The Real McCoy: Bishop Noel Jones & LisaRaye McCoy are Dating
Wednesday, November 23, 2011 at 8:30AM 
by JP Scott, EEW Magazine Reporter
The relationship is the real McCoy folks. When EEW Magazine editors first heard unofficial reports swirling around that Bishop Noel Jones, 61, and actress LisaRaye McCoy, 44, were engaged to be married (They are not engaged.), we viewed the whole "revelation" with an eye of skepticism, and didn't report on it. Our editors have solid media relationships and friends in high places, but had heard nothing of the sort about our dear brother and megapastor of City of Refuge Church in Gardena, California.
But after our staff journalists contacted a few of our most reliable inside sources close to the situation, we have now learned that Bishop Noel Jones and LisaRaye McCoy, the star of VH1's comedic drama,"Single Ladies," are in fact a pair. But the two have chosen not to speak publicly about the details of their relationship at this time.
Both divorced parents, the two are seriously dating, but we cannot confirm any plans to marry.
In many Christian circles, this new couple alert was met with disdain, criticims, and lots of whispering about Bishop Noel Jones being tied to someone who isn't "saved." But what many may not know is that LisaRaye has given her heart to Jesus Christ, and is new in her faith. In fact, back in April of this year, the feisty and outspoken star chatted it up with Steve Harvey about getting to know God and struggling to keep her lustful desires at bay.
"I'm walking a path now that is a path through my journey, my spiritual journey. I'm working on my relationship with God and I needed some answers," she said, discussing a trip she took to a Bishop TD Jakes conference where she felt like he was preaching directly to her. "Bishop TD Jakes, he told me about myself in a good kind of way."
But getting the word from the mouth of one of the greatest preachers of our time wasn't enough. LisaRaye began to search out scripture for herself though she admits it is difficult for her to understand. According to her, she feels Gods presence alongside her. "I know he (God) got me and I see it everyday, which makes me go, okay. I can do this. I can relinquish some control here."
Giving up control is a challenge for the self-proclaimed "fighter," but control isn't the only thing she finds difficult to let go. "And you know another thing I have to deal with is fornication and lust, and lust is a sin. And I'm trying to date, and I'm grown," she explains. "And if I want to get it on, what's the problem? You know what I mean? So, some things I'm not quite there yet, but, you know, Rome wasn't built in a day."
Flaws and all, LisaRaye is on a journey of faith. "Now I'm reading and caring. I'm fasting and understanding what fasting is about. I'm enjoying it and when I feel disconnected it's like, it's time, and I feel it," she shares.
Steve Harvey noted his long-standing relationship with her and commented, "This is a new LisaRaye."
Apparently, that newness has drawn Bishop Noel Jones to the high profile celebrity.
As for the backlash he may receive for his choice, his most recent tweet likely sums up how feels about any critics of his love life. He wrote, "Dn't let the noise of other's opinions drown out your own inner voice. Most important have the courage to follow your heart and intuition."
However the relationship turns out, we pray that LisaRaye will contine on her journey of faith.
Reader Comments (39)
What?! #Ican't
Somebody please tell me this is a bad dream and I'm going to wake up soon. This can't be real!!!
I heard about this and I was wondering why EEW didn't say anything. Y'all be on top of EVERYTHING! Thanks for doing your homework. Should be interesting.
I have read some of the meanest, evil, ugly comments on Facebook about this. Thank you for looking into this closely and seeing for yourself what is really going on. I hope church folks won't hurt this woman and her efforts to seek God.
I have mixed emotions! Bishop Noel Jones has quite reputation when it comes to his womanizing ways.
I think it's dangerous when our men of God get involved with these women who are seeking God. I feel like he is taking advantage of her instead of helping her. If this goes bad, she will probably go running off away from the church. Minister to these women, don't wife them! Sheesh!
Corny! These "men of God" are something else.
A hot and spicy mess!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! That is all.
Dang! I ain't know Noel was pimpin like dat!
Grace Jones brother be getting it in!! LOL
The bible tells us to beware of false prophets. They are sheep in wolves clothing. This is a shame.
Anyone who doesn't know him or her should not have anything to say. You don't know their relationship! Don't worry about what they are doing.
Thank you for having integrity EEW and not just jumping on the bandwagon. At least I know what's going on now. I'm not happy about it. I can't front like I agree, but it's not really my business either, so whatevs.
No way! I thought this was a lie. It's TRUE? Wow
Watch the religious folks start having a heart attack. LOL!
"The Real McCoy" clever! Ha!
JP are you sure they're not getting married. I've been hearing different things about this.
Wow... um... ok....
When I heard about this, I just laughed, mainly at the responses of "disdain" from folks. I guess their pairing doesn't bother me because I don't look to either of them for any grounded spiritual guidance. I've heard Bishop Noel Jones speak many times and for a time, I thought he was rather eloquent and "deep", but in my evolving spiritual maturity, I'm less impressed. Despite the individual and collective rumors about them, I know one thing: the HOLY institution of marriage DOES NOT need yet ANOTHER MOCKERY so if they're real, amen, praise the Lord and I hope they work out and be great. And their business is theirs in terms of wanting to go public with their pairing.
But you gotta wonder: who in their circle is BLABBING about them? Or is this a publicity stunt to deflect something else?
I thought she was dating Al Sharpton.
I am sure that the pastor has been praying to God and asking for direction. If God led him, then we have to trust His judgement. If it is not of God, it will fail. If it is, then there is nothing anyone can say.
He must be rich. I ain't sayin' she a gold digga, but she aint messin with no broke, broke!
She said a man must have platinum status to date her.