A church must deal quickly with finding a preacher
They prefer much more than just a Bible teacher
Another applicant’s letter is presented, read to all
Perhaps this candidate will impress and not fall
His submitted application offers many qualifications
If there is any anguish, his will meet disqualification
I have been a successful pastor in several places
My writing has proven beneficial in several cases
My ability to organize new churches has been strong
As for my leadership traits, few if any are ever wrong
My age is adding a few years to this hard life
But my experiences bring me no fear or strife
I have never pastored anywhere for longer than three years
At times, my preaching has disrupted and created much fear
I am not ashamed to say that I’ve been in jail a few times
None of this has been caused by any wrongdoing of mine
While my health is declining, I shall continue to push on
Feeling it essential, enduring to teach as Christ’s liaison
In some communities, other religious leaders haven’t liked me
Several have even threatened and attacked for what they see
My recordkeeping skills are poor at best
I am forgetful about baptisms and the rest
Hopefully, you will put your concerns aside
I, Apostle Paul, faithful in God, shall abide
This poem was originally written in December, 2018, and it has been updated in style. Years ago, I found a letter with details about this situation. Anyone can search the Internet for this letter as well as sermons that are based upon Apostle Paul being a pastoral candidate at a church.
Big Sky Buckeye 
As a member of our PNC here in Ennis, I found this post to be quite pertinent. Goodness, three years max? And his “record-keeping skills are poor at best,” and he is “forgetful about baptisms and the rest”?? He wouldn’t get past the PIF evaluation process today, would he? Amazing!
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I had the privilege of serving on a call committee at my former church home in Circle, Montana a couple of times.
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So you understand! ❤
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Yes Jan, I can totally relate and understand.
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Love this so much for the twist in the end!
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Pastor Jim, thanks for sharing this thought. The ending of a poem tends to stay with the reader, and I am blessed you latched on to it.
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🙂
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is the Pastor health declining? I am confused
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Pat, the poem is based on the life of Apostle Paul. The verses describe the journey of Paul throughout his ministry in bringing Christ to the world.
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Thanks for sharing this poem with your readers. God’s peace!
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Great poem. Thanks for sharing!
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I appreciate you reading and sharing a thought. God’s peace!
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