A Religious Experience

Eighteen years ago I served as the pastor of Cowan United Methodist Church. A dozen weekly attenders with an average age of 83 graced the doors each Sunday morning.  I seriously doubted that the church would still be standing when I drove past a few weeks ago.  Amazingly, it hasn’t changed a bit.

My pastoral experience began at the ripe ol’ age of 18 years.  I am fully aware that I didn’t bring a lot of experience to the pulpit.  I didn’t provide a lot of maturity.  In fact, I lacked a lot of wisdom but made up for my shortcomings in youthful enthusiasm.

For my services, I received a check every week for $35.  This covered the cost of my gas but not much more.

So, I was surprised to learn that the members of the church contacted the District Superintendent to complain about my relaxed attitude, youthful clothing, and disrespect for furniture (no kidding).  With a gentle spirit, he listened to their concerns and agreed that they had legitimate complaints. They deserved more from their pastor and he would do everything in his power to find a replacement.  In return, their pastor should expect more from the pay check.  He could get them someone with all the qualities they sought in a pastor (preaching experience and a neck tie).  It would only cost them a mere $75 a week.

As the D.S. tells the story, the group of concerned members turned to form a tight huddle, discussing their options.  To this day, I believe they were reviewing the balance of the church check book.  After a few seconds, they turned to report their decision:  The young whipper-snapper could stay.  It would be their privilege, Hell, it was their Christian duty, to train the boy in the appropriate way to dress, preach, and stand without leaning against the pews and alter. 

I was allowed to stay.

Ironically, my paycheck bounced the next week.