Back in 2013, Oxygen premiered Preachers of LA, a new kind of reality TV show that gave the world a glimpse into the lives of several prominent preachers. Fast forward to today and the success of the show has lead to its first spin-off, Preachers of Detroit. The new series, which premiered a few weeks ago, features a new cast of prominent preachers from the Detroit area who promise to keep viewers tuned in every week. The cast includes, Bishop Charles Ellis, Bishop-elect Clarence Langston, Bishop Corletta Vaughn, Pastor David Bullock, Pastor Don Shelby, Pastor Timothy Allen and Evangelist Dorinda Clark-Cole. Just in case you’ve missed out on the first few episodes, here are a few things we’ve learned since the show’s premiere:
1. Men of God Are Flawed Too
I honestly don’t even know where to start with this one. Wait, I know! Let’s start with Pastor David Bullock, the fearless activist of the show. Bullock was raised in Detroit and is a man who is determined to make a difference in his hometown. As the youngest in the group, he also doesn’t mind face-to-face confrontation with some of Detroit’s most influential and more seasoned leaders. The first couple of episodes featured Bullock coordinating a rally to bring awareness to the voting rights of the citizens of Detroit. So far, so good, right? Oh, but wait. It gets better.
Pastor David Bullock (Photo Credit: Oxygen)
Although Bullock means well, sometimes his communication with other cast members can come across as condescending and, one might even say, a bit disrespectful. For example, he referred to other leaders as “ignorant” and out of touch with the community because they no longer live in the actual city of Detroit. All of this comes to a head during a “pow wow” organized by Bishop Charles Ellis—yes, that Bishop Ellis, pastor of megachurch Greater Grace Temple and the presiding bishop of the Pentecostal Assemblies of the World— who serves as the peacemaker of the show. The entire cast attended the meeting in an attempt to get all of the leaders on the same page. But, despite the bishop’s efforts, the conversation quickly turned sour among the group, especially between Pastor Bullock and Bishop-elect Langston whose views on ministry and leadership tend to vary. After a couple more encounters full of insults and egos, Langston finally set up one more meeting in an attempt to apologize for his part in the conflict. Eventually they both realized that they have the same goals, which is to find a way to serve the people of Detroit, and all was well.
2. Males Aren’t the Only Ones Against Females in Leadership Roles in the Church
Bishop Corletta Vaughn, the leading lady of the show, is Detroit’s first African-American female bishop, and as you can imagine, her role in the church hasn’t come without a price, including backlash from male leaders in the church and conflict in her marriage (We’ll get to that part later). But, let’s be honest here. The debate on whether or not it’s wrong for females to serve as leaders in the church is nothing new. Therefore, that storyline certainly wouldn’t have been enough to hold our attention or keep those television ratings flowing.
Evangelist Dorinda Clark-Cole (Photo Credit: Oxygen)
But when the show sheds light on the opinions of other women who also disagree with the idea of females serving as bishops? See, now you have our attention, and this is where Evangelist Dorinda Clark-Cole comes into the picture. You might have heard of her thanks to her huge success as a member of the Grammy award winning Clark Sisters. Well, during the show, we also learn that Clark-Cole is a woman who firmly believes that “it’s a man’s church” and the idea of a woman serving as a bishop is “inappropriate.” Believe it or not, Clark-Cole is not alone. In fact, the wife and daughters of Pastor Don Shelby also agree with this sentiment. We were able to witness this heated debate during a women’s luncheon that was organized by Chrisette Ellis, wife of Bishop Ellis. (Can you tell that the Ellis family is all about unity?) However, the spirited debate came to a head when the topic of the “S-word” hit the table.
It was time to talk about submission.
Although all of the women agree that the term “submission” means something different for each woman, depending on your biblical beliefs and how you’re raised, Pastor Shelby’s daughters were particularly passionate about their stance on a woman’s place in leadership. One of the sisters even went so far as to say she probably wouldn’t vote for a female president because women should not hold those kinds of leadership roles. Yes, you read that correctly. I’m sure as time goes on, we will see how these views change or stay the same. Personally, I’m all about change.
3. There’s More Than Meets the Eye
By now we know that all pastors have a story. Sure, you can find them in the pulpit on Sunday morning inspiring the masses and saving souls, but that is just one part of who they are and where they’ve been. In fact, many of these same leaders are from the very streets that they preach about.
Let’s take Bishop-elect Langston for example.
Bishop-elect Clarence Langston (Photo Credit: Oxygen)
Today, you’ll find the Detroit native rolling in his gorgeous white Bentley and living the lavish life in his beautiful home along with his wife and kids, but what many people don’t know is that Langston has a story filled with drugs, violence and even suicidal thoughts. His biological mother was murdered when he was very young and he eventually chose to embrace the streets of Detroit and live a life of selling drugs and violence. During the premiere episode, he opened up about trying to kill himself by holding a gun up to his head and pulling the trigger multiple times. Fortunately, the gun never went off. And as time went on, Langston eventually received his calling and is now one of the most influential pastors in Detroit.
Like Langston, Bishop Vaughn knows all about having only certain aspects of her life on public display, while there are other things that go on behind closed doors that only you and a spouse struggle with. As if the stress of being a female bishop isn’t enough, Vaughn is also dealing with the current challenges of her marriage. Her husband, Gilbert, actually resides in two states, Michigan and North Carolina, and has been traveling back and forth between the states for more than 11 years. However, lately he’s been spending more and more time in North Carolina which doesn’t sit well with the bishop and has caused a huge strain on their marriage. Hopefully, the couple will find a solution in a future episode.
4. Preachers in the Black Community Still Have a Lot of Influence
One thing that I have noticed throughout all of these episodes is the need for preachers to be involved in major issues affecting the community. Once upon a time, a community—especially a black community—wouldn’t make any major decisions without the input of the local church leadership. I think we can all agree that times have changed, but today’s preachers still have a lot of influence within their communities.
A great example of this was when Bullock was coordinating his rally. He knew that in order for his agenda to change the local voting rights to be a success, he would have to take to the streets of Detroit and reach out to people from all walks of life, including the ‘hood, so he enlisted Pastor Mo, a friend and colleague who was a product of the streets to help recruit attendees for the rally. Sure, Bullock started receiving some traction using the grassroots method, but he knew that in order for the rally to be a success, he still needed more support of other local pastors in the area, particularly Bishop Ellis. Unfortunately Ellis was unable to attend the rally, but it doesn’t change the fact that his influence, like so many other pastors across the nation, is unavoidable.
5. It’s Refreshing to See Positive Images of African Americans for a Change
Regardless of how you feel about reality TV, you can’t deny the positive aspects of Preachers of Detroit. Not only does the show create awareness around the issues that have been haunting the city for years, such as poverty and violence, but its national platform also showcases positive images of the black family unit.
One relationship that is featured during every episode is the father-daughter bond among the pastors and their daughters. We get to witness Pastor Shelby taking his youngest daughter, Amber, on her first date as a way to teach her a lesson on chivalry and self-respect. Towards the end of the date, Shelby gifts his daughter with an adorable teddy bear and a purity ring, which symbolizes her vow of abstinence until marriage.
Another great example is the fact that the majority of the cast are in long-term, committed relationships and support their spouses. Sure, each relationship is drastically different (please refer back to ladies’ conversation on submission), but what relationship isn’t? The bottom line is that viewers are able to see multiple African American Christian couples in long-lasting, monogamous relationships, which isn’t so common in today’s society. So far, all of the couples seem like they’re in it for the long-run. Then again, we still have several episodes to go, so I suppose we’ll have to stay tuned.
Be sure to come back next week for a recap of future episodes.
I think this was one of the best and most informative articles I have seen written about Preachers of Detroit. I think the show has done what it was intended to do and that is to get people taking about the Word of God and Church. It’s amazing the social media buzz and peoples opinions about the various Pastors on the show. We have to realize that so much is cut out because tv shows have to keep people tuned in. If you watch closely you will see the edited scenes at various times. That is probably the only thing I don’t like about the show because I know that the answers that some of the preachers responded with did not get on tv. On the other hand the internet and social media has show me that we have more crazy people out here that only say things because they are behind a computer. I have read some very disrespectful comments that I’m sure the people who posted them would not dare to say in person. But by far the most disturbing comment I read was a young wife who said “it was weird for the pastor to take his daughter on her first date”. Really when we see so many of our young ladies looking for love in all the wrong places. I thought wow I’m I crazy for thinking that was positive and cool or the writher for saying it was “weird”. I hope people will see the good out of the show and if they have direct questions or conflict with the Pastors then contact them direct for an answer. You can always think what you see is the reality. For example most successful Pastors that I know on the show do more than ministry to drive a bentley. I guess church folk like myself who have a successful career and business have to be broke down and cannot show the things that God has blessed us with.
My Family atends Bishop Ellis church I was overjoyed once I saw him on this show, I’m from Cincinnati and I grew up n Detroit in the 70’s I Love watching The Preachers of Detroit & Pray to see more episodes that show real life matters of the Preachers of Detroit. To God Be The Glory. Ericka Montgomery of The Montgomery Family in Detroit.
Nothing about this show is refreshing. Do we really need another reality show to tell us that these supposed men and women “of God” are “flawed”?? Human beings – no matter the background – are FLAWED. We do not need to be constantly reminded of this fact. Very few people expect men and women of God to be perfect, flawless individuals. Let’s stop perpetuating that lie so we can stop making excuses for people who willingly go on television to cause dissension and division all in the name of Jesus. Smh.
I am not sure what world you are living in but most people think that men and woman of God are without flaw and are ready to throw them under a bus if they are caught messing up, yet they fell to examine their own life. Actually they are perfect just as perfect as every other child of God that are perfect because of Jesus Christ. People need to know that even though they have laid their lives to do God work and will, they are still human beings with everyday challenges and problems. Self righteousness causes people to turn on their own. If this show is making anyone fall from grace (with your deep self) stop watching it. I’m loving it. Real men and women of God being real.
I agree with you and find it disingenuous to call this show refreshing. I personally see to much of self-promoting for the preachers and their families. Once again it seems to me, our communities are being exploited for personal recognition and gain.
These shows are the most grieving thing (besides the blatant lies preached from the pulpit regarding prosperity). These shows hinder the Holy Spirit’s true work in Christians. They are full of lust, greed and pride. Instead of promoting themselves, these “leaders” should be promoting the message of Jesus Christ. They should be delivering souls, and teaching and training those in the church to do the same. The world has truly crept – no I stand corrected – BLASTED it’s way into the Church and has taken over. There’s no more holiness, sanctity and fear of the Lord! This is a Hophni and Phineas nation of leaders and preachers today with the governing heads like Eli. Instead of correcting these lustful preachers, the the ruling governers (those who are over these leaders) are allowing them to run rampant and rape the people. I’m praying that a nation of Samuels, Elijah’s, Jehu’s and John the Baptists come in and clean up this mess Satan has made and that the Spirit of God will once again move mightily in the Church!!
The Holy Spirit is not so weak that a TV show will him. Maybe you should read the testimony of the men and women being delivered from scars of their past from watching Bishop Langston release scars from his past. Ministry is more than a man behind a pulpit. Jesus said go out into… and what better way then through media and real life lessons. Holiness is more than just a look, a walk and a talk. The Pharisee were so good at it that they made Jesus sick. you and I are the church, I don’t know about you but I don’t give the devil that much power or credit to blast his way in me, not with the Holy Spirit within me. You know very little about these men and women to give such harsh judgment, as Jesus said to the Pharisees (the religious leaders) “let he who is without sin cast the first stone”.
Cindy, you are right, I don’t know these people personally but I can assure you I know the Holy Spirit and His Word! We, as Christians, are not to flaunt or display our weath in such a way that does not promote Christ. These people are not doing that. Their wealth is the subject of their show. If you read the bible, God wants us to do everything with our money IN SECRET! The only thing we are to do publically is to let our LIGHT so shine before men that they will see our GOOD WORKS that they may GLORIFY GOD WHICH IS IN HEAVEN. Let’s break that down. It is only our good character and Christlike deeds that should be on display before the world. And even that must glorify God, not ourselves. Our so called self righteousness and riches should never be on display to the world. We, again, as Christians, must give in SECRET so that God can REWARD us openly. When he rewards we are never to be haughty about it nor flash it in front of others. Now why is that? it’s because we, again as Christians, are never to do anything to provoke others to envy, jealousy, fear or any emotion that causes (those watching) their souls to be cast down. These shows do not promote Christ at all. Yes, they may put a little in here and there, but a majority of these shows focus on them, NOT CHRIST! And these “pastors” “bishops” and the like should know better. As the scripture states: Therefore seeing we have this ministry as we have received mercy, we faint not. but have renounced the hidden things of dishonesty,NOT WALKING IN CRAFTINESS, NOR HANDLING THE WORD OF GOD DECEITFULLY but by manifestation of the truth commending ourselves to every man’s conscience in the sight of God. – II Cor. 4:2. Also, you may want to read and meditate on I Tim 6. The bible clearly state that for those who promote that gain is godliness, to turn away from them (I Tim 6:3). He didn’t say give them a TV show for them to flaunt their wealth and holler “Oh, God wants me to be rich, here let me show you!!” I’ll say it again, SATAN, THE DECEIVER, THE LIAR, had truly blasted his way into the church! No I am not giving him any power, they are! I know who he is and I know how to stand against and defeat his tactics! If you aren’t saved, I excuse and understand your ignorance. But if you are a Christian, you have to learn how not to compromise the ways of God and call things what it is so you can see him better so you can tell the clean from the unclean and the impure from the holy.
With the exception of dorinda clark-cole, how did these pastors amass so much wealth?
Oooooo……good question xerxes……VERY good question. Anyone care to answer……we’ll wait………(fa-ev-va xerxes)
I think that the Preachers of Detroit is a well crafted microcosm into the world of today’s African-American Church. Ms. Travis, you mentioned Reverend David Bullock first in your well written article. He is by far the most engaging figure. The opening credit montage shows ministers hopping out $100,000 automobiles and strolling beside villas. Reverend Bullock (whom I’d never heard of before the show) lives in the community with the people to whom he ministers. Reverend Bullock resents these ministers and he is unable to hide it. On the show he calls what they do “pimping”. Think about a doctor trying to socialize with someone who he perceives as a con artist or a hack who exploits the sick and the elderly. At some point that doctor’s disgust is going to be come evident. Someone asked earlier, “With the exception of Dorinda Clark-Cole, how did these pastors amass so much wealth?” That’s an easy question. They convinced their congregations that they deserve to live in opulent splendor and that if the man or woman of God is provided their due, financial blessings will come to the impoverished people who enrich their leaders. Preachers of Detroit is fascinating because for the first time, you have a grassroots minister challenging that corrupt theology.
I stand on the point that the gospel of Jesus Christ has been doing well for centuries without these so called shows,men of God are not perfect yes,but our lives should not be on the TV every day as if we are the ones who died on the cross,Jesus is Lord and he can do well without this,these shows are doing more harm to the body of Christ as a whole than good.
By the way did any of this people ask what God has to say about this before getting into in,where are those days where people will seek the face of God before getting into any such things.
I love the show and I’ll tell you why.. First of all, these men and women are human beings with flaws. I’ve seen the growth of mega churches in the 80s and 90s, and those with television ministries..people look at them like they’re Hollywood stars!!! We serve a jealous God. People need to stop worshipping pastors and preachers. We need to worship the King of Kings. Jesus is the only one worthy of worship. Period.
Second of all, folks need to be not be so sensitive about negative issues/topics being exposed. Let’s just take the mask off. Church People are embarrassed about unsaved/unchurched people watching this show and pointing the finger at us. So what. They’ve been doing that for more than 2,000 years. There are things going on in the Body of Christ that are a lot worse than what we’re seeing in these episodes. What it has done for me, is to create a dialogue between my family and friends about things that need to be discussed about The Church and the direction that it’s headed. We have had some heated and healthy conversations, and we’ve seriously asked ourselves how we may have hindered or helped what the Lord is doing in this hour. I don’t sit in judgement of any of these people, because I have no right to judge anyone. If I allow the Word of God to judge me, then He won’t have to. Like the Apostle Paul said, we need to work out our own salvation every day in fear and trembling.
The Church needs serious prayer and intercession. The issues and problems that have come to light through these Los Angeles and Detroit episodes should cause all us of to get on our faces and cry out to God for mercy for all of us. All have sinned and fall short of the Glory of God. We need to come back to Our First Love..Jesus. And love Him with passion and determination and commitment. And we need to stop compromising the Word of God to make people feel good and comfortable about their lifestyle choices. The wages of sin is still death whether we like it or not.
God means what He says, and says what He means. God says that we either love Him or hate Him. We can’t “like” Him.
Nothing happens behind God’s back. Nothing. Seeing these problems makes them more real to me, and my prayers are more heartfelt, and fervent. I’m glad that these shows are produced, and I hope they move on to other parts of the country, like Chicago, Dallas, Philadelphia, New Orleans, and Atlanta for example.
Our prayers need to be specific, targeted, and passionate.
Carnal minded Christians with devilish theology is what this show is about – they walk according to the flesh and not the Spirit. I really hope they repent, otherwise they will most likely be in the category of “Lord, we did this and this for you and in your name” and Jesus will reply “Away from me you doers of evil – I have never known you”.
I can tolorate this better the preachers of LA. Now they we a disgrace.
In 1 Timothy 3 : A Bishop then must be,the HUSBAND of one wife, temperate,sober minded,of good behavior,hospitable,able to teach.One who rules his own house well,(for if a man does not rule his own house well,how will he take care of the Church of God?)Let the Word,wash these Pastors, so many shows of this ilk,are nothing but pimping Gods people,please,if you really know your word,you can see right through all the utter nonsense.
Overweekend i watched the Episode where the Bishop-Elect Clarance went to the grave prior his Ordination to be a Bishop and visited his late mothers grave that does not sit well with me biblically why does a Bishop consult late people , that grave has bpnes no spirit
I am very disturbed
Why are preachers (who are filthy rich already) doing a reality show (to make more money). But the bible does say in the book of Proverbs that “he who is rich is never satisfied with his income — he has to have more.” And I could also quote a scripture from the book of Matthew, 1Corinthians, and 1 Timothy regarding the same subject. So, never mind… I just answered my own question.
Ah yes, events can be great pisoasn-stirrers as well. We have a category called where we try to reflect on some of those events that stir our pisoasn.Two specifically that have stirred my pisoasn are the and .Sometimes it helps to get away and focus on God. We’re hoping that the Bishop’s Retreat that we’ll attend next week will be a restful-but-passion-stirring-event for us as well!