Off the Church Wall is a 1987 humor book by cartoonist Rob Portlock, published by InterVarsity Press, that collects more than one hundred of his single-panel cartoons satirizing everyday experiences within church life and Christian communities. The cartoons gently poke fun at common situations involving pastors, congregations, sermons, youth groups, tithing, Sunday school, and other aspects of church culture, aiming to bring a smile to anyone who has ever sat in a church pew.Portlock's work captures inconsistencies, quirks, and attitudes in Christian settings with light-hearted humor that affirms participants as insiders rather than outsiders.

Rob Portlock, regarded by peers as the dean of cartoonists for Leadership journal—where his work has appeared since the publication's first issue in 1980—began drawing cartoons while working as a milkman.Early acceptance of his political cartoons by a local newspaper encouraged him to explore church-related humor, a niche where his style effectively depicted the politics and daily realities of church life.[3] His zany characters and situational comedy have provided creative relief and ministry to readers facing the stresses of church involvement, blending humor with affectionate observation.

The book reflects Portlock's broader contributions to Christian cartooning, including later titles like Way Off the Church Wall, and appeals especially to pastors, church staff, and lay members familiar with the absurdities and joys of congregational life. Its enduring appeal lies in its ability to highlight relatable foibles while maintaining a tone of good-natured participation in the subject matter.

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