Top Christian Funnymen Team Up as 'Apostles of Comedy'

By Kevin Jackson, Christian Post Reporter Sunday, June 17, 2007

With successful standup features such as the Original Kings of Comedy and the Blue Collar Comedy Tour, a niche has opened up for a clean, wholesome comedy tour that won't leave the audience feeling guilty.

The Apostles of Comedy – a film production consisting of Jeff Allen, Brad Stine, Ron Pearson, and Anthony Griffith – fills that gap.

Featuring four of the funniest professional Christian comedians who have made a splash in the mainstream, the upcoming film will be the first full-length Christian comedy feature ever produced, and advertisers are promoting its two upcoming venues that will be used in the film.

"For years, there has been a growing disconnect between the sensibilities of a large segment of the U.S. and the majority of films and television we see today," explained Mitchell Galin, the executive producer, in a statement. "Apostles of Comedy fulfills this growing need in which the whole family can enjoy a show together."

In the past, Christian comedians have often been stereotyped as being mediocre by critics. That label has been fading over the past years, however, with a fresh group of rising stars.

Creators assure that these comics have a strong history, and that the listeners will be rolling in the aisles while at the same time have an enlightening experience.

"These comedians express their faith by making people laugh," added Galin. "[But] while Apostles of Comedy may be imbued with faith and inspiration, it never loses its edge, which makes it relevant to today's audience."

The motion picture – which is produced by professionals who have done several movies and over 30 television series in the mainstream – will be shot at two locations. The first comedy performance will be held Belmont University's Massey Concert Hall in Nashville on Saturday, June 23 at 8 p.m. The second taping will occur at World Outreach Church in Murfreesboro, Tenn., on Sunday, June 24 at 7 p.m.

Anyone can attend the filmings, considering that they have a sense of humor.

All proceeds from the Nashville stand-up show will go to benefit Bridges Academy, a Christ-centered college-preparatory middle school and high school for inner city male youth. Net proceeds from the Murfreesboro filming will be given to support World Outreach Missions, an outreach that shares the gospel and provides aid to people in Middle Tennessee and around the world.

The four comedians have a long list of previous credentials among mainstream media.

Allen has been seen on VH1, Comedy Central, the Bill Gaither Homecoming Tour, and "Happy Wife, Happy Life."

"Jeff not only had everyone 'belly' laughing with tears streaming down," reviewed Jerry W. Weimer, executive vice president and COO of Integrity Media, "but he also provided a way for each of us to take a serious look at life through the relief of comedy."

Stine, also know as "America's Comic," has performed his act mostly at large scale Christian events such as GodMen, Promise Keepers and Tolerate This.

"Of the hundred of comedians I've seen, Brad Stine is the best," concluded Rick Warren, author of The Purpose Driven Life. "Side-splittingly funny, smart and edgy,"

Pearson has been seen on popular television shows such as The Drew Carey Show, The George Lopez Show, and That 70's Show and even received a Comedian of the Year nomination.

"I laughed so hard [at Ron Pearson] my jaws ached," read a review in The Los Angeles Times.

Griffith rounds at the group having frequent appearances on The Tonight Show and HBO's Curb Your Enthusiasm as well as being a co-star on The Bernie Mac Show.

"[Anthony Griffin is] a very funny guy!" commented Jay Leno, host The Tonight Show.

Tickets for either show are $10. Doors open approximately a half hour before showtime.