FAQ
Q: Are you really a priest?
A: Yes.
Q: Really!?
A: Yes. I am priest in a branch of the African Orthodox Church and I have a Master of Divinity from Yale Divinity School. During the day I pray with people on hospice and support their families.
Q: That sounds really sad!
A: It can be. It is also deeply fulfilling and my job, rarely feels like work. It is an honor to do what I do for a living.
Q: How can you tell jokes after praying with people on hospice?
A: The two compliment each other a lot more than you would think.
Audience members have sought me out after shows to talk about God or a loved one they miss. Comedy allows me to be a chaplain in nightclubs.
I am much better chaplain since I started doing comedy. Making people laugh is a great release from a challenging day and I am able to come in the next morning fully refreshed.
I have found that people at the end of life still want to laugh since they realize that each moment they have is a gift. So why not spend it laughing?
For the families I support, laughter is a great way for them to remember and honor their loved ones.
Q: So you tell jokes as a hospice chaplain?
A: When it is appropriate. I usually let my patients and their families tell the jokes or share funny stories. My number one job as a chaplain is to listen. People often have a lot of funny stories to tell about one another and they are happy to share them with a chaplain.
Q: Do you have a church?
A: No. Being a chaplain is my full time job.
Not every priest has a church. Some are chaplains in hospitals, hospices, universities, or the armed forces.
Q: What does your Bishop think of you doing comedy?
A: He enthusiastically approves.
Q: Can you officiate my wedding?
A: Yes, if I am available. Send me an email at revjameschristie@gmail.com and put “Wedding Request” in the subject line.
Q: You are not Catholic? I thought all priests were Catholic.
A: I am not Catholic. There are Christian priests in many different Churches. The Orthodox, Anglican, and Lutheran Churches all have priests too.
Q: So can you date and get married? I thought priests weren’t allow to date or get married.
A: Yes. As an Orthodox priest I can date and get married. THANK GOD!!!
Q: I still can’t get over that you are a priest doing stand-up comedy. I thought God wanted priests to be all serious.
A: I believe God wants us, all of us, to laugh. I explore this more in depth on my podcast: “God Wants You to Laugh.” You should check it out!
Q: Are you a clean comic? Do you say swear words?
A: I am clean when compared to most night club comics yet I wouldn’t pass as clean in the Christian Comedy World.
I do not swear on stage because I don’t really swear that much off stage. Comedy is all about keeping it real.