Two Preachers

Central Park NYC. Copyright 2012: singeronthesand

A good and honest life is a blessed memorial;

a wicked life leaves a rotten stench.

Proverbs 10:7 

In a busy community in the Mid-Atlantic, there was a large church with a charismatic minister who was beloved by his congregation.  Well - sort of.  Mr. Preacher Man catered to the rich and important in the congregation; by and large, they thought he was cool.  His preaching style was as charismatic as he was, and his sermons were full of current events and political prowess.  He was constantly running around putting out fires (many of his own making), and promising elite members of the congregation that they could have what they wanted.  When push came to shove, however, he often could not deliver, which necessitated a new round of smooth talk and promises.  If it became politically necessary for him to turn one church member against another, he did so with crisp efficiency.  Things were happening within the congregation (and even the staff) which were dealt with by turning a blind eye.  Schemers got away with murder (it takes one to know one, you know), and it was all swept under the rug with hearty handshakes, claps on the back, and another bag full of promises.  When it came time for Mr. Preacher Man to leave the church, the man who followed him was doomed to try and clean up his messes, undo his deceits, and unkeep his promises.  

In a similar community and large church, there was an associate minister who came to the job with boat loads of enthusiasm and a winning smile. He was a man of truth and integrity, and he performed his ministry as he lived his life.  Care and concern were his hallmarks, and he loved the people, at time far more than they deserved.  When life dealt him a cruel health blow, he weathered the storm with faith and hope intact.  The people rallied in support of this man whom they had come to love and cherish.  When it came time for him to move onward and upward to a senior pastoral ministry of his own, he left behind multitudes of friends, and hearts full of wonderful memories.