What Preachers Can Learn from The Original Kings of Comedy

By Larry L. Enis, adjunct assistant professor of preaching and worship (Ph.D.’13 and Th.M.’04)

As a pastor who preaches every week, I’m always searching for ways to sharpen my craft. Recently, as a friend and I were discussing our favorite stand-up comedians, I applauded the great comedians for their ability to engage their audience. This discussion prompted me to ponder what preachers could learn from one of my favorite films directed by Spike Lee, The Original Kings of Comedy, which features the stand-up comedy routines of Steve Harvey, D. L. Hughley, Cedric the Entertainer, and Bernie Mac.

Now, I’m certainly aware that parts of the Kings’ material are raunchy. And no, I’m not endorsing the use of vulgar and graphic language in the proclamation of the Gospel. Nevertheless, the raunchiness of their acts doesn’t negate the reality that there is much for the preacher to glean from them. After watching the film the other night, pen and paper in hand (and a sore stomach from laughing so hard), I share my takeaways:

  • Know your audience.
  • Know your material.
  • Tell stories.
  • Embody characters in your storytelling.
  • Enhance your stories by including dialogue.
  • Tell the truth.
  • Remind your audience of “back in the day,” analyzing how “new school” has deviated from “old school.”
  • Watch your time.
  • Discuss family life.
  • Talk about love.
  • Address culturally relevant issues.
  • Address current events.
  • Invoke audience participation.
  • Develop an eye for the everydayness of life.
  • Call attention to the obvious.
  • Call attention to the not-so-obvious.
  • Highlight distinctive characteristics of members of your shared community—anything from hairstyles to mannerisms, to fashion trends, to verbal expressions.
  • Exaggerate commonplace practices of members of your shared community.
  • Talk the talk—the culturally relevant talk.
  • Own your weaknesses and limitations.
  • Turn weaknesses into strengths by using them as opportunities to connect with your audience.
  • Last, but certainly not least, talk about God and the Bible.