I recently viewed three episodes of the new reality television show Preachers of LA because I wanted to see how “preachers” were being depicted. (I have no intention of watching any more episodes because I deem it a waste of my time.)
Unfortunately, this show caters to many of the negative stereotypes secular society portrays regarding the church and preachers.
Many preachers in the show seem to have a true desire to walk with the Lord. One episode shows one pastor grappling with how to deal with a former church member undergoing a sex change! Another episode shows a bishop attempting to win gang members to Christ. (These are very good parts of the show and both of these leaders are portrayed as sincere Christ followers.)
I also think all these leaders sincerely believe they are promoting the gospel and glorifying God by doing this show. However, I also believe the producers of the show are using them for their own worldly agenda and have somehow convinced these leaders to expose their personal lives as a way of gaining more viewers by humanizing them to their audience.
Of course, some of these leaders may eventually be shown in an even more negative or positive light in future episodes.
Since my observations are based on the snapshots that comprise three episodes and not firsthand knowledge, I am not going to use any names but will speak in generalities.
The following are several of my observations:
1. They live lavish lifestyles.
In one episode, a bishop lamented that people call them “prosperity preachers,” and another stated they are entrepreneurs who produce most of their money outside of their local churches.
I believe this is probably true. But, this statement was only made in passing; the reality show makes a point of showing each of these preachers’ lavish homes.
Thus, the metanarrative of the show only perpetuates the negative caricature of a preacher who ministers primarily for personal gain.
2. They exaggerate their humanity at the expense of the glory of God.
I am against superficial religion and appreciate when a leader is transparent with his close friends and associates. However, when these leaders allow the media to publically capture mere snapshots of their personal struggles within their own families and/or with other leaders, without showing the whole context of their lives, it can accentuate their issues to the point of making them seem like hypocrites who don’t really have a life and ministry centered upon Christ.
