What is Churchome? David Thibodeau advises Justin Bieber to trust his gut when it comes to faith

Justin Bieber can’t seem to catch a break. Just when it looked like the pop star was finding peace, his choice of church Churchome is landing him in the middle of a whole new controversy. But this isn’t your usual celebrity drama. This time, a survivor from one of the most infamous cult standoffs in American history is chiming in.

David Thibodeau, one of the few who lived through the 1993 Waco siege involving the Branch Davidian, has advice for Bieber. And no, it’s not your usual “God bless.” It’s more like: “Listen to your gut… seriously.”

What is Churchome and why is everyone talking about It?

Churchome is a Christian church based in the U.S., known for its celebrity attendees, modern sermons, and unconventional style. Its pastor, Judah Smith, is someone Bieber has been close to for years. The church doesn’t operate like your typical Sunday-morning church either it only meets once a month.

That might sound low-key, but some of Justin’s ex-friends reportedly think otherwise. According to TMZ, there’s been buzz that Churchome operates like a cult. While that's a serious claim, Smith has firmly denied any such accusation.

The story blew up after TMZ Studios released their documentary TMZ Investigates: What Happened to Justin Bieber? It dives into how Bieber’s social circle has shrunk and how Churchome may be a factor. Former friend Ryan Good, once a member himself, allegedly left the church and labeled it a cult sparking even more attention.

Now, here’s where it gets intense.

David Thibodeau isn’t your average guy with an opinion on churches. He’s one of just nine people who survived the fiery end of the Branch Davidian compound in Waco, Texas led by David Koresh. That 1993 standoff with federal agents lasted 51 days and ended in tragedy, killing over 80 people.

So, when Thibodeau speaks about religion and manipulation, people listen, he didn’t jump to call Churchome a cult, but he did offer some thoughtful advice.

"Don't go against that pit in his stomach that says something is right or wrong?"

He also warned against leadership that limits access to outside opinions or other religious texts.

Unlike Koresh’s group, Thibodeau noted Churchome doesn’t seem nearly as extreme. For one, it’s not an all-consuming, daily operation. But he still urged caution especially when someone, like Bieber, has a huge platform and influence.

Thibodeau’s insight struck a nerve online. Here was someone who had lived through one of America’s darkest cult stories, sharing honest advice not sensationalism. And with Justin's church already under scrutiny from ex-members, his comments added fuel to an already fiery conversation.

Thibodeau isn’t trying to cancel Bieber’s faith. If anything, he’s encouraging him to stay grounded, count blessings, stay curious, and most of all, think critically.

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It may not be a cult, but in the age of influencers and Insta-sermons, it's no surprise that people are asking questions.

For Bieber, the takeaway might just be this: faith is personal, but when you're in the spotlight, it never stays that way for long.

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