Maybe There is Hope for Me

Even an Apostle is not Always a Saint!

By Abigail Van Buren

DEAR ABBY:  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 watched the Pastoral Relations Committee reject applicant after applicant for some fault, alleged or otherwise. It was time for a bit of soul-searching on the part of the committee. So He stood up and read a letter purporting to be from another applicant.

“Gentleman:

Understanding your pulpit is vacant, I should d like to apply for the position. I have many qualifications… I’ve been a preacher with much success and have 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. I have never preached in one place for more than three years. In some places I have left town after my work has 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, thought I still get a great deal done. The churches I have preached in have been small, though located in several large cities. I’ve not gotten along well with the religious leaders in 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 shall do my best for you.”

The board member looked over the committee. “Well, what do you think? Shall we call him?”

The good church folks were aghast. Call an unhealthy, trouble-making, absent-minded ex-jailbird? Was the board member crazy? Who signed that application? Who had such colossal nerve?

The board member eyed them all keenly before he answered, “It is signed…

...The Apostle Paul.”

~~Author Unknown