What’s So Funny?

By Ken Davis

After one of my comedy concerts, I was accosted by a scowling woman who looked like she just swallowed a profusely sweating toad. 

“Why don’t you just present the gospel like it is in the Bible?” she screeched. “The Gospel doesn’t need any of your silly entertainment.  It stands on its own.” 

She is right. “The word of God is more powerful than a two edged sword.”  But the people who need to hear it are not reading that Word.  And they will only listen if the presentation of that Word holds their attention.  

I asked this woman, who obviously had been sleeping when the gift of encouragement was passed out, “Does your church have missionaries?” 

Yes, she answered

Do they go away to train to be missionaries?

Yes!

“What kind of training do they get, I asked?”

Her answer was quick and defensive. “They are trained to present the Gospel in the context of the culture.” The words were barely out of her mouth when she realized she had just buried herself.    

We live in a postmodern culture that is saturated with entertainment and humor.  If we are to reach that culture with the message of the Gospel our presentation has to be delivered in an engaging and attractive manner.  Humor is a powerful tool to soften the heart to receive life changing truth.  

Your sermons can be more powerful and effective with the use of humor.  Here are two steps to achieving that goal. 

1. Know the value of humor.

• Humor can break down the hostility of a listener.
• Humor makes people want to listen. A sermon that begins with a humorous story will focus the attention of many who might otherwise tune you out before you start.
• Humor keeps the attention of an audience.  Experts try to use humor every few minutes to recapture wandering minds.  
• Humor gives you powerful feedback.  If your point is emphasized with humor and people laugh, you have evidence that they got the point.  And because it was driven home with humor it will probably be more memorable.  

Remember that humor must be done properly and appropriately in order to enhance a sermon.  A poorly delivered joke or inappropriate attempt at humor will hinder your message.  It’s worth working at doing right. 

2. Know how to develop your humor skills.

The other day a radio host asked me when I started doing humor.  I said, right after the doctor slapped me and said, “It’s a boy.”   But anyone can learn to become more effective at using this God given tool.  Here are some Guidelines. 

• Stay within the bounds of your own style and ability.  If you are a dry and witty person don’t try to roll them in the aisles.

• Use funny stories rather than jokes.  Although jokes have value they are dangerous because the listener expects a punch line and laughter.  If it doesn’t happen, you will feel what comedians feel when they fail. It’s a near death experience! With stories, even if people don’t laugh the story will still help drive home your point.  Just a hint here, don’t wait for laughter at the end of the story. You may get stood up.  Let laughter come to you.

• Learn from people who do humor well.  Make yourself aware of their timing.  Ask yourself, “What made that funny?” 

• Practice with friends before you deliver from the pulpit.

• Keep stretching!   We have a ball helping pastors and youth pastors from all over the world use humor to communicate the greatest message on the face of the earth.  Find someplace you can learn and never stop in your search for excellence as a communicator.

After attending one of our comedy concerts, a woman wrote to me.  “Thank you,” she said, “for gently leading my husband to the foot of the cross.”   As I read her letter I breathed a prayer, “Thank you Lord for giving us the tool of humor.”

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Check out Ken Davis’ 2006 Dynamic Communicators Workshop at: http://kendavis.com/dcw/index-1.cfm

© 2005 Ken Davis