Humor in YoungLives

Recently in the Monday Morning there was a great article about Humor in Young Life by Lee Corder, senior vice president of the International North Division. I thought this was worth highlighting on our blog. These are just some excerpts, view the full article.

Points to Ponder

Laughter is not just a good mission strategy; it is grounded in the very image of God. "Joy," wrote C.S. Lewis, "is the serious business of heaven." Laughter is the gift of God and its use is one of His most powerful means to meaningful relationship.  As humor can bring gracious gifts, it can also, because of our fallen nature, bring distortion in a way that demeans those for whom Jesus gave His life. We have long recognized the difference between negative and healing humor. According to an early Young Life training document, negative humor laughs at the expense of others while healing humor laughs humbly at itself. Negative humor obscures hope and healing humor brings hope.

Now What

Always remember that humor is proclamation. Use humor that glorifies God and is consistent with His Word. Challenge culture as our humor lines up with the "fruit of the Spirit" (Galatians 5). Use humor that reminds us to laugh at ourselves rather than others. Be careful to use humor and laughter that leads to the "lighter side" of life. Express excellence in presentation with costumes and "Go the extra mile." We don't just announce the mountain climb; we sell it fully decked out in climbing gear. Create an atmosphere that allows kids to relax and 'forget about themselves'.