A report by MediaTakeOut.com (and a copycat report by articlesofinfo.com) said that Juanita Bynum and her estranged husband Bishop Thomas Weeks and decided to reconcile their marriage were almost simultaneously denied by the publicists of both Weeks and Bynum.

The report states that "a person close to both" say the couple is "undergoing spiritual counseling together in an effort to reconcile their marriage."

Angelo Ellerbee, publicist of Bishop Thomas Weeks issue a statement immediately to EURweb.com that said:

"Please allow this communication to serve as an official notice to your web page that what was posted today regarding my client, Bishop Weeks III and his estranged wife, prophetess Juanita Bynum is totally false, incorrect and untrue on the behalf of Bishop Weeks. However, Ms. Bynum chooses to position herself is up to her and her publicity firm. There has been no spiritual engagements between my client, Bishop Weeks and his estranged wife. I hope that you will be very kind in displaying this information on your site as soon as possible. I find it quite misleading and full of publicity tricks."

Amy Malone, publicist for Evangelist Juanita Bynum, simultaneously issued a statement that said:

"Juanita Bynum would like to make it very clear that she is not in counseling with Bishop Thomas Weeks III, nor are there any talks of reconciliation as stated in the false article written by Doug Campbell. Juanita Bynum Ministries received a request from Bishop Weeks' uncle, Bishop Leo Smith, to speak at his conference in Barbados this June. She also received an invitation from his grandfather and aunt, Bishop Thomas J. Weeks and Dr. Gwendolyn Weeks to speak at their two-day prayer revival in Boston … she accepted both invitations. Her acceptances of the invitations are in no way a step towards reconciliation."

– Re-Posted from Eurweb.com

Reports say, Juanita Bynum and her estranged husband Bishop Thomas Weeks have decided to reconcile their marriage.

According to a person close to both Bishop Thomas and Prophetess Juanita, the couple are undergoing "spiritual counseling" together in an effort to reconcile their marriage. The insider says, "They both need spiritual healing from the Lord, but they're committed to rebuilding their marriage … Please give them some privacy.

Bishop Weeks was arrested for beating and stomping Prophetess Juanita in an Atlanta parking lot. Since then, Bishop Weeks has alleged that Juanita physically abused him repeatedly during the course of the marriage.

But things aren't over yet. Despite the couple's apparent reconciliation attempt, criminal charges are still pending against Bishop Weeks.

-Reported first by articlesofinfo.com

Mega church pastor Jamal Harrison Bryant and his wife Gizelle are headed to divorce court.

After 5 and a half years of marriage Gizelle Bryant filed for a divorce in the Circuit Court for Montgomery County on January 9.

The clergyman also filed divorce papers in Baltimore City Court on the same day, the Baltimore Sun reports.

Jamal Bryant is the affable 38-year-old pastor of Empowerment Temple A.M.E in Baltimore, Maryland. Many view him as a burgeoning voice in the AME (African Methodist Episcopal) denomination as his influence has extended nationally and internationally.

Known for articulating relatable sermons, the former 11th grade drop-out who entered the prestigious Morehouse College with a GED, has not released a statement about the situation, likely under his attorney's advisement.

"This is a private matter between Dr. Bryant and his wife, and we'd like to keep this matter private," attorney Jimmy A. Bell told the paper.

The copious blog and chat entries on the troubled marriage suggest this may be a personal matter, but it is far from private. Scandalous rumors of alleged affairs with several women have been rampant since the couple's engagement. His supposed womanizing went overboard when he impregnated a church member said to be 17 at the time of the time of copulation. When accusations of this affair surfaced in the Summer of 2007, church leaders asked him to step down while they initiated an investigation and awaited paternity test results. Months after the investigation, Jamal Bryant remains the pastor of Empowerment Temple.

Court records acquired from the Circuit Court of Maryland do indicate the pastor is the father of a least one other child who was born before he got married. The couple has a set of 1-year-old twins and a 3-year-old.

This story is developing. More details will be provided as they become available.

The anticipated album of Canton Jones, "Kingdom Business," was recently released worldwide on Arrow Records. Jones will celebrate the release at a free concert at Siloam Church International (3695 Roosevelt Highway, College Park, GA 30349).

The album release celebration will be hosted by John Gray a singer/actor/comedian/playwright, author and minister.

Canton Jones is a Deerfield Beach, Florida native and is not only a singer, but a songwriter, producer and vocal arranger.

Independently Jones has sold more than 75,000 units and has popular songs in regular rotation internationally. Those songs include, "Love Song," "Stay Saved" and the street anthem, "The Password."

Jones is very popular in the secular world as well sharing the stage with T.I., David Banner and Ludacris. He believes, "Kingdom Business," is his most creative album to date. The single, "My Day," is already getting radio play.

His label Arrow Records, is owned and operated by Pastor Taffi Dollar, World Changers Church International in College Park, GA. For more on Canton Jones log onto his web site www.cantonjones.net.

For years, as many as 200 members of Immanuel Bible Church and their friends have gathered in the church's fellowship hall to watch the Super Bowl on its six-foot screen. The party featured hard hitting on the TV, plenty of food — and prayer.

But this year, Immanuel's Super Bowl party is no more. After a crackdown by the National Football League on big-screen Super Bowl gatherings by churches, the Springfield church has sacked its event. Instead, church members will host parties in their homes.

Immanuel is among a number of churches in the Washington area and elsewhere that have been forced to use a new playbook to satisfy the NFL, which said that airing games at churches on large-screen TV sets violates the NFL copyright.

Ministers are not happy.

"There is a part of me that says, 'Gee, doesn't the NFL have enough money already?'" said Steve Holley, Immanuel's executive pastor. He pointed out that bars are still allowed to air the game on big-screens TV sets. "It just doesn't make sense."

The Super Bowl, the most secular of American holidays, has long been popular among churches. With parties, prayer and Christian DVDs replacing the occasionally racy halftime shows, churches use the event as a way to reach members, and potential new members, in a non-churchlike atmosphere.

"It takes people who are not coming frequently, or who have fallen away, and shows them that the church can still have some fun," said the Rev. Thomas Omholt, senior pastor of St. Paul's Lutheran Church in the District. Omholt has hosted a Super Bowl party for young adults in his home for 20 years. "We can be a little less formal."

The NFL said, however, that the copyright law on its games is long-standing and the language read at the end of each game is well known: "This telecast is copyrighted by the NFL for the private use of our audience. Any other use of this telecast or any pictures, descriptions, or accounts of the game without the NFL's consent is prohibited."

The league bans public exhibitions of its games on TV sets or screens larger than 55 inches because smaller sets limit the audience size. The section of federal copyright law giving the NFL protection over the content of its programming exempts sports bars, NFL spokesman Brian McCarthy said.

The issue came to a head last year after the NFL sent a letter to Fall Creek Baptist Church in Indianapolis, warning the church not show the Super Bowl on a giant video screen. For years, the church had held a Super Bowl party in its auditorium, attracting about 400 people and showing the game on a big screen usually reserved for hymn lyrics.

The letter "was really a disturbing thing," said Marlene Broome, a spokeswoman for the church.

The church canceled last year's party. This year, its adult Sunday school classes are having parties in homes, but Broome said church members miss the big gatherings. "Everybody really had a good time," she said.

Large Super Bowl gatherings around big-screen sets outside of homes shrink TV ratings and can affect advertising revenue, McCarthy said. "We have no objection to churches and others hosting Super Bowl parties as long as they . . . show the game on a television of the type commonly used at home," he said. "It is a matter of copyright law."

The same policy applies to all NFL games and to movie theaters, large halls and other venues with big-screen TVs, he said.

The policy has prompted some drastic downscaling. Last year, Vienna Presbyterian Church planned a party in its fellowship hall for its middle school and high school students, airing the game on its 12-foot video screen. Church leaders had hoped to use the game to draw in the teenagers, often a tough crowd to get through church doors.

"We thought we had found our magic bullet," said Barb Jones, the church's director of communication. The event was canceled, however, after the church heard about the Indianapolis case.

This year, Vienna Presbyterian plans a party for teenagers in its basement, showing the game on smaller TV sets.

Like other churches, Vienna Presbyterian will not charge admission to view the game, and it will not use the event as a fundraiser. In a testimony to the drawing power of the Super Bowl, churches do not use the Academy Awards or other high-rated televised events to evangelize.

To avoid attracting the ire of the NFL, some churches are even giving Super Bowl parties a more generic name. Broadfording Bible Brethren Church in Hagerstown will call its annual event the "Big Game Party."

The church still plans to show the game on its jumbo-size screen near the pulpit in its sanctuary. Pastor Bill Wyand said he has heard secondhand about the policy and is not sure whether screening the game via the church's video-projector system violates NFL policy. Still, he is looking nervously over his shoulder.

On the legal flip side, the NFL's big-screen ban could end up landing the league in trouble.

John Whitehead, president of the Rutherford Institute, a Charlottesville civil liberties group that focuses on religious freedom issues, is threatening to sue the NFL on behalf of an Alabama church that wants to host a big-screen Super Bowl party. He is also seeking sponsors for federal legislation to exempt churches from the ban.

"It's ridiculous," Whitehead said. "You can go into these stores now and buy 100-inch screens. The law is just outdated."

Jonathan Nelson and Purpose are back. The Integrity Music artist and his ensemble will release their sophomore CD "Right Now Praise" on February 5, 2008.

      The uplifting radio single "My Name is Victory" just debuted at #28 on Radio & Records' Hot Gospel Songs chart with a bullet.

      The CD collection is rounded out with a dozen other songs featuring gospel luminaries such as Sheri Moffet-Jones on "Yes, Out There," William Murphy on "Great and Mighty," Nikki Ross on "Already Mine" and Nelson's twin brother Jason on "Right Now Praise."

      For the last few years, there's been much industry buzz about Nelson and his brilliant songwriting abilities. He has either written or co-written such modern day gospel smashes as Youth for Christ's

      "The Struggle is Over" which was #1 on Billboard magazine's Hot Gospel songs chart for a dozen weeks in 2007. He also penned other chart hits such as Donald Lawrence's Top 10 smash "Healed", Rudolph

      McKissick Jr.'s "The Right Place," "Melonie Daniel's "Praise is My Weapon" and both "Destiny" and "Great Praise" for Stephen Hurd. He also wrote, "Manifest" from Bishop T.D. Jake's Grammy-winning "A Wing and a Prayer" CD. "I think that Integrity is the perfect label home for Jonathan because of his strength and proven success as a songwriter in Gospel music and because of his amazing gift as a worship leader," says Integrity Music Artist Development Director Chris Springer.

      Nelson grew up in church and earned his first professional singing gig when he assembled some singing friends to back Karen Clark Sheard when she performed at Baltimore's Greater Bethlehem Church (where his father was the pastor) in 2000. Following the successful concert, Nelson and his friends formed Purpose. They have since backed a who's who in music, ranging from BeBe & CeCe Winans to Michael McDonald. Their debut CD "Everything You Are: Live in Baltimore" was released in 2003 and featured the regional hit "Healed" which was eventually picked up by Donald Lawrence and made into a national hit. Married with two children, Nelson is Worship Leader and Minister of Music for the Empowerment Temple.

      Beginning in March, Nelson is taking his message around the country. After launching a debut concert at the Empowerment Temple in Baltimore, MD on February 5, 2008 at 7 p.m., Nelson joins the WORD TV Network's "Gospel Focus" tour where he will be a celebrity judge alongside fellow gospel stars Lonnie Hunter and Lexi.

Confirmed tour dates:

MARCH 1st ~ Houston, Texas
The Fountain of Praise
13535 South Post Oak
Houston, Texas 77045

MARCH 22nd ~ Montgomery, Alabama
New Life Church Of God In Christ
4781 Mobile Highway (Rt31)
Montgomery, Alabama 36108

APRIL 12th ~ Atlanta, Georgia
Center Of Hope
492 Roy Huie Road
Riverdale, GA 30274

APRIL 26th ~ Woodbridge, Virginia
Harvest Life Changers Church
14401 Telegraph
Woodbridge, VA 22192

MAY 10th ~ Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Enon Tabernacle Baptist Church
230 W. Coulter Street
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

MAY 31st ~ Detroit, Michigan
New Creation In Christ Church/Finney High School
17200 South Hampton Street
Detroit, MI 48224-2169

JUNE 20th & JUNE 21st ~ Harvey, Illinois *SEMI-FINALS*
St. Mark Missionary Baptist Church
14618 Lincoln Avenue
Harvey, Illinois 60426

JULY 18th ~ Toledo, Ohio *FINALS*
LOCATION TO BE ANNOUNCED

Marvin Sapp has made gospel radio history with the longest number one song and also the longest number one record played at urban station KJLH in Los Angeles. The song is "Never Would Have Made It."

     Sapp's song has maintained the number one spot in Gospel radio for six consecutive months – making it the longest number one song in the history of the NielsenBDS Gospel Chart.

     In addition, "Never Would Have Made It," is the number one song at KJLH in Los Angeles, getting more spins than singles by artists such as Rahsaan Patterson and Alicia Keys. It is the only Gospel song in the country that is number one at a mainstream station. KJLH's Aundrae Russell says, "'Never Would Have Made It,' is a life changing song."

     "Never Would Have Mad It," is the first single from Marvin Sapp's third CD, "Thirsty," which debuted at number one and spent a total of 19 weeks in the number one sales position. It is currently the number two album on Billboard's Gospel Chart.

     Marvin Sapp delivered a show-stopping performance of his runaway hit January 27th on BET's Gospel Celebration of Gospel and on the Stellar Gospel Music Awards.

The two-day Christian Music Festival for Renewed Faith will have a performance line-up that is headed by gospel sensations Vickie Winans and Marvin Winans, Jr.

Launched by Attorney C. Daniel Harry, The Christian Music Festival for Renewal Faith's goal is to inspire thousands of people to come together in peace and worship to enjoy music and family fun in the pastoral setting of Northern Oakland County in Michigan.

The Christian Music Festival for Renewed Faith will be held Friday/Saturday, August 1st and 2nd in the Springfield Oaks Park in Davisburg, Michigan. The event is expected to draw 13,000 and will have a packed schedule of entertainment.

In addition, Michael King, smooth-jazz musician Tim Bowman; The Calvarymen Quartet; The Cassens-Murphy Band; the original "Michigan Man" Mike Ridley; Hip-Hop artists Bro. L.A. and Apostle J; Chrisitan funnyman Horace H. B. Sanders; comedian Phenecia Banks; Pat Dunn, and Minister Frank Turner, are also schedule to appear.

Artist Management LLC is producing the festival. All proceeds from the event will be contributed to the Michigan Christian Music Festival for Renewal Faith Foundation, a regulated non-profit whose purpose is to support the elderly and children in need.

For more information visit the festival's web site www.renewalfaithfestival.com.

In these times of church individualism and isolationism, three Houston pastors, have chosen to join forces to meet the needs of marriage and singles ministries in the Houston area, and are inviting other pastors to join with them. Pastors Gregg Patrick, Remus Wright and Reginald DeVaughn, (The Bridge, The Fountain and The Lake), have come together with their congregations to present a benefit event, which will bring together not only Christians within the church, but also unbelievers and un-churched of the world.

The One Heart Valentine’s Day Benefit Gala and Dinner, with Maze, Featuring Frankie Beverly and Kelly Price, will be held at the Hilton of the Americas, Thursday, February 14th, at 7:00 PM. Heralded as an event which will bring all people together, not only to enjoy the festive spirit of love within the season, but will also show forth the love of our Savior toward the entire world? Pastor Patrick of Southwest Community, The Bridge, started the effort four years ago, as a fundraising benefit for the churches’ school and youth sports programs. The event has also been used as a means of bringing together the singles and marriage ministries of his church; to take advantage of great entertainment and Christian fellowship.

This year, the event leaps to staggering heights, as the three churches combine to compel the saved and the lost to come together and enjoy great fellowship, without secular spirits being served and consumed.
Pastor Remus Wright, along with his wife and co-pastor Mia, lead The Fountain Of Praise, and sponsor Metamorphosis, one of the largest women’s conventions in the state (March 6-8). Pastor Wright stated, “This is an effort to search out those who have been lost in the shuffle of faith, and to let them know how the church is not hiding or hypocritical regarding their status as current or potential believers. I’m excited to share the opportunity of reaching people with the good news of Jesus Christ in such an innovative way. Wright went on to say, “I’m equally excited to bring together these dynamic churches in a spirit of oneness, in an age in which churches seem to be in competition and conflict. We’re not just reaching out, we’re reaching up together.’
Each church has their own annual efforts, but have come together in this unusual event to not only show unity, but also bring a greater closeness and clarity to the work of the church. “Pastoral friendship is wonderful, but we didn’t do this because we’re friends; we came together because it’s time for churches to work with one another, not against one another,” Patrick added. When asked to comment on some who question whether the church should sponsor, pursue or attend such events, Patrick said, “A broad line seems to be drawn in the sands of faith, which is keeping the world away from the church, and the church away from the world.”

Pastor Reggie DeVaughn, who leads thousands at the Silverlake Church of Pearland stated, “Some critics have suggested that the church should stay aloof and separated from the world in service and entertainment. But even Jesus recognized that hypocritical stand, and chided the Pharisees when they accused him of cavorting with harlots and sinners, and said, “I came to call sinners to repentance, not the righteous.”
“Our marriage ministry is so excited about this, in fact the entire church cheered even louder, when we announced we were doing it with The Bridge and The Fountain. There’s a fresh, new Spirit of unity in the air, and this event is evidence of it,” said DeVaughn.
Wright went on to say, “This event is to show that a collective effort from Pastors alike can collaborate and work together for one common cause. That common cause is to help bring lost believers to Christ. Many may say that it’s a very different kind of event (than normally) given by pastors, but others will realize that this Benefit Gala is about love, support and fellowship; and that is our focus. I’d like to think that we’re doing things in a unique and special way, and many will appreciate our efforts.”
Patrick then said, “Our churches have become so paranoid of the world reclaiming our membership, that we have ignored venturing out, and have insulated ourselves, and remain indifferent to many of the needs and questions of the world.
“Our church members may not openly admit it, but they enjoy good secular music and attend concerts as well. To me, there seems to be nothing wrong with the church organizing effort for singles and couples to enjoy these events together” said Patrick.
Described as a part of the great commission, and a strengthening factor for the inner fabric of family and singles ministries, all three churches are spearheading the promotional effort.

This is an effort of unity, said Wright, who pastors one of the largest majority Black congregations in the city, “it’s meant to cause the church to take a look at itself, and begin to broaden its spiritual thinking and escape “the small box” of exclusivity in with it has placed itself. It’s time to think outside the box.”
Q. Indeed the great commission is “to go out into the world, and teach all nations…” is this event a continuance or a hindrance to that effort?
Patrick. In all honesty, I don’t see how you could call it anything but a continuance of the “Great Commission.” We’re not going to some strange, clandestine nightclub to cavort with evildoers, in lasciviousness. We’re going to a five-star hotel, to see two of the most exciting, love-ballad singers of our time, and contribute to a worthy and noble cause at the same time.
“The children the Gala will benefit have been lost in this theological discussion. Hundreds of young people will benefit from the proceeds of sales and the Silent Auction, to be held that night at 6:00 PM, prior to the dinner.”

During the auction, artwork and dozens of autographed sports memorabilia will be auctioned off in support of the school. Hall of Famer, Calvin Murphy, former Globetrotter Jimmy Blalock, and other national sports personalities, are contributing their efforts to the auction.

The Gala boasts itself as a complete package for loved ones, on Valentine’s Day, providing not only a three-hour show, but a box of chocolates, a rose and complete dinner consisting of salad, crab and chicken and scrumptious chocolate desert.

“It’s been determined that most people spend a minimum of $200.00 for Valentine’s Day; flowers alone are up to $125.00. The Gala will give a couple or single everything they need for a memorable occasion, without the use of “other” spirits, Patrick said. There will be no alcohol served on the entire floor where the gala will be held. Tickets are only $100 if you buy early and even a dinner seat near or at the stage is only $150.”
“We are inviting all pastors to join us in this united effort through being a part of our “Pastor’s Support Team,” and receive a front row table for their support. Marriage and Singles ministries can also call for a table, and receive a discount, and a reserved table.

Tickets are on sale at all three churches at a discounted rate, and also available at TICKETMASTER. Interested pastors, administrators, donors, and all marriage/singles ministries may call 281-983-LOVE for more information, group discounts and sponsorship packages.

GZ Underground reports that Urban Gospel Industry Award winner DJ Will was arrested on November 16th while sharing Jesus outside of South Beach Florida night clubs. Reports speak of officer abuse as well.

DJ Will was in Miami for a "Walk For Christ" event where he and fellow ministers walked the streets of Miami, with a police escort to direct traffic.

Will decided to ride the "Jesus Bus," a self funded converted school bus used for ministry, to South Beach Miami (an area known for racist police).

After two hours of playing gospel Hip-Hop and giving music away, two police intervened, telling DJ Will to "stop the music and get this bus off the street and take it back to the ghetto."

Will left and saw a police officer a couple blocks away and told him of the encounter and that officer allowed him to continue his music ministry with give-aways. The first officer heard the music came back and arrested DJ Will; he was later released and given a citation for disturbing the peace.