Christian Sitcom to Air on Cornerstone Television

By Darla Sitton
CBN News Producer

CBN.com – (CBN News) - A new Christian sitcom is airing this month across the nation. It has been called a cross between "Three's Company" and "Highway to Heaven."

But the show aims to give audiences more than a just good laugh.

Producers say the show, called "Pastor Greg," is the only Christian sitcom on the market.

It is taped near Pittsburgh, and is the brainchild of Greg Robbins, a former L.A. actor and model who became a Christian. Robbins writes, directs, and stars in the program, which is produced on a shoestring budget.

He says the main character is much like himself. "He was once your average guy living in the world: womanizing, drinking, gambling, that kind of thing. And through a series of comical but real events, he surrenders his life to Christ."

In each episode, the unconventional, first-time pastor faces challenges to his faith, as he tries to encourage and "win over" his flock.

Robbins believes comedy is an effective way to communicate the gospel. But the progressive themes may raise a few eyebrows. In one episode, pastor Greg finds out he has an out-of-wedlock daughter.

Robbins pitched the program to numerous television executives for nine long years without success.

"You get the look, a Christian what????” Robbins explains. “I mean, there was a time where I thought my name was ‘You're nuts.’”

Finally, though, Ron Hembree, the president of Christian-based "Cornerstone Television" decided to take it on.

Hembree said, "We wanted to make the statement that I think it is appropriate at this time in history."

This month, Cornerstone will air the show in 100 markets, both Christian and secular.

"The masses aren't going to look and go, well, they're claiming Christ as their Savior and I'm not going to watch it. No,” remarked Robbins. “They're going to like it and then, they're going to see that Christianity is not what they thought it was."

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