What do you think about jokes from the pulpit? Neat? Out of place? Or . . .?

Prashanth P.  BE A HARD WORKING PROFESSIONAL
that makes me laugh, right out of the place.
Mar 30th 2012 01:02 1 Likes  

Md Rezaul Karim  Asst. Prof.
It's so so, and I don't expect everything would be 100% perfect and neat.
Mar 30th 2012 04:34 1 Likes  

Brenda W.   Life Learner
Well my friends, if you "really" knew God, you would realize He has a sense of humor. The Bible says itself that "A merry heart doeth good like a medicine." Proverbs 17:22. Laughter is good for the soul and for some of the things that ail us. I see nothing wrong with a pastor, preacher, teacher, evangelist, or any other speaker to tell a joke, as long as it flows with the message they are delivering, and it's clean and doesn't defile the pulpit.
Apr 2nd 2012 14:29 1 Likes  

Larry Winebrenner  Writer
Brenda, how right you are! Jesus had a good sense of humor, but we've sanctified his every word so much, and live in such a different world, that we tend to lose sight of that humor. I believe, like you, that God has a sense of humor, but I was asking specifically about joke telling. Even you said "as long as it flows." A good joke can make a memorable point, but one must ask, what is remembered? The point? Or the joke? I love you Brenda--and that cute baby.
Apr 9th 2012 08:32   

Brenda W.   Life Learner
Hello Larry,

It's by His grace that I love you and this whole "stinkin" world. Shame on me, but that's how I feel about this world since we've corrupted His Word and destroyed this world He created for us to live in. How much further do you think He'll let us go before interceding?

As far as jokes, Pastor John Hagee out of San Antonio TX has them interspersed through his messages. Even one of my favorites, Pastor Joseph Prince out of the country of Singapore lets one out every now and then. But then, these are "one liners" ....so would they be considered jokes too?

Blessings......
Apr 9th 2012 10:33   

Diane Berl   Helping others to become healthier
I agree with Brenda! Both my pastor's make jokes from the pulpit and the congregation love it! They often tie the joke into their sermons.
Apr 10th 2012 10:01   

Connie K.   Spiritual Counselor
I believe it depends on the joke and the context of the joke. It shows a human element and relieves the tension in the room. Jokes and a happy pastor can make for an interesting sermon. Not just a "preaching" at you attitude. It is engaging.
Apr 16th 2012 16:41   

Patty d.   Promotor OJS, Associate of AMF
In a Church it is usually mild humor and does tend to wake the congregation.
May 19th 2012 16:04    Edited in May 19th 2012 16:08

Cambridge C.   Consultant
I think that a little light humor is okay. When I was young I used to tell congregations that, "like a cow in tall grass, I am utterly tickled to be here" Corny yes, but it lightened the mood. It also depends on the topic of the talk and the humor that is used.
Jun 5th 2012 22:26   

Alvin H.  Writer for Hire
I believe a little levity helps in keeping some peoples attention, but the jokes should always be done in "good taste." I believe God has a sense of humor as well, as HE has given us his image and likeness. Although everyone will not find it "funny" to laugh in church, because they are so serious, life should be taken less seriously and with humor. If you can't laugh at life and some of it's pitfalls you are seriously flawed and in need of therapy. I agree that the Church is a place of worship, but if all that was done was listened to a report of how wonderful everyone is, and how we always do whats right, and we all heal the sick, raise the dead and there is no more hatred in the world, we would be bored in church. ; ) Praise God for a sense of humor!
Jun 27th 2012 10:28   

Robert D.  Welcome to BobD Enterprises !
Lord help us if we lose our sense of humor.
Jun 30th 2012 12:29   

Rob Blanshard   Online Business Marketer
Too many people have the wrong concept of the church and Christianity, believing that, to be considered sincere in your belief, silence and seriousness are pre-requisites. Gods word, the Bible, however, shows so clearly that joy and laughter are God given attributes, and that He Himself is a God of joy. There is a verse of scripture in Zephaniah 3v17, which reads, "The Lord your God is in your midst, a mighty one who will save; He will rejoice over you with gladness; He will quiet you by His love; He will exult over you with loud singing.

So to answer the question, in my opinion, jokes from the pulpit are absolutely OK!
Jul 4th 2012 07:53