Christian comedian to headline local Vitae Foundation dinner

Editor's note: The following Q-and-A has been edited to correct the name of the speaker.

Christian comedian Gordon Douglas will speak at the Vitae Foundation's Cape Girardeau Pro-Life Benefit Dinner at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday at the Knights of Columbus Hall in Jackson. Davis is a father to 19 children and serves on the board for the Delaware County Pregnancy Center.

There's no fee to attend the dinner, but reservations should be made in advance by calling 573-634-4316 or 800-393-5791.

Q: What led you to start speaking as a Christian comedian?

A: Back in the '70s, I got a huge break meeting singer comedian Julie DeJohn. Her son was on the Little League team I was coaching. Julie was a big name in comedy, having been on the Tonight Show with [Johnny] Carson many times. She was gracious enough to take me under her wing for two years and teach me the ropes of the comedy world from writing to performing. She was always clean, and I was a brand new born-again Christian, so it was a great fit. After pursing my dream of becoming famous, I felt the lord leading me into youth ministry to help hurting kids. (That is the start of our 14 boys we took in.) In the mid '90s after a 20-year layoff from the real comedy world, I got a call to do a show -- that day. It was taped, ended up at Focus on the Family, where I was blessed to do a program at a conference; that led to doing a pastors event with the now famous Chonda Pierce. It was my introduction into what is now the growing world of Christian comedy. Fifteen years ago there were maybe 20 guys and gals doing "Christian comedy." Now there are over 400 in our group (about 50 full-time).

Q: Most people probably wouldn't associate comedy with a pro-life message. How do you make it work?

A: Over half my events are fundraisers, what I call "comedy for a cause," and what better cause then the Gospel, or the pro-life message. I've been serving on my board at the Delaware County Pregnancy Center for over 20 years, so I am passionate about the fight for life. My buddy and mentor, Mike Williams, is the leading speaker at pro-life events. He took me to one of his banquets where I saw the folks on the front lines do need to laugh and be encouraged. From a fundraising perspective, we know that God loves a "cheerful giver." So in my program I share my comedy story of growing up and what goes on in our home, then turn the corner and tell them some of the tragic things that lead me to becoming a board member at DCPC, then I ask folks to partner in one of the best causes on earth. I never make fun of abortion, or those who had them; my comedy is to get folks in a good mood and share my story so we have a relationship. After I offer the chance to give, the rest is up to the Lord. And for the last five years, the Spirit of God has moved in amazing ways.

Q: You've spoken on major cruises as well as churches. What do you enjoy most about speaking, and how are your presentations to large groups different than small ones?

A: I was taught years ago by Roy Clark of Hee Haw fame that whether it is 10 folks, or 100, or 1,000, do each program as though Jesus was sitting in the audience so they get the same energy and passion no matter how many are there. I do love places where it is easy for me to weave some spiritual truths in along the way. The feedback and excitement of having a group laugh along with you is an amazing thing to feel, but for me the best thing is to have someone come up after the program and say, "I needed that."

Q: You're a former pastor. Did you use comedy in the pulpit as well?

A: Honestly, for years I tried not to be funny, but folks kept laughing anyway. A dear old missionary from Zambia named Roberta asked me, "Gordon, did you ever think God made you funny for a reason? Why not use your gift for him." Some pastors try to be funny, and my fear is it brings attention to the speaker, not to the Lord. But I have found if you can tie a joke or funny story to a truth, folks will remember it a lot longer. When I guest speak at churches, which I do a lot now, I normally start with five minutes of comedy to relax the crowd, break down any walls, and prayerfully open their hearts. Then I will say, it is OK to have fun at church and learn too. So let's open our Bibles and see what the Lord has for us today.

Q: You and your wife have 19 kids. Balancing work and home lives can be a challenge, but how do you make it work with such a large family?

A: One incredible wife is a good place to start. And for the record we didn't have all 19 at once, just 13 at once, then they kind of came and went. After six or so, everyone pitches in. God in his perfect and amazing timing waited 'till my kids were older before opening the doors to go all over the country. Still, I am home more than most dads. Most weeks I am home Sunday through Thursday, and I work out of my home; so we do breakfast and dinner together, and when I am home, they get a lot of time and attention.