[Sponsored Post] You’re Invited! Oxygen Network Hosts ‘Preachers of L.A.’ Google+ Hangout

Fans, critics and spectators, we’re only a few weeks away from Oxygen’s highly anticipated docu-series/reality show, ‘Preacher’s of LA‘. Premiering on Wednesday, October 9 at 10 PM ET/PT,  the series gives viewers a candid and revealing look at six boldly different, world-renowned mega-pastors in Southern California— Bishop Noel Jones, Minister Deitrick Haddon, Bishop Clarence McClendon, Pastor Jay Haizlip, Pastor Wayne Chaney and Bishop Ron Gibson. While “Preachers of L.A.” documents these pastors’ lifestyles, the series also focuses on the daily struggles and triumphs they face as men, husbands, fathers, brothers and friends. What’s more? Viewers will also get to know the strong women who stand behind these church leaders.

In anticipation of the show, Oxygen Media is ramping up for the premiere by hosting a GOOGLE+ Hangout on Tuesday, September 10 at 7 PM ET on Oxygen.com and Google+.  Moderated by Oxygen’s recently announced on-air personality, Susie Castillo, the GOOGLE+ Hangout will engage a global audience in a live conversation with the series’ stars, including Bishop Ron Gibson, Deitrick Haddon and Pastor Wayne Chaney. Click here to watch to RSVP and watch the ‘Pastors of LA’ G+ Hangout. [Editor’s  Note: I, along with some other dope bloggers are participating in the live conversation and will asking the cast questions!] 

PARTICIPANTS:

·         Susie Castillo: The third Latina ever to win the Miss USA Pageant, launching her long career in entertainment. With a strong presence and personality, Susie quickly emerged as one of television’s most recognizable faces, being named to Maxim’s Hot 100 list in 2008 and Complex Magazine’s 50 Hottest Dominican Women in 2011 (she’s both Dominican and Puerto Rican). In 2007 she became the face of Neutrogena, joining the ranks of Jennifer Garner, Gabrielle Union and Kristen Bell. Off the back of her success, Susie published a book in 2009 called Confidence is Queen… a title she clearly exudes.

·         Bishop Ron Gibson: Born and raised in South Central L.A. and Compton, to many, Bishop Ron M. Gibson seemed to be the least likely to end up a preacher.  Although he was raised by a Christian mother in the Church, Ron succumbed to the pressure of the streets and became a Compton Crip by the age of sixteen.  This led to a life of crime and drug addiction, until Christ changed his life.  He started Life Church Of God In Christ with nine members, which has now grown to a congregation of approximately 4,000 members.  Through it all he’s accumulated much,  but the one thing that he and his wife have not experienced is the joy of having children.

·         Pastor Wayne Chaney: At the age of twenty he got the call from God and has grown to become a prominent pastor of the church his grandfather built.  Fast-forward 10 years later, Antioch Church of Long Beach is the leading church in its community. With an ability to communicate complex truths in a simple way, Pastor Chaney has helped remarkably grow the church, along with the help of his secret weapon, his wife, gospel artist Myesha Chaney. While Antioch is poised to become the next mega-church with the ability to reach millions worldwide, there’s an obstacle in the way and it comes from within Pastor Wayne’s own family. Chaney wants nothing more than to do right by his ministry and his family, but he struggles to find a balance between the two.

·         Minister Deitrick Haddon: The son of a bishop and an evangelist, Deitrick was preaching at the age of eleven and conducting the church choir at thirteen.  At twenty-three he married the woman he was expected to marry – the lead soprano of the church choir.  However, everything didn’t continue as perfectly as the church had hoped. After going through a divorce, moving to California, and having a child out of wedlock, he hit rock bottom. But because of the call on his life and his love for music, he’s picking himself back up, rebuilding his faith, and restoring his family, with now wife, Dominique and beautiful daughter, Destin.