Non-denominational pastor Jay Haizlip, featured in the Oxygen Network’s new program “Preachers of L.A.,” thinks the reality show is going to be “phenomenal for the church.” Christianity Today notes that the show, “is billed as ‘a rare glimpse into the lives of six high-profile pastors from Los Angeles.’
The show drew controversy because of its apparent focus—per promotional clips—on the seemingly ostentatious lifestyles of some of the featured pastors, who sport glitzy jewelry, drive expensive cars, and appear to live in palatial homes.” In a CT interview, Haizlip says:
The traditional church is scared to death right now because this is a non-traditional approach to getting outside its walls. This isn’t a Jesus crusade in a stadium. This isn’t a method that’s been used traditionally in the past. It’s not a talking head Christian show on Christian TV. It’s scaring the heck out of the church, but it’s going to be very beneficial.
What’s the gospel message you hope people get out of this show?
My desire for this show is that people see God in a way that’s relatable—I can be real with him. God doesn’t demand that I was in some condition of perfection before I approach him. I can genuinely connect with God like I am, where I am, and God will help me to become who I need to be. My desire would be that it spark interest in people, that it would be a seed, water a seed, or draw someone back to God who may have drifted away.
This show isn’t about preaching to the choir. I want the church world to be proud of the fact that six leaders within the Christian faith are out here willing to do something outside the box, and I want to do it in a way that the Christian church is proud of. But my goal personally isn’t so much to minister to the Christian church. I want to minister to the world that won’t ever come in our churches.
Read more. What do you think? Is this new show going to draw the unchurched to become believers?