What Do I Really Want?

Our small West Tennessee church is in the process of hiring a new preacher. Four of those who applied for the position have preached trial sermons and visited in the homes of several families in the congregation, as well as being in conference with the elders and pulpit committee.

Let me say at the outset ... the church didn't want to lose the last minister. He is young, intelligent, energetic, a strong force with the young people and beloved by all. It's just that they have a baby, their first, and wanted to be nearer the grandparents.

Being a grandparent, I encouraged them, knowing it would leave a hole in our sheepfold. (is that a mixed metaphor?)

I've only seen the resume of one of the men and it was most impressive. A little lacking on formal education, but good history of pulpit work. He was born a southern farm boy. His wife was born and reared in the north, but I suppose she could be converted to the south. Good references and interacted well with people, excellent class room teacher and not bad in the pulpit. But I sensed a lack of fire or something and it may have just been me.

Actually I can't say a thing about the next one, so I suppose he didn't ring my bell, or either did in a negative way. I just can't remember, but I know I didn't go back that night ... Something about a promise I made to God a long time ago ... That I'd give any man one chance, but if I went back for the second dose it was my fault.

Another was so dear and so eager to spread the gospel. He has a some college work and maybe a degree but not in Bible and had worked in the private field. He just finished classes at a preaching schoolbut he just doesn't know the protocol for being a minister/preacher. Really didn't realize there is a protocol until I heard and saw him. I wanted to take him under my wing and teach him how to be a preacher (mind you, I'm a woman and I don't know a thing about the making of a preacher except I've been listening to them for 70 some odd years). I ache for him because he is so tender and loving and sincere and needs months, if not years, of internship under strong elders and with an experienced preacher.

The fourth man we heard is different from the others and from anyone else we've heard recently, including the guest speakers every Wednesday night in the July and August summer series.

He took the text and actually taught from it in the historical context ... somewhat rare in this age when people expect to be made to feel good. Didn't hear the proverbial "church doctrine" nor remarks about what "others in the brotherhood" were doing wrong. No name calling, but he did cite examples of teaching in the general Protestant world. He plain old taught the Bible. Isn't that unique?

He was born and raised in a rural area northern state and was taught the gospel by a preacher that moved next door to them. His wife is southern and was actually born and raised in an adjacent county. They both graduated from Freed and have children attending there. He talks too fast for my southern ears to hear every word, but I reminded him after services that he needed to slow down for us ... That we hear real slow down here.

Now, do I want him as our minister? I don't know. I'm afraid of his zeal and don't know if I really want to hear as much truth as he will teach.Not that it's my decision to make, anyway. It's in the hands of the elders and the pulpit committee and the men of the congregation ... But a straw pole will be taken and no one has ever been hired without a majority opinion.

From these four, a man will be selected or all will be rejected before, or if, any others are heard.

I have prayed fervently to God acknowledging that He had a man picked out for us if we were willing to wait for him and had the sense to recognize him.

So we'll soon know if or how my prayers have been answered.Thanks for listening and I'll let you know how this turns out.