I was asked if I would get opinions on something. What do you think of preachers telling jokes in the pulpit? Is it appropriate? Always? Usually? Once in awhile? Never?
I've heard preachers who seem to plan a joke to explain or highlight a point; I've heard some who seem to use the sermon material as something to string their jokes together; I've heard some who didn't plan jokes but thought of them as they were preaching -- anyway, what is your opinion?
6 comments:
Once in awhile would not seem to hurt, but it has gotten out of hand in many areas. Sometimes it's hard to distinguish between a minister and a stand-up comedian. I think the problem is that so many seem to want a light and casual atmosphere when it comes to worship.
Neil vaught
Is a joke the same as an amusing story? I often tell an amusing story, especially when the congregation seems to be falling off. It get their attention back, and then they are ready for the "slap".
In some homiletic circles, they call it working with the people's emotions...too loose, tell a story and then lead them back to the sombre and serious side.
The main key in preaching is to be yourself. It might not be a good idea to manufacture a personality not your own.
I am English and there is no point iin trying to make myself "Southern".
Cheers,
Jim
rl have you any connecion to the bma or baptist board?
Chris, the first church I joined and where I was baptized was affiliated with the BMA. I am not currently connected with this association, though I have kind regards for the churches and people of it. As for the Baptist Board, I post there from time to time -- have quite a bit in the past but not too much recently, due to time constraints of other projects.
I have found that spontaneous humor tends to be more effective. By that I mean humor that is not planned for. An ocassional humorous story would not necessarily be inappropriate.
If we are to err it should be on the side of caution. We do not want to bring an atmosphere of levity to preaching God's holy Word.
fullypersuadedbaptist
In our Mennonite church, our pastor almost always 'opens' with a joke, usually, if not always, unrelated to the points he then makes in his sermon. On the one hand, this seemed frivolous and "tickling the ears" of the congregation. On the other hand, I've come to appreciate how well it fits the style of our congregation, which is very informal, and where people feel free to laugh together. In this, it builds up the body by providing something we all share together. If I had my druthers, I'd wish that our church were a little less 'low,' but I'd hate to lose the sense of togetherness that comes from laughing (or groaning) together.
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