Praise for Preaching Punchlines: The Ten Commandments of Comedy "With what I've learned, I just may show up preaching at a church near you." -Lewis Black, Comedian "...this lively, practical, and searching book...will make seasoned (i.e., jaded) preachers think again and look at what is demanded of them in what ought to be the joyful role of communicating the divine comedy of healing and transfiguration." -Rowan (not Atkinson, alas) Williams, Former Archbishop of Canterbury "A preacher with a motorcycle, cowboy boots, a wicked sense of humor, and a heart that warms you like a huge Southern-style breakfast. That's my pastor!" -Tamron Hall, Broadcast journalist and television host Waiting in the wings is an untapped power that can transform the craft of preaching. It isn't studied or taught because it has been mistaken as trivial or simply the means to get a laugh. What is this ignored superpower? The art of stand-up comedy. In Preaching Punchlines: The Ten Commandments of Comedy, Susan Sparks brings two decades of experience as a preacher and a professional stand-up to mine the strategies comedians have employed for years. Lessons include framing messages that people will listen to, remember, and share; finding your creative voice; building bridges and community; and bringing full authenticity in the pulpit. The art of stand-up comedy is not just about jokes; it's about developing intimacy, honesty, and trust-three dynamics that must be present before any sermon is truly heard.

The art of brevity has been lost to the information age. Jesus Christ knew this art. He communicated powerful ideas with few words and lasting results. Many of His one sentence answers have kept people talking for 2000 years. This volume is a compilation of ideas, principles and biblical truths stated in memorable ways that will let you communicate big ideas with a simple punch line. --

'The Pulpit and the Punch Line' explores the propriety and potential of using humour and comedy in the context of preaching.

Anyone who speaks for a living knows that at some point you just run out of relevant stories to tell. And there's nothing more embarrassing to a preacher or teacher than a listener pointing out that they've heard a story three or four times now. What's a busy speaker to do? Edward K. Rowell and Leadership journal have come to the rescue with this fresh compilation of quotes, idea starters, illustrations, and humor to jump-start or add kick to speeches, sermons, and lessons. This easy-to-use volume is the perfect addition to the library of any pastor, teacher, or public speaker.

There's no doubt, we live in a troubled world. At best, life can be difficult and challenging. Now, more than ever, we need God's help. If you are looking for hope and encouragement, here is a book for you. These sermons are Bible-based and Christ-centered.This is a great book for those who want to learn more about the Christian faith. The basic truths of the Scriptures are presented in a memorable, clear and easy-to-understand way. Discover the mercy and grace of Jesus Christ. Experience his love and compassion; grow in your spiritual life each day.These sermons can be read and studied many times. They can lift up your heart and give you real courage and strength. The power of God's Word can help you deal with all the problems and heartaches you are facing today.This book looks at: * THE POWER OF THE RESURRECTION.* ARE MIRACLES REALLY POSSIBLE?* MAKING A NEW BEGINNING.* THE TRUTH OF GOD'S WORD.* FORGETTING THE PAST AND MOVING FORWARD.* OVERCOMING FEAR AND WORRY.* HOW CAN I BE SAVED?* IS THERE REALLY LIFE AFTER DEATH? * FINDING CERTAINTY IN GOD' PROMISES.* THE POWER OF FAITH.* WHAT IT MEANS TO CARE FOR OTHERS.* LEARNING TO DEPEND ON GOD.* COPING WITH GRIEF AND SORROW.* THE END OF THE WORLD AND THE LAST THINGS.* THE PROBLEM OF EVIL AND WHAT GOD HAS DONE ABOUT IT. * WHAT IT MEANS TO BEAR THE CROSS.* AND SO MUCH MORE!

An Expository Sermon Series through the Book of Colossians Today's church is under constant pressure from society to change. Change our message. Change our ways. Within the church, some are pushing for compromise. Change the message. These pressures to change and compromise are not new to the church. Almost two thousand years ago, the Apostle Paul wrote to a church facing similar circumstances. What Paul wrote to the Colossians is just as relevant to today's church of the 21st century. Sermon Outlines for Busy Pastors: Colossians Series presents a verse-by-verse, expository sermon series that speaks to today's church that faces pressures from both outside and inside the church. Encourage, strengthen, and prepare your church with the sermons in Sermon Outlines for Busy Pastors: Colossians Series. Sermon Titles and Scripture References: 1. Introduction to Colossians - Colossians 2:1-4 2. Resist - Colossians 1:1-14 3. Supreme - Colossians 1:15-23 4. Mystery Revealed - Colossians 1:24-2:5 5. Jesus is the Answer - Colossians 2:6-23 6. Your Identity - Colossians 3:1-11 7. The Church the World Should See - Colossians 3:12-17 8. Relationships Reflecting Jesus - Colossians 3:18-4:1 9. A Plan for Bringing Change - Colossians 4:2-18 Keywords: bible,expository,outlines,pastor,sermon,sermon helps,sermon outlines,sermon prep,old testament,new testament,preach,preaching,colossians,paul

Few vocations share more in common with preaching than stand-up comedy. Each profession demands attention to the speaker’s bodily and facial gestures, tone and inflection, timing, and thoughtful engagement with contemporary contexts. Furthermore, both preaching and stand-up arise out of creative tension with homiletic or comedic traditions, respectively. Every time the preacher steps into the pulpit or the comedian steps onto the stage, they must measure their words and gestures against their audience’s expectations and assumptions. They participate in a kind of dance that is at once choreographed and open to improvisation. It is these and similar commonalities between preaching and stand-up comedy that this book engages. Stand-Up Preaching does not aim to help preachers tell better jokes. The focus of this book is far more expansive. Given the recent popularity of comedy specials, preachers have greater access to a broad array of emerging comics who showcase fresh comedic styles and variations on comedic traditions. Coupled with the perennial Def Comedy Jams on HBO, preachers also have ready access to the work of classic comics who have exhibited great storytelling and stage presence. This book will offer readers tools to discern what is homiletically significant in historical and contemporary stand-up routines, equipping them with fresh ways to riff off of their respective preaching traditions, and nuanced ways to engage issues of contemporary sociopolitical importance.

A Comprehensive Resource for Today’s Christian Communicators. This extensive encyclopedia is the most complete and practical work ever published on the art and craft of biblical preaching. Its 11 major sections contain nearly 200 articles, comprehensively covering topics on preaching and methodology, including: Sermon structure and “the big idea.” The art of introductions, transitions, and conclusions. Methods for sermon prep, from outlining to exercising. Approaches to different types of preaching: topical, expository, evangelistic, and more. Best practices for sermon delivery, speaking with authority, and using humor. Leveraging effective illustrations and stories. Understanding audience. and much more. Entries are characterized by intensely practical and vivid writing designed to help preachers deepen their understanding and sharpen their communication skills. The contributors include a virtual Who’s Who of preaching from a cross section of denominations and traditions, such as Dallas Willard, John Ortberg, Rick Warren, Warren Wiersbe, Alice Mathews, John Piper, Andy Stanley, and many others. Haddon Robinson and Craig Brian Larson—two of today’s most respected voices in preaching—provide editorial oversight. Includes audio CD with preaching technique examples from the book.