Bishop Weeks’ reality dating show a no-show

Bishop Thomas W. Weeks III’s leap into a reality dating show was about as problematic as his failed marriage to national evangelist Juanita Bynum.

The first full episode of “Who Will Be the Next Mrs. Weeks” was postponed because of incomplete contract negotiations with a reality television producer. Those who logged onto www.bishopweeks.com Tuesday saw what seemed like an infomercial about Weeks instead of the lively conversation about dating featured in the reality show’s promo.

Enlarge this image

Jason Getz/jgetz@ajc.com

Bishop Thomas Weeks, on probation for attacking his wife, evangelist Juanita Bynum, is participating in an internet reality show as part of his search for his next wife.

[an error occurred while processing this directive]

“The show was modified due to the fact of ongoing talks with network producers and network stations who are ramped up to do the first Christian reality dating program,” Weeks said.

Technical difficulties delayed the noon launch of Weeks’ redesigned Web site and its programming. Church officials say teases from “Who Will Be the Next Mrs. Weeks” will be released throughout the week.

Weeks says he doesn’t date yet. But he wants to move on with his life and mend his broken heart. He and Bynum divorced in June after a 15-month separation. “I still hurt,” Weeks said. “I didn’t get married to be divorced.”

The show’s intro features Weeks sitting on his desk in a dark suit and a bow tie while candlelight flickers in the background and soft music plays. He rattles on about upcoming events and finally, the taboos of dating his reality show will address like sex.

” ‘Who will be the Next Mrs. Weeks’ is an open dialogue for us to talk — good, bad or indifferent,” Weeks said. “You know in the church we really don’t talk about hot topic issues, we bury it. We become silent.”

Other footage features Weeks working at church and talking to pastors about their relationships.

Weeks is inviting his followers to observe his personal life so they can get a Christian perspective on dating and coping with the desire for intimacy. The Pentecostal pastor will soon release a book about the subject called “Finding Yourself While In Transition.”

Weeks is still serving probation for attacking Bynum in August 2007 outside of the Renaissance Concourse Hotel in Atlanta. He pleaded guilty to aggravated assault as a first offender and has completed the required community service hours and anger management counseling.