Vicars are taking lessons from Christian 80s comics Bobby Ball and Crackerjack star Don Maclean to make sermons more entertaining and to boost attendances.
The two-day Christian Resources Exhibition at the NEC Birmingham will offer coaching programmes for priests and lay preachers to help them overcome nerves and liven up services.
Ball said:“God wants us to have fun, laugh and enjoy this wonderful life.”
Bobby added: “Standing up for Jesus, whether you’re a stand-up comedian or a stand-up clergy person, is not easy. But having the resources to do it better can make a difference.”
At the end of the workshops, vicars will deliver their own gags to a live audience.
Organiser Steven Goddard said: “Vicars have to keep people’s attention in sermons every week, so we need to start entertaining the flock.”