"The Real Reality of Ministry!"

Ministry by its very nature and design is supposed to personify selfless service and care of others. It is has been considered one of the most humbling of professions that is divinely guided and inspired.  It is an around the clock occupation that requires patience, flexibility and most importantly commitment.  It is about meeting the needs of humanity where ever they may rest.  My ministry revolves around the great commission of my faith. It is about serving the most basic needs of others in season and out of season. It is neither glorious, fame centered, nor wealth seeking, it does however consist of “preaching good news to the poor, healing the broken hearted, preaching deliverance to the captives, recovering of sight to the blind, and to set at liberty them that are bruised.”  The bottom line is it is an incessant desire to be of service to others. These tenants are represented in every community of faith irrespective of varying religions or beliefs.

                The current reality show, “Real Preachers of LA,” in my opinion depicts and portrays everything that ministry and service is not.   It covers the gamete from lavish and gaudy living to taking advantage of those that are less fortunate. While I understand that reality shows are designed to be a source of entertainment and are viewer driven they conversely do a great disservice to their viewing audience. The dichotomy is that the majority of persons in the ministry do not carry themselves in such a careless and reckless manner. The reality is that the majority of ministers take their calling, occupation and parishioners with the utmost seriousness.   

                While I listen to the comments of others around the country regarding the show I often ask myself with the strange intuition and amazement, I wonder very seriously what would Jesus Think? What would Muhammad think? What would Buddha think? What would Confucius think? What does the Dali Lama think? These are major world religious figures whose ministries were centered around humble service to others.

It is my sincere hope that as the viewing public continues to support this reality debacle that they take into consideration that these fictitious characters do not represent the reality of most and certainly not all ministers. My individual faith teaches me that the most honorable of professions are those that require and mandate service to others. It would be great if this show proved solely for entertainment purposes, however the sad fact of the matter remains that this is their reality that puts me in the mindset of a vaudeville minstrel show. Such as it is and be that as it may the philosophy of my ministry will forever remain, “If I can help somebody along the way, then my living will not have been in vain.”

The Reverend Douglas Demetrius Prather, a noted social justice and civil rights activist is the Senior Pastor of the Greater Mountain Baptist Church in Atlanta, Georgia. www.greatermountainbaptist.org