This Father’s Day, as we all gather around the grill to honor the men that made us, let’s not forget that fathers are usually the source of our best dad jokes. Who can forget Groaners like “Why couldn’t the bicycle stand up by itself? Because it was two-tired.” and “What time did the man go to the dentist? Tooth hurt-y.”? But did you know that pastors can also be the source of some pretty good jokes? That’s right, TD Jakes is known for delivering a knockout sermon, complete with all sorts of puns, wit, and humor.
What are Dad Jokes?
Let’s start by defining exactly what dad jokes are. According to the Urban Dictionary “Dad Jokes” are
Corny jokes told by fathers to their children, usually beginning with “Dad, can I ask you a question?”.
Dad jokes often rely on wordplay, puns, and the element of surprise to get a reaction. They’re not known for being the most sophisticated form of humor, but they’re certainly a crowd-pleaser.
Who is TD Jakes?
Now, on to TD Jakes. Bishop Thomas Dexter Jakes Sr. is an award-winning author, filmmaker, and Senior Pastor of The Potter’s House, a church based in Dallas, Texas. He is a dynamic and charismatic leader, with a talent for preaching that has earned him a massive following worldwide.
TD Jakes’ Humor in Sermons
While TD Jakes is known for his passionate sermons, he is also known for incorporating humor into his messages. Jakes has a unique ability to blend humor with his inspirational messages, often using anecdotes and stories to make his point.
His humor is not restricted to gender, race or religious beliefs. His jokes have ranged from good old dad jokes to clever wit that only he, as a master orator, can deliver.
Some of his best lines include:
- “I used to be a people pleaser, but people kept being displeased.”
- “You can’t fly when you’re carrying the weight of unforgiveness.”
- “If you can’t figure out your purpose, figure out your passion. For your passion will lead you right into your purpose.”
His humor is always on point and never detracts from the serious nature of his message. He uses it as a way to connect with his audience, to break down barriers, and to create a comfortable, relaxed environment where people can hear God’s Word.
TD Jakes’ Father’s Day Sermon
On Father’s Day a couple of years ago, Jakes gave a sermon that was not only powerful but also hilarious. He began the sermon by telling a story about his own father, who was a bit of a character.
Jakes’ father was known for his love of food, and when he passed away, the family decided to have a potluck in his honor. One of the dishes that was brought to the potluck was a homemade cake that had been baked by one of Jakes’ father’s friends.
Everyone at the potluck was raving about how delicious the cake was, and Jakes’ mother asked the friend for the recipe. The friend hesitated for a moment before admitting that there was no recipe, he had just added a little of this and a little of that until it tasted good.
Jakes’ father was always a big fan of this friend’s cooking, and when he heard that there was no recipe for the cake, he exclaimed, “That’s how you cook! You just add a little of this and a little of that until it’s good. You let the spirit move you!”
Jakes used this story as a way to illustrate the importance of letting the spirit move us, not just in cooking, but in all aspects of life. He then went on to deliver a powerful message about fatherhood, using humor to break the tension and get his point across.
Some other quotable moments from the sermon include:
- “If you don’t want your kids to be like you, don’t be like you.”
- “Your flaws and failures don’t disqualify you from being a great dad.”
- “Being a father is not just about being there, it’s about being present.”
Why Jokes in Sermons Are Important
Incorporating humor into sermons is not just a way to get a laugh. It’s a way to engage the congregation, to make them feel comfortable, and to create an atmosphere where they are receptive to the Word of God. A sense of humor can help to break down barriers, and it can help to make difficult topics more accessible and relatable.
Humor is also important for mental and physical health. Laughter has been shown to reduce stress, lower blood pressure, and release endorphins, which are the body’s natural feel-good chemicals. By making people laugh, pastors like TD Jakes are doing their part to promote not just spiritual health, but physical health as well.
Examples of Famous Pastors’ Sense of Humor
TD Jakes is not the only pastor with a sense of humor. Some other examples of pastors with a great sense of humor include:
Joel Osteen
Joel Osteen is the Senior Pastor of Lakewood Church in Houston, Texas. He is known for his positive messages and infectious personality, but he is also known for his sense of humor. Osteen has been known to tell a few dad jokes himself, and he often uses humor to illustrate his points.
Rick Warren
Rick Warren is the Senior Pastor of Saddleback Church in California. He is the author of the best-selling book “The Purpose Driven Life,” and he is also known for his sense of humor. Warren has been known to incorporate humor into his sermons, and he often uses jokes to lighten the mood and make his messages more relatable.
Conclusion
Humor has always been an important part of the human experience, and pastors like TD Jakes are doing their part to make sure that it remains a part of our spiritual lives as well. By incorporating humor into their sermons, pastors are creating an environment that is conducive to learning, growth, and change. So, this Father’s Day, as we celebrate the dads in our lives, let’s also take a moment to appreciate the pastors who are making us laugh and helping us to become better people.
| Elements of a Good Dad Joke | |
|---|---|
| Wordplay | Corny puns or double meanings |
| The Element of Surprise | Twists or unexpected endings |
| Satire | Exaggeration or parody |
| Appropriateness | Not too crude or vulgar |
| Timing | Well-delivered for maximum effect |
References:
- Urban Dictionary. (n.d.). Dad Jokes. Retrieved from https://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=Dad%20Jokes
- Bishop T.D. Jakes. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://bishopsvillage.com/profile/bishops/default/23048
- Lakewood Church. (n.d.). About Pastor Joel Osteen. Retrieved from https://www.lakewoodchurch.com/pages/about-pastor-joel-osteen
- Saddleback Church. (n.d.). Rick Warren. Retrieved from https://www.saddleback.com/visit/ourpastors/rickwarren