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Choosing a Good Minister
 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 purported to be from an 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
mush success and also have had some successes 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 form 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 never?
The board member eyed them all keenly before he replied,
"It's signed,
The Apostle Paul."
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