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.
3. Dreaming of Lunch Fellowship
By the thirty-minute mark, they’re picturing the fried chicken, mashed potatoes, and Sister Martha’s famous mystery casserole waiting downstairs.
4. Taking “Rest on the Sabbath” a Bit Too Literally
You said, “Keep the Sabbath holy.” They heard, “Keep the Sabbath sleepy.”
5. The Temperature Trap
Air conditioning set to 68°F, a warm beam of stained-glass sunlight — the perfect environment for a pew-side nap.
6. Bible Page Hypnosis
There’s something about that soft rustle of Bible pages that has the same calming effect as waves and white noise.
7. Late Saturday Night Syndrome
They promised themselves they’d go to bed early… but “just one more episode” turned into three.
8. The Monotone Melody
Some preachers have a voice so soothing it could replace bedtime audiobooks. You might just be too relaxing.
9. Prayer Confusion
Eyes closed. Head bowed. Silence. You think they’re deep in prayer — until you hear that soft exhale of unconsciousness.
10. The “Spiritual Download” Defense
When caught, they insist, “Pastor, I wasn’t sleeping — I was downloading your sermon into my spirit!”
A Lighthearted Closing Thought
If someone catches a few winks during your sermon, don’t lose heart. Even seeds sown in slumber can take root (Matthew 13:23). Your labor isn’t in vain — God’s Word never returns empty (Isaiah 55:11).
Keep preaching faithfully, Pastor. You’re feeding the flock — even if a few sheep doze while you’re serving the meal.
“Be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain.”
— 1 Corinthians 15:58