Recently I asked my staff to tell a story about something that happened to them in the ministry that, at least in retrospect, they thought was funny. I began by telling a couple on myself. They then proceeded to tell some of their own stories. As one would tell a story, it would trigger the memory of another story in someone else’s life.
It was a fun time but more importantly, it was a time when everyone relaxed and just enjoyed each other. We also learned a little more about each other. As has been the theme of this week, sometimes we lose the healing effect of humor on our relationships. This can be especially true of a staff that has been through some tense times in their relationships.
Multi-staff churches can often get into either protection or competition in their relationships. Some soft humor can remind us of our humanity and of the value of our relationships.