Preachers A Sorry Lot

    As a general rule, we preachers are a sorry lot.  We are all too
often concerned about the outward appearances of ourselves and our
flocks while inwardly we are slowly rotting to the core.

    Every preacher knows that to make it in our line of work there is
a certain image that we need.  First off, we must have the proper
degrees.  We are expected to be scholars and learn all the latest
theology where we can then make sermons that are amusing and
entertaining to people who could usually care less.  Then if you want
to pastor a really big church, you must have the word 'doctor' in
front of your name so that it sounds impressive.

    Unless of course you are Catholic, the next expectation is that
you need a darling little wife who can sing and play the piano.  In
due time, two or three cute little children won't hurt either.  This
allows everyone to feel like you are the all-American family and that
'Father Knows Best'.

    Then of course a preacher is expected to be against divorce,
gambling, smoking, drinking, playing cards and dancing.  It is all
right for him to preach against these things as long as he doesn't get
personal and expect the congregation to live up to these standards. 
Then he's meddling.

    A few years ago 'Dear Abby' published a letter about a church
board that was looking for a new preacher and was having a hard time
finding one that fit their expectations.  One Board Member brought in
an application from a man that had a stormy ministry and had even been
jail and beaten a few times.  The only thing that could be said for
this man's ministry was that he had been faithful to his calling
during this time.  The other board members were horrified and wanted
to know who this presumptuous preacher was.  The application was
signed, "The Apostle Paul".

    According to a recent Gallup Poll, a third of the people who do
not go to church say that religion is very important in their lives. 
Why are they not in church?  Could it not be that the church is not
meeting their needs.  A common complaint in this same poll is that the
church is too concerned with organizational needs, as opposed to
theological or spiritual issues.  Also more then 40% feel that
churches are not concerned enough about social justice.

    Personally, I feel that these complaints are valid and I am as
guilty as the rest.  The real work of Christ and His church is not our
image and it is not our organizational abilities.  It is ministering
to the poor and hurting people who are all around us.  I am certainly
no expert at this any more than any one else, but we must still try. 
It is easy enough to throw a little money (and it is very little) at
the problem and feel that we have done our best, but this will never
touch the hurting or needy person inside where he needs the help the
most.  Jesus, show us how you did it, we have got to know!


Frank Cooke