Jason Hasselkus

Jay Bakker, son of Tammy Faye and Jim, really comes through in the documentary done by the Sundance Channel. They show Jay in a way that makes him seem human and nothing like the way people saw his father. Jay really does want to be a preacher but not like his father, he just wants to connect with people and build relationships.
So then where does the humor come in with this show? Well lets take for instance where the church actually is. Church is held in a bar, but not just any bar, one of Atlanta’s most happening bars. Better yet, they serve you during church, now the Catholics are jealous. At one point Jay even lets the patrons? congregation? know that they should tip their server.
If you like tattoos then this is definitely the show for you. Jay has full sleeves and his wife (Amanda), has her fair share of tats herself. As much church as I’ve attended, I can’t remember the last time the preacher and the preachers wife were fully inked up. Although times are changing, it still strikes me as odd. However, I must say that I was impressed with the connection Jay had with his people and everyone seems to respect him. The most incredible part was watching Jay visit the Heritage USA theme park that his father built in the late 80’s. The place is run down and doesn’t exist anymore, but basically they let him in to walk around probably because he has a video camera following him. But regardless it was interesting to see a huge vacation destination in ruins.
The episode ends with Jay trying to get a hold of his father but only being able to get to speak with his assistant. The upsets Jay and he opens up to his wife and members about it while delivering a sermon. Like everything else he does, it seems to get through to his people, and that’s what makes him so successful. So I think the show is good and I’ll be watching next week to see what else happens.