Ask a Pastor Column

Q: Is it ok to laugh in church?

A: My first impulse is to respond to this question with a resounding “Yes!” While the church is not a comedy center, I firmly believe there is a place in our services for humor. Christian joy is a fruit of the spirit (Galatians 5:22); rejoicing is an oft-repeated command (Philippians 4:4), and I believe that our church services should reflect the joy of the Lord. However, there is no biblical mandate or clear command to either include or prohibit laughing in church. Each church is free to pursue the goals and purposes of church meetings in the way they think bes...