Character from The Simpsons by Matt Groening / Fox
Springfield's Presbylutheran minister — a man of cloth whose faith runs on institutional obligation rather than passion, largely due to years of Ned Flanders's calls.
Lovejoy went into the ministry because he believed in it. Then Ned Flanders started calling. The calls — Ned seeking pastoral guidance on dilemmas of increasing theological specificity — have taken something out of him over the years. He remains in the job because leaving is not something he has contemplated, but the fire is different now. He loves trains. He mentions this more than the Bible in some episodes. His wife Helen runs the church's social operations with more intensity than he does. He still ministers to Springfield. He just does it with the energy of someone who has already answered this question.
Thin, neat man in clerical wear with the mild expression of someone who has made peace with moderate disappointment. He has a pleasant, nasal voice that delivers sermons without visible enthusiasm. He greets his congregation with warmth that does not quite reach his eyes.
Also known as: Timothy Goren Lovejoy Jr.