“All of us have sinned and fallen
short of God's glory.” - - Romans 3:23
Pastors come and Pastors go – but
when they do, most churches go through a difficult adjustment period. Change amplifies anxiety . . . and fear . . . and disorder. One of the toughest tasks a congregation
faces is choosing a new minister.
Jack knew this all too well.
As Chair of the Selection Committee officially charged with this
responsibility, the the stress was eating at him; his patience was wearing
thin.
The Committee had already rejected numerous applicants for
various minor faults. Some were too
young, others too inflexible. A few were
gifted orators; others had broad pastoral counseling skills. One had third world missionary experience to
her credit. None was a perfect match,
but all were credible choices. It was
time Jack thought, for a bit of soul-searching by the Committee.
After their third meeting that week had adjourned, Jack penned
an anonymous letter to himself, as Chair of the Selection Committee,
introducing a new candidate for the position.
To make a point, Jack stood and read this letter out loud at their next
meeting:
Ladies and Gentlemen:
I understand your pulpit is vacant and I should like to apply for the
position. I have many qualifications: I'm well informed and, some would add, a
talented writer. People follow me – I’m a good leader and
organizer.
The churches I’ve preached in have been much smaller than yours, but
large crowds don’t bother me. I've lived
more than half century but have never preached too long in one spot.
Honestly; I’ve had to leave some places
because my sermons caused disturbances, even riots. I’ve been jailed three or four times on
account of this – but never for anything illegal.
I've not always gotten along well with other religious leaders in some
of the towns where I’ve preached; some would call me a bully. Some have threatened me, and even attacked me physically. I’m not great at keeping records either and
sometimes forget who I’ve baptized.
Fact is, my health ain’t too good, but I’ll work very hard and if you can use
me, I promise to do my very best for you.
His eyes rose from the paper as Jack stared purposefully at
each of them before asking, "What do you think? Should we call him for an interview?"
Their appalled expressions were irrefutable! He waited for someone to speak.
“Jack, have you lost your mind?” questioned one. “Are you suggesting that we consider a
sickly, trouble-making, absent-minded, jailbird?” asked another. A third inquired angrily “Who had the gall to
think we’d consider someone like? Who
signed that outrageous letter?”
Jack had set the hook and was
about to reel them in. He eyed them
intensely before responding.
"It's
signed: 'The Apostle Paul."
Our Father, no one is perfect and nobody has it all – not even Pastors. All our lives are filled with quiet
desperation. This day Lord, more than
any day, I need to feel You near, to face whatever is to be. Amen.
