If laughter is truly the best medicine, then Dennis Swanberg could be just what the doctor ordered. America’s “Minister of Encouragement” is going to be at the Homecoming of First Baptist Church of Bay Minette on August 5, 2007.

With his down-home charm and heaping helping of hospitality, the Austin, Texas-born pastor who has turned comedian has won the hearts of audiences across the country. Swanberg does over 20 lovable impersonations, including that of Barney Fife from “The Andy Griffith Show.” He tells his side-splitting stories of growing up, families, and the funny side of church. He speaks to over 250,000 people every year.

An encorrigible class clown since first grade, his antics, along with getting him sent to the principal’s office, also quickly got him sent to the stage. Dennis found himself the master of ceremonies for his school’s annual talent night and then invites came in for him to speak and share his unique brand of humor with audiences in churches, businesses, retreats, conferences, and parties.

While attending Baylor University and serving as a minister of youth at a local church, Swanberg earned the title of “the many voices of Baylor.” It was during this time he remembers the strong feeling that God was calling him into the ministry. He says that he has come to realize now that the Lord can allow you to be a minister in many different ways.

It isn’t surprising that one of his heroes is Grady Nutt, the late Southern Baptist preacher comedian who brought country and charm and a dose of humor to church life via his spot on the popular variety show, “Hee-Haw.”

As a motivational speaker, teacher, preacher, author, counselor, television personality, and comedian, Dennis Swanberg knows just what it takes to make life a more pleasant road to journey down. His routines include hilarious send-ups and his own family life, both as a child growing up in Texas and as a husband and parent today to his wife and two young-adult sons.

Swanberg’s list of impersonations include Don Knots, Pat Butram (Mr. Haney of Green Acres), Walter Brennan, Howard Cosell, Muhammed Ali, Ronald Reagan, Billy Graham, Jimmy Carter, Bill Clinton, Forrest Gump, Slim Pickins, John Wayne, Ross Perot, Jimmy Stewart, Bert and Ernie and a host of other Sesame Street characters and many more.

He has authored three books and an additional four devotional books are scheduled to hit the marketplace during the coming months. As always, he’ll be bringing a note of encouragement, a pocketful of jokes, and a great big bag of joy and laughter to the Homecoming service at First Baptist Church which begins at 10:30 a.m. on Sunday, Aug. 5. Make plans to attend and enjoy the dinner on the ground following the service.