Innocently unaware of the prejudices held against him, an old black man, staunchly religious, some years ago applied for membership in an exclusive church. The pastor tried to put him off with all sorts of elusive remarks. The old man, becoming aware that he was not wanted, said that he would pray on it and perhaps the Lord would tell him just what to do.
Several days later he returned. "Well," asked the minister, "did the Lord send you a message?"
"Yes sir, he did," was the answer. "He told me it wasn't any use. He said, 'I've been trying to get in that same church myself for ten years, and I still can't make it.'" -- The Spirituality of Imperfection (Bantum Books, 1992., p 197)

Comments

[Barefootmeg]

lol!

our pastor's wife told of an african family that started to attend their church in cali. they were told pretty clearly by one of the elders that while their visit had been pleasant, there was a church down the street that they'd probably be more comfortable in. the patriarch of the family (apparently it was a large extended family) replied, "oh, no. we're quite comfortable right here, thanks." and they stayed.

i think that church ended blowing up, though. apparently this african family wasn't the only one that came and stayed. i think there were several families joining that really liked the pastor and the feel of the church. but there was a stalwart older crowd that felt like "their" church was being overrun (not only by the newcomers but by their pastor as well) and they eventually ran them all off (including the pastor).