Comedian Brad Stine to perform in Windermere

Looking to offer laughter and thought-provoking discussion, three local men’s ministries have partnered to bring comedian Brad Stine to perform “A Night of Comedy and Clarity” from 7 to 9 p.m. Friday, May 29, at Family Church in Windermere.

The Ironmen of God, Linkmen and the Sons of Thunder ministries have organized an annual picnic for the past three years but wanted to shake things up this year to increase their outreach in the community, sparking a night of comedy.

Jack Levine, a volunteer with the Ironmen who helped plan the event, said the organizations have found the same people kept attending the picnics and figured a comedy night would be a good attraction for folks of all backgrounds. Levine said the event has a one-of-a-kind setup to offer a unique experience.

The first half of the event will be Stine’s comedy routine, but after, Stine will field questions from the audience — with nothing left off the table. Levine described Stine as a bold conservative comic, comparing him to a “Christian Robin Williams” for his wit and quickness. Stine is prepared to answer questions about anything from God to politics.

“I expect that not only will Brad be hilarious as always and the first half will have them laughing their butts off, but the second part, where they go to the Q&A, there’s going to be a lot of clarity and insight because Brad is very on fire for God,” Levine said.

Levine said it’s impossible to come away from listening to Stine without feeling his heart in his act. He expects attendees to be encouraged to examine their own lives and find how to get more out of an abundant Christian life.

While Levine emphasized the event wouldn’t be like a church communion and the organizations wouldn’t be asking for memberships, the three ministry leaders will each speak for about a minute at the start of the night to explain their work.

Levine said each ministry meets at a different time throughout the month and each has a different flavor of discussion for different men. Though they vary, Levine established the importance of the ministries and the essential support they offer, allowing men a space to share and connect.

“For men, sometimes it’s hard to have a community and share a little bit of what’s going on and to have people to confide in,” Levine said. “It’s fellowship, it’s brotherhood, and we understand it in the military and sports communities, but here in the faith community, it’s wonderful to see.”

The three ministries worked together to underwrite the event, lowering the ticket price from $45 to $15 plus tax.