The new reality series “Preachers of Atlanta,” which premieres on Oxygen Media, Feb. 3, is riveting, fascinating and engaging entertainment.
It follows the lives of five preachers challenging the status quo: Pastor Corey Hambrick, Pastor Le’Andria Johnson, Pastor Canton Jones, Pastor Kimberly Jones-Pothier and Pastor Judah Swilley.
It’s important to keep in mind that this is a reality series around men and women of “God.” To make a reality series successful it’s vital to bring the drama. And it’s controversial drama that fuels all reality series that are filled with characters who know how to push each others’ buttons. “Preachers of Atlanta” has all of those elements, plus a bonus surprise.
There is “drama,” and then there is “God-fueled drama” that’s driven by people who are trying to change the world with “love”—but it’s a reality series. Understand?
The show promises to focus on many of the hot-button and polarizing issues in America today. It’s an intelligent move on Oxygen’s part to base the franchise in Atlanta, which is the home to the biggest and most renowned ministries in the country.
This show peeks into the world of religion, and all five pastors have drastically different approaches to their ministries.
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.
Pastor Canton Jones (Free Life Church) found his ministering voice through the power of music. 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.
Canton is the president of Cajo Records and serves as a media triple threat, working as a successful rapper, songwriter and producer. 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, 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 Corey Hambrick (The Life Church Christian Center) is an Atlanta native. Celebrating his fourth year of ministry, he is also a detective sergeant in the City of Conyers Police Department.
Pastor Le’Andria Johnson (Imperfect People Changing Ministries) is a Grammy Award-winning recording artist and is willing to take extreme measures to reach those in need.
She took the gospel music scene by storm since being crowned the Season 3 winner of BET’s “Sunday Best” in 2010.
Pastor Kimberly Jones-Pothier (Church of the Harvest) is a life coach and mentor with the desire to lead others to their purposes by realizing their passions. The daughter of two preacher parents, Jones-Pothier and her husband, Mark Pothier, are senior pastors at their church in Fayetteville, Ga., where they reside with their two sons, Morgan and Lyncoln.
Jones-Pothier 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.”
Pastor Judah Swilley (The Movement) grew up in the ministry and is a fifth-generation preacher. He recently launched his church, where he pastors full-time at weekly worship services, hoping to inspire youth to come back to the church. Swilley feels that people, particularly youth, are hungry for God, but are done with the “division of religion.”
“Preachers of Atlanta” is produced by L. Plummer Media in association with Relevé Entertainment, with Lemuel Plummer, Holly Carter, Chris Costine and Mark Scheibal serving as executive producers.
For more information, visit www.oxygen.com/preachers-of-atlanta.