The Shadow
LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (AP) – Ken Davis is puzzled by “Christian comedy.” A storyteller and author, Davis has shared his comedy routines in clubs across the country – the same “real life” humor he brings to the churches he visits. But somehow he’s often pigeonholed as a “Christian comedian.”
“It’s funny. They never talk about Christian plumbers,” he said.
But that’s OK with Davis, because his Christian faith does guide his work.
“The foundation of my life is my faith,” he said. “What I’ve chosen to do is to use comedy to lay the groundwork to talk about things that can change people’s lives.”
Davis will bring his comedic storytelling to Little Rock next month as part of the Women of Faith “One Day” gathering at Robinson Center Music Hall. The June 16 event will also feature author, speaker and television personality Sheila Walsh and American Idol finalist Scott MacIntyre. The gathering will be a mix of humor, Bible teaching and music.
Walsh is a well-known contemporary Christian singer and was co-host of The 700 Club with Pat Robertson in the late 1980s and early 1990s. She has since written several books and is a sought-after speaker. MacIntyre was a finalist during Season 8 of American Idol and has released a CD titled Heartstrings.
Women of Faith offers two-day conferences and the new One Day events, like the one in Little Rock. Amy Richissin, regional manager for Women of Faith, said the venues for the One Day gatherings are much smaller than the big arenas used for the conferences. The smaller setting allows for deeper conversations about faith, she said.
“It’s an amazing, empowering event that takes you to the next level,” she said.
Richissin said the events are open to all women.
“People ask us, ‘Is this an event for Baptists or Nazarenes or Methodists,’ and we say, ‘This is an event for girls no matter who you are, no matter how old you are, what season of life you’re in,'” she said. “Women of Faith is a great place for you to come and learn about the unconditional love of God.”
Davis is a relative newcomer to these all-girl gatherings, but he enjoys the work.
“The sound of an arena full of women laughing is one of the most beautiful sounds on earth,” he said.
Comedy has been part of Davis’ life since he “took his first breath,” he said. He eventually hit the road for the club scene and opened for musicians and comedians alike, including Ray Charles and Rosanne Barr.
“I just did clean, family comedy but it was funny,” Davis said. “I guess it was about 1985 I decided I really wanted to launch out and establish a reputation as someone who could make people laugh but also bring life-changing truth to their life.”
Davis is a popular speaker for businesses, corporations and churches. He is a featured speaker for Promise Keepers and has a radio show.
