Bieber has squashed the rumours, published (and later deleted) by OK! Magazine and Page Six, calling it "fake news" via his Instagram story.

OK! Magazine's original article included quotes from an anonymous source, who reportedly said that Bieber "doesn’t plan to give up his music career, but he feels there’s a bigger calling out there for him."

The source also apparently told OK! Magazine that Bieber "wants to be a full-fledged minister next year".

Bieber posted a screenshot of the Page Six article via his Instagram story yesterday (4 January), writing, "I'm not studying to be a minister or anything even close to that. Have no desire for that this is fake news."

He also clarified who he worships, "And btw Hillsong is not my church... For clarity I am part of Churchome."

On New Year's Eve Justin Bieber released his new single "Anyone" and performed his first full concert since 2017.