For critics of 'Preachers of LA', the best response is no response!

It would take extensive research to pinpoint the last time a network leaked a premiere and still had record breaking viewership. There’s certainly not enough time here to talk about the premiere or the preachers so let’s just have a ‘big picture’ look at Preachers of LA. 

The show is the hottest reality/docu-series out right now and after last week’s premiere, it shows no signs of slowing down. With every episode, this sextet of gospel preachers erode the effects of gospel preaching and black gospel preachers on America. There’s no way around it! Enough damage has been done, and saying anything about it or even remotely attaching yourself via criticism is also damaging. The causticity of television’s newest reality show is too harmful to even touch. 

Should a Pastor be rich? Should he have to answer about his wealth? Well, Bishop T.D. Jakes decided to add his thoughts to the latest pot and kettle colored commentary amongst these well known preachers. 

Bishop Jakes advised his church members that his wealth is exclusive of the membership of The Potter’s House. 

Not that anyone asked him, nor does anyone really care right now. He’s got one of the best talk shows on tv, and people are actually tuning in! Maybe people needed to hear from him on the matter but in large part, his silence about his friends (both former and current) would have kept his hands and nose clean concerning  televangelists' extravagance under scrutiny. 

Did you know, shows like these are NOT for you?? Shows like these connect these preachers and the church community to those not in church and especially those that love a good reality show! This is why most church people are offended by shows like these. Not to worry, the ratings bonanza last week was fools gold! There is a price to pay for not maximizing this platform and for this, the church should turn in prayer and not ON these preachers! 

Volalite...yep, that’s the word!
1.       (of a substance)easily evaporated at normal temperatures.

2.       liable to change rapidly and unpredictably, esp. for the worse

Credibility on Preachers of LA evaporates with each episode. Not only can you see the puppeteer/producers and their strings, you can see the damaging effects of the show almost immediately. Social media has not yet recovered from the premiere and new videos, youtube links and articles are being added by the minute.

Take the “Man Cave” scene from last week’s premiere. Deitrick Haddon and Bishop Clarence McClendon got into a verbal spat over honorariums. This scene has been on repeat since the moment Oxygen TV preemptively aired the premiere a week before it hit television. However, viewers may have missed one glaring production omission:

If Deitrick Haddon isn’t giving his music away or doing free concerts, he has no right to challenge what Bishop McClendon ‘charges’ to travel and preach. That entire exchange belongs on the cutting room floor and should have never made it to television.

 Why did the producers (one of which works extensively with gospel artists and closely with the church) allow this to remain in the episode? Surely there was enough good talk in the “Man Cave” to air instead of that…or was there?

Maybe it’s scientific
The element Oxygen is generally harmless. However there are certain other elements that have strong reactions and even explode when coming in contact with the element (alkaline metals, etc).  There are even instances of Oxygen toxicity, where merely breathing the element can be fatal. Looking at this show, the effects of it don’t fare well in the long run for these Pastors. Their reputations took hits almost the second the show concept was introduced. 

Now that the show has aired, many in the church have distanced themselves from these otherwise powerful preachers.  It seems that for these Preachers in LA, there is both volatility and toxicity following their decision to interact with the “Oxygen” network! It should be noted that Oxygen’s other highest rated show is “Bad Girls Club” also dubbed ‘Fight Club for women’. The preachers have each said they thought this was something good to do and defend the vehemently defend the show publicly. I'm sure they're rethinking their decision to do the show on some level. For this I'll refer to the scripture that says to 'not let your good be evil spoken of'. (Rom. 14:16)

Damage Control

Do you agree with Bishop McClendon? He's been the most vocal about the show since it aired and has expressed disdain with the final production. I thought this article was interesting. I still believe that his press campaign is too late, very impressive but too late. You can't star in a show and diss the show's existence at the same time! The people won't listen and I'm sure the network won't tolerate it! He'll eventually put his money where his mouth is...this type of criticism of the show is usually costly!!

*UPDATE*
After the initial publishing of this article, the video was removed from Facebook. The link will remain in hopes that it will be restored soon. 

Meet the Preachers of LA (if you haven't already)

If you've made it this far down the article, then first congratulate yourself- I know it's a lot to take in. I want to introduce you to some of the story lines contained in this show. I don't expect the series to continue beyond this season and to meet the same demise as "The Sisterhood". Not all about the show is bad as each of these preachers are dynamic in their own right. However, to ease your frustration a little I've taken the liberty to identify some of what I think (my opinion, though it may actually be right) the show will center around for each 'star'. Let's meet the Preachers of LA. 

The Divos

I didn't talk about it, but the show is centered around Deitrick Haddon. Please don't be fooled. One of the producers of the show is very visible on another reality show featuring a gospel music artist (family). On this show, you'll see Deitrick's return to the pulpit and to the recording industry. He is the 'out the box' thinker and is beyond the four walls of the church. He will not shut up and welcomes your confrontation! He is the sharp stick, the firebrand for change...he needs a hug! You can say a number of things about him but listening closely, he is spot on even though his delivery is dangerous. All in all this LA preacher, D. Haddy is indeed ready for his closeup!

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Bishop Clarence McClendon is the quintessential "preacher's kid". He is aware of his destiny and makes zero apologies for it. He knows what it's like to be the "it" guy as well as the pariah. His presence on the show is "LA". He's the prototypical LA man, jetsetting across the globe and he has it all. Being in and around the church his whole life, he knows church! He knows the inner workings of the church and is astute enough to make them work for him. His ministry has reached the masses but has touched the hearts of younger people (his age) that desire more in God. His 'damage control' campaign is indicative of the man he is. He knows what is expected of him and how to handle his public persona.  

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The OG's

Bishop Ron Gibson...The OG! Bishop Ron Gibson, is a former gang banger and drug addict. You will more than likely see him going back to the streets evangelizing those 'still in the game'. I love Bishop Gibson's heart. I've never met him nor heard about him before the show. I did take issue with the contrived effort to single-handedly bring peace between the Blood & Crip gangs in LA. The altar call featuring the OG from the Bloods and a young Crip gang member left a lot to be questioned concerning salvation. Real spill, ministry isn't done in a microwave but episode 1 could make some viewers think so. Thank God for 1st Lady Gibson, she probably keeps him out of a lot of trouble. If you watch, she'll be one of the better reasons to tune in. 

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If any of these preachers are suited for the show and title, it's Grace Jones' twin brother. Another preacher who's been in it for a minute, Bishop Noel Jones is also one of the most controversial on the show. A single Pastor, Jones invites the cameras into his love life and dating scene. There are women...plural. He is a bachelor and a teacher of the word. Jones' highly publicized dating relationship with Lisa Raye McCoy will be featured this season, but on the show's premiers he can be seen interacting with another lady. Jones' romantic status is a bit of a head scratcher but you've got to ask why you even care! Just another casualty of reality television overexposure one could assume.

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The Young Guns

Preachers have tried it...and failed terribly! Pastor Wayne Chaney will probably do what many before him have failed to do...show a sanctified side to sex in the church! I know, you don't want to see that, and thank goodness the children interrupted the pre-game warmup between him and his wife on the premiere. Chaney is a powerful preacher in his own right and that should be noted of all the subjects of this show. However, the angle you'll see him operate from on the docu-series is that of a preacher in touch with his sexuality from a Christian angle as well as other issues facing him and his young family. 

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Pastor Jay Haizlip is a fiery young preacher preaching to a young and fiery group of believers. He is another of the preachers who has to lead a flock of young worshippers facing 21st century problems. On this upcoming episode, you will see Pastor Haizlip deal with a transgender member. I won't spill the deal on how he deals with it, but it should be noted that Pastor Haizlip in large part is in touch with what touches this generation of believers and is a bright spot on the show. He knows the word and is solid in his delivery of it. Pastor Haizlip will be an interesting watch this season...

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The Verdict

Truth of the matter is this, you need to know what is going on in the body of Christ so YES it is a good idea to keep watching. NO it is not a good idea to aspire to be on the next season! YES these preachers are great! NO we do not need to see them beyond the pulpit! 

I want to warn the body of Christ to be on guard against those that create and produce shows like this only to exploit the vulnerability that exists for believers. We have shortcomings, leaders who are single still have a desire to date and be married (again). Christian leaders are still human, though many in the church and even some leaders have distanced themselves from the reality of humanity. 

Watch if you must, but do so understanding the severity of the times and with the accepting of the personal responsibility that accompanies every believer in and out of religious circles. 

Feel free to share your comments below in the space provided, thank you for reading!