The show is expected to air

in early 2004.

GARDINER (AP) – Is it possible to live a good Christian life while making a living as a used-car salesman?

Clark Bridge, who’s puzzled over that question ever since a former roommate went to work selling used cars, now has a chance to answer it himself.

The youth leader at Christ Episcopal Church in Gardiner will star as a Las Vegas used-car salesman on The Learning Channel’s program “Faking It.”

The reality show has contestants spend a month working with mentors in a career drastically different from their own. Then the contestants try to fool a panel of judges into believing they are professionals in their new careers.

A previous episode featured a self-described geek who trained with National Football League cheerleaders.

Bridge, 35, will be yanked from his life as a religious youth leader for a four-week crash course on selling used cars in Las Vegas.

He was selected for the show after a friend sent in his biographical information without his knowledge.

After Bridge was told he’d been selected, the show’s producers would only say the job was in Las Vegas. Because of the gambling mecca’s Sin City reputation, Bridge was worried.

“I told them if it was a job that would compromise my morals, I couldn’t do it,” he said. “They said not to worry.”

Bridge will be leaving for Las Vegas on Wednesday. He will be trained by the top two car salesmen in Nevada, he said.

He plans to embrace his temporary new career wholeheartedly, even though it figures to differ significantly from his current job.

“The way I figure it is, I am going to be a used-car salesman,” Bridge said.

A Learning Channel cameraman and soundman were at the Gardiner church on Sunday, taping as Bridge delivered the sermon.

Bridge said he’s looking forward to the challenge but nervous about living in a strange city so far away from the church where he’s served for four years.

He said he’s been given this advice: “Remember while you’re there in Las Vegas that many youths will be watching.”

The Rev. Jack Fles said the reality show has brought the congregation together in a joyful and humorous way.

“It’s a dream come true for (Bridge),” Fles added. “He’s a big fan of reality shows.”

The episode of “Faking It” is expected to air in early 2004.

AP-ES-10-06-03 1127EDT