One of the toughest tasks a church faces, is choosing a minister. 
 

A member of an official board, 
undergoing this painful process finally lost patience.
 

He'd watch the pastoral relations committee reject applicant after 
applicant, for some fault, alleged or otherwise.
 

It was time for a bit of soul-searching on the part of the committee. 
 

He stood up to read a letter purporting to be from another applicant.
 

"Gentlemen: Understanding your pulpit is vacant,
I should like to apply for the position.
 

I have many qualifications. I've been a preacher with much
success and also have had some success as a writer.
 

Some say I'm a good organizer.
I've been a leader most places I've been."
 

What I do, is a labour of love, from the grace of God, that is with me,
and I require no other payment.
 

"I am over 50 years of age.
 

I have never preached in one place for more than three years. 
 

In someplaces, I have left town after my work caused riots and disturbances.
 

I must admit, I have been in jail three or four times,
but not because of any wrongdoing."
 

"My health is not too good, though I still get a great deal done.
 

The churches I have preached in,
have been small, though located in several large cities.
 

I've not gotten along well with religious leaders in towns where I 
have preached. 
 

In fact, some have threatened me and even attacked me physically.
 

I am not too good in keeping records. 
I have been know to forget who I baptized."
 

"However,if you can use me, I shall do my best for you."
 

The board member looked at the committee.
"Well, what do you think?  Shall we call him?"
 

The good church folks were aghast. 
Call an unhealthy, trouble-making,absentminded ex-jailbird? 
 

Was the board member crazy? Who signed the application? 
 

Who has such colossal nerve?
 

The board member eyed them all keenly, before he answered, 
 

"It is signed,

"the Apostle Paul."