ICONIC MAR 2015 | Page 5

The acclaimed “Preachers of” series has managed to capture a large following because of its themes which bring to light the faith, family and friendship that exists among seven men and women of the cloth, so now, Oxygen has decided to take on Motown. The program features preachers who share their lives, transformations and triumphs in and out of the pulpit in Detroit. The seven pastors are: Bishop , Pastor Don William Shelby Jr., Charles H. Ellis III, Pastor David Bullock, Bishop-Elect Clarence Langston, Pastor Tim Alden, Evangelist Dorinda Clark-Cole and Bishop Corletta Vaughn.

On www.metrotimes.com Lee DeVito wrote, “One topic that will be featured in the series is the challenge women bishops face in an industry that is overwhelmingly dominated by men. Other topics will touch on subjects that many people living a post-recession life will identify with – like how difficult it is to keep one’s faith while living in a city that has been hit hard by a failing economy. According to the Free Press, the Michigan Film Office in Lansing awarded the show’s producers a $405,811 incentive to film here.

But we have to ask … where else were they going to make a show about preachers of Detroit? Previously, the show’s exec Rod Aissa described it as “an offshoot of Preachers of L.A., but I think the bigger story is Detroit is a city of resurgence” — which we found to be a bit of a cliché elevator pitch.”

Oxygen has unveiled a new website where fans can go to watch exclusive videos, news, interviews, bios and behind-the-scenes photos. As each episode is premiered, fans can visit the site to see and respond to real-time content that is updated while the show airs. Viewers can chat, share photos and watch bonus videos, as well as ‘like’ and ‘follow’ their favorite preachers.

Nowhere in the bible were individuals raised to promote, broadcast, or celebrate themselves for the sake of drawing men to Christ (John 12:32). This type of behavior got Lucifer kicked out of heaven – pride and the merchandizing and trafficking of himself (Ezekiel 28). As a matter of fact, the wisdom of selfishly ambitious, people comes from the devil and not from God. Apostle Paul warned us about certain ministers of the gospel that will be self-seeking and full of vainglory (Philippians 1:17). Since “church celebrities” are selfishly ambitious they will always seek platforms for themselves in the name of ministry.