Getting the right Christian leader for the job.

I like to look at the Christian job websites and love reading the job descriptions posted, when churches are looking for pastors or senior leaders. It makes me wonder if they are looking for someone who will fit their understanding, their vision and their dreams or aspirations, or whether they are looking for what God wants. Below is a letter received by a church for such a position. Names and places have been changed to protect the innocent:

To the Leadership

Fickle Fellowship.

Fickle-under-Lyme.

Re: Senior leadership Pastor

To whom it may concern,

I would like to apply for the above mentioned position advertised on the Christian Jobs website.

I have many qualifications that I think will impress you. I have been empowered by the Holy Spirit to preach with power and have had some small success as a writer. Some say I have a gifting as an organiser, I have planted a number of churches but have not stayed very long in any of them. The longest I ever stayed in one place was about three years. I love missions and am a dab hand at organising mission tours. I have been a leader in most places I have served.

However in an endeavour to be frank, open and honest my ministry has not always been appreciated by a great number of people. I am over 50 years of age. Sometimes I have had to leave a town or city because through my powerful preaching I upset a few people. I have to confess that I do have a criminal record and have served time in jail, but I have always maintained that I was innocent and in most cases I was set up. My health isn't good but I can still put in a full days hard work.

Most churches I have been in have been small and I have had to seek other employment in order to meet my needs. Many religious leaders from other churches and denominations do not like my candid way of speaking, they have threatened me, sued me and even attacked me physically. I am not good at keeping records and I do forget people that I have baptised.

I humbly submit the above information and ask that you prayerfully consider my application.

I am sorry to say but this person was rejected out of hand and his rather clumsy letter tossed into the bin.

What these people didn't know is, they just rejected the greatest Christian leader of the last two thousand years. They rejected the Apostle Paul.

My point is; sometimes people, especially church pastor recruiters, reject out of hand God's choice and go for their own choice. The person who will not rock their boat too much.

More food for thought maybe.

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