Andy Stanley says that pastors should really learn to study comedians. They can captivate an audience with really NO material or substance. And yet, as pastors, we have the greatest material/substance. If comedians can learn the art of communicating with really NOTHING to say, don't we as pastors/preachers need to learn this art?
Your post was a reminder to me that I want to study comedians! Oh and I can't wait to get Andy's new book on preaching, "Communicating for a Change."
Jon Harper
· 3 years ago
I am thoroughly convinced that a quick wit is a learnable skill.
I have increased my observational humor skills to a large degree b/c i have an annoyingly high level of persistance and the attitude that I can figure out nearly anything ... even how to find humor in the most banal situations.
A few thoughts about comedians and humor when it comes to church. 1) Dude, go for it! Get your butt on stage and make us laugh! The church is just too funny. 2) I use humor/sarcasm/biting wit in my sermons all the time, most of the time it works but sometimes (If I do say so myself ;-), I KNOW there are times I rely on humor far too much. I think the gift is to use humor in a way that engages folks with the preacher, builds relationships and opens up opportunities for transformation. 3) Ministry without healthy laughter is BORING. 4) Chris Rock . . . ROCKS! His best advice is for fathers raising daughters. Just keep her off the Pole. If your daughter is dancing on the pole in some club, you have failed. I must agree.
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Your post was a reminder to me that I want to study comedians! Oh and I can't wait to get Andy's new book on preaching, "Communicating for a Change."
I have increased my observational humor skills to a large degree b/c i have an annoyingly high level of persistance and the attitude that I can figure out nearly anything ... even how to find humor in the most banal situations.
A pretty cool humor blog I've found: http://www.humorpower.com/blog/
1) Dude, go for it! Get your butt on stage and make us laugh! The church is just too funny.
2) I use humor/sarcasm/biting wit in my sermons all the time, most of the time it works but sometimes (If I do say so myself ;-), I KNOW there are times I rely on humor far too much. I think the gift is to use humor in a way that engages folks with the preacher, builds relationships and opens up opportunities for transformation.
3) Ministry without healthy laughter is BORING.
4) Chris Rock . . . ROCKS! His best advice is for fathers raising daughters. Just keep her off the Pole. If your daughter is dancing on the pole in some club, you have failed. I must agree.