Jacob Greenleaf (Really Lamman Rucker), Tasha Cobbs Leonard & More Star In New Movie ‘SINNERS WANTED’ on TV One!

OWN 'Greenleaf' Actors Star in New Projects?

Hello World,

Still, no word on when OWN’s “Greenleaf” is returning but the actors from our favorite church drama series are making moves…

TV One celebrates Holy Week with the cable-television premiere of SINNERS WANTED on Palm Sunday, April 5 at 4 P.M. ET/3C with encore airings on Saturday, April 11 at 12 P.M. EST/11C and Easter Sunday, April 12 at 4 P.M. EST/3C. The award-winning film features an all-star cast ensemble including Lamman Rucker, Traci Braxton, Clifton Powell, Roland Martin, Tasha Cobbs-Leonard, Joseph Curtis Calendar, Hope Blackstock, Tiana Melvina Woods, and Nasir Rhamim.

The movie tells the story of Leo Shepherd (Kenneth Wayne), an unconventional pastor ridiculed by his hypocritical congregation after rescuing and falling in love with Gigi (Ashley Rios), a woman with a troubled past.

“When asked to produce Sinners Wanted it was a no brainer,” said Executive Producer Tressa Azarel Smallwood of MegaMind Media. “I knew that a movie addressing forgiveness and judgement teetering around a pastor marrying a prostitute would change the thinking of many. This movie had to happen and partnering with TV One was genius on behalf of all involved.”

“I am very proud of my sons effort in producing this story,” remarked Pastor John K. Jenkins, First Baptist Church of Glenarden, Washington, DC. “This film will help the next generation understand what God’s Love truly means. It’s amazing how they took the biblical story of Hosea and Gomer and made it present day. I encourage church communities all over to country to see it.”

SINNERS WANTED follows the journey of Leo Shepherd (Wayne), a young vibrant minister from Macon, Georgia, who relocates to Washington, D.C., for an opportunity to pastor Grace Community Church. On his first day, Leo meets a prostitute named Ginger “Gigi” Clementine (Rios). (So this movie has a Gigi too?) Ironically, Leo is immediately drawn to her as she reminds him of his mother. They begin to grow closer and their feelings become stronger. The church finds out about the budding relationship and immediately voice concerns about the impact of the woman’s past on the church’s image. Despite the congregation’s outcry, Leo continues to pursue Gigi and falls deeply in love, eventually asking for her hand in marriage. Their holy union, however, turns out to be catastrophic and reveals both Leo and Gigi’s past.

“It’s interesting to see what Leo and Gigi do, and whether or not they are gonna make it,” commented Lamman Rucker. “I think it’s a good script and it shows that Josh and Jimmy have alot of potential in writing good stories.”

Here’s the trailer:

For more information visit TV One’s YouTube Channel and check out exclusive, behind-the-scenes content on www.tvone.tv. Viewers can also join the conversation by connecting via social media on TV One’s Twitter, Instagram and Facebook (@tvonetv) and Facebook using the hashtag #SINNERSWANTED.

In Other News: Lovie Simone aka Jacob Greenleaf’s daughter Zora has been cast in “Power Book III: Raising Kanan,” according to Variety. “‘Power Book III: Raising Kanan’ at Starz continues to build out its cast with the addition of Lovie SimoneVariety has learned exclusively. The series will explore the early life of “Power” character Kanan Stark, played in the mothership series by Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson. She joins previously announced cast members Mekai Curtis, Patina Miller, Omar Epps, and Hailey Kilgore.” Read more HERE.

Also, Bishop Greenleaf aka Keith David starred in a recent episode of “NCIS: New Orleans” according to cheatsheet.com. “The latest episode of NCIS: New Orleans, “Biased,” tackled a difficult topic. When an NOPD officer shoots a black Navy officer he believed is armed, tensions rise. The procedural drama touched on racial disparities, pitting Dr. Loretta Wade (CCH Pounder) against her new love interest, Gene Holloway, played by legendary actor, Keith David. Who is David and what else has he done?” Read more HERE.

And y’all, I think I saw Sophia Greenleaf aka Desiree Ross AND AJ aka Jacob Gibson on some shows as I was going through channels recently…What’s going on? Shouldn’t they be filming more episodes of OWN’s “Greenleaf” that we can watch now?!!!

But if you’re in need of a church drama fix now AND you like my OWN “Greenleaf” recaps, check out my debut novel Destination Wedding which features Minister Jarena Johnson (a mistress minister is what I call her!) who dates married men even as she teaches Bible Study at her church. Some of her antics would even catch Lady Mae and Gigi by surprise! The paperback is on sale for $7.93 today and the e-book costs $5.99 on Amazon! Click HERE. 

Any thoughts?

 

 

Driving In Isn’t For Just For Theaters Anymore: Presenting Drive-In Churches…

Hello World,

As I told you on Sunday, I didn’t go to church in person on Sunday due to social distancing guidelines during this coronavirus or COVID-19 pandemic. But one church has found a creative way to come together and praise God while still social distancing, according to Religion News Service. See below:

“When it came time to pass the peace Sunday at Pathway Baptist Church, Senior Pastor Mike Donald didn’t hesitate.

“Everybody, wave to the right,” Donald said.

In response, the hundreds of people at the Calvert Drive-in Theatre in Calvert City, Kentucky, turned to their right and waved to the people sitting in the cars next to them.

There was a smattering of honks in place of applause between songs like “Power in the Blood” and “Victory in Jesus” and some prolonged blasts to express appreciation for Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear and the owners of the theater. Worship leaders bundled in winter coats stood six feet apart from each other beneath the blue awning, and a deacon in a yellow safety vest led prayers.

“What a sight!” Donald said as he looked out across the cars parked at the theater. The church later counted 134 in aerial photos.

“The church has left the building.”

The Calvert Drive-In Theatre has hosted two weddings and a number of concerts, Donald said.

But it hadn’t hosted a church service until Sunday (March 22), when Pathway Baptist Church — like so many others across the United States — was forced to get creative amid social distancing precautions put in place to slow the spread of COVID-19, the disease caused by the novel coronavirus.”

Read the rest of the article HERE.

 

How Some of America’s Favorite Christian Pastors Are Addressing Coronavirus aka COVID-19 & More…

 

Hello World,

I’m not going to church today, and I don’t feel good about it. And you already know why I’m not there. In fact, some of you are probably attending Bedside Baptist with me as social distancing has become the norm to prevent the spread of the worldwide pandemic of coronavirus aka COVID-19.

As a woman of faith, I still find myself grappling with fear. The verse 2 Timothy 1:7 comes to mind. “For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.” So on on the one hand, if God has not given me the spirit of fear, why should I fear this novel virus?  I should be in church this morning among believers because why fear. But then on the other hand, my sound mind, which was given to me by God, tells me that if our world’s greatest healthcare leaders says that we should practice social distancing and to not play with this new sickness then I should be within the confines of my home this morning. I’ve come to the conclusion that this verse should be treated as a seesaw. I don’t think I should be stifled by fear so much so that I’m in a catatonic state because the end is near, but at the same time, I shouldn’t be so cavalier that I think I’m superhuman. It’s a tenuous balance for sure, but that’s where I am today.

Since I’m no theologian, I’ve been researching what our favorite pastors have to say on this topic because I expect them to have better understanding than I do. As the Word says, not everyone should be a teacher, because there higher standards for those who do so. But below are some videos and news articles that demonstrate how pastors are responding to COVID-19.

Bishop T.D. Jakes…

Dr. Charles Stanley…

Pastor Rick Warren…

Dr. Tony Evans…

Believe it or not, some Christian pastors have been diagnosed with coronavirus. Below are some news stories I found as I searched…

“Lubbock Pastor: I Have Tested Positive for Coronavirus” by Justin Massound

Excerpt: “I wanted to let everyone know that the COVID-19 virus has been confirmed as of today,” said Pastor Javier Castaneda. “I tested positive for the coronavirus. So I just wanted to put this out as a notice for people who I have been in contact with. The instructions are the same. Keeping an eye on your symptoms and paying close attention to them for 14 days from the time we were in contact with each other.” See more at: kfyo.com.

“Virginia Church Community Prays for Pastor With Coronavirus” by Darcy Spencer

Excerpt: Crossroads Baptist Church Pastor Kenny Baldwin has stepped down from the pulpit after testing positive for coronavirus. News4’s Darcy Spencer spoke with Baldwin’s brother about how he is recovering. See more at: nbcwashington.com.

“Atlanta Pastor Shares Coronavirus Battle” by Beth Galvin

Excerpt: Scott Armstrong’s world has suddenly become very small. The 48-year-old Lead Pastor of City Church-Eastside in Atlanta is quarantined with COVID-19. He’s in the same house, but is physically separated from his wife Kerstin and 3 daughters. See more at: fox5atlanta.com. 

How are your favorite pastors addressing coronavirus?

Any thoughts?