Oxygen's 'Preachers of L.A.' discuss reality TV as a ministry tool

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Season 2 of the reality show Preachers of L.A. is giving viewers another glimpse into the lives of six high-profile pastors from Los Angeles.

In an interview with theGrio.com, Pastor Jay Haizlip and Bishop Noel Jones opened up about the show’s ability to serve as a tool of evangelism.

“The show has given me a much larger platform,” Haizlip said. “Just to be who I already am. To love on people … to reach people … to influence people. Our church has grown as a result of it.”

Bishop Jones says the show has helped him reflect on his public image.

“What the show has done for me is it has given me a chance to evaluate how I appear in the eyes of people on the positive side and the negative side,” he said. “What I’ve learned is that some people are seriously bothered by your lifestyle, and some people aren’t. Some people have genuine concerns about … your life, and you have to take a look at that.”

Last season, Preachers of L.A. received some criticism from Christians, who said the show depicted pastors driving fast luxury cars and living in extravagant homes.

Bishop Jones and Pastor Haizlip said they agree it’s okay for pastors to live lavish lifestyles.

“We have created multiple streams of income,” Haizlip said. “We all get a modest salary from our churches. We have a set salary, so anything we have beyond that isn’t because we took it from people. It’s because we’re entrepreneurs and we’re businessmen.”

Bishop Jones discussed how, prior to coming into ministry, he owned a lucrative car business with his sister, legendary singer/actress Grace Jones.

Bishop Jones later revealed that he’s been trying to convince Grace to collaborate with Lady Gaga.

Tune in for new episodes of Preachers of L.A. Wednesdays at 10/9c on Oxygen.

Follow theGrio.com’s Entertainment Editor Chris Witherspoon on Twitter @WitherspoonC