Justin Bieber’s Pastor Says It’s OK for Ministers to Buy Expensive Sneakers

The @PreachersNSneakers Instagram account — which began three weeks ago and already boasts more than 136,000 followers — is calling out celebrity pastors for wearing pricey kicks.

But according to Carl Lentz, the pastor of celebrity-favorite Hillsong Church, there’s nothing wrong with ministers investing in pricey footwear.

I do have cool shoes. I think the conversation’s good; I think people have the right to ask questions, and we’ve gotta keep it pointed to the truth at all times,” Lentz told TMZ.Everybody’s different. Everybody handles their money different; everybody handles what they value different.”

People have a right to ask questions when it comes to financial stuff,” he added. “Everyone has to live to their convictions.”

The pastor said that he personally isn’t a sneaker collector, but that he has a pair of vintage LeBrons that he especially loves. The 40-year-old says he paid face value for the shoes, which could now fetch thousands of dollars on the resale market (if in dead-stock condition).

Lentz’s Hillsong Church is a celebrity-favorite spot on Sundays, receiving visitors such as Selena Gomez, Justin and Hailey Bieber and Kourtney Kardashian. The Virginia native is a close pal of Bieber’s (he baptized the “One Less Lonely Girl” singer).

Watch the video below to see how to take care of your sneakers during the summer.

Want more?

This ‘Banned’ Air Jordan 1 Sneaker Design Might Get an Afterlife Nearly 35 Years Later

Justin Bieber Goes to Church in Pink Socks and $25 Sandals With Hailey Baldwin

Why Sneaker Resale Is the Hottest M&A Bet of the Moment

Access exclusive content