10 Comical Reasons People Fall Asleep During Sermons

A Little Humor for the Hard-Working Pastor (with a sense of humor)

Every pastor knows the feeling — you’re delivering a heartfelt sermon, pouring out truth with passion, and there it is… someone in the third pew starts doing the slow nod. Their eyes close, their head tilts, and you just know they’re about to drift into what can only be described as “holy slumber.”

Before you take it personally, take comfort: even the Apostle Paul had one listener fall asleep — and that poor guy tumbled out of a window! (Acts 20:9). So, if it happened to Paul, it can happen to us.

To brighten your day and remind you that you’re not alone in this pulpit phenomenon, here are ten lighthearted reasons people might fall asleep during a sermon.

1. The Pew Cushion Conspiracy

Those pew cushions are far softer than they look. It’s like someone swapped them for memory foam the night before your message.

2. The “Holy Slumber” Anointing

They’re not asleep — they’re resting in the Spirit… with a gentle snore of agreement to your last point.

Why Pastor Appreciation Day Matters

Every October, churches across the nation take time to honor their pastors and ministry leaders. While it’s easy to think of Pastor Appreciation Day as just another date on the calendar, it’s much more than that. It’s a heartfelt opportunity to say thank you to those who give their lives to serving God’s people.

A Biblical Foundation

The idea of showing appreciation to our pastors isn’t a modern invention—it’s rooted in Scripture. The Apostle Paul wrote, “Let the elders who rule well be considered worthy of double honor, especially those who labor in preaching and teaching” (1 Timothy 5:17). Likewise, 1 Thessalonians 5:12-13 reminds us to “respect those who labor among you and are over you in the Lord.”
Pastor Appreciation Day provides a special moment to put those verses into action.

Recognizing Faithful Service

Pastors carry spiritual, emotional, and sometimes physical burdens that most never see. They counsel hurting hearts, pray for struggling families, comfort the grieving, and stand ready in times of crisis—all while faithfully preaching and teaching God’s Word. Taking a Sunday to recognize that kind of devotion says, “We see your heart, and we thank you.”

The Beautiful Feet of the Gospel

Romans 10:14–15

“How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them? And how can anyone preach unless they are sent? As it is written: ‘How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!’” – Romans 10:14–15 (NIV)

The Chain of the Gospel

In these verses, the Apostle Paul lays out a simple yet profound sequence of how the gospel advances. People cannot believe in Christ without hearing of Him. They cannot hear without someone proclaiming the message. And no one proclaims unless they are sent. Every conversion, every transformed life, begins with this divine chain: sending, preaching, hearing, believing, and calling upon the Lord.

This highlights a central truth: the gospel, though powerful, does not travel on its own. God has chosen to spread His saving message through the lips of His people. The call to preach and proclaim is not limited to pulpits—it belongs to every Christian who bears witness to Christ in word and deed.

Top 5 Reasons People Leave Their Church

Top 5 Reasons People Leave Their Church (And What We Can Learn From It)

Churches are meant to be places of spiritual growth, fellowship, and encouragement, but the reality is that people leave churches all the time. Some departures are unavoidable—relocations, life transitions, or personal convictions. But many people leave due to issues that could have been addressed. Understanding why people leave can help us foster healthier, more welcoming church communities.

Here are the top five reasons people walk away from their church and what we, as leaders and members, can learn from them.

1. They Don’t Feel Connected or Valued

People don’t just attend church for the sermon; they come for community. When individuals struggle to form meaningful relationships, feel unseen, or lack involvement, they often disengage.

💡 What We Can Do:

Foster small groups that encourage deeper relationships.
Make an intentional effort to welcome newcomers and introduce them to others.
Provide opportunities for people to use their gifts and serve in meaningful ways.

Ten Benefits of a Long-Term Pastorate

Ten Benefits of a Long-Term Pastorate In an age where rapid change and short-term commitments are increasingly the norm, the value of a long-term pastorate stands out as a beacon of stability and depth in the religious community. The long-term pastorate, defined as a minister serving the same congregation for an extended period, often over a decade, offers unique benefits to both the pastor and the congregation that are seldom found in shorter tenures.

1. Deepening Relationships:

One of the most significant advantages of a long-term pastorate is the depth of relationship that can be cultivated between the pastor and the congregation. Over time, trust and understanding grow, allowing the pastor to become intimately familiar with the individual and collective needs of the congregation. This depth of relationship fosters a strong sense of community and belonging among members.