Have you ever heard great humor in a sermon that stays with you for a long time? NC Conference Pastor Won Namkoong has published a new book, Laugh and Lead with Your Congregation, focused on using humor in preaching, specifically in cross-racial/cross-cultural appointments, a topic he wrote his dissertation on and is now reflecting on in his retirement.
Have you wondered whether using humor in a sermon can be compatible with reverence of God or not? Have you ever failed in using humor in a sermon? Do you know how to use humor in a sermon effectively and adequately? Rev. Dr. Namkoong answers these questions and more. The book also provides some very funny sermon examples that he has used over the years. Chapter titles include:
- The Bishop Was Out of His Mind
- I Want to Be a Redneck
- God Does Not Correct My Accent
- Thank you, God, for the Show!
The book received positive reviews from Bishop William Willimon, Bishop Hee Soo Jung, Rev. Dr. Belton Joynor, and UMC laity. Rev. Dr. Belton Joyner had this to say:
“I hope you won’t read this book. I say that because I plan to steal, uh, I mean, borrow some of these stories and tell them as my own. If I do so, you will think I am creative, insightful, and biblically accurate. That is the way Preacher Won brings life’s realities into conversation with the Gospel. His ministry has been, and continues to be, measured by truth, real humanity, and spiritual strength. That shows up in these pages of love and laugh.”
Rev. Dr. Won S. Namkoong retired in 2023. He served churches throughout the North Carolina Conference of The United Methodist Church in cross-racial, cross-cultural appointments for 28 years and also served as a district superintendent.
Laugh and Lead with Your Congregation is now available to borrow from the NC Conference Media Center. It is a quick and fun read full of helpful information. You may purchase a copy of the book by contacting the author at wnamkoong@nccumc.org.
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