The congregation in Denison that I served for most of my ministry is still searching for the next pastor God has chosen for them. The congregation I have helped a bit in Port Isabel since my retirement is also searching for a full-time pastor. I have prayed for them and all congregations that find themselves in this position. I know that God is at work in these situations.

While going through some boxes stashed in a closet, I came across a clipping from a church newsletter years ago. The author of this letter to Dear Abby was not identified.

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.

“Gentlemen:  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 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 some 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 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 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? Should we call him?”

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

The board member eyed them all keenly before he answered. “It’s signed, ‘The Apostle Paul.’”

We would do well to remember that each of us, lay and clergy, are sinners who make mistakes but have been covered by the blood of Jesus to make us righteous in God’s sight. And God uses us all as His instruments in this world. He does great things through failed and faulty sinners like us.

I will continue to pray for those congregations in the process of finding a new pastor.