Dream In Soul – Creativity for the Kingdom:

“The theme in my life has always been building bridges…I wanted to bring these two communities together. Let’s talk about stuff that has always divided us…and using that comedy as an opportunity to heal.” – John Gray

John Gray is a comedian, minister and filmmaker on a mission who approaches more serious topics like living for Christ, race and diversity with a unique slant that encourages the Church to come together amidst our differences. He’s one of the creative minds and co-producers behind the movie “Unconditional” which is now in theaters, starring Lynn Collins and Michael Ealy. In the interview with LIFE Today above John Gray talks about the themes in the movie and how he uses both comedy and drama to bring important messages to light:

Be sure to catch “Unconditional” in theaters and check out the inspiring album Hope with music from the film by clicking here. Watch the trailer below and click here to learn more about the movie:

Film Synopsis

Samantha Crawford is living a storybook life: she’s happily married, she lives on a ranch where she keeps her beloved horse, and the stories she’s told and illustrated since childhood have become published books.

When her husband Billy is killed in a senseless act of violence, Sam loses her faith and her will to live. But a death-defying encounter with two children leads to a reunion with Joe, her oldest friend. Inspired by true events, UNCONDITIONAL stars Michael Ealy (Think Like A Man) and Lynn Collins (John Carter).

As Sam watches “Papa” Joe care for and love the kids in his under-resourced neighborhood, she begins to realize that no matter life’s circumstances, the love of God is always reaching out to us.

UNCONDITIONAL is the first feature film from Harbinger Media Partners, which creates and produces high-quality theatrical films to inspire moviegoers to pursue God and serve others.

Partnering with scores of ministries and non-profit organizations around the country like the one run by the real-life Papa Joe Bradford, UNCONDITIONAL is encouraging people to ACT on the needs in their communities. Learn more about ACT. http://unconditionalthemovie.com/act

If you’ve never heard one of John Gray’s messages you’re missing out on a fusion of humor and faith that will both encourage your heart and have you laughing out loud until tears flow. Watch John Gray in action below in this message entitled “Are You the One?”

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Miz T shares how her passion for creating laughter has brought spiritual lessons into her life…

In the first part of the Q&A Tranea Prosser, also known as Miz T, shared how she discovered her passion to make others laugh and turned it into her ministry, and now she’s living out her God-given dreams. In part two Miz T gives some wisdom on supporting one another in ministry, advice for young people, and tips on embracing one’s unique calling. Read below for some of her lessons on laughter:

Dream in Soul: You’ve previously mentioned the importance of people mentoring each other, and pulling each other up to be successful. Can you say a little about this, and why it’s important for the community of God to support those who are upcoming and younger?

MizT: That gift of exhortation sure talks alot! Two years ago there were only two people doing Christian comedy in Austin. I reached out to him and invited him to my CD release program where he was introduced and he returned the invitation when he had a production. We are very supportive of each other and to each other in regards to the comedic ministry. The Word says that we are the body of Christ and are all equally important with our separate functions. We need to learn to appreciate everyone for their ministry gifts and not feel like competing against them.

This year has been really busy for Christian comedy. I am pleased and surprised by the number of eblasts I’ve seen promoting Christian comedy events. I have met promoters who are putting on Christian comedy shows and are looking for female christian comedians and we are few in number. I met Reggie Reg from St. Louis, MO in March this year when I was at the Dr. Bobby Jones showcase and we have called each other to give a shot of encouragement before the event. It is great to meet people like that who want you to be successful.

DS: Tell us about how you let the spirit move you in your comedy and music. Do you have any stories of how people have responded, and how you’ve been able to share God’s word or touched somebody through your comedy?

MizT: Comedy is like music in the sense that either the topic moves you or it doesn’t. My prayer before I perform is Lord, touch those who need this healing and have your way. I am finding that comedy is just another vehicle to reach out to people. I had a man in my church who bought my CD and told me that he listens to it everyday, it’s like therapy for him.

Recently, I was in Brookshire, Texas, at a Youth Gospel Explosion and after a heavy hearted salute – a man recently passed away and his widow and mother were given plaques in his honor – I had to minister after that. While I was on stage I looked down to where the wife and mother were sitting and they were rolling over in laughter and I almost dropped the mike and did the quartet stomp! I said Father, that’s what I came for, to lift those two people. It took everything in me not to let loose a praise, but on the inside I was blessing God! I don’t take the gift of laughter for granted.

DS: What’s a spiritual or life lesson that you think the youth/young adults of today need to hear?

MizT: People have gotten away from being authentic and genuine. Our young adults are constantly trying to be by imitation, Beyonce or 50 Cent, instead of accepting who God created them to be and what “gift” God has given them. I’m not taking anything away from them, I’m just using them as a reference. My mother raised me not to compare myself to anyone and maybe that’s why I don’t feel bad that I can’t sing rings around other singers. We should not all look the same nor sing the same because He created us to be different. As I child I was always asked, “Do you sing like your mother?” I used to be intimidated by that and not sing at all, but I had to learn to grow up and accept that her gift is what God wanted her to have. What I have is what God gave to me. He wants to know what am I going to do with it? So my question to any young adult is: “What are you going to do with what God gave you?”

DS: How can someone know how they are to use their gifts for God? What advice do you have for young people who want to venture into a unique ministry field but are afraid to take the jump, or feel pressured to go into a more “traditional” field?

MizT: You must be prayerful about it. Submit it to God and let him direct you. Don’t be in a hurry, you need to know that you are called to a ministry before you can walk in it and be effective. I get this all the time because I know how to sing people want to put me in the choir and get mad because I won’t sing there. When you are certain of your gifts, you won’t let people pressure you in what they think you should be doing. I’m using my voice in the manner God has directed me for twenty years to lead Praise & Worship which is more than just being a member of the choir.

You also have to invest in yourself not only mentally but financially. Have your act together. I will be performing at the GMWA Women’s Hatter’s Tea because I called to inquire about a souvenir ad and when I told the lady I was a female Christian comedian and wanted to place an ad, she put me on the program. I was invited to the Dr. Bobby Jones showcase by Minister Chuck Spearman after he saw one of my e-blast and was impressed with my ad. If I didn’t have my advertising campaign together, those opportunities would not have been extended to me. If you don’t take yourself seriously, others won’t either.

DS: Is there anything you’d do different or lessons you learned in starting your ministry? What tips would you give to others in starting their own ministries and in promoting their gifts?

MizT: I followed the outline that God gave me two years ago. I share with people that when God gives you the dream, He will also give you the vision and lay it out for you. My homework was to do research for managing and promoting myself. I had to decide how many times a month I want to travel. Be sure to schedule “me” time so I don’t get burned out. Learn how to relate to your audience. I’m still learning about the gospel industry by attending workshops and seminars even though they pertain to music. I had to learn about delivery vehicles like e-blasts, banners and podcasts. Christian comedy is still an untapped market but the promoting of it works the same as music.

DS: Do you have a favorite scripture that you’d like to share?

MizT: 1 Peter 5:7

DS: Any upcoming projects? How can we find out more about you, or see you in action?

MizT: Yes, there is a comedy DVD in the works right now. I am planning another live recording later this year and hopefully it can be released by January 2010. I have been approached about working in a stage play. I have ideas about MizT comedy cards that I’m working on. I also have comedy ringtones available. I keep my calendar on my website up to date so keep taking sneak peeks on www.miztgospelcomedienne.com.

If you missed it, click here for the first part of the Q&A to read about how Miz T got started in her ministry.

Miz T, a native of Austin, TX, who is also a singer and worship leader at her church, says that her original comedy material is rated “I” for the innocent. Her comical content ranges from stories within the church to musical skits. Miz T is bringing her hilarious message to churches and other venues, with the goal of tickling and touching souls one joke at a time. To learn more about Miz T and her ministry, visit her website at www.miztgospelcomedienne.com where you can also purchase her CD “Back At ‘Ya, Lord!” You can follow her on Twitter as @MizTcomedy for regular doses of clever humor.

Miz T is bringing healing to hearts with a dose of humor…

Tranea Prosser, otherwise known as Miz T, discovered that her natural ability to make others laugh could be her key to reaching hearts for God. The native of Austin, TX, who is also a singer and worship leader at her church, says that her original comedy material is rated “I” for the innocent. Her comical content ranges from stories within the church to musical skits. Miz T recently released her debut comedy CD, “Back at ‘Ya, Lord!”, and is bringing her hilarious message to churches and other venues, with the goal of tickling and touching souls one joke at a time. Here’s what Miz T had to say to DreaminSoul.com about how she got started in her ministry, and how she’s living out her God-given dream:

Dream in Soul: How would you describe your style of comedy, and how long have you been doing it as ministry?

MizT: It’s stand-up combined with story-telling, tattle-telling, music and a little dancing. Is there a name for that style? The main mission of the comedic ministry is to bring laughter and stress relief to the saints. I have been doing comedy for ten years now.

DS: Tell us a little bit about what’s included on your CD "MizT – Back At ‘Ya, Lord" and how did you come up with the title?

MizT: It’s a mixture of sing-a-long icebreakers, comedy skits, and story-telling. The title was inspirited by the story of the ten talents based on Matthew 25:27-29. I’m returning to God one of the talents He has given me.

DS: When did you know you wanted to do comedy, and how did you start? Were your family and friends supportive of your passion?

MizT: I didn’t always know that I wanted to do comedy, I kinda fell into it or rather I made it a separate category from all the other things that I do. I started doing comedy on a dare. I went to an audition and made my debut as a Christian comedian. The people received me well so I kept the t-shirt and haven’t stopped.

My parents don’t know what to think of the comedy and especially in the traditional baptist upbringing. My mother tells me now, I’m just old-fashioned and don’t see where it fits in the church, so I told her it fits right after the offering because that’s where I tell people to place me on musicals. It doesn’t fit in between songs for me because I am a praise and worship leader also and I can be caught up in the movement of the spirit and won’t be led to do comedy but maybe to minister in song, or share a word, so to ensure that you get what you ask for, place me immediately after the offering.

DS: What would you say to those people who might not think humor belongs in church?

MizT: First I would ask what do they know about God? He is our creator and He does have a sense of humor. Then I’d dare them to read the book of Proverbs. The cheerful heart has a continual feast, Proverbs 15:15. Laughter is a gift of God. Laughter even has a healing quality to it. Laughter can draw others to you and lighten your load in life.

DS: How did God provide for your ministry when you got started?

MizT: God provided for my ministry by extending opportunities to emcee various programs. I use a lot of comedy when I emcee. I spent two solid years serving as emcee at various events, but people were focusing on the comedy stuff, the stories I share, and other comments so I decided to really test the limit and released a Christian comedy CD along with a live recording. The saints have shown their support. They are hungry for this type of ministry, and it is welcomed.

DS: Was there a point where you decided to stop doing something else or felt a burden in your heart in order to pursue comedy?

MizT: My prayer to God is to show me how to balance everything He has given me in ministry. I use comedy in Praise & Worship also when directed by the Spirit to do so. I stay prayerful and ask for wisdom and guidance. The comedy was always there, I needed to learn where, when and how to best utilize it.

DS: Where do you get your material? How do you hope to touch people who see your performances?

MizT: My material came from children I used to teach at Sunday School, family and from going to church. My prayer is that the leave the program feeling different about themselves or their situations. To see the joy on their face is good enough for me.

DS: Did you always want do Christian-based/positive comedy, and why? Have you performed at non-Christian events, and is it a different experience?

MizT: When I made up my mind to continue with my comedy I wanted to keep it Christian-based and positive. Why? Because I wouldn’t feel comfortable on stage cursing and using other forms to communicate my point. That goes against my nature, plus I want to feel good about myself and honor Christ in my walk. I also wanted to prove a point that you can be funny without cursing and degrading people. Yes I have performed at non-Christian events and I quickly learned to talk about family and children, leave the church stuff out of it.

DS: Who were your role models and people who inspired you in this ministry field?

MizT: I heard of Jonathan Slocum a few months after my debut but before him, there were no Christian comedians. The people who inspired me are the ones who came to me after I’ve emceed the programs and told me how much they really enjoyed me, or how they hadn’t laughed that hard in years, they are my inspiration to keep doing what I do.

DS: Do you have plans to expand your music as well?

MizT: Yes and I’m waiting for God to say when. I have written 13 sets of lyrics but I don’t write music, so he is bringing people into my life who do write music and are musicians. When I finish my comedy DVD, then I’ll start concentrating on the music.

DS: In a previous interview* you’ve said you feel you have the gift of exhortation. How would you describe this gift, and how have you seen it in action?

MizT: Exhortation is a gift of speaking positive words to people and into their lives. Words have great power. Society sends so many critical messages, people are hungry to hear loving encouragement. Not only words but actions are included. There is a boomerang effect, you reap what you sow. I’ve seen it in action by one of former co-workers asking me to pray for her that she can be stronger in her faith to live a celibate lifestyle like I do. That was shouting time right there! It was a hold my mule moment.

DS: What are your dreams and your ultimate goals for your comedy, music, or ministry in general?

MizT: I’m living my dream right now. I’m in my forties doing what I love and some people never get to accomplish that. I have been approached about working in a stage play. I have ideas about MizT comedy cards that I’m working on, and I have comedy ringtones available. My ultimate goal would be to let people see that you can be a Christian and still have fun.

In Part 2, Miz T will give some wisdom on supporting one another in ministry, some spiritual lessons she would share with young people, and tips on using your gifts for God.

To learn more about Miz T and her ministry, visit her website at www.miztgospelcomedienne.com where you can also purchase her CD “Back At ‘Ya, Lord!” You can follow her on Twitter as @MizTcomedy for regular doses of clever humor.

*Click here to listen to the interview mentioned in this Q&A session that Miz T did on the L.A.W.S. Inspiration Station radio show.

Watch MizT in action below: