Michelle Hammond

Pastor Derwin Gray

Best-selling author Michelle Hammond and mega-church Pastor Derwin L. Gray are guests on the digital talk show, ‘Beyond A.D.,’ airing on Sunday, June 7, at 6 a.m., on nbc.com.

The innovative weekly series reviews the historical and spiritual topics depicted in the show, ‘A.D. The Bible Continues.’  Hosted by E! News’ anchor, Jason Kennedy, the program offers viewers an opportunity to interact with the A.D. cast, producers, and celebrity guests.

Explaining her reasons for participating in ‘Beyond A.D.,’ Hammond said, “We’ll discuss the episode of the previous week. I think it is great because if you watched it and didn’t understand something, it gets broken down for the audience.  It’s really examined on a deeper level what the themes and storylines mean and how they relate to your everyday life.

“Also, I like the excellence of the ‘A.D.’ production, not just from a spiritual or Biblical viewpoint, but from a historical view.  The stories are not something made up, but they are real and were chronicled by real historians of the day like Josephus.”

Sharing similar comments, Gray noted, “I feel the same.  Coming from a pastor’s perspective and considering the historical themes of ‘A.D. The Bible Continues,’ I can share insight on its relevance today by participating in ‘Beyond A.D.’

“I want to encourage people to watch ‘A.D.’   And, I think even unbelievers will enjoy it because all of us are on a quest to be part of a bigger story.  We’re looking at a first century historical reality that is really a great story about Jesus and reveals that there is redemption, there is love.  It’s absolutely compelling!”

Both Hammond and Gray bring insight based on their wide-ranging backgrounds and relationships with Christ. In addition to being an author of more than 40 books, Hammond has also recorded fours successful CDs as well as co-hosted an Emmy Award talk show, ‘Aspiring Women.’ 

“I was Anglican and thought I was doing pretty good.  I was living with my boyfriend, then he got shot.   After that, I had lots of questions about what happens after you die. In the middle of the night, I asked the Lord into my life and nothing has ever been the same,” said Hammond, who also operates a television station in Ghana.

Gray’s history is equally compelling, having been a successful NFL athlete for Indianapolis Colts and Carolina Panthers when he was a introduced to Christ by a teammate.

“His nickname was ‘The Naked Preacher’ because he preached with a towel wrapped around his waist and a Bible. Over five years of being teammates, eventually I came to Christ.  I was a compulsive stutterer and I never wanted to be a preacher, but when Christ came into my heart, it began to transform my life.  I couldn’t help but share the message,” said Gray. 

“My heart is always towards people who are like [the way] I used to be, so to be able to participate [in the show] is something I jumped at doing,” said Gray, the founder and pastor of Transformation Church in South Carolina, multi-cultural and generational ministry which has been recognized as the second fastest-growing church in America.

‘Beyond A.D.’ is a VIMBY production. For more information or to view past shows, visit nbc.com.