In connection with the release of the singer's new album, "Purpose," his sold-out concert at Staples Center November 13th had a distinctly spiritual flavor, surprising many observers.

"What the vaguely billed event at Staples Center felt most like was a church service," reported Mikael Wood, a reviewer for The Los Angeles Times.

Friday's show started when Bieber rode his skateboard to a smaller stage near the center of the arena. He did an acoustic performance of several new (and old) songs and premiered a film highlighting each track from "Purpose" with distinct dance numbers for each song.

"Between the skateboarding and the singing, though, Bieber sat on a stool next to Judah Smith, the man described as his pastor, and more or less preached," a surprised Wood noted in the Times. (Photo via God Reports)

Smith, 36, is lead pastor of The City Church in Seattle, described as "a thriving multi-site church noted for its cultural relevance, commitment to Biblical integrity and faith, and love for Jesus." He is also the author of Jesus Is, a new book endorsed by Bieber.

Bieber's mom, Pattie Mallette, stumbled upon Smith's sermons and met him for the first time at a conference. She told Smith that his tapes put her son to sleep and suggested the two meet each other. While Smith didn't consider the snooze effect a compliment initially, his relationship with the pop sensation has developed and grown over time.

At Friday's concert, "He (Bieber) credited his connection with God for helping him to get back on his feet after a string of widely publicized tabloid troubles," Wood reported in the Times.

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