The Minister <O:P></O:P>

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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.<O:P></O:P>

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Gentlemen:<O:P></O:P>

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.<O:P></O:P>

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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.<O:P></O:P>

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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.<O:P></O:P>

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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.<O:P></O:P>

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However, if you can use me, I promise to do my best for you.<O:P></O:P>

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The board member turned to the committee and said, "Well, what do you think? Shall we call him?"<O:P></O:P>

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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?  <O:P></O:P>

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The board member eyed them all keenly before he replied, "It's signed, 'The Apostle Paul.' " 

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Be encouraged.  <O:P></O:P>