The moment I walked into the sanctuary I could feel the tension. This was my first official Sunday at my first official pastorate. I had very high hopes of setting a positive tone for the church nicknamed “The Preacher Killer”. I was determined not to join the previous cloud of pastoral witnesses that had come and gone so quickly since the founding of the church in 1809. Long term ministry was considered to be about eighteen months and I was soon to find out why. So, with all the optimism I could muster, I strolled into the church on that first Sunday morning. There were approximately seventeen people present in a church that could comfortably seat three hundred. My expectation was for better attendance on my first day so I waited as long as possible for the last minute stragglers to arrive. Alas, that was to be it. No stragglers and n...
These short stories are from the early years of full time ministry at my first church. Some are heartwarming and some are humorous, but all are true from my perspective and limited memory capacity. Of course, the names have been changed to protect those mentioned herein. I pray you will be blessed as you read. Please know that any and all glory rightfully belongs to God and not to myself. Enjoy! Pastor Charles...