Bieber refutes claims he's hoping to pastor Hillsong NYC

Justin Bieber says that recent reports he's studying to become a minister and take over Hillsong NYC after the firing of Carl Lentz are false.

The 26-year-old Canadian pop star took to his Instagram story on Monday after the reports from an "unnamed source" began to make headlines.

Lentz was fired by Hillsong NYC in November after admitting to having an affair. He had at one time been a spiritual mentor of Biebers, along with other high-profile pastors.

"I'm not studying to be a minister or anything even close to that. Have no desire for that. This is fake news," Bieber says in the Instagram story.

Bieber says he's not a member of Hillsong, but rather Churchome. Churchome is led by Judy and Chelsea Smith. Judah baptized Bieber and his wife, Hailey, last year.

"Church is not a place," Bieber continues in the online posts. "We are the church. We don't need a building to connect with God. God is with us wherever we are.

"The creator of the oceans and mountains also created you! You are a part of the plan, your life matters, He sees you! He's been patient with you as you ran from Him awaiting your return! He's not mad, He understands."