Some disappointed fans say they won't tune into Season 4 of ‘The Book of John Gray’ on OWN
Article By Rebecca Johnson // Faith + Entertainment // EEW Magazine
Some are asking how can Pastor John Gray and Aventer Gray give spiritual advice on their OWN reality TV show, The Book of John Gray, when their own life—no pun intended—is a mess?
Former supporters of the Relentless Church pastor are venting their feelings as the public anticipates the premiere of Season 4 of their docuseries on the Oprah Winfrey Network.
For those who are unfamiliar with the program, the show is described by OWN as a “dramedy docu-follow hybrid about the life of John Gray and his uniquely humorous way of helping people.”
Previously loyal viewers are now saying there is nothing humorous about a Christian leader and perceived moral authority stepping out on his wife, and intentionally deceiving the public, and worse, defiantly abusing the grace of God.
During a previous season, the Grays advised Roland and Aretha, a troubled couple whose marriage was on the brink of divorce because of the husband’s numerous emotional affairs. No one would have imagined that the 45-year-old preacher doing the advising would be entangled in his own embarrassing cheating scandal months later.
Roland and Aretha come to John and Aventer Gray to help them work through issues preventing them from salvaging their failing relationship after Roland admits multiple emotional affairs (Credit: OWN/EEW/Screen Capture)
“I feel betrayed, like they presented this phony image and promoted a lie on purpose to collect a big reality TV check,” said Sharon of Atlanta, who also told EEW editors she “used to be a big fan of the show.”
According to her, she will not be tuning into Season 4 “because the hypocrisy is a turnoff.”
EEW has received dozens of messages just like that one from our reader base.
In December 2018, even before news of the pastor’s extramarital affair went public, Gray was falling out of favor. He went on the defensive about his decision to gift his scorned wife with a luxurious $200,000 Lamborghini Urus for their eighth wedding anniversary—a moment that was caught on camera and circulated on the Internet.
In order to clear up what Gray characterized as false allegations that he spent the church’s money on the flamboyant vehicle, he went on an angry social media diatribe via live stream.
“For those who don’t know, me and my wife have a show on the Oprah Winfrey Network. We’re working on Season 4 right now… and I’m not an actor on it. I’m a producer of it,” he said as he leaned into the camera and added, “Get that straight!”
John Gray takes controversial White House meeting with President Donald Trump to discuss prison reform in August 2018 (Credit: Getty)
The author also mentioned he had just signed his second book deal which he said, “comes with resources,” meaning he had already received an advance check.
“I also have other streams [of income],” Gray clarified, making it clear for people that he was successful and well able to splurge on purchases.
“He doesn’t seem to have humility when addressing the people that are confused or hurt by his actions,” said another EEW reader named Sharita of Michigan. “Both he and his wife have done a lot of throwing off and they don’t seem to be understanding how much many people believed in their ministry. It’s so disappointing.”
Another reader named A. Mitchell of Brooklyn had a different, more compassionate take on it. “I will still support John Gray and Aventer Gray,” she said. “I cannot lie. I am hurt and shocked but everybody makes mistakes and they deserve a second chance like anybody else. Christian doesn’t mean perfect.”
While some have been lost forever, everyone has not. However, it remains to be seen how many supporters will opt to move past the sins of the pastor who preaches hard against sin.
As it stands now, the actual book of John Gray’s life is stuck in a disappointing chapter, and plenty folks have lost interest in reading any further.
Will the fallen leader rebound in hearts, minds, and ratings?
Only God knows.