DECATUR - In some ways, the pastor at South Shores Christian Church has his wife to thank for the parallel career that takes him onstage as a stand-up comedian.

The Rev. Steve Ingram entered the ministry after graduating from Ozark Christian College, Joplin, Mo. His stand-up routines came about after a trip to Branson, Mo., where Steve and Carla Ingram saw seven stage shows in four days.

While in the audiences, it hit Steve Ingram: "Every show had a comedian who was having so much fun."

And he was hooked.

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Now, the preacher of 35 years has spent about 20 of those years in stand-up comedy. He has served churches in the Monticello and Decatur area since 1981 and now is also chaplain to Hickory Point Christian Village, Forsyth.

But Steve Ingram is not, he said emphatically, a Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde. He doesn't flip a switch to change between his roles as pastor and comedian.

"The only conflict, at least for me personally, is what is appropriate humor," he said.

Ingram's comedy shows are all strictly family entertainment, as he maintains his own standards.

"There is a part of me that needed to make people laugh," Ingram said.

And the opportunity to do comedy came when the late Herb Bone founded Bement Country Opry. The guitar-playing truck driver was urged by Ingram to follow his dreams to provide a family friendly atmosphere for musicians, alcohol and tobacco free. He especially wanted a spot where young people could be offered a chance to perform onstage with a live band, Ingram said.

So, when the Opry got under way, Ingram asked who would be providing the comic relief. When the answer was "nobody," Ingram stepped up.

"Any Friday that the church doesn't demand me, I'm there."

Ingram said he entered the comedy role with the understanding that if it worked, it worked, and either party could call it quits, with no hard feelings.

At first, he had no name, no persona, but that didn't last.

Just ask Saul Simpleton, the barefoot jokester who knows not only every Opry band member but also many of the Opry's patrons. Saul, his stage name has no biblical connection, is kind of the custodian of the Opry, Ingram said.

And a custodian in many ways. Not only does he check on band members' birthdays and grandchildren, but he also frequently receives prayer requests from audience members.

Then, going back to his pastor role, Ingram said he has used humor in his sermons, deliberately including it in early years.

"I don't force humor in sermons now," he said. "I don't need to do that. When I use humor, it's on purpose."

His pastor is very energetic, very enthusiastic, said Jerry McElyea, head of the Missions Ministry Team at South Shores.

"Although he does that stand-up (routine), the service isn't a comedic service. There's humor, but he's very serious about his mission," McElyea added.

Sondra Wooley, co-owner of the Opry with her husband, Larry, and guitarist as well, said Ingram in effect has two congregations, his church and the Opry band/audience.

"I'm glad that he made the decision to stay," she added after the couple purchased the facility in 2001. "Three-fourths of what he does surprises me as much as it does the audience."

And, while Carla Ingram attends the Opry shows, too, does she ever offer her husband suggestions?

"Nope," she said, with emphasis.

amannlein@herald-review.com|421-6976