The War Of Words Have Begun!
Oxygen’s new show Preacher’s Of LA has stirred up conversational debate as to whether a religious show of this magnitude [Wealthy Preachers with bling, mansions, luxury cars, and a number of staff that assist them in effective ministry ie: Bishop McClendon] is promoting the right message and or hindering the Christian faith and the core values of true worship and obedience of God’s law.
The show is in its third episode since its high rating debut a few week ago and like many ‘bishops‘, ‘ministers‘ and ‘christians‘ around the globe who shared opposing views on the reality show, Bishop T.D. Jakes [on right] expressed his distaste for the show calling it “JUNK TV” and noting that unlike his fellow bishops on ‘Preachers Of LA‘ he has never used his church constituents ‘money‘ offerings to afford his personal lifestyle.
” Now , I know you been watching that junk on TV. I want to tell you right now, not on dime of what you’re sowing right now will buy my suit. I want you to tell you right now, not one dime of what your sowing . I want you know my car is paid for. I want you to know that I got my house on my own. I want you to know I’m not bling-blinging. I am not shake and bake I had money when I came to Dallas and I plan to have some when I leave.
” …. The Devil is a Lie! I have sold enough books and produced enough movies. I don’t need your offering to pay or this slimy suit. So I rebuke that spirit in the name of Jesus Christ. “
Watch the full showdown here.
Now this has obviously sparked even more conversation about the moral ethics of church leaders. Well, Bishop Noel Jones provided a subtle response to T.D. Jakes during his interview with ‘The James Fortune‘ show and said he is not going to be BLAST his fellow ‘clergy ‘men but he offered the following statement.
” I am not going to blast my friends. I had my own businesses at 21…. I would never be in a situation publicly where I would say anything that would ‘cast an aspersion‘ [make and insult or remark about anyone] on anyone else. All of us, Whatever preachers have become. Whoever did not have it before they became preachers. It was the initial seed from the congregration. If they sold books and the book sold very well it was because they had shows that made them popular and somebody wrote a check for those shows to be made.
” If they became significant in business or in any ASPECT, it was the initial money from people that love them, respected them, and was blessed by them. And who gave them offerings that they managed well and they promoted themselves well, and they ultimately ended up turning their backs saying: Well, I didn’t received a salary.”
” They didn’t start out not receiving salaries, They didn’t start out not receiving offerings, and they used the seed with their popularity to become what they’ve become today so it all began with somebody giving you MONEY! “
Sidebar: Whether subtle or straight forward -that was a direct jab at T.D. Jakes. The ‘island’ in Bishop Jones came out.
There is clearly alot of tension brewing between the two former friends. Will have to wait and see if the two can out God first, forgive, and move on for the greater good.