Clergy are learning comedy tips to add a bit of fun to their preaching and make their sermons more effective.
'Stand Up for Jesus' is a comedy workshop that will train speakers in how to make their delivery more humourous and keep listeners interested.
A survey conducted by Christian Research last month showed that almost two in every three church leaders believe that humour is a necessary part of effective preaching.
The classes are being opened by the Bishop of London, the Rt Revd Richard Chartres, on Tuesday in London.
Baptist minister Revd Michael Page, a prison chaplain who's taking part, told Premier's News Hour: "I see humour in the bible all the time - coming up to Pentecost and the story in Acts - there's that little story there, they think these people are drunk, they're not drunk, it's the Holy Spirit!
"There's humour and comedy in scripture... so why isn't it in our preaching as well?
"It's a way of making the gospel story relevant to where people are today.
"It can be one route to helping people see this is for them."
Listen to Premier's Antony Bushfield speak to Revd Michael Page here:
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Article by Hannah Tooley
Hannah Tooley is a multimedia journalist for Premier.
