Tuesday on TLC, we were introduced to a family of ministers in the Heart of Dixie on the aptly-titled new series Preaching Alabama Season 1 Episode 1.
What did the charismatic Speegles have in store for viewers?
Watch Preaching Alabama Season 1 Episode 1 OnlineThe series follows the Allen and Janice Speegle as they leave an established Florida congregation to open a brand-new church in small-town Madison, Ala.
They felt a deep calling, they say, to spread God’s word there, where they have family ties, despite calling central Florida home for more than 20 years.
Thus they will be Preaching Alabama and relocating there as they pass the reins of running a church to eldest daughter Jill and her husband Rod.
The Speegles are no strangers to TV fame, having appeared on Family Feud and caught the eye of a producer in New York who contacted them years later.
Ryan Seacrest’s company eventually signed on for production of the show, which TLC bought the rights do, and here we are. Why did they do it?
“We as a family decided that we’re willing to give up our privacy for the potential to be able to help people see God in a different light,” Allen Speegle said.
The duo added that while you may see some dramatic moments seemingly made for TV, what you’ll see on the show is real life, not a scripted drama.
“We’re not exactly the cookie cutter pastor look, appearance, or any of that," said Jill Speegle Windham, who is starting Movement Church from scratch.
There will be humor and tears as well as drama and all that goes into pulling off that endeavor, which isn’t a small one when you also have families.
They hoping the central theme is what shines through, one of acceptance and welcome, and to show fans what life is like for everyday pastors in America.
“We are, to me, the typical pastor of America,” Janice Speegle said. “The typical pastor of America works hard, they love God, they love their people.”
They’ll be watch Preaching Alabama online right along with you, it sounds like. They’ve been working so hard, they have yet to see the final cut!
Did you watch the new series? Did you like it? Discuss!
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