Is Your Pastor a Stand-up Comic or a Stand-up Guy?

Once the DVD ended though, we didn't apprehend what to say. Our cluster wished to debate its content, however instead, we tend to were forced to ask, "What the heck was that concerning?" The pastor was therefore intent on cracking jokes that even the foremost attentive listeners could scarcely choose out his message.
This, I think, could be a serious concern in several churches. In their desire to attract large crowds, many pastors flip the pulpit into a stand-up comedy revue. They say to themselves, "If we will get folks laughing onerous enough, then they will want to attend this church and they'll hear God's Word. When all, if they're sitting in church, then surely that's a smart issue, right?" Their intentions may be laudable, however I strongly disagree with this choice of tactics. There is nothing wrong with using humor in the pulpit, mind you; indeed, there are occasions when a well-placed joke will facilitate individuals bear in mind a very important point. Nevertheless, when humor begins tot ake center stage, then God's Word is overshadowed-or perhaps ignored.
Humor has its place when used appropriately; but, one's preaching should convey the seriousness and sobriety that God's Word deserves. Mind you, I do perceive the situations that they face. I've spoken from the pulpit on many an occurrence, and the roar of laughter from the audience can be most seductive. Once you get the gang laughing, there is a sturdy temptation to stay pouring on the jokes and absorb the applause. The laugher and accolades can be most seductive indeed... and yet, that ought to never be what the preacher seeks. Preachers should be motivated by a desire to proclaim truth, instead of to entertain and ask for applause.
Sadly, I understand that many churchgoers simply love to hear a comedyfest return from the pulpit. Once I raise this issue, many respond by saying, "Do you think that it's wrong to crack jokes? Should the pastor be nothing however a sourpuss?" Under no circumstances; as I said, humor is not intrinsically evil. The problem happens when humor is pursued as a goal-when it becomes the most course, rather than a delightful bit of seasoning.
Still others respond by asking, "Are you saying that the pastor shouldn't use his talents? Why shouldn't he try to demonstrate his gifts?" Of course, this can be a specious response. Individuals ought to certainly use their gifts, however they must be used appropriately-in moderation, when necessary. Moreover, it doesn't necessarily follow that one ought to use these gifts within the pulpit. Some pastors are great at fixing cars; ought to they try to exchange a crankcase throughout a church service? I apprehend pastors who are gifted at home repair; will this mean that they ought to use the pulpit to demonstrate how to fix a bookcase?
Still others would say "Well, if it attracts the crowds in, what's wrong with that? Are you saying that they should not try to extend attendance?" No, I'm not saying that at all. There's nothing wrong with making an attempt to draw individuals into church; rather, it's the choice of tactics that's in question. We have a tendency to should never attempt to draw crowds by turning the sermons into irreverent jokefests. This could increase attendance, but it will only hinder the preaching, instead of reinforce it. You may have numerical growht, but religious growth is sure to suffer. I am absolutely aware that some would disagree with this viewpoint; nevertheless, I stand by my point. When preaching, the main focus ought to be on the Word, rather than any need to tickle people's fancy.

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Link : Alex Turner has been writing articles online for nearly 2 years now. Not only does this author specialize in Comics Humor, you can also check out his latest website about: Fatloss For Idiots

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