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A church was in need of a pastor for some
time but was having trouble getting one; but not because pastors weren't
applying, rather because the congregation always seemed to find fault with the
pastors. Most pastors were rejected when the people just read the resume. Some
didn't have enough experience, some too much, some not enough education, some
too much and so on.
One day a board member, who was getting very tired of this, decided to do
something. So the next Sunday he got up in the pulpit and announced that he had
another resume to share with the congregation. Most of them sat back, folded
their arms and began to listen; ready to see what faults they could find on the
new applicant. The board member began to read and the resume went like this:
Dear church members;
I am writing to
apply for the open position as your pastor.
Although my
experience is more along the lines of evangelist I believe I could fill your
position adequately. I have never attended any bible school per se but I have a
lot of field experience. I don't have a degree on my wall, or a wall for that
matter; I've traveled around most of my life, renting and doing odd jobs to
support myself when the offerings were scarce, and preaching wherever I was
invited: churches, streets, even jails. As a matter of fact I've been thrown in
jail several times and been involved in a few public squabbles. I've been
accused of being anti-semantic, anti-authority and causing disturbances almost
everywhere I go. But I did have a few conversions to Christianity during my
ministry. I have also seen some healings taking place, although I am sick
myself; in fact I have lost a big deal of my sight; and I am constantly involved
in a struggle with ailments and also with temptations. Because of my ailments
many would consider me not a good sight; I cannot project the traditional
pastor's image. There were several churches that were not happy with my
ministry, so I don't think you would get many good references from them. I
cannot promise much of human wisdom or common sense, as a matter of fact
all I can offer you is the power of the Holy Spirit.
Thank you for considering my application.
Most of the people looked up at the deacon with smirks of condemnation while
others chuckled out loud. One man stood up and still laughing asked the deacon,
"Does this guy actually expect us to seriously consider him for our pastor?"
"Just what's this fellow's name any way?"
The deacon replied that the letter was signed: The Apostle Paul
You could have heard a pin drop.
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