Posted on Thursday, December 10, 2015

Oxygen’s Preachers of Atlanta Premieres on Wednesday, February 3rd‏!!!

I'll Be Watching! Will You?

Hello World,

Oxygen Media reimagines the network’s popular franchise and heads to The A with the series premiere of “Preachers of Atlanta,” on Wednesday, February 3 at 10 PM ET/PT. Through the lens of five pastors with drastically different approaches to their ministry, the show explores many of the most hot-button and polarizing issues in America today. From passionate discussions surrounding the validity of unorthodox ministry methods to first-person accounts of the rippling and emotional effects of racial tensions with law enforcement, these unconventional preachers have no boundaries when it comes to tackling real issues that affect real people in their communities. The five preachers challenging the status quo are Pastor Corey Hambrick, Pastor Le’Andria Johnson, Pastor Canton Jones, Pastor Kimberly Jones-Pothier, and Pastor Judah Swilley.

“Preachers of Atlanta” offers a fresh perspective on men and women of the cloth determined to meet people in their current circumstances in order to inspire a resurgence of faith. Their ministries include communicating spiritual messages through hip-hop lyrics and venturing into the neighborhoods of Atlanta to find those in need. The pastors are real, passionate, and unashamed in their transparency, using their imperfections and out-of-the-box ways to reach a new generation for God.

Meet the Cast:

Pastor Corey Hambrick (@ckhambrick)

The Life Church Christian Center

An Atlanta native, Pastor Corey Hambrick is the pastor of the Life Church Christian Center. Recently celebrating its fourth year of ministry, the Life Church Christian Center has become one of the most buzzed-about churches in the Conyers community. First hearing the call of God at the early age of 14, Pastor Corey believes in the importance of building up the church and also the community. Living by his conviction to not only save souls but to also save lives, Pastor Corey divides his time between his ministry and being a Sergeant Detective at the City of Conyers Police Department.

Between spending quality time with his wife, Corrinne, and their beautiful daughters, Chloe and Mariah, uplifting his congregation, and defending the shield he wears with honor against those who question its merit, Pastor Corey remains committed to his work as both a pastor and a police officer.

Pastor Le’Andria Johnson (@ LeAndriaJ)

I.P.C. Ministries

A Grammy® Award-winning recording artist, Le’Andria Johnson currently pastors I.P.C. (Imperfect People Changing) Ministries in Atlanta. Employing what some may consider unorthodox methods in her ministry, she is willing to take extreme measures to reach those in need.

In addition to winning a Grammy, Le’Andria is a two-time Stellar Gospel Music Award winner and Billboard magazine’s #1 Female Gospel Albums Artist of 2012. Le’Andria has taken the gospel music scene by storm since being crowned the season three winner of BET’s “Sunday Best” in 2010. The Music World Gospel recording artist’s groundbreaking and chart-topping debut CD, The Awakening of Le’Andria Johnson, entered at #1 on multiple music charts, including both the Billboard Top Gospel Albums and the Top Christian/Gospel Albums charts. The CD also debuted at #1 on the Christian Music Trade Association’s Current Gospel Overall chart.

In 2011, Le’Andria received her first Grammy® Award for Best Gospel/Contemporary Christian Music performance for her debut single, “Jesus.” In 2012, she received her first NAACP Image Award nomination for Outstanding Gospel Album (Traditional or Contemporary) for her current CD project, Le’Andria Johnson The Experience. Known for her captivating live performances, Le’Andria is expanding her music ministry and breaking new ground all over the world.

Pastor Canton Jones (@thecantonjones)

Free Life Church

A Florida native, Pastor Canton Jones found his ministering voice through the power of music and is the pastor of Free Life Church. Currently residing in Atlanta with his wife and business partner, Ramona, and their three sons–Justice, Dominion, and Canaan–and daughter, Love, Canton ministers with determination and transparency, in the hope that this generation will find ways to incorporate God’s word into their own lives.

Pastor Canton is the president of Cajo Records and serves as a media triple threat, working as a successful rapper, songwriter, and producer. Pastor Canton has performed in front of millions of people and released countless albums throughout his lucrative career. An award-winning artist, he has been nominated for a Grammy and a Stellar Award, and he has won three Gospel Choice Awards.

With a jam-packed schedule, Pastor Canton is faced with juggling his musical career, serving his congregation, and continuing to expand his musical ventures, all while preparing to welcome a new bundle of joy into the family.

Pastor Kimberly Jones-Pothier (@realtalkkim)

Church of the Harvest

Pastor Kimberly Jones-Pothier is a life coach and mentor with the desire to lead others to their purpose by realizing their passion. The daughter of two preacher parents, Pastor Kimberly and her husband, Mark Pothier, are Senior Pastors of Church of the Harvest in Fayetteville, Georgia, where they reside with their two sons, Morgan and Lyncoln.

Pastor Kimberly leads a movement called Conquering Hell in High Heels and travels the world preaching, teaching, and leading others as she “loves people back to life.” A well-known evangelist, she balances running a thriving church and staying up-to-date with both her congregation and her social media followers. Her toughest challenge yet may be upon her as she prepares to meet her husband’s sons from a previous relationship for the first time while working to spark her own sons’ interest in the ministry.

Pastor Judah Swilley (@OfficialJudah)

The Movement

Judah Swilley grew up in the ministry and is a fifth-generation preacher. He recently launched a new church called The Movement, where he pastors full-time at weekly worship services, hoping to inspire youth to come back to the church. Judah feels that people, particularly youth, are hungry for God, but are done with the “division of religion.” His goal is to bring people from all walks of life together in a mission to change the world. By presenting God in a loving light and relevant way, he feels that this next generation will fall in love with God the way he did so long ago.

Prior to starting The Movement, Judah served as Youth Pastor of Church In The Now for six years and grew the ministry to one of the largest youth outreaches in the Atlanta area. Judah travels to churches, conferences, and schools across the country to share his story and spread the love of Christ in a real and radical way. In addition to ministry, music has been one of Judah’s premiere passions since he was just five years old. At 12, he released his first album and has since released many records that have received national attention, with his music being featured on numerous news channels, radio stations, and media outlets.

Below is the trailer:

Real Talk:

Aside from the press release, I do have some thoughts about this upcoming “Preachers” installment. I am not against reality shows, but I do feel there must be limits. Please read my post “Why Mary Mary May Need To Get Off Reality TV…My Open Letter to Erica & Tina Campbell.” All that aside, I am excited to see what will unfold in my hometown, which is arguably the most “churched” city in the USA! If more people will be exposed to the gospel of Jesus Christ, I am all for that! Now, when it comes to the specific pastors who will be featured on the show, I have mixed feelings. When I wrote a post about Pastor Le’Andria Johnson, “Was It Wrong for ‘Sunday Best’ Winner Le’Andria Johnson to be Drunk Allegedly on Periscope?” back in September, I had no idea she was a pastor and would be featured on this show. I had heard she started a ministry, but I didn’t know she actually held the office of pastor. As a pastor, you are held to a higher standard which is why many of us (including me) do not profess or should not profess to be pastors. I really have no idea what to expect from her on this show, but I’m sure she will be the one who will get people talking! Other than Pastor Le’Andria Johnson, the only other pastor I am familiar with is Pastor Canton Jones. I’m a fan of his music, but I had no idea that he is a pastor of a church! So I am curious about his role in the show as well. I recognized Dr. Alduan Tartt, a noted Christian psychologist in Atlanta, who is speaking with Pastor Corey Hambrick on the trailer so I’m also curious about his storyline.

For more “Preachers of Atlanta” content, visit the official show site to see exclusive video, behind-the-scenes photos, news, interviews, and bios. During the premiere of each episode, viewers can watch and interact with real-time content synced to the show, including chats, photos, bonus videos, and more. To learn more about the cast and get exclusive, snackable content, like the official Preachers on Oxygen Facebook page and join the conversation on Twitter and Instagram using #PreachersofAtlanta.

Any thoughts?

Posted on Sunday, December 6, 2015

The Top 10 Blog Posts and or Articles for Black Christian Women in November 2015

Hello World,

It goes without saying that I am saddened by the tragic attack in San Bernardino. Maybe I’m just a simpleton, but as I’ve said before, I just don’t get man’s inhumanity to man. I’ve been praying that terrorism will be thwarted wherever it manifests and yet these tragedies continue to occur. Still, I will keep praying and I hope you do too. Also, tonight at 8 p.m., President Obama will speak to us from the Oval Office regarding what the government is doing to keep all of us safe. One of the first things I think the government should do is create stricter gun control laws. If you haven’t done so before, please read my interview with Lucy McBath, whose son was senselessly gunned down at a gas station because his music was allegedly too loud.

Now onto the focus of this post…I’m back with another list of interesting blog posts and or articles for black Christian women from November that intrigued me as a black Christian woman ( but you don’t have be a black Christian woman to to check them out:) ! ) Let me know if you like my list! Enjoy…

1. “Written by 14 Female Veterans, New Book Highlights Struggle, Successes of Black Women in Uniform” by JC Jones

Excerpt: A group of local women have joined with others from across the country to share their stories in an upcoming book, “Camouflaged Sisters,” which releases Saturday. Composed by 14 authors, the stories reflect a broad spectrum of experiences from current active-duty soldiers to retired veterans. Though their stories are unique, the women collaborated with a united goal — to share the perspective of the African American female service member. See more at: kdhnews.com.

2.”Bus Boycott took planning, smarts” by Josh Moon

Excerpt: School textbooks often describe Parks as simply a tired seamstress trying to make her way home from work one December afternoon. While it’s true enough that Parks earned a living as a seamstress, she was far from simple. At the time of her arrest in 1955, Parks was serving as the secretary of the NAACP’s state and Montgomery chapters and had been a civil rights activist for years. Her husband had been a protestor at the Scottsboro Boys’ trial in the 1930s. See more at: montgomeryadvertiser.com

3.”Pharrell Williams to Bullied Girl at Charleston, SC, AME Church Event: ‘You’re Beautiful and You’re Black’” by Yesha Callahan

Excerpt: A touching moment occurred when a 12-year-old girl named Sarah asked Williams for advice when it comes to dealing with racist bullies. Sarah attends a predominantly white school and complained that people make racist jokes about fried chicken and watermelon because she’s black. Initially, Williams joked about the food stereotype, telling the girl, “I love chicken!” before adding, “I’m not worried about what anyone in here thinks,” after the congregation started to laugh. At that point, the little girl was crying, and he explained to her that she is surrounded by love. See more at: theroot.com.

4.”When Did Black Folks Stop Loving Our Children?” by Tracey Michae’l Lewis-Giggetts

Excerpt: Ben Fields must be held accountable for his actions—even above and beyond his firing. But what haunts me is the image of the Black male teacher watching as his young student is tossed out of her chair by Fields, and thrown violently onto the floor like a rag. Was that level of brutality so commonplace in the school that he never considered intervening on her behalf? Or on behalf of the children—because yes, even Black 16-year-olds are still kids—who were obviously frightened and devastated by what they were seeing in his classroom? See more at: damemagazine.com.

5.”Church Leaders To Meet To Discuss Domestic Abuse Solutions”

Excerpt: Key figures from Britain’s black Christian community have been invited to a specially convened meeting which will look at how African and African Caribbean churches can respond more effectively when cases of domestic violence and abuse arise in their congregations. See more at: voice-online.co.uk.

6.”Layered Up for Fall” by Liz Roy

Excerpt: Guys, guess what! It’s FINALLY fall in Los Angeles! Sadly, fall in LA merely means dipping into the 60s, but I’m grateful for the climate change nonetheless. I love layering and fall is the perfect time to experiment. In fact, fall was my favorite season when I lived in New York because the scenery was beautiful (God is really good at colors, isn’t He?!) and the weather was perfect for creative fall layering. – See more at: downtowndemure.com.

7.”Quilters’ Club Features Diversity of Skills, Techniques and Colors” by Heather Norris

Excerpt: It was founded in 1989 by three Baltimore women looking to form a guild that would serve as a space for black women to freely express their creativity with quilting. It has since evolved into a diverse group in just about every way except for a shared interest in quilting and community, where members regularly reach out to young people to introduce them to sewing and quilting. See more at: baltimoresun.com.

8.”#TBT Remembering R&B/Hip-Hop Church Music” by Nina Ruff

Excerpt: Music is a huge factor in how we validate a culture. It is often the pulse for entire societies and ways of life. So when hip-hop began to dominate as a genre, there was an entire group of young Christians left looking for their place in the church. The artists that stepped out of the Black church box not only kept true to themselves, but they paved a way for a younger generation of churchgoers determined to evolve their beliefs & practices in order to keep the culture relevant. In blazing their own trails, they fought against a lot of what keeps young people from being involved in churches today. See more at: hivesociety.com.

9.”Shepherding Women: What Boundaries Must Be Maintained?” by Isaac Adams

Excerpt: A church’s most important decision is who they call to be their leaders because pastors have room for great exploitation, particularly of women, or great effectiveness. In this sense, the church’s greatest need is a holy pastor. What are appropriate boundaries to be maintained between pastors and women in the church? How should a church view a pastor who is having an illicit sexual relationship? What are signals of a pastor grooming a sister for abuse? C’mon up and join the conversation. See more at: thefrontporch.org.

10.”There Are No Black Angels in Heaven” by Lisa Sharon Harper

Excerpt: As she showed me all five black ornaments in a store dedicated to ornaments, tears filled my eyes and began to spill over. We are not wanted in this world. We are erased — from the public through police brutality and mass incarceration. And we are even erased from popular conceptions of Christmas and heaven. There are no black angels there. See more at: washingtonpost.com.

Posted on Wednesday, December 2, 2015

Why Black Pastors Cozying Up to the Donald (Trump) Is the Wrong Thing for the Black Church…

Hello World,

The honest truth is that I’m in political mourning right now as in just over a year our nation’s first black president will have to pass the mantle to another president. That being said, I haven’t really been paying attention to the wooing efforts of Hilary Clinton, Bernie Sanders, Donald Trump, Ben Carson, etc. I know who they are, and I’ve seen some of the headlines, but I’ve been too busy holding political shiva, if you will, to care…

But when I heard last week that the Donald had secured the endorsement of 100 black pastors and that they were going to meet at the Trump Tower for a telecast press conference on Monday, I realized attention must be paid…Thankfully, “more than 100 black religious leaders and scholars” trumped Trump and disseminated an open letter via one of the nation’s oldest black magazines, EBONY magazine, criticizing this purported unholy alliance…Below are last two paragraphs of the letter, which was signed “for the cause of justice.”

By siding with a presidential candidate whose rhetoric pathologizes Black people, what message are you sending to the world about the Black lives in and outside of your congregations? Which Black lives do you claim to be liberating?

To stand with Jesus is to have great skepticism about systems of power and a willingness to question the motives of the powerful. Or, as James Baldwin once penned to Angela Davis: “If we know, and do nothing, we are worse than the murderers hired in our name. If we know, then we must fight for your life as though it were our own—which it is—and render impassable with our bodies the corridor to the gas chamber. For, if they take you in the morning, they will be coming for us that night. Therefore: peace.”’

Once the seemingly political Goliath started to be hit by a few of the Black Church’s stones including many pastors who said taking a meeting with the Donald was not synonymous with an endorsement, Trump backed up and said rather than his scheduled political preening to show off his breaking bread with black pastors, he would instead have “an informational meet and greet with many members of the Coalition of African American Ministers,” that it would not be “a press event, but a private meeting, after which, a number of attendees are expected to endorse Mr. Trump’s campaign for President,” according to rawstory.com.

So on Monday in the Promised Land (let some black pastors tell it) of the Trump Tower, more than 100 met with the Donald and afterward, he reported that he “saw love in that room” and that he anticipated “many, many endorsements” to be secured. One pastor who was there already voiced his endorsement, according to CNN.

“You want stories, you want controversy. Anybody who knows Donald Trump personally knows that he’s not a racist,” said Steve Parson, a black pastor from Richmond, Virginia. Parson said he was in “total support” of Trump.

But Pastor Jamal Bryant, who got criticized for saying “these h*** ain’t loyal” in one of his sermons, rightly divided the word when he said those who met with the Donald are “prostitutes” simply seeking “their 15 minutes of fame” according to the New York Daily News.

One only has to look at this photo below to see this meeting was more about bragging rights than building bridges…

My mom has always told me that “birds of a feather flock together.” Take a look at the flock around Trump…To his left is Rev. Omarosa Manigault-Stallworth…I remember when she became a reverend as a I wrote a post about it “Bad Girl Gone Good: Omarosa Manigault-Stallworth.” At the time when I wrote the post, she had “two categories on her Web site: naughty and nice. On the nice page, she [was] dressed in a white flowing gown with her hands outstretched presumably pointed to heaven. I guess she [was] dressed as an angel. Well, on the naughty page, she [was] undoubtedly dressed as a devil. She [had] horns on her head and is in some red pleather get-up with her stomach showing.” According to her current website, she is an assistant pastor of Weller Street Missionary Baptist Church on Skid Row in Los Angeles” and that, ironically, she preached her first sermon at Pastor Jamal Bryant’s Empowerment Temple in Baltimore, Maryland. But most of us know her as that crazy chick from Donald Trump’s reality show “The Apprentice.”

To the Donald’s right is Dr. Darrell Scott. Scott is married to Prophetess Dr. Belinda Scott, who was featured on the canceled show “Preach,” which was billed as a docuseries on Lifetime. Presumably, it was cancelled due to ratings, but some think the show may have been canceled after 15,000 people signed a change.org petition calling for the show to be yanked off the air…Tachina Carter, who started the petition, said “Preach” was “TRAVESTY to the Christian Community.” She went on further to say:

The women aka Prophetesses are making a MOCKERY of the church and promoting foolish behavior that is not necessarily a true representation of the REAL power of God. Cameras do NOT belong in the church filming the “spiritual” things that society as a whole does not understand. By airing this show it will cause more harm than good to the Christian community who already has a difficult time in sharing “The Good News” of Jesus Christ to the masses.

Well, honey, Prophetess Belinda Scott went off on her Facebook page according to an article from The Christian Post.

We now live in a world were every word about anyone, whether it’s your personal opinion or not; if it’s NEGATIVE or HATEFUL and DEGRADING in anyway against RACE, SEXUALITY or LIFESTYLE or LEARNING and BEHAVIOR disorders…you can’t say that…but, I watch hatful people who say they love the Lord, type like that FROG typing at that machine …TURN UP ON ‪#‎PREACHTV‬! A show that is not mocking the church, but exploring the lives of believers in the Church and hear me out first. The word reality is this …the state of being real, a real event or state of affairs, One, such as a person, an entity, or an event, that is actual. Now, do I hear from God…YES, did He call me to be a PROPHETESS, YES, Have I and Do I hear God’s voice concerning events, people and issues…YES! Did I see these attacks against us coming….YES! Is there a harvest on the way….YES!!!

I wrote some recaps about the show, one, “Have You Heard of Prophetic Dancing?! ‘Preach’ Episode 2 Recap…” of which features a view into the relationship of Dr. Darrell Scott and his wife Prophetess Dr. Belinda Scott.

I’m not saying that if you appeared on a reality show (Hello Donald Trump), everything you do from that point on is a ploy for publicity, but this picture is not a good look…

The Black Church in America is our greatest heritage and our greatest legacy. To demean it by cozying up to a man who does not seem to care about the souls of black folk is akin to selling our souls for a mess of pottage. We cannot sell our birthright under the guise of building bridges when the architect of the bridge is building a bridge to nowhere.

I’m not saying that meeting with an adverse political candidate is wrong in and of itself, but that meeting has to be couched in sincere conciliation. The Donald proved that his motives were less than savory when he said a meeting was on par with a political endorsement…

All that to say, God will not bless a mess…

Any thoughts?