(M, C)br...
Illustration
(M, C)
There is a pastor who wanted to work on a doctorate degree. The pastor had little money to spend on continuing education.
The congregation being served saw little need in continuing education and declared, "We cannot afford it."
The church's denominational body turned down a scholarship, saying, "We have no more money."
But, this pastor believed continuing education to be a dynamic force which would help not only the role of the clergy, but the membership with new ideas and better organization. This minister believed also in a person not becoming stagnant intellectually. With only the muscle of faith, this clergyperson went forward with this desire and this need.
Two-and-one-half years later, some dramatic events took place: The clergy's parents helped; the seminary helped; the local church helped a little; the denomination gave some aid; a non-member secured transportation and got the bulk of the financing; and the children of the pastor, with the other spouse's consent, gave some of their savings, even though they were only four and eight years old.
Today, this pastor has a doctorate; the local church is growing; the pastor is still maturing; the minister's children and spouse are beaming.
But God is getting the glory.
"The bowl will not run out of flour ..."
-- Smyth
There is a pastor who wanted to work on a doctorate degree. The pastor had little money to spend on continuing education.
The congregation being served saw little need in continuing education and declared, "We cannot afford it."
The church's denominational body turned down a scholarship, saying, "We have no more money."
But, this pastor believed continuing education to be a dynamic force which would help not only the role of the clergy, but the membership with new ideas and better organization. This minister believed also in a person not becoming stagnant intellectually. With only the muscle of faith, this clergyperson went forward with this desire and this need.
Two-and-one-half years later, some dramatic events took place: The clergy's parents helped; the seminary helped; the local church helped a little; the denomination gave some aid; a non-member secured transportation and got the bulk of the financing; and the children of the pastor, with the other spouse's consent, gave some of their savings, even though they were only four and eight years old.
Today, this pastor has a doctorate; the local church is growing; the pastor is still maturing; the minister's children and spouse are beaming.
But God is getting the glory.
"The bowl will not run out of flour ..."
-- Smyth
