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The Story of Justin Bieber’s Baptism in an NBA Player’s Bathtub

By Joe Bielawa (Justin Bieber) [CC BY 2.0], via Wikimedia Commons
By Joe Bielawa (Justin Bieber) [CC BY 2.0], via Wikimedia Commons
Hillsong pastor Carl Lentz tells why Justin Bieber was baptized in NBA player Tyson Chandler’s bathtub.

Justin Bieber’s faith in Christ saw its culmination on a January night, two years ago. Although fans are now aware of how seriously Bieber is taking his faith, few know about the circumstances which led to his baptism. Hillsong Church 'hipster' pastor Carl Lentz revealed the 21-year old's journey from the world of drugs to a baptism in an NBA player's bathtub in a GQ feature article.

The Story of Justin Bieber’s Baptism in an NBA Player’s Bathtub[/tweetthis]

Lentz is renowned for getting celebrities closer to Christ by baptizing them into the Hillsong Church. As such, it may not come as a big surprise Justin Bieber too turned to Lentz for spiritual guidance. Moreover, Bieber's ex-girlfriend, Selena Gomez herself is a member of Hillsong Church. Selena is very vocal about her Christian faith and often speaks about it on social media.

In the article, Lentz recalls the night of the baptism as anything but “regular.” Adding, “It was probably one of the most special things I’ve been a part of.” During this time Bieber was struggling with a lot of issues. One particularly difficult night, Bieber called up the pastor asking to be baptized immediately. The two then went to four different places to conduct the ceremony. However, with the media keeping a constant vigil on Bieber, they found it impossible to find a place where the media hadn't already reached before them. Lentz called up another of his spiritual followers, Phoenix Suns Center, Tyson Chandler.

Chandler answered the 3 a.m. call and accepted Lentz's request. At first, the plan was to have the Baptism in the rooftop pool above Chandler's apartment. However, as it was locked for the night, Chandler suggested they conduct the ritual in his custom made bathtub. Chandler who is seven feet tall his bathtub was specially designed to accommodate his size. As such, it seemed to be the ideal solution to the predicament.

Lentz credits Bieber's mother for planting the seeds of faith in him. He says that thanks to his mother, Bieber has always had a special relationship with Christ.

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