In 1994 Della Reese was hired to do a pilot for CBS entitled Touched by An Angel. It became a top-rated TV program that ran for nine years on network television and even now in 2010 is still running in syndication. This series gave her an audience of millions to talk to every week about the principles taught by God.
Now why is this important? In Hollywood, the star is hired to fit the part, but in real life this part fitted the star, for Della Reese was already a minister of her own flock at Understanding Principles for Better Living Church in Los Angeles. Her church was given that name because of Rev. Della’s belief that if you understand the principles given by God, through Jesus Christ, and practice them, you will have “Life and that more abundantly.” The UP Church was a small church started in her own living room, which later moved into hotels, Masonic temples, retail spaces, banquet halls and shared space with other churches. Today its membership numbers 500 and growing.
Rev. Della heard about Rev. Dr. Johnnie Colemon, a Chicago minister who preached a New Thought message that resonated with thousands and with Della. So enraptured was Della that she began taking personal lessons from Rev. Colemon.
This led to a study group in Della’s home in Los Angeles, which brings us back to her beginnings as a New Thought minister, now for more than 27 years. Her teachings and writings have raised the hopes of thousands and given example of how to receive God’s promises of life more abundantly.