The Christian comic Andy Kind, who often uses his faith as a context for his humour is running a workshop for clergy to improve there preaching skills;
[He] will tackle body language, voice modulation and overall performance skills, aimed at building confidence. Mr Kind said the new skills would help vicars communicate with congregations.
This seems like a good idea, especially as pastors and other religious leaders probably do not get much help on these core skills when they are studying.
Update: On the UCB website he says that one of the things that most annoys him is being referred to as a ‘Christian Comedian’ — sorry Andy.
Found via: Church marketing sucks and there is a short video biography of Andy Kind on the BBC here.
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28 February 2007 at 10:11 pm
markrmorris2
As a “christian” theatre director I know how he feels about having that title stuck to him. It some how feels like a clearance sale tag or something. But i guess the callenge is for us to produce to the level that we are on par with the rest of the arts community. By the way as an acting coach I think its a great idea to make our great communicators even more potent.
1 March 2007 at 4:30 pm
AJ
Praise the Lord?
And let’s not just learn from the Christian ones. I have learned 25% of my preaching abilities from Bill Cosby and Jerry Seinfeld. When Jesus says the Holy Spirit will lead you into all truth, what about the funny truth. Preaching in the 20th century was all about convincing people of the truth of the gospel of God’s Kingdom. Preaching in the 21st century will be all about laughing people into the wonder of the Kingdom!
AJ
1 March 2007 at 11:13 pm
David
Thanks Mark, I would like to hear more about your work Mark, and how it relates to your faith.
And thanks AJ, I agree with your comments. But at the moment Bill Cosby is not leading workshops for UK vicars. 😉
10 March 2007 at 8:54 pm
Victor
Great idea. I am just thinking I also need the skills. It can be tough on radio as at times you are not sure how to address the listener. But certainly inside the church, yes lots of help needed. Keep it up!
23 April 2007 at 11:36 am
Andy Kind
Hi there,
Just seen this, as I was shamelessly googling myself. Nice to hear supportive comments.
As AJ says, I think there’s a lot we can learn about engaging with people by watching the great comedians.
Mark’s right about needing to be at the same level as the mainstream. Being a Christian is not an excuse for being second-rate!
23 April 2007 at 5:12 pm
David
Thanks Andy for your comments. There’s nothing to be ashamed about with regards to searching for your own name, so long as you don’t do it everyday. 😉
7 February 2008 at 1:02 pm
athony
andy how would you preach the gospel today would you mention hell how would yo best do it tony help
2 May 2009 at 4:45 pm
Jerrry
Interesting, I don’t see the need for this. It should be the other way around!
-J
http://www.nova-leap.com