The New Pastor

A preacher got up early one Sunday morning and transformed himself to look like a homeless person. Then, he went to the church where he would be introduced as the new pastor later that morning. He walked around his soon-to-be-church for about 30 minutes, and then the congregation started to arrive for the morning worship service. Only three people said hello to him. He asked people for change to buy food and no one in the congregation gave him any change. He went into the sanctuary to sit down in the front of the church and was told by the ushers to sit in the back, as they escorted him there. He greeted people, only to be greeted back with stares and dirty looks. He felt that the people were looking down on him and judging him.

As he sat in the back of the church, he listened to the announcements and learned about all of the wonderful things that were going on in the church. After that, the elders went up to the front of the church and it was obvious that they were very excited about introducing the new pastor to the congregation. One of them said, "And now, without further ado, we would like to introduce to you to our new pastor!" The congregation looked around and began clapping with great joy and anticipation. The homeless man sitting in the back stood up and started walking down the aisle. Suddenly, the clapping began to stop, all eyes were on him, and the congregation became so quiet you could hear a pin drop. As he passed by the elders (who were in on the “homeless man” situation the whole time), he took the microphone, walked up to the pulpit, and paused for a moment. Then, he recited the following Bible verses to the congregation:

"Then, the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world. For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.’ Then, the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? When did we see you as a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothed you? When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?’ The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.' " (Matthew 25:34-40)

After he finished, he looked towards the congregation and told them everything he had experienced after they arrived that morning. Many began to cry and the heads of others were bowed in shame. He then said, “Today, I see a gathering of people, not a church of Jesus Christ. The world has enough people, but not enough disciples. When will you decide to become disciples?” Then, he dismissed the service until the next week.

Being a Christian is more than something you claim. It’s something you live by and share with others. If you really want to do it, you do it. There are no excuses!

"Be diligent to present yourself approved to God as a workman who does not need to be ashamed, accurately handling the word of truth.” (2 Timothy 2:15)