The Church and the Light Bulb

There are endless versions of these, but I thought I’d memorialize the jokes here on my blog.  Enjoy!

How many Pentecostals does it take to change a light bulb?
Ten. One to change the bulb and nine to pray against the spirit of darkness.

How many TV evangelists does it take to change a light bulb?
One. But for the message of light to continue, send in your donation today. 

How many fundamentalists or independent Baptists does it take to change a light bulb?
Only one because any more would be compromise and ecumenical standards of light would slip. 

How many liberals does it take to change a light bulb?
At least ten, as they need to hold a debate on whether or not the light bulb exists. Even if they can agree upon the existence of the light bulb, they still may not change it to keep from alienating those who might use other forms of light.

How many Anglicans or Catholics does it take to change a light bulb?
None. They always use candles. 

How many Episcopalians does it take to change a light bulb?
Four. One to change the bulb. One to bless the elements. One to pour the sherry. And one to offer a toast to the old light bulb. 

How many Baptists does it take to change a light bulb?
At least 15. One to change the light bulb, and three committees to approve the change and decide who brings the potato salad. 

How many Nazarenes does it take to change a light bulb?
Six. One woman to replace the bulb while five men review church lighting policy. 

How many United Church of Christ members does it take to change a light bulb?
Eleven. One to change the light bulb. And ten more to organize a covered dish supper that will follow the changing of the bulb service. 

How many Lutherans does it take to change a light bulb?
There is some question here. But we have it on good authority that they have appointed a committee to study the issue and report back at their next meeting.

How many Amish does it take to change a light bulb?
What’s a light bulb?

How many Presbyterians does it take to change a light bulb?
None. Lights will go on and off at predestined times.

How many United Methodists does it take to change a light bulb?
We choose not to make a statement either in favor of or against the need for a light bulb. However, if in your own journey, you have found that a light bulb works for you, that is fine. You are invited to write a poem or compose a modern dance about your personal relationship to your light bulb and present it next month at our annual light bulb Sunday service, in which we will explore a number of light bulb traditions, including incandescent, fluorescent, three-way, long-lived, and tinted; all of which are equally valid paths to luminescence through Jesus Christ.

 If you know of more – please reply

Radical Presbyterians

A member of my congregation left this with me on Sunday:

Mallard Fillmore

 Should I, a faithful Presbyterian, be offended?  Is this just another of the long lasting attacks against a good and peaceful faith.  After all, King George III did label the American Revolution as a “Presbyterian War” and many in Britain at the time called the war a “Presbyterian Revolt.”  I guess we do have a history of violence.

But I ask you, what violent acts would be associated with “radical Presbyterians”?  Vigilante Prayer?  I.E.P.’s (Improvised Evangelistic Preaching)?  Sacrificial Service (laying down our lives for the needs of others)?

I think it is clear that not all Presbyterians will be associated with such extreme actions.  Rather than attributing these acts of violence to all Presbyterians, perhaps it would be better to say “Genevan Fundamentalists,” or “Militant Calvinists.”

Forward the cause.

To God be the Glory.