Choosing
A Pastor
One of the toughest tasks a church faces is choosing a good
minister. A member of an
official board undergoing this painful process finally lost patience. He'd just
witnessed the Pastoral Relations Committee reject applicant after applicant for
some minor fault -- real or imagined. It was time for a bit of soul-searching on
the part of the committee. So he stood up and read this letter purporting to be
from another applicant.
Gentlemen:
Understanding your pulpit is vacant, I should like to apply for the position.
I have many qualifications. I've been a preacher with much success and also had
some success as a writer. Some say I'm a good organizer. I've been a leader most
places I've been.
I'm over 50 years of age and have never preached in one place for more than
three years. In some places, I have left town after my work caused riots and
disturbances. I must admit I have been in jail three or four times, but not
because of any real wrongdoing.
My health is not too good, though I still accomplish a great deal. The
churches I have
preached in have been small, though located in several large cities.
I've not gotten along well with religious leaders in the towns where I have
preached. In fact, some have threatened me, and even attacked me physically. I
am not too good at keeping records. I have been known to forget whom I have
baptized.
However, if you can use me, I promise to do my best for you.
The board member turned to the committee and said, "Well, what do you
think? Shall we call him?"
The good church folks were appalled! Consider a sickly, trouble-making,
absent-minded ex-jailbird? Was the board member crazy? Who signed the
application? Who had such colossal nerve?
The board member eyed them all keenly before he replied, "It's signed,
'The Apostle
Paul.'" -- Author Unknown
OR
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