Tired of the profanity-filled comedy routines of today’s mainstream performers? Itching for humor free of sexually explicit language, racism, and derogatory speech? Or even better, have you ever wished someone would step way out on a limb and combine comedy with the message of the Gospel? Is that really asking too much? After all, the Bible itself is filled with hilarious moments and plenty of great one-liners. Jesus Himself had a nice sense of humor and a fairly sharp wit as many New Testament stories account for. And today, the Apostles of Comedy are touring the nation, promoting this rather different kind of satire and parody: one that is centered on the truth of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
The Apostles are made up of award-winning comedy writer Jeff Allen, GodMen creator Brad Stine, south Chicago native Anthony Griffith, and actor-turned-comedian Ron Pearson, who has appeared on numerous episodes of Malcom & Eddie, The Drew Carey Show, Two Guys & a Girl, The George Lopez Show and That 70s Show. The group got their start when Allen, along with executive producer Lenny Sissleman, and producer Mitchell Galin first envisioned the film The Apostles of Comedy, which was released on DVD September 9, 2008. According to Sissleman and Galin, there were two goals: “One, that the film would go beyond the stage antics of some of the top comedians in the country, showcasing not only their comedy, but also their personal testimonies of faith that have shaped their lives. And second, that it be funny. Really funny.” (www.apostlesofcomedy.com)
Sissleman, who has produced comedy routines, shows, and movies for over twenty-six years, and even worked with the likes of Tim Allen, Jerry Seinfeld, and Jay Leno, decided to choose some of the best comedians in the business. However, he also worked hard to ensure that these comedians would perform family-friendly material, free of the provocative themes so many popular mainstream performers currently use in an attempt to boost their appeal. Enter: the birth of The Apostles of Comedy.
Group member Brad Stine says, “Christians are normal people who have problems just like everybody else. We have all dealt with things in our lives that have challenged our faith, but that very real ‘human condition’ is the commonality we all share. We all have painful experiences. Comics mock the pain by being funny. That’s our outlet.” (www.apostlesofcomedy.com). Besides performing comedy, Stine has been highly noted for his “edgy social commentary”, a trait that has landed him on feature national news networks such as CNN, Fox News, and New Yorker Magazine. He also spoken at several Promise Keeper events, a Christian, evangelical ministry dedicated to “uniting men to become godly influences in the world.” (www.promisekeepers.org)
Emmy-winner Anthony Griffith has held a longstanding career in comedy and acting, making several appearances on notable television sitcoms, including The Bernie Mac Show, and is the only African-American in the group. Griffith has also been a guest on The Tonight Show with acclaimed host Jay Leno, as well as on Comedy Central. He says, “I’ve been in clubs where other comics have come up to me and said, ‘We wish we could do what you do.’ When you stay true to yourself, it shows. Bill Cosby used to say, ‘Please the people who like you and don’t worry about the others.’ I’ve tried to just stay true to my beliefs and as a result, I’m comfortable in any setting.” In addition to performing his side-splitting routine, much of which is filled with tales from his youth, Griffith also shares his personal testimony for the first time in public on The Apostles of Comedy DVD. With raw honesty and a spirit strengthened by his unshakeable faith, he relates to the audience his personal struggles with losing his daughter to cancer and later being diagnosed himself with MS.
Fellow apostle Ron Pearson, a long-time friend of Griffith, says, “There really is a void out there of comedy that is uplifting. This film features quality comedy that is not dumbed down at all, but is also something the entire family can enjoy. There is a culture war going on for the soul of this country right now. And while we may not win every battle, hopefully quality projects like this will stand-up against any secular counterpart out there.” (www.apostlesofcomedy.com)
Group member and film co-producer Jeff Allen is widely known from his tours with the renowned Bill Gaither Homecoming Tour. In recent years, he has appeared on VH1, Showtime, the Odyssey Channel, and Family Net, and also holds a Grady Nutt Humor Award, the “most prestigious award in the Christian comedy industry.” Allen is also the author of My Life as a Bystander and produced/starred in a pilot series for PAX entitled Happy Wife, Happy Life.
The Apostles will soon be kicking off their 2009 Spring Tour, spurred by the overwhelming success of their 2008 tour. According to Religion News, the 2008 tour dates sold 700-2,500 seats each night. The tours, headed by producer Don Donahue, also sponsor needy and malnourished children overseas. Last year’s tour reportedly raised sponsorships for over three-hundred children. To learn more about the comedians and upcoming tour dates, or to purchase tickets, visit: www.apostlesofcomedy.com. I guarantee you, these guys are worth the money.
