Finding Faith, Humor, and Clean Comedy

In a comedy culture often driven by shock value and explicit content, Michael Dennis offers a refreshing alternative. In this episode of Honest Christian Conversations, I sit down with Michael—a full-time pastor of over 20 years who, just a year ago, stepped onto a stand-up comedy stage for the first time.

Living in Austin, Texas, a city known for its booming comedy scene, Michael set out with a simple curiosity: Could I make strangers laugh? What started as a bucket-list moment quickly became a meaningful creative outlet. Rather than pulling him away from ministry, comedy has become an extension of who he already is—using humor to connect, disarm, and tell the truth in a different way.

This conversation explores the surprising parallels and contrasts between preaching and stand-up comedy. Michael shares how learning comedy forced him to rethink timing, brevity, and delivery—where sermons allow space to explain, comedy demands a punchline every few seconds. We also talk about how openly identifying as a pastor on stage creates an immediate tension—one Michael uses not to mock faith or culture, but to invite laughter through shared, everyday experiences.

As one of the few clean comedians in a scene dominated by crude humor, Michael often feels like an outsider. Yet that distinction has also opened unexpected doors—from being invited to family-friendly events to forming meaningful relationships with other comedians curious about clean comedy themselves. His journey reveals that clean comedy isn’t limiting—it’s challenging, creative, and increasingly welcomed by audiences hungry for laughter without regret.

🎧 Listen to the episode to hear how faith and humor can coexist, why clean comedy takes courage, and how laughter can become a bridge rather than a barrier.

💬 After listening, join the conversation in the community.
Share your thoughts on faith, creativity, and the role humor plays in connecting people without compromising convictions.