THE PASTOR'S PLIGHT
The pastor of a church is in a precarious position;
he can't please everyone! It has been said:
If he is young, he lacks experience; if his hair is
grey, he's too old for the young people.
If he has several children, he has too many; if he
has no children, he's setting a bad example.
If he preaches from his notes, he has canned sermons
and is too dry; if he doesn't use notes, he has not
studied and is not deep.
If he is attentive to the poor people in the church,
they claim he is playing to the grandstand; if he pays
attention to the wealthy, he is trying to be an
aristocrat.
If he suggests changes for improvement of the church,
he is a dictator; if he makes no suggestions, he is a
figurehead.
If he uses too many illustrations, he neglects the
Bible; if he doesn't use enough illustrations, he isn't
clear.
If he condemns wrong, he is cranky; if he doesn't
preach against sin, he's a compromiser.
If he preaches the truth, he's offensive; if he
doesn't preach the truth, he's a hypocrite.
If he fails to please somebody, he's hurting the
church and ought to leave; if he tries to please
everyone, he is a fool.
If he preaches about money, he's a money grabber; if
he doesn't preach spiritual giving, he is failing to
develop the people.
If he drives an old car, he shames his congregation;
if he drives a new car, he is setting his affection on
earthly things.
If he preaches all the time, the people get tired of
hearing one man; if he invites guest speakers, he is
shirking his responsibility.
If he receives a large salary, he's mercenary; if he
receives only a small salary, well-it proves he isn't
worth much
anyway.
