Categories: uncategorized
Date: 28 October 2005 15:28:40
As regular readers will be aware I was asked to take Sunday's service. I was asked to do this at our last deacon's meeting in early September.
Last night I received a call from Pastor Chugabug. It was to remind that Sunday afternoon is the Youth meeting. While talking about this she mentioned that she'd ;like me to take the service on November 27th. One of our deacons cares for her mother full time but has been booked to preach elsewhere. Chugabug volunteered to look after her mum. In addition that is a Pastor's meeting during the previous week that means she won'y have time to prepare for the Sunday.
I agree; being a nice, helpful kind of guy.
As we talk I mention that it won't be a problem as I have a reserve sermon that I'd written a few months ago but, as this week's is on a specific theme, hadn't used. It suddenly dawns on me that she has been in unreceptive mode and doesn't seem to have picked up on this, despite my repeating the information several times.
I decide that now would be a good time to point this out. So I restate my previous message and confirm that I've planned the entire service, including kids talk. Suddenly there is a grinding noise from the other end of the phone. Then a clunking and rattling.
Finally the penny drops.
"You mean I don't need to prepare my sermon tomorrow?"
"No, you asked me too do it 6 weeks ago, knowing that it was half term week and you'd be busy."
"Ohhhhhhhhh!!! Well that's a bit of luck then."
Sometimes I wonder what they must teach people at these bible colleges. Is there a section on not listening to your congregation? Is disorganisation a set criteria for passing? Are ministers selected on their inability to recollect previous conversations and arrangements?
I know its not a general thing. Many pastors are very organised but then the newer ones do seem to be less so.
Many its like policemen..... You know you're getting old when ministers seem less capable!!!!