Nazareth

ComedianAuthor

Jul 20

5 min read ⭑

“I feel the Holy Spirit’s strong presence when I’m sharing Jesus toward the end of my shows or while performing for prisoners and homeless people. ”

Nazareth loves to make people laugh. He loves it so much that he’s devoted the last 25 years of his life to professional comedy, reaching over 40 million people with his live shows and TV and radio broadcasts.

But Nazareth is more than a joke-teller. Yes, his comedy stirs up belly-aching laughter, but it also brings encouragement, inspiration and even conviction. His love for comedy is only matched by his love of sharing the gospel at every show. That’s why his performances aren’t just at famous locations like the Grand Ole Opry and the Sports Dome; he’s also performed at over 200 prisons and death row facilities, bringing laughter and God’s love to the most unexpected places.

Enjoy our interview with Nazareth as he opens up about his favorite foods, biggest frustrations and most-loved resources that fuel his faith.

QUESTION #1: ACQUAINT

There’s much more to a meal than palate and preference. How does your go-to order at your favorite hometown restaurant reveal the true you behind the web bio?

I was born in the Holy Land. At the age of 3, I moved with my family to Kuwait. Mediterranean food is the best, but when I moved to Toledo, Ohio, to attend the University of Toledo, I was introduced to all-you-can-eat buffets. We didn’t have that many choices in the Middle East. These all-you-can-eat buffets offered lots and lots of choices!

I guess what it reveals about me is that I like options in life. I don’t have to wait to get my food; I can do things on my own time. I’m always in a hurry, so to be able to get in, choose my own food and leave on time is appealing.

QUESTION #2: REVEAL

We’ve all got quirky proclivities and out-of-the-way interests, but we tend to hide them. What do you love doing that might surprise (or shock) people?

I like to play the very addictive video game Fortnite. Also, I like to watch underdog prey defeating the predator on wildlife shows (e.g., when the zebra kills the lion).

QUESTION #3: CONFESS

Every superhero has a weakness. Every human too. We’re just good at faking it. But who are we kidding? We’re broken and in this thing together. So what’s your kryptonite and how do you hide it?

Procrastination. I waste so much time. I hide it by doing more things at 80-90% but not giving anything 100%.

Insecurity is another one. I struggle between thinking I’m too good at times and hoping people don’t find out that I’m not good at all! Attempting to make 40,000 people laugh in an outdoor arena requires a lot of confidence and prayer. I think it is my desire to be accepted that makes me go on stage night after night. Of course, my desire to share Christ is a huge motivator as well.

QUESTION #4: FIRE UP

Tell us about your toil. How are you investing your professional time right now? What’s your obsession? And why should it be ours?

I’m at a stage of my career where I end almost all my comedy shows by sharing the Good News of Jesus. There is pressure to give the audience side-splitting laughter throughout the show so that I can earn the right at the end to share Jesus.

I’m fortunate that I get to produce my own shows at stadiums or arenas and can afford to make it free for attendees so that I can reach out to people who cannot afford to attend a comedy concert or a live concert. The darker our world gets, the more urgency I feel to share the Good News.

I’m obsessed with learning more about the power of laughter and its impact on our physical bodies, emotions and overall well-being. During the pandemic, I started a nightly show on Facebook to bring laughter and encouragement to people with anxiety and other people who were impacted by the quarantine. I believe people should laugh for at least 10 minutes each day. It does wonders.

QUESTION #5: BOOST

Cashiers, CEOs, contractors or customer service reps, we all need grace flowing into us and back out into the world. How does the Holy Spirit invigorate your work? And how do you know it’s God when it happens?

I feel the Holy Spirit’s strong presence when I’m sharing Jesus toward the end of my shows or while performing for prisoners and homeless people.

I do need more grace when dealing with Christian leaders or pastors, who have often treated me like an amateur who just started telling jokes a few days ago, ignoring that God has used our comedy ministry to lead thousands to Christ and encourage millions. So those are specific occasions when I call for the Holy Spirit to give me more grace.

QUESTION #6: inspire

Some people divide things sacred and things secular. But you know, God can surprise us in unlikely places. How do you find spiritual renewal in so-called “nonspiritual” activities?

Reading some motivational books, working out and hiking with my wife does that for me.

QUESTION #7: FOCUS

Our email subscribers get free e-books featuring our favorite resources — lots of things that have truly impacted our faith. But you know about some really great stuff, too. What are three of your favorite resources?

I use the Blue Letter Bible every day for study and preparing sermons when I’m asked to teach weekend services and when I teach my men’s Bible study at my home.

Also, Audible is a great resource for audiobooks. If you’re reading this, I have an offer for you: I’m willing to send a free copy of my book, “Hope in 24 Hours,” to anyone who asks. I promise it will help give you hope! Just email me at info@nazarethusa.com, and I’ll give you a free PDF of my book.

We all have things we cling to to survive (or thrive) in tough times. Name one resource you’ve found indispensable in this current season — and tell us what it's done for you.

My prayer journal. Whenever I pray over certain issues in my life, I write them down. When God answers with a yes, I put a checkmark next to that prayer. During hard times, I go back to that journal and I am instantly reminded that God showed up in the past. And since he is the same yesterday, today and forever, I’m encouraged to know that God can come through again.

QUESTION #8: dream

God is continually stirring new things in each of us. So give us the scoop! What’s beginning to stir in you but not yet fully awakened? What can we expect from you in the future?

God is stirring my heart to do our “Laughter for All” outreaches at larger stadiums. We have been praying about it and have started planning an event at Dodgers Stadium in Los Angeles. This will be a large-scale comedy concert where people can invite their friends who need to hear the Good News of Jesus Christ.

Can you find God’s presence at a comedy show? We think Nazareth’s concerts prove the answer to that question is yes.

It’s a mistake to confuse God’s presence with boredom. He loves it when we laugh! In fact, the Scriptures tell us, “A joyful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones” (Proverbs 17:22, ESV). And Proverbs 15:15 reminds us that “the cheerful heart has a continual feast” (NIV). When God shows up, “our mouths [are] filled with laughter, our tongues with songs of joy” (Psalm 126:2, NIV).

Today, we hope you take the time to laugh. And if you need something to make that happen, watch any of Nazareth’s comedy videos!

Nazareth is an award-winning comedian who has reached over 40 million people with his live concerts and TV and radio broadcasts. He has appeared on Comedy Central, ABC Family, NBC, CBS and TBN. The New York Times raves about his hilarious and talented performances, which he has done at the famous Grand Ole Opry, Notre Dame University Concert Hall, the Sports Dome and many others. Above all, Nazareth is most proud to be a husband and father. Learn more at nazarethusa.com.