If you were anywhere near the internet in the mid-2010s, you saw them. The photos of a tattooed, leather-jacket-wearing pastor and the world’s biggest pop star, looking more like brothers than a clergyman and his congregant. Carl Lentz and Justin Bieber weren't just a headline; they were the face of a new, "cool" Christianity that felt like it was taking over Hollywood.
But then, the floor dropped out.
The fallout was messy. It was public. And honestly, it changed the trajectory of both their lives in ways we’re still seeing play out in 2026. If you’ve ever wondered why they stopped being inseparable or where they stand today, you’ve come to the right place. Let’s get into the weeds of what actually went down.
The Bathtub Baptism and the Rise of the Hypepriest
People forget how deep this went. We aren’t just talking about a celebrity showing up for a Sunday service and dodging the paparazzi. Lentz was Bieber’s shadow.
In 2014, Justin was in a dark place. Legal troubles, the "bad boy" image spiraling, and a desperate need for something stable. He reportedly got on his knees and cried, "I want to know Jesus," and Lentz was the guy he called.
The story is legendary now. They couldn't find a church or a pool that wouldn't be a security nightmare, so Lentz called up NBA star Tyson Chandler. At 2:00 AM, they went to Chandler's Manhattan apartment. Because the pool was closed, Carl Lentz baptized Justin Bieber in a custom-made bathtub.
From that moment on, they were a unit. Lentz wasn't just a pastor; he was a gatekeeper, a mentor, and a bodyguard for Justin’s soul. They went to basketball games together. They grabbed coffee in SoHo. Lentz even helped Justin navigate his high-profile breakup and eventual reconciliation with Selena Gomez, and later, his marriage to Hailey Baldwin.
When the Pedestal Cracked: The 2020 Firing
The world of Hillsong NYC felt invincible until November 2020. That’s when the news hit like a freight train: Carl Lentz was fired for "leadership issues" and "moral failures."
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A day later, Lentz posted a grainy family photo on Instagram and admitted he’d been unfaithful to his wife, Laura. Then came Ranin Karim, a New York designer who went public about their months-long affair. She claimed she didn't even know he was a famous pastor at first. He told her he was a sports agent.
It was a disaster.
But for Justin Bieber, this wasn't just a gossip story. This was the man he had trusted with his deepest secrets. The man who had officiated his wedding to Hailey. Suddenly, the spiritual foundation Justin had built his "new life" on was tied to a massive scandal.
The Immediate Aftermath
The Biebers' reaction was swift. They didn't release a long, flowery statement. They did what everyone does in the 21st century: they unfollowed him.
- Social Media Cutoff: Both Justin and Hailey unfollowed Carl and Laura Lentz almost immediately.
- The Apartment Rumors: There were reports that Lentz was actually staying in Justin’s NYC apartment when the news broke, leading to a "tense conversation" outside the building.
- Moving On: Justin began distancing himself from the Hillsong brand entirely, later clarifying that he was part of Churchome, led by another "pastor posse" member, Judah Smith.
Where Are They Now? (2026 Update)
It’s been over five years since the firing. The dust has settled, but the relationship has never been the same. Honestly, it probably shouldn't be.
Carl Lentz spent a few years in the "wilderness." He moved to Florida, then eventually to Oklahoma. In 2023, he joined the staff at Transformation Church in Tulsa, led by Mike Todd. It wasn't a preaching role—more of a "behind the scenes" strategist. He also launched a podcast called Lights On, where he’s been remarkably candid about his failures, his struggle with prescription medication, and the work he’s put into his marriage.
In a 2024 episode, Lentz finally spoke directly about Justin. He admitted he was "sad" that he broke that trust. He described their relationship as "special" but acknowledged that he was the one who blew it. He doesn't seem bitter. He sounds like a guy who knows he messed up a good thing.
As for Justin, he’s in a completely different season. He’s a father now. He’s dealt with significant health issues like Ramsay Hunt syndrome. His faith still seems to be a massive part of his life, but it’s quieter. Less "hype," more "husband and dad." He hasn't publicly reconciled with Lentz in a way that suggests they’re back to being best friends.
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What Most People Get Wrong About the Split
People love a villain. They want to say Lentz was a "fake" or that Justin was "brainwashed."
The truth is more nuanced. Lentz clearly had a genuine heart for people, but he got caught in the "celebrity pastor" trap. When you’re treated like a rock star, you start acting like one. The lack of accountability at the top of Hillsong allowed his double life to flourish.
For Justin, the split wasn't necessarily a "rebellion" against God. It was a healthy boundary. When a mentor fails you that deeply, the best thing you can do is step away and find a new path.
The Takeaway: Navigating a "Public" Relationship Failure
If you’ve ever had a mentor or a close friend let you down, the Lentz-Bieber saga actually offers some pretty solid lessons. It’s not just celebrity drama; it’s a blueprint for handling personal betrayal.
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- Distance is okay. You don't owe anyone an immediate "second chance" when your trust is shattered. Justin’s move to unfollow and walk away was a necessary part of his own healing.
- Separate the message from the messenger. Justin didn't throw away his faith just because his pastor failed. He shifted his community.
- Ownership matters. In 2026, Lentz is finally gaining some respect back, not because he’s preaching to thousands, but because he’s being honest about being a mess.
- Watch the "Pedestal" Effect. Whether it's a pastor, a boss, or a fitness influencer, putting anyone on a pedestal is a recipe for a hard fall.
The story of Carl Lentz and Justin Bieber is ultimately a reminder that even the most "blessed" lives are human. Relationships break. People fail. But as both men have shown in their own ways, there's usually a "next chapter" if you're willing to do the work.
If you're following this story to see if they'll ever have a big, public reunion—don't hold your breath. Some bridges are meant to stay burned, or at least, left as part of a past chapter that both parties have outgrown.
Next Steps for You:
If you're interested in the "celebrity faith" phenomenon, you should check out the documentary The Secrets of Hillsong on FX/Hulu. It gives a lot of the "why" behind the church's culture that led to the Lentz fallout. Also, if you’re dealing with a loss of trust in a mentor, look into "betrayal trauma" resources—it’s a real thing, even if your mentor isn't a famous pastor.