By: Alex Ro, contributing intern (@thatgurlsalexro) If every joint in your body did not go into cardiac arrest when Pastor Canton Jones performed with Pastor Judah Swilley – and if your soul did not want to cry out when the winner of Sunday’s best, Pastor Le’Andria Johnson sang her ballad – then you did not attend the same premier as we did. Gracing the red carpet at 595 North in Atlanta was the whole cast of the continuing series of “Preachers” phenomenon was Pastor Canton Jones, Pastor Corey Hambrick, Pastor Kimberly Jones-Pothier, Pastor Judah Swilley and Pastor Le’Andria Johnson. Surrounded by their family members, friends, and a hand full of fans, questions were arising as the skepticism of how another Preachers show was going to harm the images of the local pastors. But, negative talk was quickly shut down on the red carpet asap when Pastor Judah Swilley warned fans he was wearing a $4.00 blazer that he bought for the “Preachers of Atlanta” photo shoot, as well as, Pastor Kimberly Jones urging him two weeks prior to the premiere party to stop riding Uber and get a car. The action packed evening was hosted by inspirational speaker and radio personality of “The Nightly Spirit,” Willie Moore Jr. of Praise 102.5. Kicking off the night with an introduction into the storylines of each pastor started Pastor Corey Hambrick, whom was not only a pastor but a police officer in Atlanta. Fans viewed a clip of Hambrick entering into his old neighborhood and being quickly rejected by people in the community due to position that he held as law enforcement and the fear that the community had with the system itself. With not giving you detail by detail, just know you will be fully ready to change your perception of the person standing in the suit. Next up was Pastor Le’Andria Johnson as she approaches ministering in a rather unflattering and unorthodox type of way. Letting you know from the jump that she is not afraid of showing the world what she does behind closed doors (that most people would be ashamed to show you with open doors). Le’Andria decided to take her ministry to the streets of Atlanta. As you will see, she found more than what she bargained for. Surely don’t dismiss her style of preaching because – at the end of the day – you will surely come out with a testimony of your own. With Pastor Kimberly Jones-Pothier taking a more direct approach to her ministry by being straight up, she focuses on family, her new husband and the trials of almost losing her life in her previous marriage. Also allowing cameras into a more personal space, was Pastor Judah Swilley when he reveals his relationship to his mother about the feelings he was harboring for his father who came out as a homosexual male. He also let fans know that just because of the chosen label that life put on you as individual at birth, you are still a person NO MATTER WHAT! Wrapping up the episode was musical artist and pastor himself, Pastor Canton Jones, who will truly have you needing boxes of tissues before the night is over. Canton gave fans a heartfelt moment by allowing cameras into his church and having members express their own personal struggles with not having father figures in their home. He also revealed the mishaps of a failed pregnancy with his wife. Going through his journey in the public eye only brought his wife and himself closer, as well as, preached to others about their struggles. Viewers get ready for a question filled, emotional roller-coaster, edgier and a life changing experience with this new series of “Preachers of Atlanta.” Do not write them off because I promise you, if you have not attended church in a long time (no judging), but you will want to attend if not their service, a church of your own to reevaluate your life. Be sure to tune in Wednesday, February 3, 2016 at 10pm Est on Oygen!
