Megachurch pastors Chad Veach and Rich Wilkerson Jr. discussed their immensely popular churches and their strong following of youth and celebrities during a recent interview.
Although neither of the men made it a priority to have unconventional or famous church members, they do have ministries that appeal to younger people and the "unchurched."
Veach, a pastor at The City Church in Seattle, said that young adults are not attending church as much as previous generations because of their impression of religion.
"We need to do whatever we can to become relevant and deconstruct some of those false notions about what religion is," he told the Christian Post.
"What resonates with young adults is actually the message of Jesus and maybe that was convoluted or placed in the back burner in the past but I think that's why you're seeing young adults in the droves respond because if people can see a clear picture of Jesus... we obviously have something better than the world can offer."
Justin Bieber is a frequenter of the Pentecostal church, where Judah Smith is the senior pastor.
In regards to their contemporary style, Wilkerson said it is a reflection of the relative youth of the church leaders.
"I think people get caught up a lot in that but I think that Jesus has always been relevant so anyone that preaches Jesus can have a relevant message," the Trinity Church junior pastor said.
"I just think that a lot of our friends happen to be under the age of 30 so I don't think we're trying or be anything other than who we are."
Wilkerson, 30, famously officiated the wedding of superstars Kanye West and Kim Kardashian in May. The high-profile wedding has not changed the dynamics within the church, though.
"If you came to our church, you would be underwhelmed," the Miamian said, it's not the nicest building and it doesn't have the coolest stuff...we just preach Jesus pretty unashamed.
"I've come to a place in my life where I really can't change people and I hear preachers sometimes who think they can and sometimes even I think I can but you just can't, only Jesus.
"Whether it's famous or nameless people, it's been the same anecdote which is, I really can't do this for you but Jesus can and I'm going to do my best to present Him to you."
