One of the toughest tasks a church faces is choosing a good minister.
A member of a board undertaking this painful process finally lost
patience after watching the committe reject applicant after applicant,
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 have had 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
caused 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."
 
   "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 baptized."
 
   "However, if you can use me, I shall do my best for you."
 
   The board member asked, "Well, shall we call him?"
 
   The committee was aghast.  Call an unhealthy, trouble-making,
absentminded ex-jailbird?  Who signed such an application?
 
   The board member eyed them all keenly before he answered,
 
       "It's signed, 'the Apostle Paul.'"