Congregations of thousands thrive in Atlanta's bustling metropolis, but it is not just the preacher men who keep these communities afloat. TLC will premiere THE SISTERHOOD tonight, January 1 at 9 PM ET/PT, a candid look into the larger-than-life preacher wives (aka First Ladies) who work to ensure that their families and churches run as smooth as Southern-churned butter. Get a sneak peek below!
As wives of preachers, First Ladies are held to undeniably high standards. Expectations can be overwhelming as these powerful and driven women are on a mission to overcome obstacles, break molds, expand social circles and raise families... all under the intense scrutiny and pressure of their respective communities. THE SISTERHOOD provides an honest, behind-the-scenes look into the struggles, triumphs and unique experiences that shape these bold women as they ditch their Sunday hats and morph into the dynamic and influential figures they have become and aim to be.
But what happens when you put five of the city's most recognized and outspoken First Ladies in a room together? Tensions will run high as their faith and relationships are challenged through a dramatic season of disagreements, betrayal, criticism and exposing inner demons. Will they work together to support each other or will differences lead to tarnished friendships that are beyond salvaging a true sisterhood?
Meet the First Ladies:
DOMONIQUE
Domonique is anything but your typical preacher's wife. She's bold, she's brash, and she's unapologetically honest. After moving to Atlanta, she met and married Brian, an Evangelical pastor, and they had two daughters together. After years of growing The Good Life Ministry, the couple fell on hard times and were forced to close the church's doors. They are now looking for new opportunities to fulfill their calling and Domonique is hoping to repair the damage that losing the church caused to her marriage.
TARA
When most people think of preacher's wives, they think of demure ladies in big hats, conservative suits, and strands of pearls. So when people find out Tara is a First Lady, they usually do a double take. She's fit and fabulous and her wardrobe leaves little to the imagination. Tara and her husband Brian recently relocated their family from Los Angeles to Atlanta so Brian could pastor a new church. However, Brian, who was actually raised Jewish, lost his position at the church after only six weeks. Now the two are struggling to find their footing in a city where new churches... and new friends... are hard to come by.
IVY
Most First Ladies do not have a colorful past like Ivy. As one of the members of girl group Xscape, Ivy lived the partying life of a pop star. But since meeting her husband Mark, pastor of the Emanuel Tabernacle Church, Ivy is singing a different tune. She is now a dutiful First Lady, wife, and mother to a one-year old son. However, her not-so-wholesome past helps Ivy relate to and connect with her inner city congregation.
CHRISTINA
It's rare that you'll hear a first lady say, "I'm Dominican and I don't play!" But Christina often makes it known that she's a sassy Latina who you don't want to mess with. Christina and her husband Anthony run one of the largest and most successful churches in Atlanta called the Oasis Family Life Church. But the success of their church also means they struggle to meet the needs of their ever-growing congregation. And, if that weren't stressful enough, Christina and Anthony also have to wrangle their two challenging teenage daughters who are just as sassy as their mother.
DELANA
One look at DeLana singing on stage in her leather pants and spiked heels and you'll definitely think she's a rock star. But don't let her rocker chick exterior fool you - she's a First Lady through and through. DeLana and her husband Myles pastor the Worship with Wonders Church where music plays a big part in their ministry. They write their OWN music and perform original songs at every Sunday service. In addition to music, DeLana is passionate about helping children. She has two children of her OWN and often acts as a surrogate mother to young members of her congregation in need.
THE SISTERHOOD is produced for TLC by True Entertainment.
About TLC
TLC is a global brand that celebrates extraordinary people and relatable life moments through innovative nonfiction programming. A top 10 cable network in key female demos, TLC has built successful franchises around the Cake Boss and Say Yes To The Dress brands. In 2011, TLC had 28 series averaging 1.0 million P2+ viewers or more including Sister Wives, My Strange Addiction, Extreme Couponing, Toddlers & Tiaras, 19 Kids and Counting, What Not To Wear and Long Island Medium.
TLC is available in more than 99 million homes in the US and more than 227 million households in nearly 150 markets internationally. A destination online, TLC.com offers in-depth fan sites, exclusive video content, and original editorial covering style, home, food, and more. Fans can also interact with TLC via On Demand services, on mobile platforms, including an iPhone App, and through social media such as Facebook or @TLC on Twitter. TLC is part of Discovery Communications (NASDAQ: DISCA,DISCB, DISCK), the world's number one nonfiction media company reaching more than 1.5 billion cumulative subscribers in 209 countries and territories
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