The OWN Network is quickly becoming a favorite in African-American households. With popular shows like “The Haves and Have Nots,” “Greenleaf” and “Iylana, Fix My Life,” Oprah Winfrey’s Network has soared in the ratings. Now, Lakewood Church Associate Pastor John Gray is finding himself among the lineup.
“The Book of John Gray” features the life of Gray, who is known for his larger-than-life sense of humor and his special ability to connect with peoples’ hearts, bringing a message of hope and faith to everyone he meets. The network says that “he’s not your daddy’s preacher.” The show premieres Saturday, April 15, at 9 p.m.
Raised by a single mother, Gray began preaching at the age of 21, toured as a singer with Grammy award-winning gospel artist Kirk Franklin, and is renowned for his ability to blend comedy, music and entertainment into a unique style of preaching.
While he admits that he has faced his own enormous struggles and could easily have become a statistic, he has instead risen to prodigious success and is now trying to be the role model and father that he never had.
Gray will give viewers unprecedented access into his life with his wife, Aventer, and their ministry. Gray faces his own relatable struggles and triumphs as a husband and father.
The premiere season will introduce the dynamics within the Gray household, including his emotional struggle with diabetes and Aventer’s medical challenges.
Among the people Gray will guide are a woman whose home was destroyed after a flood, causing her to lose her faith; a father concerned about his daughter’s dangerous addiction to alcohol; a couple trying to overcome infidelity on their path to the altar; and a military veteran who is trying to work through the trauma of sexual abuse suffered while serving her country, which brings up demons from Gray’s own painful past.