Obviously preaching is a profoundly serious undertaking. It is not lecturing, public speaking 11 or stand up comedy. There are issues of class, culture and Christian tradition that impinge on this matter. Such considerations should not be underestimated as they play a role in determining our perspectives and positions. However, the central question is whether or not the ultimate aim of preaching (i.e. to glorify God) is enhanced or undermined by humor?12
It is very unlikely that a preacher intentionally determines to detract from God's glory in his sermon. Nevertheless it is possible to diminish that grandeur by handling the occasion or the message in a flippant manner. Inappropriate levity is incongruous with the solemn nature of preaching but that does not mean there is no place at all for humor. Being funny need not, necessarily, be equated with frivolity or facetiousness.
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Some years ago one of my elders (a pig farmer at that time) was attacked by a boar and had to receive several stitches in his arm, which was then bandaged and placed in a sling. He had a role in the service on the Sunday morning. So before I invited him to come forward I explained the circumstances of his appearance to the congregation and then said "we know you are an elder but many of us did not know you had been in the Boer War!" Although he is a shy man who would not like to be the centre of attention he has a good sense of humour.13
Humor must always be without malice. It never ceases to amaze me that some people who would not tolerate humor in a service have no difficulty being sarcastic in their preaching.
I have little tolerance for the 'a funny thing happened to me on the way to the church' approach to sermon introduction. It seems contrived and manipulative. Unless, of course, a peculiar thing did happen and it has particular relevance to the message. That is a different matter and it has an authentic ring to it. We all know the sound that coins make when they fall to the ground and very few of us are fooled by the sound of washers even though they may be similar in shape and size. Humor must be honest. A well-rehearsed joke intended as an icebreaker or designed to win the affection of the congregation may cause one to wonder if the preacher is a little insecure. The issue here is one of motive, which is difficult to determine. Therefore, it may be more charitable to give the preacher the benefit of the doubt.
Many of us will recall times when the preacher said things from the pulpit that made people laugh. In this article I share some of my experiences with you, not as an exercise in self-justification but as an insight into that sense of jocularity that is part of our human nature. Outside the pulpit humour is a very important part of most preacher's lives. Like others the preacher enjoys the banter of friends and in ministry a sense of humor can help one to maintain a healthy mind.