Bishop Noel Jones and Bishop Ron Gibson were in Atlanta last week as they hosted an advance screening for their Preachers of L.A. season 2 premiere episode.

‘Preachers’ officially returns to the airwaves for it’s 2nd season on August 20th and a few Atlanta area tastemakers were treated to a screening, along with a Q&A with the two bishops at Atlanta’s Phipp’s Plaza Theatre.

The faith-based reality show that sparked controversy and critical debate over its dramatic first season, returns with what appears to be more sobering developments in the ministries and lives of all its star Christian ministers. In addition to Jones and Gibson,  the cast includes: Deitrick Haddon, Bishop Clarence McClendon, Pastor Jay Haizlip, and Pastor Wayne Chaney.

[FLASHBACK: RECAP: Preachers of LA (Season 1) Finale Episode (FULL VIDEO)]

The first episode of season 2 reveals quite a few conflicts, the most explosive of which occurs when Bishop Gibson questions Bishop Jone’s 16 year relationship with his ‘friend’ Loretta.

Pastor Haizlip and Detrick Haddon also bump heads when he reveals he  feels ‘some kinda way’ about not being told Haddon’s new wife was with child prior to him performing their wedding ceremony… and last but not least Jone’s ‘frend’ Loretta ‘strikes back’ at the first ladies about her ‘single’ status.

Check out the recap + watch the explosive 1st episode of ‘Preachers of LA’ season 2 below…

VIDEO: Preachers of LA (Season 2, Episode 1)

First lady or first ‘gal pal’?

The relationship between Bishop Noel Jones and his longtime friend and potential love interest, Loretta is questioned byBishop Ron Gibson and his wife when Jones suggests Loretta plays the part of his ‘first lady’ in church matters.

Gibson feels that the relationship is inappropriate and that Loretta shouldn’t be viewed as the same level as that of a ‘wife’ i.e. first lady of the church.

Jones seems to feel that it’s a none issue, but when he mentions it to Loretta, she feels that she’s being targeted because she’s ‘single’.

The confrontation over the status of Jones and Loretta’s relationship, which Gibson insists the world needs to know about, apparently causes a “devastating rift” between the couples.

Loretta decides to take her concerns directly to the ladies.

Judge not, lest ye be judged…

Pastor Jay Haizlip decides to tell Detirick Haddon about his feelings about performing the Haddon’s marriage ceremony.  He feels deceived about not being told that Dominique was pregnant before they tied the knot.

Deitrick feels that Jay is totally being judgmental.  The table quickly turns when Haddon asks the Haizlip if he and if wife had ‘relations’ while they were courting before marriage and when he says ‘yes’… it was game over!

Which sin is greater? The fornication or the impregnation that results from fornication? One sin isn’t greater than the other.  Or is it?

Loretta vs. The ‘First’ Wives Club…

Dominique Haddon has a ‘sip & see’ for her & Deitrick’s new daughter and the ladies all gather to see the new baby.

Loretta puts on her finest white linen and takes the opportunity to release her frustrations about Bishop Gibson’s statements about her and Bishop Jone’s unconventional relationship out on all the wives.

During the sip & see, Loretta states that she feels that her ‘single’ status shouldn’t be a hindrance to participating in the church, while Gibson’s wife Lavette states that ‘as a Christian leader,’ Bishop Noel Jones should not be stringing Loretta along for 16 years without marrying her.

Each of the ladies have some valid points but neither is actually listening to the other.

I gather that Loretta merely wants to participate, while Lavette feels that only actual ‘wives’ should be given the ‘first lady’ duties.

Should Loretta be granted the same First Lady benefits as the actual ‘wives’?

What did you think of the 1st episode of Preachers of LA (season 2)?

“Preachers of L.A.” is produced by L. Plummer Media in association with Relevé Entertainment. Lemuel Plummer and Holly Carters are executive producers of the Oxygen program.

The show officially premiers August 20th on Oxygen (check your local listings for showtimes)