Jay Leno's Unintentional Message to Preachers

So you’re gussying up Sunday’s lesson - here’s a few thoughts for you.  

I was blessed to get to be at the Cane Ridge Lectures a couple of days this week. When I got to my room last night the cable didn’t have History Channel or A&E or any of those stations where I watch my strange little shows. So as I answered email and studied “Last Comic Standing” was in the background. The “contestants” were round-tabling with Jay Leno and what he said caught my ear.  Of course he was talking about standup routines but it could be an overlay for some good tips on preaching. See if you see what I mean:

“You just be funny. Don’t be famous because you’ve always got a feud going. … A lot of people get what they want to say in front of the joke. But, the joke always comes first…just be funny. Don’t be famous for something other than being a comedian - because you have a feud going or you’ve got this going - your argument with your landlord or wife or someone in the audience - don’t take that to the stage with you. It takes away from the joke. … Don’t judge yourself by how she does or how he does, just do what you do, you’re each different and you never know which one will hit..just enjoy doing it…”

So here’s Jay’s unintentional three point sermon to preachers:

Just preach truth. Don’t be famous because you’ve always got a hobby-horse going on.  A lot of people get what they want to say in front of the gospel. The gospel always comes first.

Don’t be known because you have a feud going - your argument with your elders, or your spouse or someone in the audience - don’t take that to the pulpit with you. It takes away from the gospel.

Don’t judge yourself by how other preachers do or are known, just do what you do, you’re each different. Be you. Just enjoy preaching truth. 

Blessings to you as you preach - and be a blessing.