Football coaches hand out game balls to players who make a significant contribution to that week's game. Around the church we don't have that kind of weekly 'distinguished service' award, but we should. Some people in the church shape the climate of the congregation in a positive way, making the pastor's job a whole lot easier.

If I were looking for a shining example for this award I would pick Sharon. She has a unique ability that I have never seen on any spiritual gifts survey. She adds a wonderful benefit to our congregation by laughing out loud at the humor I try to place in each week's sermon. She is an ambassador of joy. Through a simple act she encourages the pastor and inspires everyone there to more actively pursue God.

Before you downplay this as trivial, please understand the impact Sharon has on our church's atmosphere. Hearing someone laugh at appropriate humor relaxes a group of people. It can disarm those who have come to church feeling apprehensive and stressed. It also affirms to the speaker that he or she has captured the listener's interest and is developing rapport.

God can use the great tool of laughing together to shape a group of strangers into a community. This reminds us that we are not alone in our fumbles, foibles, and failures, but are making the journey together.

When used appropriately, humor can also break down defenses and prepare our hearts to receive the hard truths that God wants to speak into our lives.

I don't know of any pastor who wouldn't want to lighten the mood before jumping into a message on 'facing the facts and fallacies of your family's floundering finances.' I am concerned about people who give up on church because they consider it boring and irrelevant. Some people think 'church folk' speak a different language, take themselves far too seriously, and have no concept of joy. They are convinced that we wouldn't know what to do if we got hit right in the middle of the funny bone.

Sharon, it is time that we celebrate the contribution you make each week. While I don't have a 'game ball' for you I would like for you to laugh your way to the front of the line for this week's potluck dinner. I really believe you deserve the first helping of Aunt Emma's three-bean salad.

J. Scott Shaw is pastor of the Church of the Nazarene in Bremerton, Washington.

Please note: All facts, figures, and titles were accurate to the best of our knowledge at the time of original publication but may have since changed.