieber has worked with Lentz to re-establish his faith in Christ. The recommitment comes as Bieber was reported as being emotional and struggling with the idea of fame, according to People.com. Lentz has provided Bieber with spiritual help throughout his adult life.
“I believe in the story of Jesus — that’s the simplicity of what I believe,” Bieber told Vogue.
Back in November, People.com quoted someone close to Bieber who said he felt something was missing from his life that cannot be bought: A “missing feeling of happiness.”
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Besides Lentz, Bieber’s new wife, Hailey Bieber, has helped him along in his journey. Hailey is the daughter of actor Steven Baldwin, a Christian.
The couple got married last September after a 12-week romance following a decade-long friendship, Vogue reported. The marriage comes at a particular vulnerable time for Bieber, who cancelled the final 14 shows of his worldwide tour promoting his new album “Purpose.”
“I got really depressed on tour,” he told Vogue. “I was lonely. I needed some time.”
But Hailey has been a source of strength for Bieber.
Bieber is very grateful for his life, especially for Hailey, People.com reported.
Although they were friends for a long time, Hailey and Bieber did not develop a close friendship until Hailey attended services at Hillsong’s New York City church, Vogue reported.
Bieber, whose mother raised him to be a Christian, said relationships are what matters most. Christianity, he said, comes down to God’s love for others.
“We’re made on this earth to have relationships with people. We’re supposed to get in depth with people,” Bieber said on the Zach Sang Show. “That’s how our God is…”
By Daniel Hubbard, editor
Photo: Justin Bieber (By BreannLowe17, via Wikimedia Commons, used with permission through Creative Commons license)