SHORE PERSPECTIVES From Class Clown to Christian Comic, Rev. Robert Garris, Jr Finds Joy in Ministry

By Kelley Gaskill

There are things in life that seem to naturally go together: peanut butter and jelly, chicken and dumplings, steamed crabs and Old Bay. One thing we may not think of as going together are religion and humor.

Known as the class clown in his youth, Robert Garris was always ready with a joke or something to make other people laugh. He discovered early on that humor could break tension, build connection and bring joy to others. But it wasn’t until he began preaching that he saw how laughter could also open hearts to deeper spiritual truths.

He noticed that when people laughed, they listened. And when they listened, they were more receptive to messages of grace, hope, and redemption. That blend of joy and purpose sparked his calling to become a Christian comic, known as The Pastor and The Church Clerk, using humor not just to entertain, but to heal and inspire.

This week, Kelley visited with Rev. Robert Garris as he shared some of his journey on the road to Divine Comedy.

There will be a Gospel Comedy Show at Par 4 Bar & Grill in Temperanceville Sunday, August 24th from 2-5 hosted by Rev. Robert Garris “The Pastor and Church Clerk” with special guest, Wendy “Quiet Storm” Lee featuring clean, family friendly comedy. Tickets are available at the door the day of the event. Children 12 and under and adults 75 and older are free.