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'But seriously folks': Humor's role in pulpit assessed

By Filings on Wed, 05/18/16
Church & Ministry
Preaching
Humor
Pulpit Humor

“The legendary British preacher Charles Spurgeon was once rebuked by a woman in his congregation who felt he used too much humor in his sermons. As Baptist historian Michael Haykin recounts the story, Spurgeon replied, ‘Well, madam, if you knew the number of things that I refrain from saying, you would give me more credit.’”

Discussion

Profile picture for user DHarry
DHarry

NewInteresting take on pulpit humor...

Tue, 08/09/16
http://babylonbee.com/news/pastor-preaches-moving-30-minute-stand-comed…

Isaiah 64:8 But now, O LORD, thou art our father; we are the clay, and thou our potter; and we all are the work of thy hand.

Profile picture for user Aaron Blumer
Aaron Blumer

NewRecent experience

Wed, 08/10/16

A few months ago we had a guest preacher in on Sunday AM who has probably changed my view of pulpit humor. I’m not for turning preaching into a comedy monologue, but this guy was just being himself and speaking from the heart as he knows how… and I hadn’t laughed so much on a Sunday morning ever in my life. As a steady pastoral diet, I’m not sure how well that works out. But I came to the conclusion/had it reinforced that there’s a diff. between planning jokes and one liners etc. to be more entertaining vs. being funny because you have natural comedic timing & a keen eye for the humorous incongruities that are all over the place in human behavior.

Views expressed are always my own and not my employer's, my church's, my family's, my neighbors', or my pets'. The house plants have authorized me to speak for them, however, and they always agree with me.

Profile picture for user jreeseSr
jreeseSr

New  Dr. Gibbs of the CLA has

Wed, 09/07/16

Dr. Gibbs of the CLA has represented us years ago and we have had him speak a few times at our church…He can be the most “entertaining” of speakers and his recounting of his life experiences are just hilarious „,but he always uses them to drive home a very solid simple biblical principle…..I really dont care for the silliness some demonstrate but I do love to learn once you have my attention…even if its garnered by humor..

Jim

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  • Illustrations in Preaching, Part 5
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  • The challenge of first sermons
  • Research: How Do Most Pastors Plan Their Sermons?

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Whoever restrains his words has knowledge, and he who has a cool spirit is a man of understanding.

(ESV, Proverbs 17:27)

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